Gianluca Marcolini of Marcolini Marmi lost his life in an airplane crash during business travel in Madagascar this past October, where he was looking for new materials to keep his company in the forefront of the stone market. The crash also killed Angelo Corvini of P.N.S., a friend and colleague of Mr. Marcolini who was an expert on block selection, especially granite.

Considered a leader in the international stone industry, Mr. Marcolini was well respected by his colleagues and peers, and he made many friends over the years. Those who knew him cited his balance of professionalism and humor, and his business relationships lasted the course of several decades. “Gianluca and his company, Marcolini Marmi, have supported Daltile’s business for 20 years, and he will be greatly missed,” said Roy Viana of Daltile.

Over the years, Mr. Marcolini was devoted to bringing high-end new materials into the marketplace, which brought great success to the company. The firm expanded its sales by a total of 50% over the past four years, and it has enlarged its factory and added new production lines.

Gianluca’s wife, Ballini Chiara, is a prominent architect, and she has carried out several well-known projects. Their son, Giovanni Marcolini, is three years old.

Marcolini Marmi was established in 1960 in Grezzana, Verona, Italy, by Gianluca’s father, Calisto Marcolini. In 1974, “La Ponte Marmi” joined the organization. Production involves about 140 people, of which 40 work for La Ponte Marmi. In 2000, P.N.S., a block trading company, also joined the Marcolini group. Direct purchases of raw blocks are made in Italy and throughout the world, including Brazil, India, South Africa, Spain and the Scandinavian countries. Exports reach 80% of the company’s total output, and shipments are equally shared between the U.S., Europe and the Far East.

The funeral of Gianluca Marcolini was held at the church of Santa Elisabetta in Grezzana, on October 31, and he was entombed in the family’s grave in the cemetery of Grezzana.

A statement from Marcolini Marmi reads: “In spite of this tragedy, we will continue our work with the same spirit and strength that always distinguished him.”

In honor of Mr. Marcolini’s love for Madagascar, his company and family invite people to send a message of hope to this country:

C/c nr. 165170
c/o Banco Popolare di Verona e Novara
ABI 5188
CAB 11701
SWIFT VRBPIT 2V
IBAN IT78F05188 11701 000000165170

The cause is “For the children of Madasgascar.”