Franco Rigo (1934–2025)

The Italian philatelic community mourns the passing of Franco Rigo, a passionate and esteemed collector, exhibitor and writer, well-known internationally for his near-constant participation in exhibitions with his books and collections. Franco was born on 2 October 1934 and took part in the International Sport Stamps Exhibition in Rome in 1952 as a young Olympic collector, earning three silver medals. Seventy-three years later, he was planning to show at EuroPhilex 2025, whose website lists “1-0042 – Mr. Franco Rigo, Venice, Europe, the contagion, the disinfection … (postal history of the health office from the 16th to the 19th century)” in the Championship Class.

Franco soon shifted his focus to the postal history of the Republic of Venice, his beloved town. His outstanding exhibits and numerous books on this subject will remain a point of reference for every student in this field. In 2010, he was inducted into the Golden Roll of the Italian Philately, the most prestigious honour among the many well-deserved accolades of his philatelic career. He always shared his knowledge and enthusiasm, thanks to a great sense of friendship accompanied by strong optimism and love for life.

He passed away on 2 April.
R.I.P.