Guido de Marco respected, praised, admired

Former President Guido de Marco, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 79, held the respect of many people from all backgrounds and political affiliations. MaltaToday spoke to people exiting the Palace in Valletta, their comments filled with nothing but praise and admiration.

Mario Camenzuli, 59, of St Julians, said “I came to pay my respects to a person who gave a lot to Malta, he brought reconciliation during difficult political times that I lived through, he was a visionary national and remained active throughout his years.”

Tania Sciberras, 62, of Birkirkara, who got advice on personal matters from the former President, said “He was an honourable man (ragel fuq l-irgiel), who contributed a lot to his party and his country, always bringing people together and a humble man for the power he possessed.”

Josephine Micallef, 65, from Valletta, said she enjoyed a friendship with the man, and praised him for being “a good listener capable of solving problems, and with good political ideals.” 86-year old Carmelina Grech, from Ibragg, said “I knew him politically, and admired his eloquence, wisdom, his patriotic sense and his interest in Malta and the Maltese.”

Former councilor of the Zurrieq local council Mario Sammut, 57, of Zurrieq, who said de Marco worked close to the people, described a personal encounter he had with the former president. “We were on the same flight in 1998, and sat near each other; he had just ended a tiring trip of meetings with dignitaries to convince them that Malta deserves a place in the EU, in fact he slept half way through the flight and couldn’t stop apologizing afterwards.” Sammut added that part of the merit of de Marco’s success is due to his family’s support, especially that of his wife Violet de Marco. “As they say, behind a great man is an even greater woman and Violet deserves a lot of merit for her support.”

Alfonso Cauchi, 64, of Santa Venera, who worked with de Marco while serving in the police force, said “I thank de Marco, for what he did with Malta; he saved this country from civil war.”

Guido de Marco first contested the 1962 elections with the Partit Demokratiku Nazzjonalista and then joined the Nationalist Party, winning election to Parliament in 1966 and was returned to Parliament at every General Election until 1998. His popularity extended beyond the Nationalist party, as explained by Alex Gauci, 48, of Zabbar. “Even though we had different political ideals, I still consider him to be a great politician, who worked hard and suffered for his beliefs when Malta was going through difficult times.” Gauci continued that in times like these, “No political colour or view should cloud one’s judgment; that will show great inflexibility. Everyone needs to unite to say their last goodbyes to an ex President.”

Apart from his great success as a politician, de Marco was also praised for his ways as a family man. Joanna Kuilboer, 49 and Pat Azzopardi, 40, both from Valletta, said they were struck by his humble ways as a man dedicated to his family. “He was a man of class, and I felt proud to be Maltese whenever he represented Malta overseas,” Azzopardi said.

De Marco also appeared to be an avid wedding lover, as MaltaToday spoke to two different people who selected him as their witness. Josanne Borg Scerri, 44 of Valletta, said “He was a family friend, and a witness at my wedding; a unique, warm and genuine person who won’t be forgotten politically and personally.” Paul Spiteri, 83, of St Julians, also explained how de Marco was a witness at his wedding, adding “He had a great career, and exemplary president.”

Actor Mario Micallef, 62, from Valletta, who was also paying his respects to de Marco, said “He was a person of perseverance, respect and fought for what is right. Those too young to know him will read and learn about what he did, how he fought for justice and freedom, and his memory will never be forgotten. Malta lost a great statesman.”

Prof. Guido de Marco was born in Valletta, Malta on July 22, 1931, and was educated at St. Aloysius' College and the University of Malta. He graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in 1952, in Philosophy, Economics and Italian and in 1955 as a Doctor of Laws.

He was married to Violet (née Saliba), and had three children: Mario, who is parliamentary secretary for tourism, and two daughters, Gianella and Fiorella, all members of the legal profession.