Saratoga Springs, NY - Giuseppe Faustini passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Saratoga Springs, NY. Giuseppe's extraordinary life began in Ripi, Italy on September 8, 1949 to Guerrino and Iolanda Faustini. At the age of thirteen, he came to live in the United States, and quickly adapted to his new home. Giuseppe felt fortunate and blessed for the many educational opportunities afforded to him.

He received a Master of Arts degree from Middlebury College, and earned a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University, where he taught for three years and was recognized for his excellence in teaching. Following the completion of his doctorate, Giuseppe taught as an Assistant Professor of Italian at Middlebury College and at the Middlebury Scuola Italiana.

Since 1982, Giuseppe had the good fortune of teaching as a professor of Italian Studies at Skidmore College, where he served twice as Chair of the Department of World Languages and Literatures and as Director of the Self Determined Major Program. Giuseppe also taught as a visiting Professor at Union College, RPI, and during summers at the Dartmouth College Rassias Center. Giuseppe was recognized, with the Fulbright Distinguished Service Award, as a member of the Fulbright National Selection Committee for Italy and for Greece.

He treasured his academic life as a professor of Italian, and he attributed his teaching success to all who wanted to learn the Italian language and culture. Giuseppe's fulfilling academic career, for 50 years of college and university teaching, was enriched by the numerous students he instructed in Italian language, literature, and cinema. As a teacher-scholar and mentor, Giuseppe dedicated his life to disseminate Dante's la bella lingua del si' in all its aspects.  He published two academic books in Italian on Luigi Pirandello. He published more than forty studies in prestigious academic journals on Italian writers: from Dante to Ginzburg, on Italian history, and on film directors: from De Sica, De Santis to Tornatore. Giuseppe delivered more than fifty lectures at professional academic meetings throughout Italy and in North America.  During his tenure at Skidmore, the faculty honored him with The Ralph A. Ciancio Award for Excellence in Teaching and the prestigious Edwin M. Moseley Faculty Research Lecture for 2023-2024.

Although his academic pursuits gave him much fulfillment, he enjoyed watching legendary Italian movies, historical documentaries, and reveled in poignant, thought-provoking, political discussions.  He had an extraordinary memory for historical facts, literature, and politics, a phenomenal ability in mathematics, and an entertaining sense of humor. Giuseppe was quick witted, humble, and compassionate, with a cheerful disposition. He treated everyone with respect and was well respected. He will be remembered for his quiet kindness to his family, friends, and colleagues.

A frequent traveler to the bel paese, Italy, where he visited with family, friends, and colleagues with whom he was in constant contact for familial reasons and for research and publications. He loved life and he enjoyed sharing a delicious Italian meal and a glass of Barolo with his family and friends here and in Italy. He treasured playing games with his grandchildren, quizzing them on math facts and U.S. presidents and, of course, teaching Italian language lessons.

Giuseppe is predeceased by his son, Gerren, and his parents Guerrino and Iolanda Faustini. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Mary Faustini, of 48 years, his daughter Franca (Angelo) Zuppa, grandchildren Gioia and Stella (Zuppa), and Gus (Augustus Giuseppe) Faustini, brother Fernando (Pia) Faustini, sister Pasqualina (Domenico) Silvestri, brother-in-law, William (Donna) Verrastro, several cousins, nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to thank Dr. John Delmonte and the entire staff at Saratoga Oncology/Hematology, the staff of Saratoga Hospital Infusion Center, Dr. Rachid Daoui and Dr. Sergio Giralt for their excellent care and attention.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Giuseppe Faustini Book Fund or the Dante Prize Fund at Skidmore College. Donations may be mailed to Skidmore College Office of Advancement-North Hall, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or online at givecampus.com/campaigns/15020/donations/new with designation noted.