Leo Benardo, Age 88

Died on July 31, 2016

Leo Benardo began his career as a teacher of foreign languages in the New York City public school system in 1947. He later became a junior high school supervisor and a principal before being appointed as the director of foreign languages for all NYC public schools from 1966 to 1987. For 27 years, until the age of 86, he taught Spanish, French and Comparative Literature at Baruch College.

Benardo is survived by his sons Sanford and Leonard and four grandchildren, Allegra, Daisy, Felix and Anya. After 54 years of marriage, his wife Helene died in October 2015.

Benardo mentored many teachers and was known for his innovation both in and out of the classroom. A scholarship with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) will be endowed in his memory.