Author: Luigi Antonini
Born: 1883
Died: 1968
Bio: Luigi Rocco Antonini (1883-1968), was notable labor leader and emerged as one of the most outstanding labor leaders of the first half of the 20th Century.
Antonini affected New York City, national, international and United States politics. Whether it was assisting in the election of New York City’s first Italian American Mayor Fiorelo La Guardia; or  Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his cabinet on policy towards Italy during World War II ; or the post World War II  relief and rebuilding  of Italy; Antonini was on the forefront.
Eloquent, courageous and idealistic he symbolized faith in freedom. Luigi was a big warm man, who loved children, animals, books Italian Opera and good cuisine. With a melodious, almost operatic voice he quoted the Old Testament and Dante to appeal to Jewish and Italian members of unions. His loves for animals lead him to keep a private “zoo” at his home in Yonkers. He had wild birds and a lion cub.
With his flowing bowtie mane of white hair he looked more like an opera singer that a labor leader.
Antonini served as the First Vice President of the ILGWU from 1936- 1967.
He was the General Secretary of the Local 89, Italian Dressmakers Union, 
and President of the Italian American Labor Council.