I was named after my grandfather, who was born "Leonardo Antonino". He had five older brothers and sisters named Leonardo or Leonarda, all of whom died in infancy. In America, after the death of his father Antonino (he was 14 months old), my grandfather's names were switched in his honor, and thereafter he went by "Anthony Leonard." That is why on my birth certificate I was named "Leonard Anthony." At home I was called "Lenny" or "Len."
In 1995 I began traveling to Italy, where I was called Leonardo. In 1996 I began using Leonardo professionally. In 2001 I legally restored my name to Leonardo Antonino.
At the time of my birth I lived at 55 St. Andrew Rd. (third floor) in the Orient Heights neighborhood of East Boston.
