PDG Peter Wells

Peter is the son of PRID (Past Rotary International Director) Ray Wells, and thus raised to be a Rotarian! Peter joined the Paramus Rotary Club in 1981. He served as Club President in 1985, and District committees starting in 1986. As a Paramus Rotarian, Peter’s service was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow and a Walter D. Head Recipient for his innovative leadership.

He started several new programs that continue today to be a part of the club’s success. In 1990, Peter received the NJ Rotary Vocational Assembly Award for his Career Day direction and youth service.

After 15 years of perfect attendance in the Paramus Club and a job shift to public service, Peter left Paramus to join his home town club, the Park Ridge Rotary Club. He quickly got involved with the local Interact Club and helped start the District’s first ReAct Club. Peter was recognized as Rotarian of the Year, and received his second Walter D. Head award. Peter was elected Club President in 2005 and in his tenure the club donated a record amount to local charities.

As a Rotarian’s spouse, his best support and sixth grade sweetheart, Peter’s wife, Linda, has been a part of Rotary since a time when she was called a Rotary Anne and not eligible for membership. Not swayed by rules in need of change.

Linda helped Peter host two Gift of Life children and two Youth Exchange students, participated in Interact, attended countless fund raisers and even District meetings. Linda recently joined the Park Ridge Rotary Club. Peter and Linda have attended 19 Rotary International conferences.

Peter was selected by District Governor Raj Bhatia in 2009 to serve as Chief of Staff and received the Governor’s Award for his commitment to the success of District 7490. Peter was again recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, reaching a level of Major Donor.

In 2012, Peter served as the Disaster Relief Chair for District Governor Bonnie Sirower, he was surprised and then humbled by Superstorm Sandy. Peter help orchestrate the collection and distribution of donations. A local warehouse was filled and emptied four times, at a donation value of more than a million dollars.

Peter’s Service above Self was recognized by the Arthur Fenniman Award and reported in the Rotarian Magazine.

Peter is the father of Phil, a third generation Rotarian and architect, and Jaclyn, an art teacher in Florida, who is married to Mike Trotta, a physical education teacher. Jaclyn and Mike’s son, Michael Joseph Trotta IV, is Peter and Linda’s first grandchild. Peter is a former Councilman, Church Elder and community service activist. Peter, an architect who graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, works and resides in Park Ridge, New Jersey.