It is with great sadness that the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) has learned of the passing of Gianfranco Mercandino of Global Marine Supplies S.p.A., Italy, at the age of 49.
Gianfranco was a highly respected member of the Italian and international ship supply community and had devoted much of his professional life to the industry.
He began working in the family business, Mercandino Srl, in 1995 and later played an important role in the creation and development of Global Marine Supplies, following the merger of Mercandino Srl and Eurosupply. As CEO and Managing Director, Gianfranco helped build GMS into a well-known name within the maritime supply sector.
Those who worked alongside Gianfranco have remembered not only his professionalism, vision and dedication, but also his humanity, generosity and ability to encourage those around him. These qualities earned him the respect and affection of colleagues and friends throughout the maritime community.
For ISSA, the loss of someone at such a young age who had contributed so much to our industry is particularly poignant. Gianfranco represented the commitment, personal relationships and spirit of service that have always been at the heart of the international ship supply community.
Above all, Gianfranco was a much-loved husband and father. He leaves his wife, Meri, and daughters Ginevra, Chloè and Flavia, to whom our thoughts are especially directed at this very difficult time.
On behalf of the ISSA President, Executive Board, Secretariat and worldwide membership, we extend our sincere condolences to Gianfranco’s family, friends and everyone at Global Marine Supplies.
He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered by all those within our industry who had the privilege of knowing him.
