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Pietro Ferrero Obituary
Pietro Ferrero was also chairman of Ferrero S.p.A. the Italian branch of the family-run company and the heart of the candy and sweets maker empire.
The company's press office at headquarters in Alba, northwestern Italy, said Ferrero, a cycling enthusiast, was riding a bike on his usual training run on a road in Cape Town when he fell off. It said it wasn't clear what prompted the fall.
With him on the business trip was his father, Michele Ferrero, who turned the company into an international sweets producer and invented successes including Nutella and Kinder in the 1960s and helped make the Ferreros a billionaire family that is now Italy's richest.
Ferrero's namesake grandfather Pietro started the company in 1942, supplying products for a pastry shop run by his wife, Piera, in Alba, in the region of Piedmont. Because it was hard to obtain ingredients for sweets during World War II, the elder Pietro Ferrero decided to exploit something Piedmont had in abundance - hazelnuts - and invented a confection using a sweet paste made from the nut.
The company's line of products went international under the leadership of Michele Ferrero, son of the founder, who was the driving force behind the company's international expansions, starting with Germany in 1956, and then moving into Eastern Europe, Russia and Latin America in the 1990s.
The €6 billion ($8.5 billion) revenue company has more than 20,000 employees worldwide.
Pietro Ferrero, began working in Ferrero Germany in 1985 after getting a university in biology, and then moved to company headquarters in Alba, working on technical and production matters.
In 1992, he took on the responsibility of managing operations in the European division of the Ferrero group. At his death he was CEO of Ferrero International S.A., the Luxembourg-based holding group of Ferrero Group, and chairman of Ferrero, S.p.A., the Italian branch of the Group.
The family was Ferrero's only shareholder.
The company was proud about what it called its "social enterprises." These are local Ferrero plants in needier areas of the world, including South Africa, India and Cameroon, where local residents are employed and part of the revenue goes to fund education and health care for poor children.
Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini described Ferrero as a "businessman of exceptional talent, gifted with strategic vision and deep sensibility" for Italy's overall interests. He said Ferrero "knew how to embody the best qualities of our industrial history - the continued search for excellence, creativity, the determination to compete even in difficult mome nts to strengthen one's brand to the point that it becomes a symbol."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
69 Entries
October 31, 2011
I am sorry for your loss and hope these words bring you comfort, "Ed egli asciugherà ogni lacrima dai loro occhi, e la morte non ci sarà più, né ci sarà più cordoglio né grido né dolore. Le cose precedenti sono passate”. - Rivelazione 21:4
Danielle Parris
April 20, 2011
My prayers are with the Ferrero family at this tragic time. May you be comforted by all heartfelt words and thoughts expressed.
April 20, 2011
To The Ferrero Family, Count on our love and prayers. God Bless.
The Bone Family (King George,VA)
Reed Family
April 20, 2011
My deepest condolences to the entire Ferrero Family.Such a handsome man.May knowing others care about your loss give you all a measure of comfort. God see your tears and pain of hear may He
comfort and strength you in this time of such deep sorrow. Nahum 1:7
How you can show support
Starcom MediaVest Armenia
April 20, 2011
In the name of Starcom MediaVest Armenia, I would like to express our sincere condolences to Mr.Pietro Ferrero's family. Such a terrible loss! We pray for him together with his family and with all people who loved him. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
"GG" Bigrigg
April 19, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to all of Pietro Ferrero's Family. Such a terrific loss
at the prime of life.
I too love the products, specially the Nutella.
May the promise in God's Word be your hope today, your peace tomorrow, and your comfort always. REST IN PEACE, Pietro.
Sincerely,
GG Bigrigg
Bonnie & Stephen Levy
April 19, 2011
Words cannot convey our heartfelt sympathy at the tragic loss of Pietro Ferrero. This is so sad for the family and Ferrero employees/past employees...
May G-d bless his soul and may his family find strength and peace at this most difficult time.
Scott Clarkson
April 19, 2011
May the family values you promote in your company give you all the strength and comfort to get you through this difficult time.
Nora Hajdu
April 19, 2011
Never knew who or what was behind the company just have always loved their products. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and all who loved him. Judging by the picture and his actions he surely was an exceptionally good and good-willing person. May he rest in peace and may God give him eternal life.My prayers are with him and his family.
April 19, 2011
rest in peach pietro
Sabrina Agha
April 19, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. RIP....
FF
April 19, 2011
I am so sorry for such a tragedy. May God give you all the strength you need to live each day without Pietro. (Philippians 4:13) . . .For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.
April 19, 2011
My wife and I will pray for your family and also that God will enjoy having Pietro with him in heaven.
Mark Van Vleet - Safety Harbor, Florida
Janet D.
April 19, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Ferrero family. A wonderful company to work for.
Natalie F.
April 19, 2011
My condolences to the Ferrero family and friends. I will be praying for God to give all of you strength to overcome this very difficult moment. Remember all of the good this man brought. I think this is a sign God has sent to us that all his duties were fullfilled here on earth at the early age that he has passed.
April 19, 2011
I'm truly sorry for you loss, May God grant you strength through this difficult time. I pray your pain eases and that your memories of Pietro live long in your heart. M. Lopez - Texas
April 19, 2011
As an Italian, living in the USA, I always enjoy you products.May God welcomes you, in his kingdom, and May he keep your loved ones safe.
In the name of the Lord
K Viets
April 19, 2011
My Godmother always told me that God calls the most precious of his angels home during the lenten season. May God hold him close to his heart.
Bobbie Sigers
April 19, 2011
To the Ferrero Family:
Your family has my deepest of sympathy during this difficult time. May Jehovah God give you the strength each and every day.
In prayer,
Ms. Bobbie Sigers
S.J.
April 19, 2011
I'm very sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Please accept my condolences and prayers for the entire Ferrero family. Thoughts of millions of people all over the world are with you during this grief time. God bless you.
Sonya Howard
April 19, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Sorry for your loss....
Anne Johnson
April 19, 2011
I did not know anything about Mr. Ferrero but this is a very sad story. Far too young. God bless him and his family.
Nancy Judith Torres
April 19, 2011
Que Dios consuele a todos tus seres queridos y les de la fuerza espiritual, moral y emocional para seguir en sus caminos hasta que llegue el dia de su encuentro contigo mientras ahora adornas el jardin de Nuestro Padre celestial. Ora por nosotros y descansa en paz. Asi sea.
Dianna W
April 19, 2011
How tragic for everyone who knew him, he was someone that can't be replaced......I pray for his family......Please carry on in his good name, then he will never be forgotten....God bless you ....you are in the company of Angels now....
liza
April 19, 2011
God bless you May you rest in peace...
Charlene De Vito
April 19, 2011
Pietro will be missed by all. Please accept my condolences and prayers for the entire Ferrero Family. May you be comforted by God and the extended family you have in the company.
April 19, 2011
my heart goes out to the family
June Bull
April 19, 2011
This is heartbreaking for all the family. Such a premature death will be so hard to deal with.
June & Vernon Bull
Durham
April 19, 2011
Sincere condolences to your family. May you draw comfort from God in knowing that "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots." - Psalms 147:3.
Michelle Quagliato
April 19, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ferrero family.
Robert Flood
April 19, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about your loss the loved one recently. My prayers and thoughts are with the whole Ferrero family to be comforted by God during a grief time. Pietro had a good memory to be with your family to lead comfort and strength to each other in the love. I expect all of you as family will be sorely missed him.
April 19, 2011
Words can not comprehend such a loss. My thought's are with his Mum & Dad and everyone close to him.
Ferrero Employee
Christos Savva
April 19, 2011
God bless you.
SERGIO DIAZ
April 19, 2011
Nuestro mas sentido pesame a la la familia Ferrero !!!!... Sergio y Guillermo Diaz (Hermanos Diaz) Mexico City
April 19, 2011
i did not know him personally, i only know the name. what a shame to lose such a wonderful and talented person at such a young age! god bless you all, you will be in my prayers. god bless, jennifer sousa, USA
Joel Peter
April 19, 2011
If, as has been reported, Pietro fell from his bike near the Twelve Apostles Hotel,Camps Bay,Cape Town, it will be comfort for those close to him to know that he died doing what he loved on one of the most beautiful stretches of ocean-road on earth, close to where the land runs out at the southern tip of Africa.
Annette Jackson
April 19, 2011
My heartfelt sympathies to The Ferrero's family. Losing a loved one can be difficult. I too know that pain. May it help you to know that the hearts of others are deeply touched by your loss. Although our hearts ache, we can find comfort in knowing that soon our tears of grief will turn to tears of joy when this scripture is fulfilled.
(Please read Isaiah 26:19)
Heidi Mattos
April 18, 2011
I came across Mr. Ferrero's obituary while researching my family records today. The fact that he passed away today made me feel that I was meant to read of his good works and that I should send condolences out to his family. He was far too young to be taken away from a family I am sure loved him deeply.
The fact that he was such an amazing businessman must have made you all very proud. He did alot of good while here on this Earth - it is clear that he did not take his wealth for granted - I am sure he will be rewarded now.
I know there is no comfort for those left behind except to know that he is now in the arms of our Loving Father in Heaven as you say goodbye in the days to come.
God Bless you all and send you strength. May he rest in peace....
Beverly Drumbore
April 18, 2011
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers & thoughts are with the entire Ferrero family at this time. May the memories of Pietro help you throughout the days to come and find comfort and strength with each other. He will be truly missed.
MAT. TERRY
April 18, 2011
May the almighty GOD comfort his family in this difficult time. My heart and prayers go out to the family. RIP MR PIETRO FERRERO.
April 18, 2011
May God bless and keep the Ferrero family in thier time of bereavement.
With Love And kindness,
The Shelton,Gilbert,Henderson and Darton family.
stasha garcia
April 18, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy, my heart and prayers go out to the family. bless you all
christina kenderes
April 18, 2011
this is such sad news,,,my heart goes out to his family ...i dont even know him and my heart hurts may god give the strength to be strong......may he be at peace,,,,,always christina kenderes&family
April 18, 2011
May the God of comfort, comfort you in this your time of need.
D.G N.C.
Anna Maria Ascoli
April 18, 2011
May the Lord give you strenght and comfort at this difficult time. May the love of family and friends help easy your pain. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Rest in Peace Pietro Ferrero
The Gamblin Family
April 18, 2011
When looking at the Nutella jar, it will always remind me of this young man's Smile! May all your memories and pictures help you, and knowing that GOD is Always with you, and that we all go HOME, help put peace in your Hearts. May all your BLESSINGS get you through each and everyday. GOD BLESS the Ferrero Family.
michael ferrara
April 18, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Francesca Falconi
April 18, 2011
Sapendo quanto fosse grande l'affeto che vi univa,Prego che Dio vi dia la forza por superare questo triste momento.
April 18, 2011
Deepest sympathy. Dr. Rome L. Hughes of Chrysanthemum Cottage, Cincinnati, Ohio
Hans Gruber
April 18, 2011
Kinder Candy Bars-A happy memory of my time in Germany....
April 18, 2011
The Contrucci family offers its condolences to the entire Ferrero family in this time of sorrow. May Pietro rest in peace. God bless...
Janet Marie Walker
April 18, 2011
My heart goes out to the Ferrero family. Pietro left lasting memories that cannot be erased. Sorrow is never easy, God knows how you feel and will replace it with great joy!
D. Baccani
April 18, 2011
r.i.p Pietro Ferrero.Condoglianze a la famiglia.
R G
April 18, 2011
May his soul Rest in Peace :(
David Pino
April 18, 2011
To the Ferrero Family, The Pino family sends its thoughts and prayers to the whole family through these tough and trying times.Giovianni 3:16, Proverbi 3-5,6
Gail Siegel
April 18, 2011
I would like to offer my condolences to the Ferrero Family for their loss of Pietro. 47 years old is much too young to die.
I hope that all your memories of Pietro bring a smile to your faces and to your hearts.
Rest In Peace, Pietro Ferrero. Bring some candy to sweeten Heaven even more.
Osama Henna
April 18, 2011
May God bless him. We really feel very sorrow and we will pray from him.
Lisa Lee Harp Waugh
April 18, 2011
My heart is heavy in hearing this news. May God bring comfort to his family and loved ones
Barbara Rivers
April 18, 2011
So, SORRY to hear about your loss. My THOUGHTS and PRAYERS goes to Mr. Ferrero's Family during their SEASON OF SORROW. May your MEMORIES bring each of you COMFORT in the DAYS & YEARS to come.
R Golay
April 18, 2011
To the the family of Pietro Ferrero - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Pietro will be missed by many.
M. Smith
April 18, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 18, 2011
This is so very sad. Such a handsome successful man taken away from us way too soon. My heartfelt condolences to Pietro's family & friends. May he rest in peace knowing he made the best candy ever.
Dee Della Donna
April 18, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to Pietro's family and friends. May good memories carry you forth as he soars with the angels.
April 18, 2011
Rest in peace sweet Pietro
Delores
April 18, 2011
To the family of Pietro. I'm so sorry to hear about your lost. I hope you can find comfort in John 5:28,29
Vanessa Cunha Saenz
April 18, 2011
He will be missed for many, but his memories will be always with us.May The Lord confort each one of his family and friend. I will keep you all in my prayer. God Bless!
denise gurarrantano
April 18, 2011
way to young RIP
I. Flores
April 18, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of such a loss. My condolences to Mr. Ferrero's family. I enjoy the candy, they are definitely my favorite. Rest in Peace.
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