Giacomo "Jack" Buzzitta

Born in DiMonti San Guilano, Italy, Jack came to America with his family when he was six years old. He studied at Kendall School of Design, and then worked for the John Widdicomb Company before beginning his long association with Stow & Davis. As the only designer at Stow & Davis in the company’s early years, Jack was responsible for all types of furniture. He won the Hardwoods Industry Exhibit Award for production in furniture design in 1955 and 1959 and the National Industrial Design Council’s award in 1960. In 1963 he won two awards in the Mahogany Award Competition.

Along with his busy professional life, Jack was involved in educating young designers. He served as a lecturer at Kendall School of Design, and 30 years ago, had an idea for helping student designers learn their craft. His idea turned into the Furniture Designers Workshop, a place where students could have access to thousands of books—some of which are rare and valuable—in their quest for excellence. The workshop is located in the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Jack served two terms as president of the Grand Rapids Furniture Designers Association and then as treasurer of the group.