Family & Friends
Where It All Began
Giovinazzo, on the Adriatic coast of Southern Italy โ the place that shaped who I am.
Raffaele grew up in the city of Giovinazzo, on the Adriatic coast of Southern Italy. Here is a selection of family photos.
Growing Up in Giovinazzo

Mom and Dad in their youth

His baptism with his sister and godmother

Raffaele as a child at 3 with his mom

Raffaele at 1 year old

Raffaele at 5 years old

Raffaele at 4 years old

Raffaele at 6 years old

Raffaele at school with classmates for his 7th birthday

Raffaele's 8th birthday with parents and sister
What My Friends Say

Antonella Petruzzella
โI met Raffaele in our first year of high school โ he has always been a pleasant, generous and friendly person. One day he told me that every action must be driven by a feeling of love and affection, that love is the feeling at the root of everything. That day I understood that there are people who still believe in these important values. Raffaele is one of the most genuine and sincere people I have ever known and I am proud to be his friend.โ

Francesco Marrano
โI grew up with Raffaele โ that's why we feel like brothers. Many important experiences of our lives we lived together, starting from nursery school! We grew up and found ourselves together again in high school. We started traveling together โ Barcelona, Lisbon. Raffaele and I share a plan to spend a month in Japan, because we are united by many interests like manga and technology. I hope this terrible story ends soon because Raffaele is a fantastic person who doesn't deserve all this pain.โ

Erica Milillo
โI called him the Little Lord for his elegance, delicacy, his sense of respect for everyone! When a friend is far away because of something that leaves everyone with a bitter taste and makes you feel powerless, it's a bit hard to bring out that smile of joy... but the memories with Raffaele are only memories of joy. This is Raffaele for me โ A Prince of Great Nobility of Soul!โ

Milko Desantis
โMy knowledge of Raffaele goes back many years: we attended middle school and high school together โ the years that in my opinion are the ones in which friendships are created that then remain for a lifetime. And so it is.โ