Our Leadership
2024-2025 Club Officers
Tony DeNicola
President
Tony was born on November 23, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Blairstown, New Jersey. He married his wife Diane on April 8, 2000, and in 2002 their son Jared was born. The family has called Fruitland Park home since 2000.
Tony graduated with his associate’s degree from Lake Sumter State College in 2022 and proudly served in the US Air Force for six years. He is actively involved in the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce, Cruise Lines International Association, and the American Society of Travel Advisors where he serves as Vice President of the Central Florida chapter. Professionally, Tony is a Travel Advisor and owner of TDJ Travel.
In his free time, Tony enjoys working with computers, spending time with his family, and taking vacations and day trips. He embodies the Rotary motto of “Service above self.”
Andy Couckuyt
Treasurer
Andy was born on in 1945 in Belgium. He grew up in Aylmer, Ontario, Canada. Andy earned his BS degree at the University of Western Ontario in 1967.
Andy worked in Oregon Steel Mills as an accountant. He and Charlie first met in 1967 in Myconos, Greece. They were married in 1971 and raised two children. They have three grandchildren.
Andy and Charlie first got involved in Rotary when a Rotarian with the Milwaukie, Oregon Rotary Club asked them to host an exchange student. Andy joined first in 1995 followed by Charlie a year later. They were asked to join the District 5100 Youth Exchange Committee due to their travel experiences. District 5100 was the largest district youth exchange sponsor hosting up to 50 students and sending 50 students each year. Charlie and Andy both served as youth counselors as well as hosting students during the years. In addition, Andy served as Club President, Club Treasurer, Club Foundation Treasurer and District Youth Exchange Officer (5 years). Andy enjoys golf, walking and prepares free tax returns as a volunteer with AARP TaxAide.
Bob Gersh
Secretary
Bob Gersh was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and was raised in the Boston/Cape Cod area.
He attended Northeastern University, Babson College, Bentley College and Harvard University earning his BSBA and MBA degrees as well as a Masters in Taxation and Certification in Special Studies.
Bob is a retired Certified Public Accountant. He worked in banking serving as a Vice President for Shawmot Bank and specializing in mortgages and reverse home loans. He is now a Reverse Mortgage Coordinator with the Senior Funding Group here in The Villages.
Bob and his wife, Susan, have two grown children and four grandchildren. Susan is a retired teacher/speech therapist.
Bob enjoys sailing and is a Vice Commodore with The Villages Sailing Club. He also enjoys educating seniors on social security and other benefit programs.
Larry Newman
Sergeant at Arms
Larry was born 11-7-46 and raised in Johnson City, New York. He earned his BS degree in Hotel Management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and an Associates Degree at SUNY, Delhi, New York. Larry also was awarded a Life Underwriters Training Fellowship.
His wife, Darlene, of 35 years is a retired accountant.
Larry worked 14 years in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and then worked for Allstate Insurance for 28 years first as an agent and then as an owner/agent handling personal insurance. Larry joined the Kissimmee West Rotary Club in 2000 and served as secretary, treasurer (3 yrs.), vice president (5 yrs.), president (2 yrs,) and Assistant District Governor (3 yrs.) He also has 5 years of perfect attendance.
Larrys enjoys golf, working on charitable projects, reading, photography and travel. He is a member of the US Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians.
