Fiorello La Guardia, born on December 11, 1882, in New York City, was a prominent Republican politician who left a lasting impact on the city of New York during his time as mayor. His parents were of Italian and Jewish descent, and he grew up in a diverse neighborhood in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. La Guardia attended public schools in New York City and went on to study at New York University and Columbia Law School.
La Guardia's political career began when he worked for the U.S. State Department and was sent to Budapest. He later served as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 20th district from 1923 to 1933. In 1934, he was elected as the 99th Mayor of New York and served three terms until 1945. Despite being a Republican, La Guardia supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives and was known for his progressive policies.
One of the lasting legacies of La Guardia's time as mayor was the renaming of New York City's airport to Fiorello La Guardia Airport in honor of his contributions to the city. The airport remains an important transportation hub in the city to this day.
La Guardia was married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage to Thea Almerigotti ended in tragedy when she passed away from tuberculosis in November 1921. Despite personal hardships, La Guardia remained dedicated to his political career and continued to serve the people of New York City.
Fiorello La Guardia's legacy lives on in the city of New York, where he is remembered as a progressive and forward-thinking leader. His support for FDR's New Deal and his dedication to public service set an example for future generations of politicians. La Guardia's impact on New York City can still be seen today in the airport that bears his name and in the policies that he implemented during his time as mayor.