On Sunday, March 22, the coffee industry lost an icon: La Marzocco’s Piero Bambi, a leader in espresso manufacturing, passed away in Florence, Italy, after living with cancer. 

“I would like to say farewell to our eternal friend Piero, our mentor and the ultimate example of a keen commitment and passion for life, with a quote by a poet from my native land,” says Guido Bernardinelli, CEO of La Marzocco. “‘Even the great deeds of great men come to an end, an end inscribed within their own vital spirit, and long prepared, even when it seems sudden.’

“Thank you, Piero, we will miss you.”

Bambi worked as a technician and designer after his father and uncle founded the company in 1927. He went on to become an author and create the patented technology found in the La Marzocco Linea espresso machine. In 1994, he sold the majority of the company, but continued to by serving as Honorary President until his death. 

La Marzocco’s locations in Italy closed Monday, March 23, for the day in honor of Bambi.