Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso said his friend and right-hand man Joe Barone ‘will never die, because he will live on forever in our hearts.’
Today would’ve been Barone’s 58th birthday, but rather than celebrating, his friends and family were at a special ceremony at the Viola Park training facilities to pay their respects.
He collapsed in the team hotel in Bergamo ahead of a Serie A match with Atalanta on Sunday and died in hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
“Barone left everything and his family to come here, we built a great training centre, as the Viola Park would not be here without him,” said Commisso at the ceremony.
“Joe worked all day and we spoke constantly, at least twice a day. I can only thank his family for that. Without him, the Viola Park would never have existed.
“We spoke at least twice a day, even on the day when he was taken ill. Always remember him, he will always remain with you as part of Fiorentina. Joe will never die, because he will live on forever in our hearts.”
Commisso was unable to continue the speech, as more than just colleagues, he was also very close friends with Barone.
It was when Commisso purchased Fiorentina in 2019 that he brought Barone in, having already worked with him at the New York Cosmos.
They had a great deal in common, both born in Italy and moving to the United States at a young age, but remaining connected to their roots.
The Viola Park training facilities were Barone’s proudest achievement at the club, so it is fitting that it should host this memorial service.