De Vido, Dante – Italian prisoner-of-war was knighted

Dante De Vido (1920-2012)

Dante De Vido, was born in Collalto di Susegana, a small village in the foothills of the Dolomites, Northern Italy.

He came to England as a Prisoner of War in 1943, subsequently working on several farms in Lincolnshire.

He enjoyed the English way of life and its landscape, so decided twhen the war ended to make it his home.

In 1949, he met Pia Finzi, who was in England for a year working at the Dower House, Easton.

She originated from Belluno, a town not far from Dante’s  birthplace and they shared a common interest in opera. They married in December 1950 at St Mary the Immaculate Church, Grantham, living firstly at Hill Top Farm cottages and then at Blackwell Lodge, where he worked for Bradley’s Farms until retirement.

Mr De Vido’s passion for horticulture and his natural ability to make toys, furniture, tools and ornaments from anything which came to hand, transformed their homes into places of fun and adventure for his children and, subsequently, for his grandchildren.

He had a particular talent for making beautifully decorated bird tables, nesting boxes and flower tubs – which he invariably gave away, either to friends or to raise money for charity.

The couple’s shared philosophy was to help anyone in need and they worked tirelessly in the local community, supporting various charities and helping fellow Italian immigrants to settle in the UK.

In 2003 he was awarded a knighthood by the Italian government – the Stella della Solidarieta.

Pia died in 1999 but Dante carried on their work until ill health forced his move to Market Harborough, to live closer to his daughter, Lucia.