Actuality
During yesterday’s important day (April 25), Leonardo Asaro, known as “Campanaro”, one of the historical figures of Mazara del Vallo fishing, passed away at the age of 85. An important figure in the Mazara navy, having worked for years on board fishing boats, putting his skills to use and then gradually gaining experience in the sector. Leonardo “Campanaro” was well known and he was often seen on the front line fighting for fishermen’s rights.
Much appreciated for his honesty and frankness even by those who did not share the same ideas; he had been a childhood friend of the already twice mayor Nicola Cristaldi. “Campanaro” did not hesitate to bring the most important issues affecting the Mazara navy to a regional and national level, through the media, to make the voices of the fishermen of Mazara del Vallo heard. The interview with him by the well-known Sicilian journalist Pippo Fava is historic, after a short time he was victim of a mafia-style ambush; in that interview “Campanaro” expressed the navy’s very strong concerns about the continuous machine gun attacks on Mazara fishing boats by patrol boats from North African countries.
Leonardo Asaro also had a political career, elected twice to the Mazara City Council. The first time in 1995 when Giovanni D’Alfio became mayor, the first mayor elected after the dissolution of the Municipality due to mafia infiltration; the second time, in 2004, when trade unionist Giorgio Macaddino became mayor at just 38 years old. He stood out for the vehemence and moral strength of his interventions in the courtroom, with his inimitable voice he knew how to pronounce the right words at the right time regarding various issues relating to the City.
Asaro was often called to speak at important conferences and meetings dedicated to fishing and the marketing of fish products (see cover photo collage). He enjoyed the respect of politicians of all levels and shipowners; personally it was very interesting, and at times even fun, to talk to Leonardo “Campanaro” for his ability to bring forgotten fishing stories to life for those who listened to him. Leonardo Asaro, a widower for many years (his wife Clorinda died prematurely) leaves behind four children, Daniela, Salvatore, Eufrasia and Giusy; His daughter-in-law, sons-in-law and beloved grandchildren mourn his passing.
His funeral will be celebrated tomorrow morning, at 10.30 am at the Cathedral Basilica of Mazara del Vallo. Also on behalf of the Primapagina editorial team, heartfelt condolences to the family of our friend Leonardo “Campanaro”.
Francesco Mezzapelle
