Often, I write about Ignazio and all his wonderful achievements but, today I have to write about something that is so very sad.
On Monday, we all heard the news about the sudden death of Ignazio’s father, Vito Boschetto. Each of us stopped to think about Ignazio and, how he must be feeling. There are no words that we can express to comfort the family. We can only say they are in our hearts and in our prayers!
I write about Ignazio so often that I feel a special closeness to him and, my heart aches for him. I know how sensitive he is and, I think he must be hurting a lot right now.
Today I want to write, not about Ignazio but, about his family. What I know about them and how they made Ignazio who he is today.
Over the years, as we watched Ignazio grow into a fine, young men, we grew to understand that it was his parents’ guidance that made him who he is. They are a very proud family. Hard working people. This is a trait we see in Ignazio.
They gave Ignazio such exceptional values that it only made sense he would become the good, kind and compassionate person he is.
When Ignazio speaks about his family he speaks with a passion. The deep bond this family has is exceptional. Even as a very young child Ignazio said his family shared everything. No matter what happened it was discussed with the whole family. Ignazio has said that he admires his parents for their openness with him and Nina.
This is what Ignazio had to say about his parents. “Is it the same if the images that I will never forget are …. the memories of my parents? It’s not that I’m crazy or strange, it’s right that my story would never have existed without my parents …. Of sacrifices they have made many and, big for me and for my sister but, more so for me. I do not spend days when I do not think about how proud I am of them.”
Mr. Boschetto was a man who worked very hard for his family. He was a mason, a brick layer. He worked at this job right up to the last days of his life. Ignazio would tell you that his mom and dad had worked at many jobs, and they tried to learn any trade, just to earn some extra money for the family.
In 1990 when work was scarce in Marsala, it became necessary to find work elsewhere. Vito heard about work in Buonconvento, in the province of Siena and he moved his family there. At the time only Nina was born.
In 1992 it became apparent that this was not working. They could not earn enough to sustain the family and so, after hearing from an old friend about work in San Martino in Argine, near Bologna, Vito moved his family there. This was an excellent decision because the family began to prosper with this move. They decided it was time to move into a home of their own and, so, they moved into a house in the hamlet of Guarda di Molinella. This is the house where Ignazio was born.
You will recall that Ignazio’s mother became ill with cancer and many of Ignazio’s young years were spent alone with his sister, Nina. For Ignazio, Nina is a second mother.
After Caterina’s successful treatment, she returned to work and finally everything was normal.
Vito and Caterina knew they would return to Marsala one day and, that is what they worked towards.
In July 2004 the family moved back to Marsala. Caterina’s dream was to open a pizzeria and Vito’s dream was to have Caterina’s dream come true.
Every day for one year, when Vito returned from worked, he built the pizzeria. He built it right in front of their house. Every free moment Ignazio had, he worked alongside his father so that his mother could realize her dream. A year later the pizzeria was completed.
Ignazio’s memories of this time bring him to a very important moment in his life. He always says, “If there had not been the pizzeria, perhaps I would never have started singing seriously. Because, in the meantime, while the pizzeria grew, into me grew more and more the passion for electronics and music. I had started to be part of the elementary school choir and my dad, who was more passionate about electronics than me, had bought me a mixer, a microphone and two speakers, with which we started doing the easiest thing that could be done with that: karaoke.”
Much of this story you already know. After Caterina’s customer heard Ignazio sing, he suggested he meet with a singing teacher and the rest is history. But, before the history there were many obstacles to overcome.
Lessons, many, many lessons. Lessons took money. Lots and lots of money. And so, Vito and Caterina did everything they could to get the money that was needed for the lessons. It took a lot of hard work but, for Vito and Caterina, it was necessary so Ignazio could have his dream.
Finally, the day arrived when the money ran out and Vito and Caterina were heartbroken. They tried everything possible but could not find the means for Ignazio to go on with his lessons. Finally, they found a way. They decided to make a loan. And through the generosity of someone dear to them, the lessons continued. Yes, the sacrifices were great and, many but they were made with love!
After Ti Lascio una Canzone, Il Volo came to be and, a, new, sacrifice had to be made.
Since Ignazio was underage, one of his parents had to travel with him on his world tours. The time was split between Vito and Caterina. This certainly disrupted their family life but, being the people they are, they managed to get through it. At that point the greatest sacrifice to be made was between Ignazio and Nina who would not see each other for very long periods of time. The world tours kept the family apart but, their love kept them together.
When Vito returned from the tour, he would return to his work. He never tried to make his life easy. What he did, he did for his children and would only accept their love in return.
Vito was a simple man! A humble man who taught his children to be kind and humble and to live lives that they could be proud of.
It is not every man that passes through this life that can say he was able to fulfill his son’s dream. A dream that would bring him fame.
Once Ignazio described his family as simple people. Yes, simple and loving and always ready to do whatever was necessary to help each other.
Ignazio, your father is gone but you will keep him alive in your memory. You’ll walk into a room and remember a beautiful moment. You’ll look at a picture and remember that wonderful smile that made a little boys tears go away. You’ll walk down a street and remember the first time you walked together and, he held your hand and made you understand that he would always be there for you. He will always be there for you! You will feel his presence! You will keep his memory alive with your stories of all the wonderful things you shared! But, above all, you will keep him alive because you are him! You are the best part of what he was! His unbounding love! This is the greatest legacy a man can leave for his family!
Ignazio, please accept our deepest condolences! Know that we all are praying for you and your family.
Vito Boschetto, father of Ignazio de Il Volo, has died.
Vito Boschetto, father of Ignazio, Marsala singer of Il Volo, together with Piero Barone and Gianluca Ginoble, died on the evening of Sunday 28 February. The man died in Bologna, where his son lives, due to a sudden illness that left him no way out.
Married to Caterina Licari, Vito also has an eldest daughter, Nina, who ran a pizzeria for years. A close-knit family that has always supported their son far and wide throughout Italy, making him study until the success obtained with the broadcast “Ti lascio una canzone” on Rai Uno with the conduction of Antonella Clerici, aimed at the discovery of children’s talents. It is there that Ignazio Boschetto met the other two “tenorini” Piero and Gianluca with whom he will form Il Volo, which achieved worldwide success.
On March 3 Il Volo should perform on the stage of the 71st Sanremo Festival. But confirmations are expected after this tragic news.
Covid has nothing to do with it, it was a tumor, recently discovered, but unfortunately in an advanced state, which left Vito no chance for a regression.
I do not dare to think of the infinite pain of Ignatius who, we remember, did a good part of his travels and stayed abroad accompanied by his beloved father.
Unfortunately, the harsh reality is this and Ignazio, already shy enough for personal news, lived this last period of his father’s life, without divulging the news, living the pain together with his family, his mother Caterina and his sister Nina.
The Il Volo family also gathered around Ignazio and his family, but could only watch the events helplessly.
Gianluca today published a series of their photos and the last photo represents Il Volo in a moment of meditation, with Ignazio looking up.
ALWAYS TOGETHER. What can best represent the three of them, in every moment of life, even the saddest, ALWAYS TOGETHER.
Dear Ignazio, you are always so cheerful, so joyful, but now you have the agony in your heart, your dear dad is gone.
We Volovers hold you in a long affectionate embrace around you and your mother Caterina and your sister Nina.
Our prayers reach Vito who from above will guide you in your life, proud of you.
No words can be of comfort to you, but all our affection reaches you from the depths of our hearts.
A big hug: Il Volo Flight Crew
R.I.P.
The Flight Crew staff with all the fans will try to deliver to Ignazio and his family a floral message of deep condolences and affection.
The week began with the little Chick pilot. He just stole my heart! He is adorable! You know he was with us from the beginning of the journey. I wanted to call him “Wrong Way Charlie” because in our introduction to BOIN he was going in the opposite direction from everyone else. But, as you can see, he finally caught up with us.
Ignazio’s counterpart welcomed us on this journey! He serenaded us while giving us a vision of what was to come.
The first crew member we met was the BOIN teddy bear. We followed him and allowed ourselves to be transported into the vision of BOIN. We didn’t know what to expect but, we were curious so, we got on board!
Each of us has journeyed with the Orcas and the Butterflies to the Aquarium and back home. Oh, by the way, I see some of you are still calling Coco a whale. Coco is not a whale. Orcas are dolphins. They came to be known as whales because ancient fishermen saw them kill a whale and they became known as Killer Whales.
Our journey took us to Palermo where we heard the story of Kalsa the beautiful girl who fell in love with the Moor but, soon she learned that he had a wife and children in the east so, Kalsa, cut off her lovers’ head rather than have him return home. As you know, the head became a vase which became a symbol and then a tradition was born. Every home in Sicily has a traditional Moor’s head vase!
Soon we arrived at Valentine’s Day! We met the two doves, the symbol of love! And the melting heart!
And then everything exploded!
COLOR EVERYWHERE!
We witnessed the unleashing of color on an Ice Cream cone with sprinkles! We met a new character the little one arm man. Then we met the BOIN Pig and we were reminded that Ignazio is obsessed with Ice Cream. And we ended the week with Miss Daisy. She dazzled us with her beautiful green and yellow dress and her beautiful necklace of white petals!
Finally, the little Chick pilot caught up with us and he brought along some interesting characters who he met along the way.
After Chick landed, we met quite an unusual character, if that’s what she is??? When I first saw ChupaBoin, I really didn’t know what to make of her!
And then the question! Can you be sensual without being vulgar? Can you be sexy without being vulgar?
When I saw the Black and White picture, I thought, what is that! I see the lollipop but, I couldn’t make out what else was in the picture. So, I cheated, I went to the color picture.
When I went back to the Black and White picture, I thought, this one will be tricky!
How do you invite your senses to enjoy a lick without being vulgar?
I decided to wait for further instructions. The instructions didn’t come and, I decided,
Only a lollipop can understand how it is possible to be sensual and sexy without being vulgar!
Then we were introduced to another symbol ~ the Fica d’india. It’s a prickly pear, which is a cactus. It is the Symbol of Italy. We are asked, “what is your country’s symbol?” The Rose is America’s symbol.
Have you ever seen this cactus or prickly pear before? My grandfather was from Calabria so, I have. Interesting fact, the fico d’india thrives around the island of Sicily. It also goes by the name of the Barbary Fig. Sicilians and Calabrians make a liquor from it. Liquore di fico d’india is similar to limoncello. Substitute the lemons with fico d’india. So good!
And soon another character arrives! ~Mickey Boin. Is he a character or a Crew Member? Not sure! A little clarity guys!
And the questions! “At what age do you stop being a kid?”
We know you don’t stop in your 20’s or 30’s because of the two guys who are doing these posts. I can personally tell you, you, never stop being a kid! If you do, you stop dreaming! And all your wishes disappear. “A wish is a dream your heart makes…”
Always follow your heart and your dreams! A good place to start @boincollection
And then there was Homer Simpson’s counterpart! And the question, “What’s your favorite cartoon?”
I’m more of a Mickey Mouse person than a Homer Simpson person! I only watch cartoons with kids!
The Reveal!
Soon we will understand what BOIN really is!
Now it’s time to open the box and unveil the secret of BOIN. The BOIN Winter Collection.
By the way, love the box, very chic! Nice packaging!
So, what’s in the box? The BOIN hat that adorable Noah wore and a book. Is it a notebook, a coloring book or a cartoon book? Let’s ask the Chick and the Owl.
The Whisper!
What’s the secret? Whisper in my ear.
What’s all the whispering about? Do you know what’s in the book? I do but, I really can’t say. It’s part of the reveal.
Do you know BOIN?
What I know about BOIN is very exciting! The characters are wonderful! And now, we learn something new every day!
But really, who is your favorite character?
The moment of truth!
The little Chick pilot is my absolute favorite character. Look at how cute he is. You can’t tell me he didn’t steal your heart away!
I noticed him on day one and I waited for him to arrive. There’s something so sweet about him! Like those two sweet guys who created him!
Let’s find a nice Chick for him. I meant the Pilot!
FOLLOW @boincollection for a continuing Journey that will Reveal much more to Whisper about!
Thank you, Ignazio and Fabio. You unleashed the color in the most delicious way!
This has been an exciting week on BOIN!
We started our week with Valentine’s Day and the symbol of love, two turtle doves.
The guys really got into Valentine’s Day! They used the turtle doves to draw us in and then asked the question “How will you spend this day of love?”
The turtle doves symbolize love and faithfulness, they mate for life, work together to build nests and raise their young together. Nothing more romantic than that!
Maybe Fabio was thinking about Noah and the creation of his family!
They followed that with a heart with one face. And the saying “Happy Singles party. May your other half arrive soon.” I think the idea of the post was that singles can be comfortable with their status. And if love comes along, that’s good too!
I saw the post as a heart waiting to be loved. I quoted, “I await you with such desire that my heart melts with love for you!” So, I’m a romantic!
I think Ignazio and Fabio are romantics too!
Then there were the ice cream cones. My thought is the ice cream cone in black and white left something to be desired! Could that be Color?
Finally, after a month of wondering and waiting, the Color begins!
I can’t think of a better way to express color! Who doesn’t like an ice cream cone and with sprinkles too! WOW, that certainly was scrumptious!
The colors were rich! They shook up our senses! They brought back summers on the beach and, beautiful, delightful treats!
I think the idea for gelato came from Ignazio. I don’t know how much Fabio likes it but, I do know Ignazio loves gelato and ice cream.
Time to introduce some new characters!
Our first character is a little guy with one arm torn off. “When you help others and, they take all of you!” And the question, “Let us know, in the comments, if this ever happened to you.”
I think they were trying to say that sometimes you help people and, they take advantage of you! They tear you apart!
Or maybe they were using it as a metaphor on love. Love can tear you apart!
I will say the character in black and white caused quite a stir. Many thought he was so sad. But, when theCOLORshowed up, he was a happy little guy! Isn’t it amazing what color can do?
After the question “Black and White or Color,” we found out that it was almost an even split. So, Fabio and Ignazio informed us that BOIN will continue in Black and White but will definitely continue to bring us Color! It’s only right that they should continue in Black and White. It’s their signature! The minute Black and White comes up on Instagram, we know there’s a new post from BOIN!
Remarkable that Black and White can attract more attention than Color! Bravo guys!
And, then there was the little pig. In Black and White he reminded me of an old piggy bank!
Odd that, in color, he was dripping in ice cream!
Someone is obsessed with ice cream, Ignazio!!!
Well ladies, today the guys gave us a nod! They introduced us to a valuable BOIN Crew member. In her elegant Black and White business suit, Daisy, proudly represented all of us out there!
Daisy also proved that ladies know how to have fun! After work, she stepped out in her lovely yellow and green ensemble with a beautiful petal white necklace! ! “Isn’t She Lovely!” Maybe she’ll meet the love of her life! You go girl!And you go ladies to @boincollection to FOLLOW the achievements of all the BOIN Crew Ladies!
So, the guys spent the week telling us that we can find love or lose love in many different ways!
In the person who shares Love with us! In the family we create from Love! Or in the scrumptious Ice Cream that we Love! And they remind us that Love can be lost but it can always be found again! No matter how you say Love, It’s Delicious!
Last night I was thinking about where we are in this story. We have become an important part of the story. In the beginning we were asked to open our minds and follow a story which to many of us made no sense at all. Many of you who follow my Il Volo stories, wrote to me to ask, “What is this about?” Sometimes I think that you think I know more than I do. I only know what you know. I have no inside information!
Recently my messages have changed. Many of you are now weighing in on the stories. After Coco was left at the aquarium, and the butterflies reappeared, you stormed my messenger to say, “I think the Butterflies will rescue Coco!” Good for you!
So now we are asked if the post should remain in Black and White or Color! Again, you began to weigh in. Many of you said, you liked the black and white and, many said there is room for color.
Before we go on, other things have happened this past week which we need to address.
We have a new character. Her name is Kalsa. What does this character have to do with the story? I’m not sure where Fabio and Ignazio are going with this but, I can tell you there are two things I know about Kalsa that do contribute to the story. But, of course, I’m not going to tell you what that is. I’m leaving that to the guys to tell you. But what I will tell you about the Kalsa story is this is a story about traditions. What started out as a mythical character (the Moor’s head) wound up being the symbol of Sicily.
We know the ultimate goal of BOIN is to make us feel like we are part of the project. So how do we fit into the new story? Traditions!
Traditions are what form our good values.
Traditions are important because they keep us in touch with our past and by sharing them keep us closer to our families and friends. Everything Ignazio and Fabio have done so far points to Good Values!
We also saw the BOIN watch and BOIN hat this week. First off, baby Noah looked adorable in his BOIN hat.
And I assume the watch is a Smart Watch. I have a Smart Watch. Let me say it is smarter than me! But what was revealed to us when we saw the watch? In the background of the picture, we saw a color poster with BOIN objects on it.
So that brings us back to the question: “Black and White or Color?”
To me Black and White is their signature. Their logo is in Black and White. I find it very intriguing and mysterious. You see the Black and White and there is no need to say who or what is this, we automatically know we have a new post from BOIN. Having said that, a splash of color couldn’t hurt. Perhaps slowly color will come into the project and it will reveal the end result, the project we’ve all been following for almost a month.
Until now, the figurative characters have added the needed color to the story but, in my opinion, Ignazio and Fabio, maybe it is time to add a splash of color here and there. Unleash the Color let us begin to see the future!
To see if BOIN will continue in Black and White or if the guys will Unleash the Color follow Ignazio and Fabio on their journey. Bring your friends along! FOLLOW @boincollection
Credit to owners of all illustrations and photo.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
