Alfred Vella writes:

Aronne passed away at the venerable age of 87. Born in Mellieħa three years ahead of me, this man was a real parish boy, involved from early childhood as an altar boy and an actor in comedies played at La Vittoria open-air theatre. There he learned music and used to play the clarinet.

He had music at heart and never missed an opportunity to participate with great passion on every occasion organised by the society for the locality.

Though he may have been absent, La Vittoria did well in acknowledging his part in the history of the society, in which his family was also greatly involved. His brother Alfred had been the secretary for a number of years. Aronne not only played the clarinet but composed marches and poetry to be sung on occasions.

When he moved to the choir and orchestra Maria Bambina with his cello, he found the right place to be inspired and keep composing. There he was in the company of Mro Carmel Muscat, the violinist, who was well known at the British Institute, the Phoenicia, The Arches restaurant and other centres and churches.

Together they created a spirit within the society and it was through him and his efforts that the society kept going and established itself. Bishop Mario Grech attended his beautiful funeral Mass, which he rightly deserved.

Besides religious compositions, Aronne has compositions which he created in honour of the society. For this person did everything with a passion. He showed so much enthusiasm that he made others follow him in his footsteps. Never a dull moment, was his motto.

He was greatly interested in what was going on in the parish church and in the sanctuary. He followed with great interest Bonnici’s sculptures of Judith, Isaiah, Esther and David and was involved in having these statues placed on the church frontage with the help of a primitive wrinch. He loved the parish church and did not miss any religious occasions.

Music played a great part in his life. It took him to many parishes celebrating other patron saints and national occasions around Gozo, becoming a well-known figure.

He was always available to play a part. In the Catholic Action he organised programmes and acted in comedies at the Barrakka, the Mġarr Oratory and the Legion of Mary at the Floriana school. I had acted with him. Through his acting, he made people laugh and enjoy evenings on the spur of the moment. He liked being complimented but also acknowledged the efforts of other people.

But life comes to an end to be honoured in God’s Glory. His presence is felt through his compositions.

My sympathy goes to his wife Maria, his sons and daughters, relatives and friends.