Charles Spiteri, Gozo, writes:
In the thick of the Rigoletto opera preparations and the rehearsals of Leone Goes Pop, currently both under way at the Aurora theatre in Victoria, the Gozo community fell into deep mourning. The demise of the Gozo veteran Anthony Farrugia, a retired teacher and philanthropic stalwart, took everyone by surprise. May 19 marked the loss of a humble and yet great man. Anthony’s life encapsulates an inexhaustive list of initiatives towards the common good.
He was a man of enormous integrity who took great pleasure in giving a helping hand, working out problems and making people achieve satisfaction and success. His teaching profession served as a beacon towards a number of initiatives.
He was the co-founder and a long-time mentor of the huge Gozo Cathedral parish library. The library bookshelves acknowledge his extensive involvement, especially in the academic research carried out on behalf of students particularly before the arrival of the computer age.
Apart from his great benevolence and understanding towards his students – his teaching profession till his retirement from the Victoria technical school in the mid-1970s – he was a catalyst in the social and cultural activity of the Leone Philarmonic Society of Victoria. There he founded the Aurora Youth Movement and a number of various short courses to help youths in achieving success at the beginning of their working lives. He also set up the Aurora Folk Group, the first-ever folkloristic group in the Maltese islands.
Anthony was a visionary and a dedicated, altruistic man. In homage towards this commitment, the Leone Philarmonic Society bestowed on him the title of honorary president notwithstanding he had never occupied such an office in his life.
Anthony’s numerous literary contributions in local magazines and journals, including the hailed ballad of the Santa Marija Convoy, as well as other writings are testament to his unflinching patriotism.
His presence will be deeply cherished in the memory of his wife Ursola née Abela, his children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as his nephews, nieces and friends.
May God grant him eternal life.