Sisto, the music man of Vergemoli has died. To many, including me, he was the heart of Vergemoli. I’m not sure of his age, but he would have been around 90.
We no longer own Casa Debbio, the house we built in the village, but Sisto was always present in the 15 years we were involved there.
Sisto was very shy, but he did allow me to take his photo in 2013.
He lived a a house directly below Casa Debbio. We could only see it in the winter when the trees were bare, and then only glimpses.
The first time I became aware of Sisto was when I visited the building site of Casa Debbio and I came upon the builders laying bricks to the sound of tango music.
On investigation I found out that Sisto had speakers under the eaves of his house and on afternoons when the mood took him he liked to play music. He had old records with traditional Italian music, but tango seemed to be his favourite.
I walked down to find his house.
There were dozens of speakers under the eaves.
Once, several years ago, I went with a friend to Trassilico, a town on the other side of the valley from Vergemoli. We were surprised to hear Sisto’s music each time we came to a gap in the buildings. The speakers worked very well.
Sisto was a woodcutter and wood worker. His wood cutting equipment was originally powered by a waterfall behind his house. Most of the time I knew him he was still working and helped us on several occasions at Casa Debbio. I often saw him on the path to the house cutting and carrying huge loads of wood. He was small, but he was strong.
It was always wonderful to see the surprise on our visitors faces to hear music suddenly filling the valley. It was delightful and a huge part of the charm of Vergemoli.
Sisto will be missed. I truly hope that his music is not lost, that someone will keep his legacy alive and turn the music on sometimes.
Deb, I always enjoy your stories of ‘locals’ in your village and near-by villages. Sisto sounds an interesting and important contributor in the community. I am sure he will be missed, tho 90 is a grand age.
By: Dianne Cant on January 10, 2026
at 10:38 pm
Sisto was a lovely part of our time at Casa Debbio. I loved his music in the afternoons.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 10, 2026
at 10:43 pm
What a lovely tribute to Sisto.
By: Laura H on January 10, 2026
at 10:57 pm
I loved hearing Sisto’s music and seeing him sometimes cutting wood. It is a big loss for the village.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2026
at 12:39 am
Nice story – that’s a lot of speakers!
By: karenincalabria on January 10, 2026
at 11:48 pm
I have heard there are 100 speakers! I didn’t count them.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2026
at 4:39 am
Sorry to hear of Sisto’s passing. When we stayed at Casa Debbio it was the highlight of our day sitting back and listening to his music. I remember you telling us about him and all of the speakers he had at his home. Like you, I hope the tradition continues. RIP Sisto
By: Karen Cottier on January 11, 2026
at 12:09 am
I loved it too. I always tried to be outside when he was playing music. I have a couple of videos on Instagram with the view and music.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2026
at 12:40 am
A lovely tribute Deb. While we didn’t have the pleasure of his music when we visited we certainly can imagine how moving it was coming up the valley. Sisto has left some great memories for you. I loved the photo of his house. RIP Sisto.
By: Christine on January 11, 2026
at 12:37 am
Towards the end of his life he played his music less often. In the early days of Casa Debbio it was most days. I loved working in the garden while it was playing. It is one of my best memories of Casa Debbio.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2026
at 12:41 am
How sad. I hope he was able to stay in his home for as long as possible. We heard his musical memories drifting up when we were in that fabulous place.
By: Janice Elizabeth Trounce on January 11, 2026
at 2:24 am
He was remarkably fit the last time I saw him. He lived alone. I hope he had help at the end.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2026
at 4:41 am
Beautiful memories – to live a life of music and nature – a dream for many 💕
By: June Madziar on January 11, 2026
at 1:43 pm
Sisto was special. I hope his music continues.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 14, 2026
at 1:30 pm