Karen,
I do remember Lillian saying that Leon's heritage was Irish, I think. I do believe that she had met Leon's biological mother. Leon was originally a foster child and I think he was with Catholic Charities, here in Chicago. Lillian and John became his foster parents and then adopted him. From what I know of foster care, I think it's common for the biological parents to still be in the picture. Lillian should know more. Any time I try to ask her for details, she's very guarded with the information. Then, of course, she'll ramble about other things that are irrelevant (she's almost 80 years old).
By the way, I've met Leon's 2nd wife, Carol at Leon's funeral. I can give you her address, if you'd like. After living with Leon for so many years, she probably has more information about him than anyone.
The Paolantino (Paolantonio) family name is from Sicily, from the information I can get. Everyone seems to say the Palermo area. My knowledge of Italy is only what I read in the paper or books or see on TV or the movies. My husband, Michael has dark hair and brown eyes. He has an ever so slight olive tint to his skin, so that he tans well. He's not particularly dark-skinned though. Luckily, Gia inherited that slight tint to her skin, and of course, the dark eyes and hair. I've got blue eyes and brown hair.
There are some other things that I could tell you about Leon, but it would be more prudent not to discuss it on the Internet. Why don't you email me personally and we can trade phone numbers.
csoper@uscellular.comCarol