Stefano Pagliai

GREENSBORO - Stefano Pagliai, 45, died Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at home, surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 3:45 p.m. on Monday, June 11, in the garden of the Pagliai residence, located at 2417 Berkley Place in Greensboro.

Stefano was a native of Florence, Italy, and relocated to the States with his wife, Sally, an American studying abroad, in 1985. After serving in a management position for Sears in Italy, he entered the home furnishings industry in 1993, working with leather upholstery manufacturer ItalDesign, based in High Point.

He began working at Natuzzi's High Point headquarters in 1997, and moved to Spagnesi, a one-time business unit of the former, when it was sold in 2005. There he served as sales manager for the Americas, where he was charged with developing new business. He was diagnosed with cancer in early 2006.

True to his Tuscan roots, Stefano was a lover of Florentine cuisine and enjoyed cooking. He rose early each morning to prepare espresso for himself and his wife and to pack with care delicious leftovers for his children's lunches, especially when they were younger. He was a regular visitor to the Greensboro Curb Market on Saturday mornings and often entertained friends at his home on the weekends.

Stefano enjoyed mountain biking and motorcycling. He stayed fit with regular visits to the gym.

In addition to his wife Sally, a landscape architect, survivors include his daughter, Bianca; and son, Gianmarco, to whom he was devoted and continuously inspired by; William Dinon, a best friend to Stefano for 25 years, was with him when he died; his mother, brother and sister reside in Florence, Italy.

A reception will follow the memorial service until 5:30 p.m.

The family would like to express gratitude to all who have helped out during Stefano's illness.

The Pagliai family would like to focus awareness and efforts toward creating a healthier environment to help reduce cancer now and for future generations. Memorial contributions may be made to any of the organizations registered at www.networkforgood.org

Please visit our website at www.communityfuneralservice.net