Tony Binarelli contacted me this morning with news he described as “painful.”  He told me Vanni Bossi had died.  Painful doesn’t begin to describe it.  The news took a piece of my heart.  I am not sure why I am writing this:  The old adage applies, “To those who know, no explanation is necessary; to those who do not, no explanation is possible.” 

I, and we in magic , have lost a profound treasure.  Vanni was an artist, a scholar, a caring and erudite collector of Italian literature.  He was a gourmet cook, an entertainer, an inventor.  He loved his son and his wife – she died too young, too.  We traveled together and drank grappa together.  Well, to be honest, he drank the grappa and laughed at me as I tried.  Vanni constituted, with Tony and a few other close friends, the heart and soul of the Italian Magic Community.  He was one of those rare, good friends who would listen lovingly, share incessantly, and give unreservedly.  He made the art and craft of magic better for being part of it.  He did the same for my life, which has been immeasurably enhanced by the honor of his friendship.  Ciao, Vanni, my dear good buddy.