Bottari, Leo

Dates

• Existence: 1931 - 2012

Biography

Dr. Leo J. Bottari was a member of the faculty at Salve Regina University for 39 years. Dr. Bottari, “Mr. B”, as he was affectionately known, taught courses in biology, microbiology, botany and fencing. He served as professor and Chairman of the Department of Biology and Coordinator of the Medical Technology Program until his retirement in June 2001.

Born in Boston, MA on June 23, 1931, Dr. Bottari was the son of Guy and Rosemary (Kerwin) Bottari.

Dr. Bottari served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Returning home, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and his master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He came to Newport to join the faculty of Salve Regina University in 1962, later earning his Ph.D. from Loyola University.

Dr. Bottari was a recipient of the Outstanding Educators of America Award in 1974. He served on the board of directors of the Newport County Regional Center, and devoted many summers serving as camp director for the James L. Maher Center for adults with disabilities. He also taught at the Newport Hospital School of Nursing.

In 1998, Dr. Bottari established the Bottari Family Endowed Scholarship in Microbiology. He is the father of five children, four of whom are Salve Regina graduates – Leo Jr. ’82, Guy ’87, Michael ’88, ’95, and Rosemarie ’00.