Early Life and Education of Rudy Giuliani: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rudy Giuliani, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Rudy Giuliani is an American politician and disbarred lawyer notable for his tenure as the 107th Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. Prior to his mayoral role, he served as the United States Associate Attorney General (1981-1983) and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (1983-1989). His legal career has been marked by disbarment.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

May 28, 1944: Rudy Giuliani Born

On May 28, 1944, Rudolph William Louis Giuliani was born.

October 26, 1968: Marriage to Regina Peruggi

On October 26, 1968, Rudy Giuliani married Regina Peruggi, his second cousin, whom he had known since childhood.

1975: Trial Separation from Peruggi

By 1975, Rudy Giuliani's marriage to Regina Peruggi was in trouble and they agreed to a trial separation.

December 8, 1980: Giuliani Switches to Republican Party

On December 8, 1980, one month after Ronald Reagan's election, Giuliani switched his party affiliation from Independent to Republican.

April 1981: Father's Death

In April 1981, Rudy Giuliani's father died at age 73 of prostate cancer at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center.

August 12, 1982: Files for Legal Separation

On August 12, 1982, Rudy Giuliani filed for legal separation from Regina Peruggi.

1983: Marriage Annulment

In 1983, Rudy Giuliani and Regina Peruggi received a Roman Catholic church annulment of their marriage, reportedly because Giuliani discovered that he and Peruggi were second cousins.

April 15, 1984: Marriage to Donna Hanover

On April 15, 1984, Rudy Giuliani married Donna Hanover at St. Monica's church in Manhattan. They had two children: Andrew and Caroline Rose.

1988: Giuliani's Mother's Comments on his Political Affiliation

In 1988, Giuliani's mother commented that he only became a Republican after getting jobs from them and that he wasn't a conservative Republican.

1989: Giuliani Sought Endorsement from Rabbi Schneerson

In 1989, during his mayoral campaign, Rudy Giuliani visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, seeking his blessing and endorsement.

1994: Sicilian Mafia's Alleged Murder Contract

According to Giuliani, in 1994 the Sicilian Mafia allegedly offered $800,000 for his death during his first year as mayor of New York.

May 1999: Meets Judith Nathan

In May 1999, while still married to Donna Hanover, Rudy Giuliani met Judith Nathan, a sales manager for a pharmaceutical company, at Club Macanudo, an Upper East Side cigar bar.

April 2000: Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

In April 2000, Rudy Giuliani, then aged 55, was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a prostate biopsy, after an elevated screening PSA. He later made a full recovery and became a spokesman for cancer survivors.