Pietro Torielli dies
11/12/2013
Pietro Torielli had worked at the machinery firm, which was founded by his father, since 1957. He was credited with bringing high levels of modernisation to Torielli technology after taking special courses in footwear production in Italy and in England. This helped shape the company’s product range, which today includes technology that helps companies make lasts, design shoes, prepare, cut and close uppers, as well as soles, insoles, toe-puffs and counters.
After a number of years of success, Pietro Torielli was kidnapped and held hostage for 52 days between December 18, 1972 and February 7, 1973. Hid kidnappers released him on receipt of a large ransom. He said later that this experience made him think of moving away from Vigevano but that he had decided to stay because Vigevano was his home and he felt “a deep love” for it. His funeral took place in the city’s cathedral on December 9.
Current Torielli chief executive, Ian Paris, told footwearbiz that Mr Torielli’s death had come as a shock to the company. “Pietro has been our leader and guide and he has taught us by example in both his work and his personal life,” Mr Paris said. “He was a real pioneer in the shoe industry, a true family man and a much respected and important person in the local community and in the church in Vigevano.”
He continued: “Although our hearts are full of pain, we know that he would want us to move forward and use the positive legacy that he has left to us. This is exactly what we will do, using the same enthusiasm that he had. I am personally very proud to have known and been able to work so closely with Pietro. His professional achievements are very easy to see, but he also showed me that you can work and live with honesty and integrity.”
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