Carlo Ravizza, who led Rotary into the 21st century, died 19 July. He was 95.

Ravizza served as RI president in 1999-2000. He believed that to ensure its success in the new century, Rotary should base its decisions and actions on three criteria: consistency, credibility, and continuity. He said Rotary members were “well-positioned to serve as a bridge between the problems and the possibilities.”

Born in Milan, Italy, Ravizza graduated from the University of Milan, where he studied civil engineering. He eventually took over his father’s architecture firm. Fluent in five languages, Ravizza used his linguistic skills to expand his international business.

He was a member of the Board of Italian Engineers Association and the Swiss Engineers and Architects Association. He was also honored twice by Germany for his work in planning public facilities and industrial plants.

Ravizza became a Rotarian in 1971 as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Milano Sud-Ovest, Italy. He served Rotary in many roles, including director, vice president, Rotary Foundation trustee vice chair, and Rotary Foundation trustee chair. He also served on or chaired several committees and was a Council on Legislation representative.

Through Rotary, Ravizza worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people all over the world. In 1996, he led a trip to Kenya to immunize children in nomadic groups against polio. He was one of the first leaders of Rotary’s World Community Service program to connect industrialized nations’ resources to needs in the developing world. From 1986 to 1988, he chaired four Rotary International Conferences for Development, in Bangladesh, France, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe. He represented Rotary in global summits that addressed issues such as housing and hunger.

RI President Shekhar Mehta, who was a district governor during Ravizza’s term as president, posted on Twitter that he was saddened to hear about the passing of “Captain Carlo” and called him a “towering personality” who “motivated all of us.” 

With his wife, Rossana, Ravizza was a Rotary Foundation Major Donor and Benefactor. He received The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, and Distinguished Service Award.

Ravizza is survived by Rossana, his children Donato and Michele, and two grandchildren.