While attending the Bonn Quadrilateral, we had very sad news that on 30 May our very good friend Raffaele of the Tivoli club passed away suddenly at the age of 63 from cancer. I first met Raffaele in 1999 at a dinner party at Francesco and Maria Francesca’s home during Quadrilateral. He was on his own as Caterina was at home looking after a young family. Although he spoke very little English we just gelled together. I was struck by his enthusiasm and curiosity about the world at large. He was a great Internationalist. As a new member in the Tivoli club he was infused with the idea of Quadrilateral and indeed became the lead person in Tivoli for many years in organising Quadrilateral, and during this time we met his lovely wife Caterina. He was also the instigator of family exchange, and a keen supporter of Youth Camp. It was through these two events that we hosted his children Maria Carolina and Giovanni. Eileen and I became their English 'parents' as our friendship with Caterina and Raffaele developed into a close family relationship. We also attended Maria Carolina’s wedding. When staying with Raffaele and Caterina during Quadrilateral we would spend hours talking over a whisky or two. I can still hear him say “Eddie, pay attention you must know this”. Of course staying up late was no problem for him, being the sub editor of the Rome newspaper Messaggero. He had a very nocturnal life leaving home in time to start work at 8.00 pm and often not returning to Tivoli until 2.00 am. He had recently retired, which he was excited about particularly as he said “ It is wonderful I am being paid for not working”. He wrote two books on Roman history and Brutus and lectured on the subject. He was a writer and scholar, had a great sense of humour and was enthusiastic in all things. His catch phrase was “why not” which he often used to dispel objections and lack of enthusiasm by others. | He was a great family man and was very proud of his Southern Italian roots. Eileen and I had the good fortune to experience them when we holidayed in Cilento, south of Salerno. Caterina and Raffaele visited us in Florida and England. Our friendship gave us a wonderful insight into Italian life. Eileen and I have just returned from Torre Orsaia, Raffaele’s home town, for his internment. Once again meeting his extended family, we both felt we were walking in his footsteps and felt privileged to share this day with the family. As one travels life’s highway you are lucky if you come across a person who enriches your own life. Raffaele Alliegro was such a person for me and I am very appreciative and proud to have called him my close friend. I am a better person for knowing Raffaele. He will be missed by so many. Eddie Clarke |