The Sammarinese Workers’ Union (Unione Sammarinese Lavoratori, USL) mourns the passing of Sisto Spadoni, the first secretary of the Pensioners’ Federation and for years a key point of reference within the union. The USL itself paid tribute to him in a statement released on Wednesday, August 19, extending its closeness to his family.
“We have lost a figure of reference, a man who even in difficult moments knew how to draw the right energy to bring home something useful for the community he always fought for,” the statement reads.
A personal and professional tribute came from USL’s general secretary, Francesca Busignani, who reflected on the relationship built with Spadoni over the years and his lifelong dedication to serving others.
“He knew what was right and what was wrong,” Busignani recalled, “and he worked hard to correct injustices. His commitment to others was always admirable — he was like a lighthouse. His desire to serve the community was contagious; with him by our side, we felt protected and safe. His kind words were legendary, and today we can say with certainty that they bore fruit. Thinking of him, of his smile, just hours after his passing, isn’t easy — there are so many memories that now hurt, but they also show just how much good he did for all of us.”
The USL’s tribute also touched on the more everyday sides of his character. “From the great battles to the small gestures, you could see the depth of his humanity. During a Christmas dinner, for example, he surprised everyone by dressing up as Santa Claus and brought countless gifts for the children of union members. Lightness was somewhat his trademark, even though he was a man of great experience, substance, and knowledge. That’s how truly great people are — they make everything look easy,” Busignani continued.
The union also recalled the discretion that always characterized Spadoni. Last year, he was asked to share his experience for the book Testimoni del tempo (“Witnesses of Time”), an invitation he initially turned down several times before finally accepting.
“Those pages, his own account, offer a great life lesson, and we are fortunate that he made an exception, setting aside the reserve that always defined him,” the USL noted.
The statement closes with the union’s farewell to its first Pensioners’ Federation secretary: “His passing leaves a great sense of emptiness, but his legacy is priceless, and we will do everything we can to honor it. Our thoughts are with his family in this moment of deep sorrow.”
