Luigi Camillo Minoletti

On the afternoon of an impending full moon, the best hairdresser on either side of the Atlantic slipped away.

Luigi Camillo Minoletti was born on September 13, 1945 in Cannero Riviera, a quaint little village that hugs the shores of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy. His parents Dante and Olga Minoletti raised six children; Luigi was the youngest and the only boy.

Warm and welcoming, yet private at heart, Luigi moved through life with the presence of a soft breeze, carrying a quiet mystery woven into his Italian verve. 

Although his early years were challenging after the loss of his father when he was just five years old, Luigi never allowed obstacles to derail him. He built a successful life upon a foundation of hard work, curiosity, creativity, and passion. 

When he came of age, his love of history inspired him to travel the world. He became fluent in French and English, as well as a bit of Spanish and Portuguese. Luigi had style and panache, dressing confidently in bright colors, including a favorite pair of blue velvet shoes he purchased in Sicily. 

He discovered his calling when he attended the Academie de Coiffure in Lausanne, Switzerland, and took his skills to the best salons in Milan and then London, where he opened and operated two shops. Luigi devoted his life to his work—the art of haute couture hair styling. He was a superstar in the salon; his clients raved about him.

And it was his destiny to meet the love of his life when a tall blonde randomly walked into his London salon while she was traveling with her tour group. Holly Walker was struck by Luigi’s brilliant blue eyes, witty sense of humor, and irrepressible personality. Luigi knew he had to get to know this lovely American. A long-distance romance turned into a 31-year marriage and their greatest gifts were each other.

In 1994, Luigi started his new life in the United States, following Holly to New London, New Hampshire, where she worked as a travel agent. Luigi opened a new salon in the area and became a local legend in hair styling. In 2001, Luigi became a U.S. citizen because voting was very important to him. 

Together, the couple traveled extensively providing escorted tours throughout Europe and the U.S. They (and their tour guests) especially loved their trips to Italy. Luigi’s village of Cannero was always close to his heart—he enjoyed sharing stories about his native land with others. Whenever he returned to Italy, he always made time to reconnect with Marco, his childhood friend — they would sip espressos at the local coffee bar and catch up as if no time had passed.

Luigi enjoyed photography, art, music of many genres, cooking, and of course cars. He was easily spotted around town in his Alfa Romeo, which he loved driving. In 2004, when the Red Sox won the World Series for the first time since 1918, he drove to Boston late that night just to experience the thousands of fans celebrating in the streets, even though he didn’t really care for baseball.

Luigi lived his life with joy and compassion, and above all, he was a humble man, grateful for his family and friends. He will be missed. 

Ciao, Bello.

He is survived by Holly Walker, his wife of 31 years; his three daughters: Annabel Minoletti and partner Ivor McKay; Cristina Minoletti; and Katrina Minoletti and partner Ryan Barlow; his first wife and mother of their daughters, Ruth Minoletti; his grandchildren, Marisa Ralph and husband, Bradley; Toby and Oscar Barlow; and Taya McKay, all from England.

His only remaining sibling is 96-year-old Rosa Maria Porta of Lausanne, Switzerland, who called Luigi her "Fratello Bello" or handsome little brother. 

He is also survived by His brothers-in-law -- Wade Walker and wife Debbie of Sutton, NH; Daniel Walker of S. Danbury, NH; and Nathan Walker and wife Kathryn of New London, NH; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 at Lake Sunapee Country Club, New London, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take a moment to open your heart, reach out your hand, and pour a little more love into the world.