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Remembering Gianfranco Marocchino, Visionary Animal Welfare Advocate
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Gianfranco Marocchino, co-founder of The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets (NHFP). Gianfranco, who passed away on July 22, 2023, at the age of 76, leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of animals.
Early Life and Career
Gianfranco was born on July 26, 1946, in the small town of Rueglio Canavese, Italy. From a young age, he developed a deep love for animals, which would shape the course of his life.
After graduating from high school, Gianfranco joined the Arma dei Carabinieri, the Italian military police. However, his father’s untimely death led him to leave the force and return to Rueglio to care for his elderly aunt.
Gianfranco’s passion for law enforcement and public service drew him to volunteer in search-and-rescue operations and train as a prison guard. In 1966, he joined the Rueglio municipal police force, where he became a beloved figure in the community.
Founding The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets
Gianfranco’s life took a profound turn in 1996 when his beloved cat, Nikki, was diagnosed with acute kidney failure. Determined to provide her with the best possible end-of-life care, Gianfranco and his wife, Kathryn, began searching for hospice services for animals.
To their dismay, they discovered that such services were virtually non-existent. Inspired by the principles of human hospice, they decided to create The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets (NHFP) to fill this critical gap.
Revolutionizing Animal Hospice Care
As co-founders of NHFP, Gianfranco and Kathryn dedicated their lives to promoting compassionate and dignified end-of-life care for animals. They sponsored the first-ever symposia on animal hospice care, gave countless interviews to raise awareness, and worked tirelessly to educate the veterinary community.
Thanks to their unwavering efforts, the concept of animal hospice gained widespread acceptance. NHFP became a catalyst for change in the way end-of-life care for animals is perceived and provided.
A Legacy of Compassion
Gianfranco’s legacy extends far beyond NHFP. He was a passionate photographer, capturing countless moments of joy and love shared between humans and animals.
His beloved dog, Anastasia, became a neighborhood icon, bringing happiness to everyone she met. Together, Gianfranco and Kathryn cared for numerous cats, squirrels, and other animals, creating a sanctuary of compassion on their property.
Gianfranco’s unwavering belief in the importance of animal welfare inspired countless others to make a difference in the lives of animals. He will be remembered as a visionary leader, a compassionate caregiver, and a true friend to all creatures great and small.
Honoring Gianfranco’s Memory
In honor of Gianfranco’s extraordinary life, NHFP encourages donations to the organization or to other animal charities. Your support will help continue his legacy of providing comfort and care to animals in their final days.
A formal police escort will accompany Gianfranco’s urn and funeral procession to St. Dominic’s Church in Benicia on Friday, August 9. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at Bella Siena in Benicia.
Join us in celebrating the life of a man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place for animals. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
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