About Me:

  • Born and raised in Rockford

  • Parents were both attorneys

  • Grandfather, E.J.“Zeke” Giorgi, served with distinction as State Representative

  • K-8 attended public schools (Brookview and Eisenhower)

  • Graduated from Boylan Catholic High School

  • Majored in English and Philosophy at Augustana College

  • Earned his Law Degree at Northern Illinois University

Career

  • Interned at the State’s Attorney and Public Defender’s offices while in law school

  • Served as a Public Defender for 3 years after law school representing indigents in criminal, juvenile, and civil court

  • Joined the family law firm in Rockford, which Dave later took over with his brother and a law partner

  • Dave still takes appointments to provide pro-bono services for those in need

  • Serves as an elected trustee for Rockford Township

Family Life

  • Dave Vella has been happily married for twenty-two years to his wife Michelle. Their family includes stepson Ryan, daughter Gracie, and two dogs, Teddy and Cruz

  • Dave and his family are devout Catholics

Community Service and Organizations

  • Past Member of Rockford Literacy Council Board

  • Past President of the Board of Trustees of Keith Country Day School

  • Current Member Winnebago County Bar Association

  • Current Member Illinois State Bar Association

  • Lombardi Club member

  • Venetian Club member

  • University Club member

  • Member of Holy Name Society of Saint Anthony’s Church