Gian-Paolo Biasin, Professor of Italian Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, since 1981, died Monday, August 24, 1998, after two years of courageous struggle against cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rita, and son, Giovanni of Berkeley, and in Italy by his loving mother, two brothers, and a sister. » read more »

Steven Botterill passed away on May 5, 2018, at the age of 60. He joined the Berkeley faculty in 1986, after receiving a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, and was an Associate Professor at the time of his death. He published widely on Dante and other aspects of medieval Italian literature.

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Gustavo Costa was Professor Emeritus of Italian Studies. » read more »

Catherine (better known to all as Caterina), passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. She held a BA from North Dakota State University, an MA from Berkeley, was a Lecturer Emerita in Italian. For many years she served as coordinator of the Department’s language teaching program, in succession to the late Cecilia Ross, was active in professional development and the development of pedagogical materials, and was a tireless advocate for Italy’s language and culture throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

For her obituary and guestbook on SFGate, click here.

UC Berkeley dean and professor emeritus of Italian Studies and Music, Anthony Newcomb, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 18th in Berkeley. A widely-respected music scholar, Newcomb’s research focused on vocal music of the Renaissance and early Baroque eras, and later the ontological connections between Wagner and 18th and 19th-century instrumental works.

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Nicolas J. Perella was Professor Emeritus of Italian Studies. The acknowledged dean of Leopardi studies in the United States, he was also an accomplished translator. » read more »

Ruggero Stefanini was Porfesor Emeritus of Italian Studies and Near Eastern Studies. » read more »