Rimini, August 10, 2026 – Today Rimini gathered around the family of Tommaso Ugolini, the 19-year-old who died last Friday in Gallipoli after a sudden illness while he was at sea. At 5:30 PM, in the church of Sant’Agostino, the funeral of the young man was held, originally from Bologna but deeply connected to Rimini, the city where his parents come from, Giampaolo, head physician at the hospital in Ravenna, and Emanuela.
The embrace of family, friends, classmates
The church was already full well before the ceremony began. Outside, on the churchyard, the silence was broken only by sobs, hugs, and whispered words. There were lifelong friends, classmates, and members of the Communion and Liberation community. Also present were the bishop of Rimini, monsignor Nicolò Anselmi, regional councilor Nicola Marcello, and many representatives of the Rimini community.
Among the embraces, father Giampaolo greeted acquaintances and friends of his son, holding a handkerchief tightly and with a gaze marked by pain. Tommaso had chosen to follow in his footsteps: after graduating from Malpighi, he would have started Medicine, with the dream of becoming a doctor. Six of his closest friends carried the coffin into the church. They walked slowly across the churchyard, while the now crowded church watched in silence. Lifelong companions, called to share even the most difficult moment.
The religion teacher: “From friendship grew mutual respect”
During the homily, the religion teacher from Malpighi and parish priest spoke, who had built with Tommaso a relationship that went beyond that of teacher and student. He recalled a Youth Student camp in the mountains, two years ago, when they had talked at length. “We talked a lot, he was very curious”, he said, before becoming emotional. “From that friendship grew mutual respect. We did not waste time.”
The friends: “It hurts to think about what we won’t be able to do”
Then the memory passed to the friends. The laughter at the desk, the silly things, the days together and that presence that, from one moment to the next, became an absence. “We would have wanted to have so much time. It hurts to think about what we won’t be able to do,” they said. And again: “We remember you for your smile, for those times you made the day more beautiful. A part of you will stay with us.”
Girlfriend Susanna: “You made me reborn”
Among the most touching testimonies was that of Susanna, the girlfriend. A farewell that was above all a thank you: “Hi Tommy, a see you later, not a goodbye. You made me reborn. You made me understand what love meant”. She recalled their first day as a couple, December 12, on the train platform, and the constant questions to manage to see each other the next day. “You were my boyfriend and my best friend,” she said.
Aunt Elena Ugolini: “Pain makes us understand the gift we had”
Tommaso wanted to become a pediatrician. Aunt Elena Ugolini instead recounted the moment when the family received the news of the death. “I called Giampaolo and he told me: Tommaso was taken from us suddenly.” Then she thanked the many people who gathered around the family, speaking of the pain but also of the value of what Tommaso left: “Pain makes us understand the gift we had.”
Mom Emanuela: “You must already be painting in the sky with grandpa”
Finally, the words of mom Emanuela, addressed directly to her son. “You always anticipated what I needed. You have always been good.” Then the most intimate farewell: “Mom’s love, now we are close in a different way, deeper, truer.” And again: “You must already be painting in the sky with grandpa. You have to help us now.”
The donations collected during the funeral will be donated to charity. At the end of the ceremony, between the church and the churchyard, the hugs of friends and family remained. A final farewell to Tommaso, before going home with the weight of a loss that came too soon.
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