19.03.2013
Christian-Jacques Vernazza 1948-2013
We have just received the shocking and sad news that Christian-Jacques Vernazza owner of French crane and access company Mediaco and president of ESTA has died after struggling with poor health over the past couple of years. He celebrated his 65th birthday last Wednesday.
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Christian-Jacques Vernazza
In spite of his health issues, he continued his work as normal, including his duties at ESTA the European crane and heavy transport association, which he helped found and the success of which was one of his passions, along with his home city of Marseille and most of all his family.
His father Jean-Jacques Vernazza, founded Mediaco in 1942 and built it into a successful maritime freight and forwarding business. In 1973 son Christian-Jacques formed a crane division, with the purchase of a Grove TM800 - his first crane. He went on to build the business into a world class international company with a strong reputation for quality.
In a tribute, the senator Mayor of Marseille, Jean-Claude Gaudin said: “ A brilliant businessman, he gave the company that he managed an international dimension and reputation in the crane industry. In his professional life as in the intimacy of his family everyone appreciated the human qualities and the vivacity of spirit of this Marseillaise industrialist.”
“He was deeply involved in in the life of the city and very attached to his city, he has contributed economically, promoting Marseille over very many years. Christian Jacques Vernazza had a great personality and a great pleasure to be with. We have lost today a true friend. My foremost thoughts go to his wife, his children and those close to him to whom I address my sincerest condolences.”
A great family man, he leaves behind wife Joëlle and children Alexandre and Anabelle both of whom work at Mediaco, and youngest son Rodolphe whos planned to join the business once he completed his studies.
Charming, friendly and charismatic he loved what he did, he will be greatly missed by many. The crane and access industries have lost another great character.
Click here to see a tribute in the latest Cranes & Access magazine
The funeral ceremony will be held Friday, March 22 at 9:30 at the l'eglise de Cassis (Bouches-du-Rhones).
Good Afternoon Mr Editor,
Christian-Jacques Vernazza was a Gentlemen of the Old School and it was my pleasure to have known him, as President of ESTA for the last 3 years of his illustrious life. RIP Christian.
Kind Regards
Mike Ponsonby BA
John
A true gentleman in every sense of the word,
I would like to add my deeply felt regrets at the sad news of Christian-Jacques premature passing. He was a lovely man that I had known as friend since the early 1980s when he visited Shady Grove and I had the pleasure of hosting him together with J. Martin Benchoff and David Baillie.
More than just about anyone I have ever known he expemplified what makes the crane industry so loved my those who have made a life in it.
Stuart Anderson
Paul Richards
Unbelievably sad news.
que Dieu donne le repos a son ame.
Sherm
I am deeply moved to learn of Mr. Vernazza's life, family and dedicated career. The leadership and examples he set will hopefully give his associates the light and desire to keep their organization going in service to customers and their community. I appreciate knowing about this man. My condolences are sent to his family and associates.