AC Florence had to announce some sad news on Tuesday: Managing director Joe Barone passed away at the age of 57 after a sudden illness
“Fiorentina mourns the loss of one of its figureheads, who shaped the club’s recent history and will never be forgotten.” These are the opening words of the announcement by Serie A club AC Florence on the death of managing director Joe Barone. He died at the age of 57 in the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. He had previously been treated in a cardiac surgery intensive care unit after suffering a heart attack, according to media reports
On Wednesday, Barone would have been 58 years old
On Sunday, Barone, who would have turned 58 on Wednesday, suddenly fell ill and the match between the Viola and Atalanta Bergamo was therefore canceled at short notice.
“Everyone associated with Fiorentina is deeply saddened by the terrible loss of a man who worked with great professionalism and passion for these colors,” the statement continued. Barone “was a valued friend who always remained strong in the happiest and, above all, the most difficult moments”. Born in Sicily, he spent many years in the USA and was also Vice President of Cosmos New York, Franz Beckenbauer’s former club. He has worked at AC since 2019.
After just over six years, Florence has once again had to accept the death of an important member of the club. The then captain Davide Astori died of a cardiac arrest in the team hotel before an away match in Udine on March 4, 2018. Now the entire Viola family wants to be there for Barone’s family
