With heavy hearts and still in disbelief, we share the sad news that Tonino passed away. He will be deeply missed.

We read the sad news in the early hours of October 22, 2025 when his wife Carmela had texted us at 5:26 am ‘Tonino non c'è piu’. He had passed away peacefully at home after a short but severe illness.

We still cannot imagine the alleys and the piazza in Pizzo without him. We had spent a lovely apericena together with family, friends and neighbours that he and Carmela attended just end of August and he seemd so fit and taned by the Calabrian sun and in good mood as always, looking positively forward to some upcoming treatment. - He became 84 years old.

Tonino was 100% Calabrian, a real Pizzitano. He grew up in Via Paladini and knew the rione Carmine like his own pocket. He spent his days around the centro storico taking care of several churches and giving a "mano" to renovation and maintenance in the quarter. He was always in a good mood and always had a smile on his face and some friendly words for everyone. And when he appeared grumpy, it was kind of funny too. We were extremely lucky that he was not only our lovely house keeper but he also enjoyed taking care of our guests in case Angelo or I were not around.

Between 2006 to 2011 Tonino and Angelo rebuilt our house in via Paladini and later the house in via delle Grazie. They were a great team, with sometimes loud arguments (just Italian style and of brief duration), but with mutual respect and laughters, bringing things forward, and always loyal and reliable.

Our family, our friends and our guests who have met Tonino will remember him as a caring neighbour, who quickly becomes a friend. Crossing paths daily, showing up around the corner, with a joyful ciao!, driving by on his red Vespa or in his blue Panda. Stopping for a chat. Occasionally been seen with a paper hat at work, or the bench in our street with his brother, and often at the corner table at the Gatto, people watching and greeting. Always there for you with a solution, an advise, a helping hand. Dropping by the church, watering plants, ringing the bell for something. He enjoyed ‘pranzo’ at home and his homemade wine - and most of all he enjoyed the company of his large beloved family.

Our hearts and thoughts are with Tonino’s family - which continues to be part of our family and the Palazzo Pizzo team.

Grazie Tonino!