Farewell to Warrant Officer Par. Pasquale Minervini, “White Plague” of the 5th Battalion El Alamein and father of a valiant family of Paratroopers

The world of Italian Paratroopers bids farewell with deep emotion to Warrant Officer Paratrooper Pasquale Minervini, a man who left a profound mark on generations of soldiers.

The news of his passing has sparked great sorrow on social media and among airborne troops, where his name is remembered with respect and affection by those who had the honor of knowing him and serving with him.

Retired since 1992, Pasquale Minervini was known among Paratroopers as “White Plague”, his radio call sign, which had its roots in the legendary Exploration Company XI “Plague”, conceived by then-Captain Enrico Celentano, and in his hair, first graying and then completely white.

His personal story is deeply intertwined with that of the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade, particularly with the 5th Battalion “El Alamein” of the 186th Folgore Paratrooper Regiment. In this unit, three members of the Minervini family served, a testament to a rare and significant military tradition.

The Non-Commissioned Officer was indeed the father of Paride Minervini, Army Paratrooper Officer and today a highly respected national ballistic expert, and of Glauco Minervini, Brigadier General Par. retired, also of the Folgore.

An entire family in the service of the Homeland, united by the same unit, the same tradition, and the same Paratrooper spirit.

Those who had the chance to know him remember a man deeply connected to the values of the Folgore: camaraderie, discipline, dedication to service, and pride of belonging, a symbol of a figure who managed to leave a mark not only on his own family but also on the military community.

In these hours, messages of remembrance and affection are multiplying, a sign of how much Warrant Officer Minervini was esteemed and remembered by those who shared years of service, training, and military life with him.

To the Minervini family and their loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences from us and those who identify with the values and tradition of the Italian airborne troops.

Folgore Paratrooper Pasquale Minervini!