Yesterday, Sunday, June 5, Roberto E. Wirth passed away suddenly at the age of 72. Fifth generation of a Swiss family of hoteliers and profoundly deaf since birth, Roberto Wirth always had a dream since childhood: to run a completely independent hotel and become a respected hotelier.
Thanks to his determination, always keeping his goal in mind, he succeeded in making his Hassler an icon in the International hospitality business. The Hassler has always been his passion as well as his home. With his motto “Never give up,” over the years he managed to develop the family business and expand its portfolio: Il Palazzetto in Rome, Parco del Principe in Tuscany, Borgo Bastia Creti in Umbria, and Hotel Vannucci in Citt della Pieve, also in Umbria.
“My five jewels,” he would say. These were and forever will be Mr. Wirth’s treasures.
His education and training started in Milan, at the Stresa Hospitality School, followed by experiences at Cornell University which allowed him to become the great man and entrepreneur we all knew. Brilliant, attentive, and forward-thinking, he has never ceased his personal commitment both to his city of Rome, where as president of the Via Sistina-via F. Crispi Association he has always fought for the redevelopment and decorum of the historic center, and to his non-profit organization, the Assistance Center for Deaf and Deafblind Children (CABSS).
Since 2004, his foundation CABSS has been supporting deaf and deaf-blind children from newborn to 6 years old as well as their families. Sharing his personal achievements in his biography Silence was my first friend, he carried his message forward: “Always look ahead with determination and confidence. Everything is possible in life and, with commitment, everyone can make it. We, deaf people can do everything but hear.” In 1992, he established a Fulbright – Roberto Wirth scholarship giving young both deaf and hearing graduates the opportunity to specialize at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Gallaudet University is the only bilingual (American Sign Language and English) university in the world that is also accessible to deaf and deaf-blind students.
The best way to honor his memory is to treasure his life and how he led by example, cultivating values of humanity, responsibility and open-mindedness. His children Veruschka and Roberto Jr will now carry on their father’s legacy with the utmost pride.
ABOUT HOTEL HASSLER ROMA
Set atop the Spanish Steps and featuring a panoramic view of the entire city, Hotel Hassler Roma is owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty. For more than a century, Hotel Hassler Roma has continued its legacy as Romeߣs five-star lodging of choice for the worldߣs elite and discerning travelers. Each of the 87 rooms, 21 of which are suites, is individually designed with an elegant combination of classic and contemporary touches. Highlights include the Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, Im&#e0;go, the Salone Eva and Palm Court restaurant and the Hassler Bar, as well as the neighboring, Hassler-owned Il Palazzetto, a hotel, wine bar and special event space.
