Tales from the ARVInn, 1

Chapter 21
ARVInn--Mattie Leone, Businessman

Chapter Description: Many people and their abilities came together to make the ARVInn concept a success. Mateo Leone, a successful New York businessman, was one of the early contributors.

                                       Tales from the ARVInn:   Mattie Leone, Businessman 

                                                                                             Mattie Leone, 30mo/2005, taken 2062 ¹

Matteo “Mattie” Leone started out life with few prospects for success, but overcame them to become a successful entrepreneur before his mid-20’s.  His father, Elio, was killed in a work accident a month before his birth.  His mother, Joana, a store clerk, died in childbirth.  His only close relative was his father’s older sister, Elena Leone, a spinster who had had no thought of raising a child.  His aunt worked as a paralegal in one of New York’s well-established civil law firms.  Mattie was soon the apple of her eye.  A bright mind was also soon apparent, as he learned to read well before starting pre-school.  By the time he entered regular education, he was far beyond the average pupil.  He and his aunt shared her home, a brownstone in a modest Eastside neighborhood. 

An independent streak made itself evident quickly, as well.  Mattie soon made the acquaintance of most people in the area.  He went from store to store, chatting with the clerks, customers, and owners, and showing genuine interest in what was happening around him.  His trademark came to be his greeting of “Hi, I’m Mattie.  What’s your name?”, which he maintained even as an adult.

One of his favorites was Gino Dioreo’s little shop at the corner of his block.  By the time he was seven, he was often found there, helping the old man and running errands for him. Mr. DiOreo and his wife had no family, so Mattie was welcomed and his presence in their lives was cherished.  Mr. DiOreo also became a strong father figure for Mattie.  His gruff manner masked a warm heart, in which little Mattie was soon the center.

Continued at: Tales from the ARVInn--Mattie Leone, Businessman (mediafire.com)