Trombetta Family Legacy Inspires Generations

What lights someone’s heart on fire to do good in the world around them? The Trombetta family has had that fire in their hearts for generations. Melinda Gates once said, “Philanthropy is not about money. It is about using whatever resources you have at your fingertips and applying them to improving the world.” The Trombetta family has had that passion for generations. It began with Silvio Domenico Trombetta born in 1916, who used his resources to improve the lives of his employees and spread that spirit to his family. Liza Reynolds, Silvio’s granddaughter, has been sharing the Trombetta family spirit of impact with Parisi House for over a decade. She says, “From my earliest childhood memories, I have always loved helping people…it is simply in my blood. I am blessed to be able to collaborate with my mom and sister who share the same spirit. Hopefully, our philanthropic endeavors will continue through many more generations to come.”

Silvio focused his efforts primarily on business development and made a concerted effort to provide jobs in the communities he served. Liza says, “While Grandpa was a brave and determined entrepreneur, he also wanted to create opportunities for people.” Over the years, he invested in several tractor companies worldwide. His company in Monrovia was responsible for creating much of that country’s infrastructure during the 60s and 70s and provided jobs for hundreds of people. Although he did have his favorite charities, Silvio mainly focused on business and family. It was at the suggestion of his eldest daughter Diane, and her husband Tom, that he started the SDT Family Foundation.

Diane’s sister Margo carried the Trombetta family passion in her heart also. She had been a champion of early childhood education, non-violent resolutions, multicultural representation, and equality for all walks of life. Her non-judgmental and philanthropic spirit influenced the whole family, both up and down the generations. Liza recalls, “Aunt Margo always told us the world would be a better place if we could ‘Begin with Children’.” Margo was instrumental in creating the Cabrillo College Peace Library in Aptos, CA, donating her time and money to select books that shared with children the ideals she deeply valued. Sadly, Margo died at 48 from breast cancer, but she inspired a passion in her nieces for making a difference in the world. Being an animal lover and enthusiast of nature, Liza’s sister became a veterinarian. Liza went into geriatric case management. Liza says that between her work and her family experience, she can “see the similarities between our little ones and our elder ones.” She learned that “life is full circle, and often carries the influences of those who came before us.”

Liza began her involvement with Parisi House at the suggestion of her father. He referred her for a board position believing her background in public health, her new role as a first-time mom, and her passion for “doing good” would make her a great fit. Liza worked on various projects in those early days. However, she is most proud of her involvement in creating the library with former Board Member and current Parisi House Librarian, LD Hirschklau. Liza’s inspiration was of course her Aunt Margo. It was important to Liza to “ensure that all colors, genders, religions, and even ‘dysfunctions’ would be fairly represented so that children and families could see themselves in the pages they turned.” According to LD, Liza secured so many donations that they were able to purchase more books than initially anticipated. And so was born a welcoming space for mothers and children to learn and bond, reading with—and through—the eyes of their loved ones in a safe haven. Liza even got her daughter in on the work decorating library walls and “interviewing” some of Parisi’s staff. The library continues to be a place where mothers and children can bond through stories representing their own struggles and triumphs. LD became the Parisi House Librarian, and Liza often came to read for story hour.  

Liza Reynolds and her family are valued members of our Parisi House community. Although we have not been able to have volunteers up to the hill due to Covid, they continue to apply their resources towards improving the lives of our mothers and children. They have even increased their giving in recent years, inspired by the work of amazing staff and special projects. The Trombettas are a family that believes people deserve many chances in life and that asking for help is courageous. When speaking with Liza about what motivates her involvement, she says, “Working in unity and harmony without blaming or shaming are values we believe Parisi House not only imbibes but inspires. These are just some of the small reasons we continue to support Parisi and its families.” The work Liza’s family has done is inspiring and will undoubtedly continue to ignite the fire in the hearts of everyone around them for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Liza and her family for their continued support.

Trombetta Family Legacy Inspires Generations

Silvio focused his efforts primarily on business development and made a concerted effort to provide jobs in the communities he served. Liza says, “While Grandpa was a brave and determined entrepreneur, he also wanted to create opportunities for people.” Over the years, he invested in several tractor companies worldwide. His company in Monrovia was responsible for creating much of that country’s infrastructure during the 60s and 70s and provided jobs for hundreds of people. Although he did have his favorite charities, Silvio mainly focused on business and family. It was at the suggestion of his eldest daughter Diane, and her husband Tom, that he started the SDT Family Foundation.

Diane’s sister Margo carried the Trombetta family passion in her heart also. She had been a champion of early childhood education, non-violent resolutions, multicultural representation, and equality for all walks of life. Her non-judgmental and philanthropic spirit influenced the whole family, both up and down the generations. Liza recalls, “Aunt Margo always told us the world would be a better place if we could ‘Begin with Children’.” Margo was instrumental in creating the Cabrillo College Peace Library in Aptos, CA, donating her time and money to select books that shared with children the ideals she deeply valued. Sadly, Margo died at 48 from breast cancer, but she inspired a passion in her nieces for making a difference in the world. Being an animal lover and enthusiast of nature, Liza’s sister became a veterinarian. Liza went into geriatric case management. Liza says that between her work and her family experience, she can “see the similarities between our little ones and our elder ones.” She learned that “life is full circle, and often carries the influences of those who came before us.”

Liza began her involvement with Parisi House at the suggestion of her father. He referred her for a board position believing her background in public health, her new role as a first-time mom, and her passion for “doing good” would make her a great fit. Liza worked on various projects in those early days. However, she is most proud of her involvement in creating the library with former Board Member and current Parisi House Librarian, LD Hirschklau. Liza’s inspiration was of course her Aunt Margo. It was important to Liza to “ensure that all colors, genders, religions, and even ‘dysfunctions’ would be fairly represented so that children and families could see themselves in the pages they turned.” According to LD, Liza secured so many donations that they were able to purchase more books than initially anticipated. And so was born a welcoming space for mothers and children to learn and bond, reading with—and through—the eyes of their loved ones in a safe haven. Liza even got her daughter in on the work decorating library walls and “interviewing” some of Parisi’s staff. The library continues to be a place where mothers and children can bond through stories representing their own struggles and triumphs. LD became the Parisi House Librarian, and Liza often came to read for story hour.  

Liza Reynolds and her family are valued members of our Parisi House community. Although we have not been able to have volunteers up to the hill due to Covid, they continue to apply their resources towards improving the lives of our mothers and children. They have even increased their giving in recent years, inspired by the work of amazing staff and special projects. The Trombettas are a family that believes people deserve many chances in life and that asking for help is courageous. When speaking with Liza about what motivates her involvement, she says, “Working in unity and harmony without blaming or shaming are values we believe Parisi House not only imbibes but inspires. These are just some of the small reasons we continue to support Parisi and its families.” The work Liza’s family has done is inspiring and will undoubtedly continue to ignite the fire in the hearts of everyone around them for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Liza and her family for their continued support.