Fiorello Henry La Guardia 1882-1947 Fiorello Henry La Guardia, one of New York City’s most beloved mayors (1934-45), the “Little Flower” (the English translation of Fiorello) was also among the first Italian-Americans elected to Congress (1917-19 and 1923-33). As mayor, his progressive reforms included a revised city charter, expanded social services, public housing projects and parks construction. He lived here from 1945 to 1947.