Francesco Di Girolamo, known to all as “Ciccio u piscaturi”, is a living example of vitality and longevity. Born June 12, 1924, he just turned 100 years old and, every morning earlycycles along the cycle path of the Stagnone Nature Reserve, near his home in the Giunchi district, in the north of Marsala.
A life dedicated to the sea
Di Girolamo, a former sailor and fisherman, had a life full of adventures and experiences. After attending Starter School, where he studied as a ship’s engineer, he served in the Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the ship “Vittorio Veneto” in the Suez Canal until his discharge in October 1947. Subsequently he worked on the Marsala fishing boats and had a memorable experience between the 1950s and 1960s, when he saved Tunisians at sea at off the Strait of Sicily, a gesture that earned him the thanks of Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba.
In the 1950s, Di Girolamo also worked on ships that they transported wine from Marsala to Genoa and he was captain of the yachts of the pharmaceutical entrepreneur Gigi De Angelis, moored in Santa Margherita Ligure. Here he had the opportunity to meet several prominent personalities, including Prince Rainier of Monaco. Returning to Marsala in the 60s and 70s, he resumed his activity as a fisherman, a family tradition handed down from his grandfather and father.
Di Girolamo married a seamstress, with whom he had three children (two girls and a boy) who in turn gave him four grandchildren. Even at 100 years old, he continues to maintain an active life, going to the grocery store alone. At the table, he prefers simple dishes such as potatoes and sweets, accompanied by a drink of wine and soda.
On the occasion of his hundredth birthday, the Municipality of Marsala celebrated Di Girolamo, giving him a plaque to celebrate his long and extraordinary life.
