He held the position of mayor of Bari from 1995 to 2004. Simeone Di Cagno Abbarescia has died, the politician had been ill for some time and passed away at the age of 80.
He made his political career debut with the Italian Republican Party. After 1994 he decided to join the Forza Italia party, founded by Silvio Berlusconi. He became first citizen of the Apulian capital in the first direct mayoral elections, in 1995. He was confirmed in the next electoral round in 1999.
In 2006 he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies for Forza Italia, in 2008 he was reconfirmed in the lists of the People of Freedom. He tried again to climb to the post of mayor of Bari in 2009, challenging Michele Emiliano, but was defeated in the run-off. In recent years, from 2018 to 2021, he had held the role of president of the Pugliese Aqueduct.
From 2pm this afternoon until 8pm, and from 8am to 10am tomorrow, in the council room of Palazzo di Città, the funeral chapel will be set up open to all those who wish to pay their last respects to Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia, mayor of Bari from 1995 to 2004, who passed away today at the age of 80. The funeral will take place tomorrow, Saturday 30 March, from 10.30 am, in the Basilica of San Nicola.
“Forza Italia Bari today expresses deep and sincere condolences for the passing of Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia and affectionately embraces his family – we read in a note from the Party – Mayor of Bari from 1995 to 2004, and deputy of the Republic for two legislatures, from 2006 to 2013. Entrepreneur in the real estate and tourism sector, he joined the Forza Italia party since its foundation and, as mayor of Bari, he was the first real garrison against organized crime in the city and advocate of the rebirth of old Bari, while since 2018 he has been appointed president of Acquedotto Pugliese. For his extraordinary human qualities and the results achieved as an entrepreneur and in the many important public positions he held, he will leave an indelible mark in everyone’s memory, especially in the hearts of the people of Bari.“.
“Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia, the Mayor of a beautiful and exciting political-administrative season in the city of Bari, has passed away – FdI senator Filippo Melchiorre wrote in a post on his Facebook page – When I was a councilor of his council I lived with him the years of radical change in Bari from an urban, cultural and ethical point of view. He had great entrepreneurial, administrative and human qualities. Bari will not forget you“.
“The passing of Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia saddens me deeply – declared the president of the Puglia Region, Michele Emiliano – Despite our political confrontations we had become friends and with him we continued to dream of the future of Bari and Puglia. He was an absolute protagonist in the history of the city of Bari, beloved mayor, parliamentarian of the Republic, visionary entrepreneur, far-sighted public manager, a man of extraordinary human and professional qualities. Simeone di Cagno Abbrescia leaves many of us with significant and indelible memories. He was always a point of reference for the community and we will miss him dearly. May the most sincere and heartfelt closeness of the community of the Puglia Region and my personal one reach my wife, children and family members.”
“Today the city mourns the passing of Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia, the first mayor elected by the citizens who governed the city from 1995 to 2004 and who will be remembered for the start of many urban transformations that changed Bari – commented the mayor Antonio Decaro – Above all, I think of the Pane e Pomodoro beach and the Urban plan, which for the first time has restored attention and beauty to our old city. Even though we held different political positions for a long time, I always appreciated Simeone’s institutional style, elegance and that sincere love for Bari that united us beyond any affiliation. In recent years, then, we have spoken often: his attention to the city, to the construction sites and to the ongoing projects has never waned, and indeed I have always been able to count on his timely and qualified reports and advice. For some time, health problems had undermined his body but not his spirit. On behalf of the City of Bari and myself, may the embrace and affection of an entire community reach your family“.
“Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia was a great mayor, capable of leading the city of Bari with wisdom and competence and of sowing those seeds that allowed the reinvigoration of enthusiasm and activity – underlined the deputy minister of Justice, senator and coordinator of Forza Italia in Bari, Francesco Paolo Sisto – His passing takes away, only apparently, a piece of the city’s history, because those years, with Pinuccio Tatarella at his side, were and will forever remain truly magical“.
“I express deep condolences for the passing of Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia, former parliamentarian of Forza Italia and mayor of Bari. He immediately joined Silvio Berlusconi’s political project and in 1995 he was elected mayor of the Apulian capital in the first direct election with citizens’ vote – Forza Italia senator Dario Damiani reminds us – He loved Bari in return, thanks to him the revolution that we all admire today began in the historic center of the city. For two legislatures he had also been a member of our party. Bari and Puglia lose an authoritative political point of reference, esteemed by all. Heartfelt condolences to the family.”
