Livorno Everyone knew him as the historic baker of Via delle Bandiere. Because he had spent most of his life in that shop, baking bread and welcoming generations of customers. Paolo Menicagli – brother of the director of the Goldoni theater Mario Menicagli – died in his sleep on the night between Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th May, in his house in Garfagnana.
He was 69 years old and leaves a great void in the hearts of the many people who loved him. In those of his former clients and lifelong friends. And above all in those of his family, who mourn the death of a man who dedicated his life to them, to work and to the many passions that he cultivated on a daily basis.
Trained as an architect, Paolo Menicagli began working in the family bakery in the 1980s. His father had opened it about ten years earlier in via delle Bandiere and – family members say – he introduced the habit of pizza by the slice to the city.
Generations of people from Livorno have passed through that shop, buying bread there and getting to know Paolo Menicagli who was able, with courtesy and professionalism, to interface with all of them. After all, he was very well known in the city. Paolo Menicagli remained at the bakery until 2003, when he closed the shop and then subsequently moved to Garfagnana.
But as well as being a baker, Menicagli was also a great sports and music enthusiast. He supported Livorno football, for example. And he loved opera music, sometimes even dabbling in singing.
Anyone wishing to say a final farewell to Paolo Menicagli can do so. The funeral, in fact, will be held on Saturday 25 May at 11.30 in the Nostra Signora del Rosario church, in via Mangini. Here anyone who wants can say goodbye to the historic baker with the amaranth heart. To the craftsman behind the counter in via delle Bandiere capable of welcoming generations of customers with a smile, carrying out his work with skill and professionalism. L
