Palio di Legnano and municipal administration officially present this morning, Wednesday 19 June, in the San Magno basilica, for the funeral of Roberto Clerici, Chicco for all his friends. Mayor Lorenzo Radice with the tricolor sash, grand master and “cloaked” district captains, banners displayed in mourning next to the coffin.
Captain and victorious grand prior for the noble district of San Magno, knight of the Carroccio, deputy grand master, Clerici was and will remain a monument for the Legnano paliesco movement. But not only. His fame has crossed national borders for having been an unrivaled director in world-class events. A passion that he transferred admirably to the Palio, also arousing the admiration of Franco Zeffirelli in 2002 at the parade on Fifth Avenue in New York. Chicco, drummer on the “American” Carroccio, had managed the parade among the skyscrapers of Manhattan with a skill recognized by the Florentine master himself.
In a crowded basilica, mgr. Angelo Cairati, who concelebrated with Don Giuseppe Grampa, in the homily, he offered an absolutely acceptable image of Roberto “undoubtedly intelligent, versatile person with a strong temperament. With him a beacon goes out over the city. Involved in the social life of Legnano, Chicco gave a decisive contribution to the Palio, especially to his beloved district, the noble San Magno district, in which he held various positions”.
“Throughout his life he has curated fashion events at a national and international level with big names – continued Monsignor -. He was proud of his city, which he always supported and held up as a model, so much so that it also deserved civic merit. Now all this remains in our hearts and minds. Before God, only his choices count, in the certainty that only the Lord knows hearts and therefore can judge correctly. For Chicco we must now pray, intercede so that the Lord can purify him from his sins, for this reason I invite you to have memorial masses celebrated for him and to carry out acts of solidarity and charity in his memory“.
In the message of San Magno district pronounced by Diego Molaschi, the memory, sharing and appreciation for many moments in which Roberto was an example of ability, passion, involvement: “When Chicco is no longer there, it will be a disaster, we were saying, and now the disaster has arrived. You have been a backbone for all of us. An always obvious certainty. An example that taught us a lot. An example that unites us.”
“I can’t believe you’re no longer here – the message on social media from her famous cousin Antonella Clerici upon hearing the news of her passing -. Legnano and your beloved Palio will miss you. We will miss your joyful enthusiasm and your desire to always do new things. Rest in peace Chicco, beloved cousin”.
