Fiorello LaGuardia

Date of Birth: December 11, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 20, 1947

Biography

Fiorello Henry LaGuardia, often referred to as “The Little Flower” due to his short stature and his first name meaning “little flower” in Italian, was a prominent American politician who served as the 99th Mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945. He was born on December 11, 1882, in Greenwich Village, New York City, to an Italian father and Jewish mother. LaGuardia was known for his charismatic personality, progressive reforms, and his dedication to improving the lives of immigrants and the working class. LaGuardia’s political career began in 1916 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a strong advocate for labor rights and played a significant role in the passage of the Norris-LaGuardia Act, which limited the power of federal courts to issue injunctions against non-violent labor disputes. During his tenure as mayor, LaGuardia worked tirelessly to combat corruption, improve infrastructure, and expand public services. He was instrumental in the construction of airports, public housing, and parks, as well as the establishment of the New York City Department of Sanitation. LaGuardia’s leadership during the Great Depression and World War II earned him widespread admiration. He was known for his hands-on approach, often personally inspecting public works projects and addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens. LaGuardia’s legacy continues to be celebrated for his contributions to urban development and his unwavering commitment to social justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Fiorello LaGuardia

1. Fiorello LaGuardia was fluent in several languages, including Italian, Yiddish, and Croatian, reflecting his diverse heritage and cosmopolitan upbringing.

2. He served as a U.S. Army Air Service pilot during World War I, where he flew bombing raids over the Alps.

3. LaGuardia was instrumental in the creation of the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, which has produced many notable alumni.

4. He read comic strips on the radio during a newspaper delivery strike in 1945 to ensure children would not miss out on their favorite stories.

5. LaGuardia was a staunch supporter of the New Deal and collaborated closely with President Franklin D. Roosevelt on various relief programs for New York City.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fiorello LaGuardia

1. “There is no democratic or republican way of cleaning the streets.”

2. “Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.”

3. “I am an Italian, an American, a Republican, and a Protestant—no one could be more confused than I am.”

4. “Only a well-fed, well-housed, well-schooled people can enjoy the blessings of liberty.”

5. “The most effective way to fight crime is to prevent it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Fiorello LaGuardia’s highest net worth was modest compared to today’s standards for politicians, primarily because he dedicated his life to public service rather than personal wealth accumulation. He lived a life of relative financial modesty, focusing on his work and public duties rather than amassing personal wealth.