Gianni Franchini (1934–2010)

Gianni Franchini (1934–2010)

I would like to dedicate this issue of Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis to the memory of my father, Gianni Franchini, who died April 26, 2010, of a brief incurable disease. He is survived by his wife, Lucia, two children (my sister Cinzia and me), and three grandchildren (Filippo, Sara, and Michele).

Born in 1934, my father served as an excise officer until the age of 30. After he married, he took a discharge from the army and worked as a civilian insurer until his retirement. The last years of his life were dedicated to local volunteer work related to environmental issues, and he had various institutional roles, including president of the local UNESCO Club.

A sportsman, my father loved the mountains, a passion I inherited from him. I will never forget our endless Sunday ski sessions on the wonderful slopes of the Gruppo del Sella in the Dolomites. Endowed with great vitality and energy, he loved life and transmitted this love to everyone he spent time with.

My father was neither a doctor nor a scientist, but he enabled me to become a physician and to practice the best profession in the world. The most important things he taught me were to have a positive and confident attitude toward life, and to strive continuously for improvement without ever accepting mediocrity.

Gianni, this issue of Seminars of Thrombosis and Hemostasis is dedicated to you. Please keep taking care of us. Ciao, papà.