ON DEMAND • Italian Gestures

Louis Leonini: Louis was the first of the Leonini children to go to college, receiving a B.A Degree from St. John’s University. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree at Fordham University, majoring in European history, with a specialty in Italian studies. Louis then completed his formal studies at New York University with 30 credits toward a PH.D. Professor Leonini began his teaching career by teaching history for the New York City Department of Education for 32 years. Upon retiring from the public school system, Louis taught Italian language at St. Joseph Hill Academy High School on Staten Island. Pursuing his love of the Italian language and culture, he went on to teach at Saint John’s University both at the Jamaica campus and on Staten Island.

Professor Leonini currently serves as the official historian for the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum and gives lectures on Italian history and culture while also teaching language classes there for adults. He regularly lectures at Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation on Staten Island. He has appeared on Italian television, radio, and American TV. He is available as a guest lecturer in the tri-state area, a job he has enjoyed doing for more than 20 years. Louis is a proud member of the Capodanno Lodge of the Order of sons of Italy in America. In 2016, he was honored by the New York State Commission for Social Justice for his contributions to Italian American heritage.