Alessandro Veneziani

Alessandro Veneziani was born on May 25, 1969, in Seriate, in the province of Bergamo, Italy. He died unexpectedly on September 9, 2026, in Decatur, Georgia, at the age of 57.

Alessandro was a devoted father, husband, professor, and friend, as well as an internationally respected mathematician. He brought extraordinary energy and curiosity to everything he loved. He could be direct and sometimes wonderfully stubborn, but beneath that exterior was a generous man who gave his time, ideas, and care freely to others.

Alessandro grew up in Bergamo with his parents, Gloria Bonfanti Veneziani and Franco Veneziani, and his siblings, Andrea and Chiara. He spent many childhood summers with his grandparents in Songavazzo, a mountain village he loved throughout his life. In the courtyard where he grew up, he played with the neighborhood children, told them stories on summer evenings, and shared his love of rock music and the guitar. Even as a young man, Alessandro enjoyed teaching others what he knew and looking out for them.

He studied electronic engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan. His father died when Alessandro was close to graduating. Alessandro went on to earn a doctorate in applied mathematics from the University of Milan under the guidance of renowned mathematician Alfio Quarteroni, who became a second father to him. He taught and conducted research at the University of Verona and later at the Polytechnic University of Milan, where he became an associate professor.

In 1999, Alessandro became a father to Anna, and three years later to Emma. From the very beginning, he was a loving and affectionate dad. They shared many happy and unforgettable moments, especially on their travels together and during summers in Songavazzo. As they grew up, he supported them at every stage of their lives and passed on his love of learning, encouraging them to pursue their studies with passion and dedication.

In 2007, Alessandro joined the mathematics faculty at Emory University, becoming a full professor in 2015. Decatur and Emory soon became a second home to him. Several students and collaborators from Italy followed him to Atlanta, carrying forward the close bonds of the community they had built in Milan. Alessandro welcomed new students into that circle over the years, making it a home for others as well.

Alessandro spent his career finding ways for mathematics to help answer difficult medical questions, particularly those involving the heart and blood vessels. He brought mathematicians, engineers, and physicians together to work on problems that mattered to patients. His research was cited more than 11,000 times by other scholars, reflecting his influence around the world. He believed in his students, challenged them, and gave generously of himself to help them grow. He was loved and respected by his colleagues and gave his energy to the many communities he helped build.

Alessandro and his wife, Manuela, met at Emory. They recognized in each other a restless spirit. That restlessness was not always easy, but together they turned their energy toward wonderful projects and adventures for their family. Their life together also taught them to meet others with forgiveness and to live each day with enthusiasm and love.

At home, Alessandro made breakfast for Manuela every morning. He loved taking Eleonora and Julia on bicycle rides along Atlanta's trails, exploring new paths and sharing his love of nature with them.

Deep Purple was Alessandro's favorite band. He was also a devoted supporter of Atalanta, following his team and joining conversations with fellow fans even from thousands of miles away. He bought Atalanta shirts for the whole family so they could share in the team he loved.

Above all, Alessandro loved his four daughters: Anna, 27, and Emma, 24, from his previous marriage to Laura, and Eleonora, 6, and Julia, 4, with Manuela. He is survived by his wife, Manuela Manetta; his four daughters; his mother, Gloria Bonfanti Veneziani; and his siblings, Andrea and Chiara Veneziani.

Alessandro's family, friends, students, and colleagues will remember his sharp mind, his candor, his adventurous spirit, his generosity, and the wholehearted way he loved.