Massimiliano "Max" Giacomini

Massimiliano Giacomini passed peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with his loving wife of 62 years by his side.  He reached the age of 98 yrs old, even though his lungs and heart were compromised, due to the care of his wife Flora, Drs. Mark Siegel and David Antonetti, and his loving daughter and grandson.

Max was born in Mestrino Padova Italy on August 4, 1927, a son of the late Oreste and Olga (Danieli) Giacomini.  Brothers Adorino and Franco soon followed.

While still a teenager, Max started working in textiles for Marzotto to support his family during the hardships of WWII.  At 18 years old he was drafted into the Italian Army (Autieri d’Italia) and was stationed in Salerno, which ignited his affinity for the people of southern Italy whom he saw as warm and compassionate.  Max’s spare time was spent hiking in the Dolomites with his cousins and friends; playing violin in an orchestra; and teaching music.

Max left his homeland of Italy for a better life in Caracas, Venezuela, where he met the love of his life, Flora Fortini. He knew the minute their eyes met that she would complete him; he fell for her noble heart.  They were married on June 8, 1963, at St. Anne’s Church in Hamden, Connecticut.  Once married they returned to Caracas, Venezuela where they had one daughter, Tania.

While in Venezuela, Max worked in the textile business for the North Carolina-based Kayser-Roth Corporation, where he was instrumental in developing the Supp-Hose hosiery as a tooling engineer. He traveled to various conferences for the company, exhibiting their product and finding resources for textile machinery.

Ever enterprising, the hard-working Max and Flora also had a taxi business to provide additional income for the family.

Due to political instability they decided to move to Miami, Florida for two years and then eventually settled in New Haven, Connecticut in 1973.  They moved the family home with Flora’s parents, Luigi and Maria Fortini and brother Joseph Fortini.  Together, Max and Flora forged a successful life in Connecticut surrounded by family and friends.

At 73 yrs old, Max became a grandfather to Sage Massimiliano Giacomini, which brought him immeasurable joy. Max shared with Sage his love of music, winemaking, travel and lifetime learning. 

His loving presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will take place Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 2 o’clock until 5 o’clock at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at ten o’clock in St. Bernadette Church, 385 Townsend Avenue, New Haven.  Interment will be private.

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