Notices
The 黑料门University Chicago community mourns the death of Sergio Corsi, PhD, professor emeritus of Italian Language & Literature in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures in the College of Arts and Sciences, who passed away peacefully, on July 12.
Sergio is survived by his beloved son, David (Linda) Corsi of Plainfield, IL; and his two grandchildren, Marissa and Christopher Corsi. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 49 years, Naomi A. Sidell-Corsi and his parents, Orlando and Adelasia Corsi (n茅e Becchi).
Sergio is fondly remembered by colleagues and students in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Loyola, where he taught for 47 years before retiring at the age of 80.
David Posner, PhD, Department Chair, noted, "Sergio was a lively, generous, and dynamic presence in our department for nearly 50 years. He inspired innumerable students and colleagues, myself included, with his love of Italian literature and culture, and his joyous pride in being not just Italian, but un vero Toscano like his beloved Dante. He is absolutely irreplaceable, and we will miss him greatly."
Sergio was born January 18, 1938, in Poggibonsi, Italy. He received a Dottore in Lettere e Filosofia (Doctor of Humanities) from the University of Florence, Italy as well as a doctorate in Italian Language and Literature from the University of Chicago.
Sergio had particular research interests in Italian and comparative medieval Literature, romance philology, Dante and the medieval world, and classical and medieval rhetoric. He published a book, Il modus digressivus' nella Divina Commedia, in 1987, and his work has appeared in journals such as Italiana, Studi di italianistica, Quaderni d'italinistica, and Modern Language Notes.
Sergio loved language and the written word, spending nearly 60 years in the practice of teaching Italian language and literature to thousands of students. While a Professor at the University of Florence in Italy he met the love of his life, Naomi, an American physician, and after their marriage followed her to the United States becoming a citizen. His passion for teaching was only eclipsed by his deep Catholic faith and never-ending love for his family.
Visitation was held Monday, July 18. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 19, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield, IL. Interment will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, Plainfield, IL. For information please call 815-436-9221 or visit
Please keep Sergio, his family, and all those whose lives he touched in your thoughts and prayers.