(Editor's note: Sitma Machinery S.p.A. sent out this following letter March 20 to notify customers and friends of the company about the passing of its founder.)
On the March 19 in Italy, we celebrate St. Joseph’s day; the symbol of dedication and humility, or ‘Father’s Day’. Yesterday was March 19, 2020, and by some tragic coincidence, we lost our ‘father and founder’ Aris Ballestrazzi.
Here in Italy, as throughout the rest of the globe, we are fighting this silent and deadly virus – COVID-19 – and it has brought yet another painful loss.
There are no words to describe the anguish and pain for such a heavy loss; no hugs for the family, and no hand-shaking between friends and colleagues.
During this Coronavirus period, we are only permitted to talk to one another through the matrix of digital time, allowing us all to stay in contact, yet we are all so physically distant.
Aris founded Sitma in 1965 and has never left its side. He guided it to such an illustrious notoriety, held its hand through ‘thick and thin’, yet all with the determination and awareness that sets him apart as a father.
We should remember Aris for his immense strength and his profound integrity, after all, his word was his honor, and these are the values that distinguish Sitma. Aris was an honest man. Aris was a good man.
On March 19, 2020, we said goodbye to Aris Ballestrazzi, an illuminated entrepreneur and a symbol of humility who dedicated his life to his family — Sitma.
Aris taught every single one of us something, and the only way we can all thank and honor such an extraordinary person is by committing ourselves even more to the family he created at Sitma, helping it shine and prosper in the years to come, all whilst following in the giant footsteps he created over the last 55 years.
Source: Sitma Machinery S.p.A.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with In-plant Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of In-plant Impressions.