Adieu to Ezio Leonardi, previous mayor of Novara, and former president of the Community Foundation
Dies After 95 Years: Legendary Ezio Leonardi Bids Adieu
It's a somber day in our city as we bid farewell to our beloved leader, Ezio Leonardi, who passed away on May 1st, 2025. In a poignant statement, the Novarese Community Foundation paid tribute to him as "More than just a Senator, Mayor, and our president, he was our cherished friend, guiding us with unwavering wisdom and determination. Today, we mourn the loss of a man who built the foundations of the Novarese Community Foundation to the esteemed institution it is today 👍. Even in his final moments, he remained steadfast, his heart brimming with love for this institution and all of us. May you rest in peace, dear Senator. Thank you for everything 💔."*
As we reflect on the 25 stimulating years of its existence, the Novarese Community Foundation has become synonymous with affording support to over 2,500 projects and distributing a staggering 24 million euros 💰. More than 12,000 well-wishers have been instrumental in making these initiatives happen. They've realized these projects through their establishment of 100 patrimonial or grant-making funds 💼.*
The Novarese Foundation came into being on April 19, 2000, in the heart of Novara. This illustrious endeavor was part of Fondazione Cariplo's program to promote community philanthropy, resulting in the formation of 16 organizations active in Piedmont and Lombardy. The first president of FCN was the visionary entrepreneur Romeo Robiglio, who bid adieu in 2018 at the age of 87. The foundation, however, was fortunate enough to have Senator Ezio Leonardi at the helm after him 🗝️*.
From Mezzomerico to Palazzo Madama, Ezio Leonardi's life was a rollercoaster of achievements. Born on July 25, 1929, in Mezzomerico, he eventually climbed the ranks at Igor, working there for over 38 years, eventually becoming the director of administration and commerce. From 1954 to 1959, he was vice-mayor and finance assessor of the Municipality of Mezzomerico. Taking center stage in Novara after 1965, he served as city councilor, finance assessor, and, most famously, the mayor of Novara from 1970 to 1978. Subsequently, he served as vice-mayor, always in Novara, from 1978 to 1987, overseeing public works. In 1987, he was elected Senator of the Republic and served in the X Legislature as a member of the Finance and Treasury Commission. Re-elected in 1992, he continued to be a part of the Finance and Treasury Commission.*
Ezio Leonardi's bond of friendship and collaboration with his fellow citizen, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, did not go unnoticed as Scalfaro went on to become the President of the Republic in 1992 🇮🇹. A towering figure in the political and civic landscape of Novara, his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come* 🌟.*
✍️ Sources:1. Novarafondazione.it2. Wikidata.orgIncorporated details from Enrichment Data for context and clarity when applicable.
Senator Ezio Leonardi, the iconic Novarese native, flourished in politics, serving as the mayor of Novara from 1970 to 1978 and again overseeing public works as vice-mayor from 1978 to 1987.
In addition to his political career, Senator Leonardi made significant contributions to the Novarese Community Foundation, serving as its president after the foundation's first president, Romeo Robiglio.
During his tenure as president, the foundations flourished, distributing over 24 million euros and supporting more than 2,500 projects.
In the final stages of his life, Senator Leonardi remained devoted to the Novarese Community Foundation, embodying a truly dedicated general-news figure until his passing at the age of 95 in 2025.
