On Saturday, December 28, 2023, the San Carlo church in Varese was filled with family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances gathering to bid farewell to Carlo Lucchina, the former leader of Lombardy’s health department who passed away on Christmas Eve.
During the funeral service, Don Luigi Pisoni remembered Lucchina as “a man who gave much to the city and civil society, not only to Varese but to his family as well.” The priest highlighted the love Lucchina had for his family, recalling the light in the eyes of his children, Marco and Franca, and his grandchildren when they spoke of him. Lucchina had spent 49 years married to his wife Letizia, with whom he wed right there at the same church on Viale Borri.
The ceremony served as a collective moment of testimony to the legacy left behind by Lucchina, who was celebrated for both his professional career and personal commitment to the community. Among those present were notable figures from Lombardy’s health sector, including Walter Bergamaschi, Mario Melazzini, Callisto Bravi, and many others, alongside representative officials like Varese’s Mayor Davide Galimberti, Prefect Rosario Pasquariello, and Vice President of the Province Giacomo Iametti. Also attending were prominent politicians such as Guido Bertolaso, Guido Guidesi, Raffaele Cattaneo, and Europarliament member Mario Mantovani.
The large turnout underscored the deep respect for Lucchina and the significant impact he had on the lives of Varese's residents. Don Luigi Pisoni remarked, "Carlo is remembered as a loving father and passionate person dedicated to his city and fellow citizens," highlighting the personal connections Lucchina made throughout his life.
Lucchina, who was 75 years old at the time of his death, had played pivotal roles as manager of various health institutions, including Villa Recalcati and Ospedale di Circolo. His tenure was marked by successful leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the health and welfare of the community.
His passing leaves not just personal sorrow among family members but also signifies a considerable loss for the institutions he helped shape and the many lives he touched. Members of the community expressed their sorrow, noting the void Lucchina leaves behind not only due to his professional achievements but also for the kindness and expertise he brought to his role.
Among those mourning Lucchina, many colleagues recounted stories emphasizing his managerial skills and human wisdom, both of which had made him such a beloved figure. Many attendees shared their memories, reflecting on how Lucchina’s guidance had positively influenced their own careers and lives.
Lucchina’s contribution to Varese and the broader Lombardy healthcare system will be remembered as one marked by compassion, dedication, and service. His life serves as an inspiring reminder of how one person's commitment to community can leave enduring impacts.
Overall, the memorial service for Carlo Lucchina was not just a farewell but also a celebration of his life and the rich legacy he leaves behind. It underscored the ties of community, family, and shared experiences forged throughout his noteworthy life, providing comfort amid the shared grief among those he left behind.
