Dionigi Maladorno passed away on Tuesday, April 30th, after a courageous battle with cancer, a disease for which he worked tirelessly to find new treatments. He maintained his unique brand of wit and humor until the end and left this world on his own terms. He touched so many people, including many of us who were lucky enough to be his colleagues at Novartis.  His smile, as well as calm demeanor, will always be remembered.  The following tells you everything. 
"When I visited Dionigi ..., he was his usual charming, humble, gracious self. With great care, concentration and patience he made me a sublime cup of expresso using his vintage, steampunk looking, Italian coffee maker, We had a good conversation about astronomy, he being the master, and I the student. The world is a better place having had Dionigi here for this bit of time. We will all miss him."
Dionigi has left behind his two children, Giancarlo and Noelle, who he loved dearly and of whom he was fiercely proud.  This campaign has been opened to help with their college and graduate school educational expenses as they move forward to become students of the world, like their father.  The fund will be managed by a family member.