Slingerlands, NY Mauro Montepagani of Sarzana, Italy, was always an artist. A graduate of the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Mauro made his living making art under the Uffizzi Gallery, where he eventually met his future wife, Nina Viola of Brooklyn, NY. They were married in Florence in 1978, and resided in Albany, NY. Mauro supported his family working for the Charles Freihofer Baking Co (BCTGM Union, Local 53) for nearly 30 years, before being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in April 2012. Even during this ferocious battle, Mauro never lost sight of what was truly important. He was a genius at being kind, and was glad to know his plight may help in finding a cure for ALS. It seems fitting that such a special man as Mauro (65) passed on the evening of the blue moon, August 31, 2012. His wife and two children, Julia and Joe, were by his side. He is also survived by his siblings in Italy, Enrico, Claudio, and Lucia, and a host of nieces and nephews in Italy and America: Massimo, Michela, and Laura Montepagani; Monia and Federica Montepagani; Mateo, Marco, and Annamaria Romoli; and Michael and Rosa Nasca. Mauro's beloved parent's were Vincenzo Montepagani and Angela Grassi. Calling hours will be held Friday, Sept. 7, 5:30-8:30 pm at Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave, Albany, NY. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 am, at The Church of St. Vincent De Paul, 900 Madison Ave, Albany, NY. Contributions for future research may be made in Mauro's name to ALS TDI. Visit www.als.net/support/ InHonorOf/ for a form, and mail checks to ALS TDI, 300 Technology Square, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02139.