I am not sure where you will be reading this article, these days it could be literally anywhere in the world and so I am not sure just what position a funeral service in the area holds for your community but here in this part of Italy, a funeral service is generally not just for the family and friends of the deceased but also the whole community.
Participation in death is an integral part of participation in life in a closely knit community.
The funeral this afternoon of Giuseppe Nardi, known by one and all as Peppe Nero, was a perfect example of how the community shows its respect by participating in the loss of one of its members.
The San Rocco church in Barga Giardino was full to overflowing with many people being forced to stand outside in the Piazza.
Peppe died this week after a short illness at the age of 62. In his prime he was a keen footballer and motorcyclist.
The image that most people will probably remember will be his solitary silver motorcycle helmet resting on the coffin as it was carried out of the church and into the hearse.
Local members of the motorcycle clubs and riders in the area then led the funeral procession down to the cemetery.
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