I have got the sad news that one of our finest members, Giovanni passed away today.
A friend, a true gentleman and a great collector.
I can't find better words at this moment.
Please do share pictures you have with Giovanni as an hommage to him.
My deepest condolences to his beloved ones.
The grand opening of the Amsterdam boutique april 25, 2014.
What terrible news! I met Giovanni only once, a few years ago at a Portuguese Perpetual Calendar meeting: a very kind and mild man. Him being still young, and being in the centre of life, makes this sad. I wish strength to the ones close to Giovanni, both his family and his friends here.
Kind regards,
Paul
What a tragedy! Only a month ago me and many fellow collectors enjoyed Giovannis presence in Geneva. My thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved ones, may they find strength in these dark hours. I am full of grief.
We will sorely miss you.
Such a great and untimely loss for all who were privileged to know him.
It was my great fortune to have counted him among my friends.
With deepest sympathies to the family.
Terry
I am heart broken once again. February can be the cruelest month. I just was with Gio in Geneva last month. It's hard to think about a GTG in Europe without him.
My condolences and sympathy go to his wife and daughters. You will be greatly missed.
RIP, Gio.
It is heartbreaking news to learn of Giovani's passing.
I remember well when I introduced him to Laila at SIHH 2013 and he asked me to take a photo..................
After show drinks at the IWC bar...........
SiHH 2014................
RIP my dear friend.
This saddens me a great deal. We have lost a brother and an important member of this community. My heart goes out to Natascha and the girls, and to Giovann's watch 'bro, Mark L. I offer my sincerest condolences from Ms. D and me.
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Very sad indeed - a tremendous loss. It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying a late-night GTG in the Astoria hotel lobby. My thoughts and prayers go out to Giovanni's family and friends and partner in crime - Mark L. He will be greatly missed.
Gio chatting in the IWC lounge, SIHH 2016:
Tragic and such a young vibrant man! My condolences to his friends and family
What a tragic news and indeed a great lost for all the ones that loved this man. My condoleances are out for the family and also to
Mark, who connected me with Giovanni.
Regards Jeroen
Oh - this is tragic news. I'm shocked and saddened and my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, Mark L in particular.
Even though I never met him, Giovanni's smile was infectious and he loomed a large presence on this forum as someone who was full of life and vitality.
He will be missed.
You will be sorely missed Giovanni. One of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet.
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We have lost a cherished friend. Such a kind and considerate man with an abundance of gods talents offering authentic friendship with humility and without hesitation. Gio brought so many special moments in my life that I will hold with me forever.
The best dressed and most well groomed collector I know, with his charismatic Italian passion and German precision - he is unique. It was always our special ritual to be the last on the dance floor together at the SIHH gala.
My mind is full of only the most remarkable adventures we shared.
We will recount those stories fondly into the future with only the greatest of love and admiration.
Natascha his young beautiful wife and their two daughters Lavina and Latisha have lost a husband and father / so dedicated and so proud of them all. He was always sharing their "first firsts" with us in our collectors group.
Our collector friend Mark Levinsohn has lost his best friend and brother in arms. I cannot find the words - but I will look very hard and try again - to console you our great friend.
My deepest condolences to everyone who knows Giovanni.
If my tears stop - I will try to write more !
What terrible news to find upon my regular evening visit to the Forum! I am greatly saddened to read of Giovanni's passing.
I don't believe I ever had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman in person, though I have certainly come to know him through this Forum. I only wish I had had the pleasure to enjoy his lively spirit in person.
Condolences to Giovanni's family.
Giovanni was a top class, genuine bloke whose smile was infectious. Jarrod and I will always fondly remember our time spent with Gio, especially in Dusseldorf. Being only discharged from hospital that morning following major surgery, Gio would not take no for an answer and insisted on going ahead with our meet up as planned. He arrived at our hotel (that he had also arranged with all the five star treatment included!) with his car/driver and proceeded to take us on a personalised tour of Dusseldorf. We received the insider's guide to the city and visited all of the best spots whilst stopping here and there to partake in some speciality German beverages! Our tour concluded with a wonderful dinner that didn't finish until the wee, small hours. The food was fantastic and the company was superb. For a man that should have been at home in bed resting, we were very appreciative and amazed at his stamina and dedication to his friends to see through a commitment. Our hearts go out to Natascha and Gio's girls and his Chief Enabler, Mark L. Giovanni will be missed by many and very fondly remembered.
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+1 Steffi.
I had a similar experience in Düsseldorf when I first met Gio. He had just started IWC Collecting at that point and was intent on hearing my passion for the brand. His passion far exceed mine not long after.
He was a true Gentlemen. I will miss him.
I am sad, very sad, just read and cannot believe this horrible news. It seems like every February we lose one of our beloved friends here. A man in the middle and best part of his life.
Sincerest condolences to his family!
Farewell, Giovanni.
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