Robert Arrigo, a former MP and deputy leader of the Nationalist Party, tragically departed suddenly at age 67. Let’s look at how he died and Robert Arrigo cause of death in detail
How did Robert Arrigo die?
A spokesperson from the party has revealed that Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo passed away at the age of 67. The former party deputy leader was given a cancer diagnosis in the summer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
Arrigo only recently announced a fundraising event for the cancer NGO Puttinu Cares. The politician, who was also an entrepreneur, the head of the Sliema Wanderers football club, and a former mayor of Sliema, was honored by party leader Bernard Grech.
The PN leader remarked, “You will be remembered for your worthwhile work, for your commitment to the party but above all for your love for this nation.”
He said that despite Arrigo’s illness, they had met a few days prior and discussed tourism, the industry the MP represented for the party. Robert Abela, the prime minister, also paid tribute to Arrigo and said that the legislature would surely feel his absence.
Robert Arrigo cause of death
On October 2021, Arrigo took to Facebook to express his gratitude who sent him messages wishing him a swift recovery.
As a sign of his recovery from a health crisis that required him to spend more than a week in critical care, Nationalist Party deputy leader Robert Arrigo has made his first appearance in Parliament since the conclusion of the summer holiday.
At the beginning of Monday’s parliamentary session, Speaker Anlu Farrugia welcomed Arrigo back, prompting the in-attendance MPs to applaud their colleague. Robert Arrigo cause of death was not yet received exactly.
Early last month, Arrigo was taken to Mater Dei Hospital after experiencing pains that might have been kidney stones. He spent 10 days in the ITU before being moved to another unit, but this was because the kidney stone had infected his bloodstream, necessitating the relocation to intensive care.
Additionally, he discussed receiving his cancer diagnosis in the summer and his first few months of chemotherapy. He said at the time that he was still looking forward to life and his planned charitable endeavors. His wife Marina and his two boys Alan and Andrew are left behind.
Therefore considering all his past health history Robert Arrigo cause of death was known to be his cancer and other health complications.
Robert Arrigo: Who was he?
Robert Arrigo was a Maltese politician and an opposition member of the House of Representatives of Malta (4 December 1954–18 October 2022).
He served as the Nationalist Party’s vice leader for party affairs from 2017 to 2022.
Arrigo, a well-known businessman in Malta, attended Stella Maris College in Balzan, St. Aloysius’ College in Birkirkara, and the University of Malta in Msida. He previously served as mayor of Sliema and as the club’s chairman.
Career
As the director of Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited, a Quality Assured Destination Management Company and an incoming tour operator in Malta, Arrigo’s primary business interests were in the travel and tourism sector.
In 1994, Arrigo was chosen as the first mayor of Sliema (on behalf of the Partit Nazzjonalista), and he was re-elected in 1997, 2000, and 2003 with the largest number of votes cast in Malta, beating his record each time.
Later in 2003, Arrigo was first-time elected from the Malta 10th electoral district to the 10th Maltese Parliament, representing the Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista). He has participated in several legislative groups and committees. He had previously held a position within the party. Also, he has additionally worked independently as a board advisor for the National Tourism of Malta.
His wife Mary (also known as Marina) Arrigo was elected as Sliema’s first female mayor in 2006.
Arrigo began his career as the chairman of the adjacent Gzira club Gzira United. He immediately started participating in Sliema Wanderers F.C. In 1996, he was chosen to serve as the club’s chairman, and he was fairly successful, winning several titles.
Additionally, he was involved in a number of disputes, the most well-known of which being his tense relationship with Dr. Joe Mifsud, the president of the Malta Football Association, and other club presidents. He offered to sponsor the club when he resigned as chairman in 2008 and pledged to make a contribution.
Tributes to Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo
Soon after his death was announced, tributes started to flow.
PN leader Bernard Grech thanked Robert for the sacrifices he did for the Nationalist Party. “We lost one of our own… you will be remembered for the beneficial work you did, the loyalty you showed the party, and most of all for the love you had for this country,” Grech said, imparting his condolences to Arrigo’s wife and children.
Former PN leader Adrian Delia also paid tribute to Arrigo, who was elected deputy leader under his helm. “I don’t have words to speak. I don’t have enough strength to shout. A gentle giant of a man has left us. A charismatic benefactor who couldn’t live a minute of his blessed life without helping those in need is with us no more. The world is a poorer place.”
Prime Minister Robert Abela saluted the memory of Arrigo, describing him as a gentleman who had given a large contribution to society, in its sporting, social and political dimensions. “Undoubtedly, the House will suffer his loss. My condolences to his family.”
President George Vella said he was “saddened by the news” of Arrigo’s death. “To his relatives and loved ones, sincere condolences,” Vella said.
PN deputy leader Alex Perici Calascione described his long-held friendship with Arrigo as “a sincere, frank and deep friendship” that he shall cherish always. “Finally at peace Rob, free from pain. Thank you, for everything,” Calascione said, offering his condolences to the family.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also paid tribute to “a friend and colleague”. “He was a man who always believed in me from day one. I always found him there [for support]… from even before I entered politics he always encouraged me, as he did many others,” Metsola said.
She reminisced on her first electoral foray in the 2004 European Parliament election when she was only 25 years old and found Arrigo accompanying her in the door-to-door visits in Sliema, Gżira, Msida, and other localities in his district. “Street after street, with a smile and joke, always showing optimism… from Robert I always learned that you must never give up. Even when things appear difficult, there is always a solution,” she said.
Pauline posted,
A true gentleman I so much admired. Fly high Robert . sincere condolences to all his family and loved once. Our LORD WILL GLADLY EMBRACE THIS KIND SOUL. AMEN.
Anthony said,
What a great loss,one of the few gentlemen in the PN,go reap what you sowed,kindness,charity and true friendship.You will be sorely missed….condolence to your dear wife Marina,always standing by your side and your sons.
Busty said
Oh how very very sad. Not only the party, but Malta has lost a gentleman. A true example of an honest, rare politician. May he forever rest in the arms of the Lord.
Harry tweeted,
A true gentleman and politician! Would that our politicians make him their example. He was such a loyal gentleman! May he Rest In Peace. Condolences to the family
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.