“I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER…” The younger brother of the Italian golf prodigy sobbed as he spoke about his brother at the funeral, every word moving everyone present

The funeral of Emanuele Galeppini, a promising 16-year-old golfer and one of the Italian victims of the New Year’s Eve tragedy in Crans-Montana, was held privately at the Church of Sant’Antonio in Boccadasse, Genoa. During the ceremony, Emanuele’s younger brother shared a deeply emotional farewell message, expressing how much he missed his brother:

“Hi Ema, to me, you were everything — my role model and my best friend. I miss you so much, I miss the laughter, playing golf together, and even when you teased me. I know you are up there now, and I’m sure you are playing golf every day. I will continue to play golf for you. I will love you forever,” the boy said, moving everyone present.

Emanuele’s coffin was received in respectful silence, attended by his family and closest friends. Among the participants were Marco Bucci, President of the Region, and Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa. Inside the church, hundreds of white flowers decorated the altar, including a heart-shaped arrangement of roses from friends and a cushion offered by his companions at the Golf Tennis Rapallo Club, which Emanuele had attended while living in Genoa.

During the ceremony, Emanuele’s aunt and grandmother also spoke. His aunt remembered him as “attentive, polite, sweet, and respectful,” emphasizing that he never forgot anyone’s birthday. She added:

“Your presence, humor, and smile will always be with us. I will try not to ask why you were taken away, but I will simply be grateful to have known and loved you. I will look for your new address among the stars in the hope of meeting you there one day.”

Emanuele’s grandmother spoke about the special bond between him and his grandfather, describing how protective he was:

“You had a protective relationship; you would scold him if you saw him smoking, even if it was an electronic cigarette. You often wanted him to come along to golf tournaments, and even if he had to wake up early, he was happy to be by your side.”

Emanuele’s uncle highlighted the shared passion for golf between the brothers:

“Golf is a sport that teaches respect, discipline, rules, and care for others and the environment. Up there, you will meet other young people, entering a beautiful course where the ball will always go straight.”

The Archbishop of Genoa, Marco Tasca, officiated the ceremony, expressing grief over the loss of Emanuele and the other young victims:

“We trust that justice will follow its course, and that the truth will be revealed regarding such a painful event. The death of Emanuele and these young people leaves us stunned and incredulous. Our first thought is for Emanuele, for the interruption of his dreams and his life cut short. I think of his parents, relatives, friends, and all of us, sharing in this shock: this death affects everyone, urging us to reflect and seek meaning in this loss.”

At the end of the ceremony, the emotion was palpable. Emanuele’s mother, in tears, embraced the youngest child and held her husband close, while the young attendees expressed their condolences. A long round of applause accompanied the transfer of the coffin from the nave of the church to the hearse. After the service, the body was taken to Staglieno Cemetery, where it will remain under the authority of the judicial authorities.