Familie De Simone
Sergio's father, Eduardo, passed away in 1964 without ever knowing the fate of his son. In 1983, Sergio's mother, Gizella de Simone, learned about the crimes at Bullenhuser Damm and attended the memorial service in Hamburg on April 20, 1984.
Gizella refused to believe that Sergio was dead and held onto the hope that he was still alive until her passing in 1988. Her son Mario, who was born after the war, along with his wife Clotilde and their son Edoardo, regularly attend the April 20th memorial service. Also often present are her cousins, Andra and Tatiana Bucci.
Andra and Tatiana Bucci have made it their mission to share their family story. They published their memoir, "Always Remember Your Name", and regularly accompany school groups to the Auschwitz memorial site. As contemporary witnesses, they also speak to students in schools across Italy, sharing their experiences and the fate of their family. In early March 2022, they were awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for their dedication.
