It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Chairman Emeritus of Civitella Ranieri, John Roberts. John died on June 8 after a short intense battle against cancer.
John Roberts served Civitella since its inception as both a Board Director and then as Board Chairman. His love for the Castle, for Italy, and his immense regard and respect for our Founder, Ursula Corning, were constantly apparent in every action he took on behalf of the Foundation.
His frequent visits to the Castle were always welcome and he especially loved meeting the Fellows and hearing how valid their time at Civitella was. “He always asked about the Fellows,” Executive Director, Dana Prescott, said. “He was curious about their work, their lives, and how we might better serve them. He was my first Board Chairman and it was he, really, who trained me and worked closely with me to both respect the past of the Foundation and plan solidly for its future. John was gracious, diplomatic, and well versed in the laws of Italy and the United States. In my 12 years as Director, John missed a grand total of two Board meetings, further testament to how seriously he held his responsibilities as Chair and Board Director. We will miss him profoundly in the coming years.”