To Paolo Pettinaroli

Issued press article by Pilar Vera

PRESIDENT OF COMITATO 8 OTTOBRE – “DON’T FORGET”

AND OF THE FUNDAZIONE 8 OTTOBRE – “DON’T FORGET”

Paolo Pettinaroli has died this morning, after years fighting against brutal disease which has finished overcoming his physical but not his spirit. He leave behind his seed of goodness and generosity inside all who knew him in and out of Italy.

An unexpected destiny has wanted that I know the bad news while I were meeting with ICAO President, Mr. Aliu, who was ending his staying in Madrid.  He asked me that I could give his condolences to his family for this sad lost.

Paolo was something more than father of Lorenzo, who died at 28 years old in the Air Crash of Linate in 2001. He was been became most honest referent for victims of this tragedy and since then, he dedicated his life fighting hard against the forgotten. In addition to work joined other persons in the world which have the same idea, carrying the unique air crash victim voice to all public and private forums.

I heard about Paolo who spends himself on worthy cause, who never saved time and efforts. When I met him, I could check his recognized prestige in several international institutions. Last October, in occasion of a Conference made by his Foundation, one more time, he showed a big concern on safety. And he made a meeting for all people who are involved on addressing the terrible consequences of an air tragedy, especially for victims and families who suffer an air catastrophes anywhere of the world. His particular personality inspired admiration and sympathy that is one more proof of his courage and bravery, which Paolo put it at the service of the cause that goes beyond than his country frontiers.

As Provisional Chairwoman of Air Crash Victims Family International Federation – ACVFI – founded by Spain, Germany, USA, Pakistan, Brazil and Italy, today we are crying his lost. Also in SOS – Catastrophes -European Network of Disaster Victims, in which both of us were the vice-presidents.

Dear Paolo, your legacy makes us to continue – without your presence – into this hard way that we started few years ago. Only the conviction that you want that we do it, help us to go ahead, but, it so difficult to accept that you are not here! ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS