Leonard Riggio Was The Proud Father Of Three Daughters From His Two Marriages

Leonard Riggio is no longer; he took his last breath at 83, leaving behind his amazing career and family.  

The former Barnes & Noble bookstore chain executive chairman, Leonard Riggio, was an American businessman.

The company was initially a single retail location on 105 Fifth Avenue, but under Leonard’s leadership, it grew significantly and became a nationwide chain with 600+ stores.

He began his career in the book industry by opening a college bookstore, which eventually grew into a chain of successful bookstores.

Additionally, he was among the first entrepreneurs who turned the elitist world of bookstores into recreational stores.

In addition to his professional career, Riggio charitably supported numerous community organizations and charities, such as New York University and the Diaart Museum in Beacon, New York.

Moreover, the businessman also founded Project Home Again, a program aimed at helping New Orleans, Louisiana, residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Leonard’s Is Survived By His Family Including His Wife And Kids

Leonard Riggio was the father of three children, all daughters named Lisa Rollo, Donna Cortese, and Stephanie Bulger.

Two daughters, Lisa and Donna, were born in Leonard’s first marriage, but the name of his first wife remains unclear.

So sad to hear of the passing of Len Riggio. Had a wonderful time speaking to him when researching my book and hearing his accounts of going head to head with a young Jeff Bezos. What a career and lifehttps://t.co/cP7hqrt7Gq

— Dana Mattioli (@DanaMattioli) August 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Stephanie was born from Riggio’s second marriage to Louise. All three daughters are focused on their lives and away from media outlets.

It is known that Lisa is married to her husband, Christopher. Likewise, Donna lives a private life with her husband, Steven, while the other daughter, Stephanie, is married to Michael.

Together with Michael, Stephanie has started a happy family. They are the proud parents of a son named Leo.

Leonard has three other grandchildren: Steven, Anthony, and Joseph Cortese.

Louise Altavilla Is The Second Wife Of Late Businessman Leonard Riggio

Now 43 years old, Louise and Leonard shared their wedding vows in the early 1980s. The couple reside in an expansive apartment on Park Avenue in Manhattan, New York.

In June, the couple listed their home at 1446 N. Ocean Blvd. for $96 million, and it went under contract in just under six weeks after being listed on the multiple listing service.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Leonard Riggio, the founder and former chairman of Barnes & Noble, Inc., on August 27, 2024, at the age of 83.

Len's vision and entrepreneurial spirit transformed the retail landscape, establishing Barnes & Noble as the largest… pic.twitter.com/PLNzpFtg5Z

— Barnes & Noble (@BNBuzz) August 27, 2024

The couple founded The Riggio Foundation, which she heads. Louise is a native of New York, and she owns two racing enterprises, MeadowView Show Stable and My Meadowview, with her husband.

Moreover, they built the Freedom School’s Langston Hughes Library and Riggio-Lynch Chapel at the Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee.

Louise, along with other family members, including his daughter, brother, and grandchildren, was by Leonard’s side when he was taking his last breath in New York.

Additional Information

• The American businessman Leonard Riggio passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens.
• At the time of Riggio’s passing, his net worth was at least 146 Million; he was one of the most successful businessmen.
• He was born on February 28, 1941, to his parents. His father, Steve Riggio, was a taxi driver and boxer, while his mother was a dressmaker.