Leonardo Porchia (AKA Pai) was born on November 6th, 1927 in Paola, Italy where he lived with his family. As a young man, he worked as an electrician, keeping the electrical grid of Paola functioning. He endured WWII, helping the injured and the hungry. Those times of war left scaring impressions on him. From these horrible experiences, he grew to know the important things in life: Faith, Friends and Family. In his youth, he grew to love the Christmas season. He enjoyed the town being full of life, everyone being joyful and thankful for life's necessities and celebrating Jesus' birth. Pai is known for being an iconographer of nativity scenes. His biggest contribution for Christmas time was his depictions of the birth of Jesus. He did this from age 11 to 93 building enormous nativity scenes by himself. These were so beautifully constructed and detailed and intricate Nativity Scenes that people would come to see and enjoy his work of art. On August 14 1946 he married Rafaella Lattari. Their love was eternal and forever. In 1954, he, a pregnant Rafaella and 4 children departed Italy to better their family's lives. They navigated a journey of 28 days in a ship sailing to Brasil. He found his way to the city of Pocos De Caldas, where he stayed for the next 18 years. Pai became a professional photographer where his photos were used as post cards for the city. He also devoted his life to Saint Vincent De Paul. He was an avid member of the society by helping the poor and hungry. In 1971 he along with his entire family, departed for America. This was his ultimate dream. He believed and loved the beauty of America and what it stood for. One can say he was a true American born somewhere else. Pai gave everything he had for this country so he could achieve his American dream. He started to work in a factory as a welder for over 25 years. He was proud to be in a place where he and his whole family became successful. His family grew from him and his wife to 3 sons and 3 daughters which they began his legacy. Pai was a person that would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He encouraged fairness, honesty, creativity and humor. He upheld strong family values and promoted his Catholic faith.Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Great-Great-Grandfather are all the names that represent our beloved "Pai". We carry forward your memories and your name. Rest in Peace.