Ambassador Baron Felice Catalano di Melilli, Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion in Obedience of the Order of Malta, who was Grand Chancellor of the Order from 1984 to 1997, died in Rome on 30th March.

Born in Catania on 24th January 1914, Ambassador Catalano entered a diplomatic career in 1938 and held important posts for the Italian Republic, among which were First Secretary of the Embassy in Washington in1945, Secretary General to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,1965, Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Councillor, 1969 to 1971, and that of the permanent role of Ambassador’s Representative to the Council of NATO, 1971 to 1979.

Funeral celebrations for Ambassador Catalano were held on Monday 31st March in the Church of St. Eustachio, Rome. Amongst the mourners who paid tribute to his valuable contribution to his country and to the Order of Malta was the Grand Master, Fra’ Andrew Bertie, together with the senior dignatories of the Order.