Claudio Graziano, president of Fincantieri, was found dead at 9.50 in his home in Rome, in Porta Metronia. His already lifeless body was found by a policeman from his escort who had a key to his apartment.
Graziano, former chief of staff of defense and president of the military committee of the European Union, was lying on the bed. Near the body a gun and a note. The coroner, the magistrate on duty and the police were on site. According to initial findings, he shot himself in the head, perhaps during the night between Sunday and Monday.
Who was Claudio Graziano
Graziano had recently lost his wife. Born in Turin in 1953, Graziano attended the Military Academy of Modena, then continuing his specialization in the military field. After many missions in 2005 he was also commander of the “Kabul” multinational brigade in Afghanistan, with consequent operational responsibility in the province of Kabul until 6 February 2006, when he had already advanced to the rank of division general on the previous 1 January.
On 29 January 2007 the Secretary General of the United Nations appointed him commander of the force and head of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, therefore also with responsibility for the civilian component. He held this position for three years, on 10 February 2010 he was appointed head of cabinet of the Minister of Defense Ignazio La Russa. On 14 October 2011, the appointment of Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, then that of Chief of Defense Staff and then the command of the Italian armed forces from 28 February 2015 to 5 November 2018. Finally, the experience as president of the Committee military of the European Union, before Fincantieri.
Fincantieri’s condolences
The news of his death had immediate repercussions on Fincantieri’s stock, which was declining. Having heard the news, Fincantieri expressed “immense sorrow for the sudden passing” of General Claudio Graziano, “which leaves a great and unbridgeable void”.
In a note “the CEO and general manager Pierroberto Folgiero, the Board of Directors, the board of statutory auditors, the managers and all the employees of Fincantieri remember with emotion the extraordinary human and professional qualities that have always distinguished him in his long career”.
“Today not only a great leader died, who dedicated his entire life to Italy, but also a great manager and a great friend. – added Folgiero – In addition to the institutional figure, I will greatly miss the private person, the his rigorous vision of the country and of life, of the importance of
courage and friendship as the true values that are needed to win all battles. Like the one for his great love, his wife Marisa, who
he defended himself for years from the disease, and which he lost only a year ago”.
The mourning of politics
There were also many messages from the world of politics. “I am shocked by the news of the tragic passing of General Claudio Graziano. An upright servant of the State leaves us, who throughout his life brought honor to the Nation, the Armed Forces and the Institutions with dedication, competence and professionalism. I would like to address, to my name and that of the entire Government, condolences and closeness to his family and loved ones”, the condolences of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“The passing of General Claudio Graziano leaves me speechless. He was a friend and was an extraordinary officer who honored Italy even in his European roles. May a prayer accompany him on the journey to reach his bride”, he wrote on X Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
“I am shocked by the news. A great Italian, an extraordinary soldier who brought prestige to Italy in the world, a very dear friend for me and my family. Nothing led us to suspect that he might take his own life”, the message from the president of group of Brothers of Italy in the Senate, Lucio Malan.
“I am shocked by the sudden death of General Graziano. A servant of the State, a pro-European Piedmontese, a friend. Goodbye Claudio, rest in peace”, the message from the EU commissioner for the economy Paolo Gentiloni.
