Goodwill in a Time of Prejudice

Carlo Leoni, a longtime friend of the Care Resource family, passed away on January 7, 2020, at the age of 86. Care Resource remembers him as an enlightened and compassionate leader whose support helped strengthen the organization’s mission and expand services for vulnerable members of the community.

Throughout his life, Leoni championed causes that promoted dignity, inclusion, and access to care. At a time when HIV/AIDS stigma created significant barriers for organizations serving affected individuals, he provided support and encouragement when it was needed most.

A Lasting Impact on Care Resource

Care Resource CEO Rick Siclari reflected on Leoni’s role in helping the organization establish a home during its early years after the merger of Health Crisis Network (HCN) and Community Research Initiative (CRI).

“In 1998, I drove up and down Biscayne Boulevard, searching for ‘For Rent’ signs that indicated an available office space. I was seeking a home for Care Resource, a new project formed from the merger of the Health Crisis Network (HCN) and the Community Research Initiative (CRI).

Due to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS at the time, I encountered prejudice and resistance. When seeking to rent office space, I was told, ‘We don’t want your kind of people here. We don’t want to get AIDS. You won’t be able to use the elevator with the rest of us.’

Then I met Carlo Leoni. He owned the office at 225 Northeast 34th Street, just off Biscayne Boulevard. He welcomed me and embraced our mission of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the fight against AIDS.

As a result of his goodwill, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been able to receive quality health and support services.”

Remembering His Legacy

In addition to supporting Care Resource, Leoni earned recognition as an innovative shoe designer and entrepreneur. He designed Volare Shoes and later developed the Carlo Leoni Collection by Volare, building a reputation for creativity and style within the fashion industry.

The Care Resource family remembers Carlo Leoni with gratitude and admiration. His generosity, compassion, and willingness to stand against prejudice helped make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals.

The organization extends its thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.