Paratrooper Pietro Cristini Has Passed On. He Was a Knight of the Republic.

Mourning in the world of Novara parachuting. Pietro Cristini, a historical figure of the National Association of Italian Paratroopers – Novara section, has passed away at 87. He was president for over thirty years. For generations of airborne troops in Piedmont and beyond, Cristini was a point of reference: rigorous in commitment, generous in esprit de corps, capable of uniting.

A life in Folgore, between service and passion

Having joined the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore” in 1960, Cristini had an extraordinary parachuting activity behind him, with over 5,000 jumps to his credit. The last one, in 2021, testifying to a passion that never knew age.

In 1999, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, a recognition of his civil and associative commitment.

The “dean” of ANPd’I Novara

Within ANPd’I of Novara, Cristini was the true “dean”: guardian of memory and traditions, but above all, an indefatigable engine of initiatives, ceremonies, training, and moments of cohesion.

After the news of his passing, messages of condolence filled the association's social media and groups: some remember him as “a special person in every aspect”, others praise “that charm that the good Lord grants to few”, and some thank him for the welcome and example received.

Testimonies that reflect, in addition to his authority, his humanity, irony, and the trait of a demanding but affectionate teacher.

Legacy and testimony

The teaching left by Pietro Cristini is made of discipline, responsibility, and service, but also of that brotherhood in arms that unites generations of airborne troops. The Novara section loses its dean, but will preserve his legacy: the sense of belonging to the Folgore, closeness to comrades and families, and availability towards the civil community.

To the Family and Paratroopers of Novara, the editorial team extends its deepest condolences.

Folgore Paratrooper Pietro Cristini!