A dedicated member and president of the Paolo Grassi Foundation, Franco Punzi, passed away on Feb. 17 from a pre-existing illness.

The Paolo Grassi Foundation organizes the Valle d’Itria festival which is coming up on its 49th year. Last season they presented Forzano’s “Delitto e castigo,” Bellini’s ‘Beatrice di Tenda,” Opera italiana” by Nicola Campogrande, and “Il Xerse” by Francesco Cavalli.

Punzi was heavily involved in his community serving as mayor of Martina Franca for thirteen years starting in 1975. He had held numerous institutional positions including the presidency of Federmusica and the Italian association of city and regional councils in Europe.

There will be no public service.