Mourning in the Palio of Legnano: passed away suddenly today (Friday 14 June) Roberto Clerici, for all Chicco friends. The well-known man from Legnano died at the age of 77.
Recognized as an expert in the Contrada world, he was a point of reference not only for his district, the “Nobile” San Magno, but for the Palio in general in which he held, among other things, the position of deputy grand master. He was victorious captain in 1967 and 1990 and also won as grand prior in 2011. He was knight of the Carroccio from 1990 to 1992.
Among the honors acquired was that of commander of the San Magno district. A recognition that the red-white-red Grand Council assigns to people who are particularly distinguished in the life of the manor and for their work in general in the Paliesco area.
Assistant director, Clerici has traveled the world managing events also at an international level. Funeral date to be determined.
The mayor Lorenzo Radice, the councilor with delegation to the Palio Guido Bragato and the entire council express their condolences for the death of Roberto Clerici, awarded the civic merit in 2022 with the following motivation: “for having actively collaborated with numerous entities in Legnano, covering organizational and managerial roles, always making the experience, skills and knowledge acquired in various work opportunities available in every area”. Declares the mayor Lorenzo Radice «I have met many people in these years as mayor and I can say that Roberto Clerici was one of the most passionate lovers of the Legnano tradition that I had the fortune and pleasure of knowing. Creative in everything he imagined and created, Clerici has always demonstrated a love for the city’s history and culture, as well as a truly unique aesthetic taste. With him the City of Legnano loses a personality who, in various fields, from associationism to the Palio to sport, has always acted with great ability and passion, qualities of which he gave ample proof even on the last occasion in which he collaborated with the municipal administration within the Committee for the Centenary of Legnano Città. Clerici was one of the most proactive members of the Committee and he was responsible for the idea of holding the exhibition dedicated to Gianfranco Ferrè which we will host in the Sala degli Stemmi starting in September. But I also want to remember his requests to return to taking our Palio and the name of Legnano outside the borders, as we did last February with the episode at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. We will have the opportunity to remember him publicly in the next Centenary events. Deepest condolences to his family.”
The Board of Directors of Palio Foundation and the Knight of the Northern League Andrea Monaci express their closeness to the family and friends of the past Knight of the Carroccio, Captain and non-regent Grand Prior of the Nobile Contrada San Magno, Roberto -Chicco- Clerici.
President Gianfranco Bononi, Ragiù Giuseppe Colombo and the management of the Legnanese family join the loved ones of Roberto Chicco Clerici. “Roberto was an eminent man from Legnano, a great Palio man and a brotherly friend. We will miss him very much” these are the words of President Bononi
“A saddened greeting to my friend Chicco. I will miss it, we will miss it, in the Palio, throughout the city and in our hearts. Rest in peace”. The message of Umberto Silvestri
“One less certainty. In addition to the pain, this was the first thought when I learned of the sudden passing of Roberto Clerici, Il Chicco for everyone, a great and irreplaceable man of the Palio. Passionate Contrada player, Captain, Knight of the Carroccio, Grand Prior and Deputy Grand Master, cultured, eclectic, imaginative and proactive, he remained one of the unfortunately few people with whom he could discuss the Palio at 360 degrees and with true planning. His Contrada and the Paliesco movement owe him a lot, as does his beloved Legnano. Maybe it will seem excessive to some but from now on we will no longer have one of the few true points of reference of our Palio. The most heartfelt and affectionate condolences to his family and his Contrada. Hi Chicco, rest in peace and, from up there, continue to watch over your Legnano”. Marco Ciapparelli
