Bertillo Cracco, the father of renowned Italian chef Carlo Cracco, has passed away at the age of 97 in Creazzo, near Vicenza. His death has sent ripples of sadness throughout his family and the culinary community. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, February 26, at 3 PM at the Church of San Nicola, located in Olmo di Creazzo.
Bertillo, who is survived by his wife Lidia, 90, and four children—including Carlo, Nicola, Giovanni, and Annalisa—was known as a reserved but deeply caring individual. He spent most of his life as a railway worker and served as a tank driver during his military service. Although he preferred to stay away from the public spotlight, Bertillo made occasional appearances on television alongside his son, showing glimpses of the close bond they shared.
One of the most notable appearances was alongside Carlo Cracco in a 2008 advertisement for San Pellegrino mineral water. He also featured as a guest on the Italian version of Hell's Kitchen, where viewers witnessed the heartfelt connection between father and son as they navigated the kitchen together.
Bertillo is credited with promoting the broccolo fiolaro, a local vegetable rarely recognized for its culinary potential until it was embraced by his son. Antonio Di Lorenzo, a respected journalist and gastronomic expert, recounted how Bertillo would prepare bags of the vegetable, traveling by train each week to deliver them to Carlo's restaurant on Via Victor Hugo. Di Lorenzo highlighted how at one point, the broccolo fiolaro was largely ignored. “The broccolo fiolaro was considered ugly and tasteless, priced at fifty lire back then, and now it costs at least five euros,” Carlo explained during a recent interview with Il Giornale. “My father used to bring it to me in Milan.”
The relationship between Carlo and his father was characterized by love, respect, and encouragement. Carlo often reflected on how Bertillo was always there for him. “He was my guide for life. His example will continue to inspire my path,” Carlo stated, emphasizing the invaluable support he received from his father. Despite being soft-spoken and reserved, Bertillo's impact on Carlo's life is unmistakable. The chef fondly recalled how his father had initially been skeptical of his culinary ambitions, believing he was merely interested in eating rather than cooking. Yet over time, Bertillo expressed his pride in Carlo's achievements.
The death of Bertillo Cracco has prompted heartfelt condolences from colleagues and friends within the culinary world, all acknowledging the tremendous legacy he leaves behind. His thoughtful and caring nature significantly influenced not only Carlo but also shaped their family values.
The upcoming funeral is expected to draw family, friends, and well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to Bertillo, who embodied dedication and sacrifice throughout his life. “He was always there to guide us and support us,” reads the family’s memorial on the Giornale di Vicenza, highlighting the depth of their loss. The love between Bertillo and Carlo Cracco will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the culinary industry, inspiring future generations through their shared passion for food and family tradition.