Massimo Fichera died on Thursday.  He was 83 years old.

On Friday the Italian newspapers were running the story of Massimo’s death.  He was a pubic figure, playing a major role in the development of the Italian broadcast industry and founding one of the country’s early television networks, RAI 2.  He was a giant in the industry and spoken about the same way we remember our Edward R. Murrows and Fred Friendlys.

For us and to us, however, Massimo was just a man.  A wonderful and gentle man.  The type of person the word gentleman was invented for.  When we got to know him late in his life, he was retired and just Massimo.  It wasn’t until several dinners with Massimo did we begin to get an inkling of his past.  The Fichera part.  For us it really didn’t matter.

Massimo had great eyes that actually glinted and a smile that could draw everything negative out of you, leaving you . . . just happy.  His kindness, gentleness and the quiet happiness that followed him everywhere were infectious.  We should all be so lucky as to get those types of infections.

Massimo’s health began deteriorating over the past several years and every time we saw him he looked slighter and less robust.  But his spirit never diminished.  Not one iota.

It is apparent from the newspapers and TV reports in Italy this week that Massimo Fichera will be missed by many and remembered by many.  For those of us who got to know and spend time with just plain Massimo, he will be missed and remembered with a special fondness.

It was a distinct honor to have spent time with Massimo.  We will miss him.

With love and respect,
Bill and Suzy