WWII Partisan ‘Tempesta’ Passes Away at 99

Bologna: A World War Two Italian partisan whose nom de guerre was Tempesta (Storm) has died at the age of 99, the Bologna edition of the Resto del Carlino newspaper reported Friday. Franco Guazzaloca, a notable figure in the Resistance, was a communist, trade unionist, and factory worker whose life is detailed in a book by Federico Cinti titled ‘My Name Was Tempesta,’ published four years ago.

According to Ansa News Agency, Guazzaloca was born in Zola Predosa, Bologna, on February 23, 1926. He joined the Resistance and was recognized as a partisan with the rank of second lieutenant from June 20, 1944, until the Liberation. He served in the Zini Battalion of the 63rd Bolero Garibaldi Brigade, operating in Zola Predosa, where he was imprisoned for 25 days.

Following the war, Guazzaloca became involved with the union and later transitioned into political and administrative roles. He was active in the PCI (Italian Communist Party) and contributed significantly to the establishment of the Casa del Popolo (People
‘s House) and the formation of the Polisportiva Zola (Zola Sports Club).