104TH STREET AND 46TH AVENUE

Nancy DeBenedittis was the owner of the family’s deli Leo’s Latticini located in Corona, Queens after it was passed down to her from her parents Frank and Irene Leo. Frank Leo opened the deli in 1935 shortly after arriving in New York from Italy. Nancy was loved by many in her community and was also well known amongst local politicians and celebrities.

Irene DeBenedittis shares how her mother prepped special family lasagnas.

Interview with Irene DeBenedittis (daughter of Nancy)
Read the full transcript.

Credits:

Audio story, text and neighborhood photographs by Zakiyyah Woods

Portraits of Nancy DeBenedittis provided by Irene DeBenedittis