Giorgio Parodi

Giorgio Parodi was born in Venice on June 11, 1897, where his family had temporarily moved its business. From his childhood, Giorgio was reserved, strong in his principles and work oriented. He always performed as an excellent aviator, as testified by his flying record and victories in international competitions, the speed record established in 1939 and the six medals for military bravery at war. He established the Flying Club of Genoa, of which he was an outstanding flying instructor and the Rowing Club Moto Guzzi.
Belonging to a distinguished family of shipowners, he performed as a brilliant entrepreneur. He volunteered to take part in World War 1, flying the Italian Royal Navy seaplanes; then, in the '20 and '30, he boosted up his two preferred emotions: aircraft and motorcycles.
In 1921 he established in Genoa 'Moto Guzzi Joint-Stock Company' related to "manufacturing MOTOGUZZI and selling of motorcycles and each other activity related to engineering industry".
Stakeholders of the company are Emanuele Vittorio Parodi (his father and shipowner), Giorgio himself, his cousin Angelo, Gaetano Belviglieri (trustworthy man of the Parodi's) and Carlo Guzzi, his mechanic at the Flying Squadron. Giovanni Ravelli, Giorgio's good friend and Squadron pilot, should have been part of the founding 'trio', but he was killed in 1919, August 11, during a test flight. In his memory, Giorgio decided to adopt 'the golden eagle', the aviators insignia, as the 'Moto Guzzi' logo.
Since its establishment until 1957 (year in which racing was abandoned) Moto Guzzi will sum up 3329 victories in official competitions, 14 World Championships, and 11 Tourist Trophy Titles, in addition, a lot of cutting-edge models were launched on the market; they have changed the motor craft art and made the history of Italian motorcycling.
In 1928 he established the Flying Club of Genoa, whose Flying School bears his name. He performed in many air displays at Lido di Albaro, taking young generations of flyers to the sky, becoming in short time a distinguished and esteemed reference amongst aviators at national and international level.
In 1929 he established the 'Rowing Club Moto Guzzi', proud enterprise of a territory where the company brought prosperity, passion, and excellent performances, with many athletes who scored victories and Olympic titles. In the same year, Giorgio joins the newly established Italian Royal Air Force and carries out civilian flying and military training; at the same time, he successfully leads the Moto Guzzi to establish a legendary reputation as the 'Moto dell 'Aquila', either with a strong and effective industrial development and as a winning brand in national and international races and trophies.
I Elena Caisn Autumn 1935, recalled to active service, he leaves to take part in East Africa military operations where, as a pilot at 105 Flight, performs recognition and close air support missions at the front line. He returns to Italy in June 1936.
In 1937 he gets married to Elena Cais of Pierlas, from whom he has three sons.
At the outbreak of World War Two, Giorgio is again recalled on duty; he is badly wounded during a search and rescue mission of a comrade pilot, missing in action; he recovers but must cease the service and declared permanently 'unfit to fly' because of a severe eye injury.
Discharged from the military in 1943, he comes back to lead his company in Mandello. In such hard time, he was able to negotiate with the German military Command, avoid the deportation of Guzzi workers, having them declared 'indispensable' to the production of military equipment. At the same time, and taking risks, Giorgio supported the National Liberation Committee (CLN), again negotiating with the Allied Command to preventing the aerial bombardment of the industrial compound. therefore, he was able to protect workers and their families, assuring at the same time the line production.
Today the workers, belonging to the CLN who gave their life, are remembered on a headstone at the entrance of the industrial compound, in Mandello.
Together with his brother Enrico, he led Moto Guzzi until 1955. The year before, Elena, hisIl Varo della M/N Giorgio Parodi beloved wife, had passed away. It was such a terrible stroke. He died in Genoa August 18, 1955, at the age of 58 y.o. Andrea and Roberto, his two sons, passed away at young age. His daughter Marina, married to Alberto, is mother of Elena and Giorgio and grandmother of Alessandro and Arianna.
Giorgio Parodi, whose nickname was 'Lettuce', to underline his understatement attitude and humble character, has played an important connecting role between the civil society and the military world. He scored many successes in his entrepreneurial activity and carried out always with courage and generosity his duty, in peace and at war; he showed, through his straight and sober character, so much typical in Liguria neighborhood, his qualities as visionary leader of innovation and outstanding citizen.
In 1945 he is nominated president of the EVP (Emanuele Vittorio Parodi), the navigation company founded by his father.

“La Moto Guzzi”
Genoa celebrates Giorgio Parodi, entrepreneur, and aviator, belonging to a famous shipowner family, on a special occasion of the 100 Jubilee of the foundation of 'Moto Guzzi' (the notary act was signed in Genoa on March 15th, 1921).
Starting May 14, at the same time of the 'Rolli Days' Tour, the guided visitPrototipoGP around the most famous historical Palasts in Genoa, with the exhibition at 'Palazzo Tursi', venue of Genoa Municipality, of the "GP" motorcycle prototype. Then, the official presentation of "Le ali dell'Aquila", a very rich book on Giorgio Parodi's very intense life (Tormena Publisher), at the 'Salone di Rappresentanza" of the same location. Then the video "Rolli Days Live and Digital" produced by Genoa University and about some 'interactive' tours "GP, following the Eagle" by 'Associazione TeA Turismo e Ambiente' and then the unveiling of the statue of this great citizen of Genoa.
Due to the pandemic emergency, some happenings have been moved to 2022. The most important and attractive is "Mondo Moto Guzzi" followed by another not-to-be-miss event, 100X100 , one hundred historical ASI (Automotoclub Storico d' Italia) motorcycles for 100 years.
A gala dinner and a concert at prestigious 'Carlo Felice' Theater will close GP Days on May 15, 2022, after a great and exciting air show to pay tribute to one amongst the greatest aviators of Italy.

Moreover, a quick glance to the near future. The 100 Jubilee of the Italian Air Force, on March 28, 2023, is fast approaching. Therefore, the Air Force Association of Genoa will support the celebration of Captain Giorgio Parodi, referred as ideal testimonial to pay tribute to all the aviators from Liguria, of any gender and rank, who, in peace and at war, served the Nation as citizens, military and civilian personnel 'under the insignia' of the Italian Air Force, celebrating her first 100 years.

(Testo e immagini tratte dall’Associazione Giorgio Parodi)