Scipione Riva Rocci is buried in this family tomb, in the little cemetery of San Michele di Pagana, Rapallo. The physician spent in this beautiful place of the the Tigullio Gulf the last years of his life, afflicted by progressive symptoms of lethargic encephalitis. On the tomb, there is the following Italian inscription: “DOTT PROF SCIPIONE RIVA ROCCI CLINICO SCIENZIATO / INVENTORE DELLO SFIGMOMANOMETRO NEL 1896 / ALMESE 7-8-1863 RAPALLO 15-3-1897”. Strangely enough, on the same marble of the tomb of Scipione Riva Rocci there is another name: “Dirigente Aldo Tosi 1920-1995”.
Possibly, Serafina Riva Rocci Boschiassi (1868-1947), who is buried in the tomb just on top of the scientist’s one, was his wife. Other relatives buried in the tomb are Lina Schiappacasse Riva Rocci (1901-1961), Piero Riva Rocci (1892-1977) and Egloge Sisti Riva Rocci (1897-1979).
It is worth noting that in the tomb the family name is always written “Riva Rocci” and not “Riva-Rocci”, as the scientist is often referred to.
- Photos by Luca Borghi @ (August 2010)
- Locate the item on this Google Map