Remembering Leonard Riggio ’58

August 27, 2024

February 28, 1941 – August 27, 2024

The Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation Board and staff mourn the passing of Leonard Riggio, an esteemed alumnus, devoted supporter, and cherished friend of Brooklyn Technical High School. A proud graduate of Brooklyn Tech’s Class of 1958, Len was inducted into our Alumni Hall of Fame and served as an honorary director of our Board. His deep commitment to Brooklyn Tech was evident in his role as a close advisor to the Foundation and as our 2022 Centennial Commissioner.

Len was instrumental in shaping the Tech Foundation into one of the premier public high school alumni organizations in the country. His commitment to the school extended far beyond board meetings; he engaged directly with students, encouraging them to strive for excellence and to embrace personal development and public service. In recognition of his contributions, the school’s auditorium was named in his honor in 2018, marking the 60th anniversary of his graduation.

Len was a “hands-on” board member, serving as an advisor, mentor, friend, cheerleader, and coach. His dedication was crucial in bolstering Brooklyn Tech’s reputation as a national leader in STEAM education, serving a diverse, multicultural student body of 6,000—the largest high school in the United States. Len was a “mensch” in the truest sense, generously giving his time and expertise. He passionately advocated for public education, often going to great lengths to rally others to support his alma mater, which he saw as a shining example of what an egalitarian education can achieve. He took particular delight in bringing back a Junior’s cheesecake to his office staff after meetings at Tech.

Len was inducted into the Brooklyn Tech Hall of Fame for his remarkable achievements in business as the founder, President, and CEO of Barnes & Noble, and for his extensive philanthropic endeavors, which spanned human rights, social justice, the arts, and education. Under Len’s leadership, Barnes & Noble revolutionized the book industry, transforming it into a hub of community activity that welcomed readers of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a love of learning, knowledge, and wisdom—a vital pillar of our democratic society.

Len and his wife, Louise, were known for their warm hospitality, often welcoming friends and family into their home, where art, culture, and joy were always present. Their holiday and special occasion gatherings were celebrated for the connections and memories they created.

Len’s smile, sense of humor, humanity, creativity, and relentless drive for excellence will be profoundly missed. His legacy lives on in the thousands of young people whose lives he touched and who will carry forward his spirit as future leaders.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:00 am at The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. A public celebration of Len’s life will be announced at a later date.

The Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation published a notice mourning Len’s loss in the New York Times on August 29, 2024.

Our deepest condolences go out to his beloved wife, Louise, and his entire extended family. Len was truly one of a kind, and his presence will be deeply missed.