With great sadness, the UWC Adriatic community mourns the passing of Dr Aldo Pianciamore, a long-time friend and supporter of the College.
Following the loss of his wife, Hazel Marie Cole, Aldo chose to honour her memory by dedicating himself passionately to social causes and establishing the Hazel Marie Cole Premio alla Bontà (Award for Kindness): an initiative that reflects Hazel’s values of empathy and solidarity.
Hazel Marie Cole had a remarkable ability to help others through concrete actions, such as offering warm clothing to young students arriving in Duino from distant countries, often unprepared for the harsh winter winds of the bora. Aldo carried forward this spirit, turning compassion into action and supporting students from all over the world.
Dr Pianciamore maintained a close bond with the College for over twenty-five years and funded the Pocket Money of many students. This past December, we had the honour of celebrating his unwavering support for students at a dedicated event, which included the remote participation of Elizabeth Sutcliffe, wife of David Sutcliffe, the College’s founding Rector, highlighting the lasting impact of Aldo’s generosity.
Thanks to Aldo Pianciamore’s acts of kindness, many students over the years have faced life away from their families and home countries with greater peace of mind.
Even those who never had the privilege of meeting him personally know that Dr Pianciamore was a compassionate and generous individual. His legacy of kindness will remain in the hearts of our students, staff, and alumni, inspiring future generations to follow his example. He taught us that a single act of kindness can always bring good into the lives of others.
For those who wish to attend, the funeral will be held in Trieste on Saturday, 25th January, at 12:00 PM, at the Church of Sant’Antonio in Piazza Sant’Antonio.
