Gianluca Pecorari

親愛的路卡：
你是家裏的寵兒 學校的運動健將 大家的暖男 所有和你接觸的人 都會記得你的好

I still smile when I think of those days when you and Karl used to call me at work together. Your voices were so alike that I could never tell you apart. One minute, I thought I was chatting with Karl, only to realize later that the whole conversation had been with you. You both sounded so full of life, so wonderfully mischievous, and so completely adorable. Those calls were like little bursts of joy in my day—full of laughter, plans, and the kind of connection that only you two could bring. I miss those calls more than I can put into words.

Years later, when we finally met in Italy, my heart was so full. Watching you and Karl together, seeing how much you had both grown, was such a special moment. I still remember encouraging Karl to go with you while we stayed behind in Suvereto. By then, you had transformed into a proper young man—standing tall, your voice deep and strong, so different from the boy I once knew. Yet your angel face, your essence, hadn’t changed. Looking at you then, hearing that deep, resonant voice, felt like meeting the same child I loved so dearly but in a new and remarkable way. It was a beautiful reminder of time passing and of the men you were becoming.

And yet, as beautiful as those moments were, they weren’t enough. I can’t help but wish I had done more—more to bring you and Karl together with us, more to make time for moments like those, and more to create memories we could all hold onto. I treasure that time in Italy, but I ache for more. More calls. More laughter. More moments when it was just the three of us, planning, dreaming, and scheming.

You hold a special place in my heart, and I hope you know how much you meant to me and to Karl. No matter how much time passes, the memories of you will always bring light to our lives. Though you are no longer here with us, the joy you brought, the love you shared, and the bond you and Karl had will forever remain in our hearts. You are deeply missed but never forgotten.

Hi Luca, we weren’t the closest, but as someone who’s known you just as a friend and a classmate, you always had the brightest energy and the warmest smile. You deserve the most, and I hope you know how much of an impact you had on everyone’s lives, even if it was just by smiling at someone in the hallway. Rest easy

I am speechless
I am in tears
This is deep

From my very first semester at SAS to graduation
You were with me every semester
EAL and Mandarin

But since we graduated
Our bond has deepened
Growing more profound with time

Through endless Snaps and silly memes
From Texas to DC
I carried our laughs and happiness
PewDiePie vs T-Series
Trump and Kim Jong Un

Then COVID came
I got stuck in South Korea
By myself
Separated from my family abroad for around three years
But our Snapchat streak kept me less lonely

How many daily cases of COVID either Korea or Taiwan was having
We complained about what vaccines we were getting

I sent you lovely packages from Korea
As a part of the gift exchange
As I wanted to travel elsewhere but could not
Purely my invention
That you said you were gladly down
From Daejeon to Taiwan
From Daejeon to Italy
Many Korea souvenir fridge magnets

Last year in Philly
The most fun visit
My first visit
To the city of brotherly love
The warmest stayover
Memories I hold dear
The nicest breakfasts you made for me
You had the Korean fridge magnets I sent you years ago at your place
Resident evil movie
Chestnut Street
Shake Shack
Philly Chinatown
Rocky
Reading Terminal Market
Late-night CVS run
Penn bookstore
Schuylkill River
Postcards
I will never forget you

I deeply regret that I could not see you one last time during my visit to Taiwan just this January.
I should have fought harder to see you in the hospital.
I should have begged you.
I had been pissed at you because you were not responsive.
You told me your surgery was successful, and I was still very glad to hear that back then.

Thank you for everything.

Thank you for cherishing the gifts from South Korea that I gave you during COVID,
such as the green hoodie made from recycled Samdasu plastic bottles, which was featured in your Instagram profile picture for a prolonged time,
and the white T-shirt with a KakaoTalk dog on it.
I will cherish numerous treasures you gave me
such as the signed Italian flag - something I specifically requested from you -
and the Taiwan souvenir T-shirt.

I do not have many photos; most should be on my old phone.

I will get back to you for another proper reflection.

I will come back to you.
You will be missed.

Luca, I first met you at the APEC rugby tournaments. You were a star on the field! Tall, strong, and fast—you were the kind of player every team dreams of, and the kind of son every parent would be proud of. I remember meeting Grace for the first time, and when she introduced herself as “Luca’s mom,” I was very surprised. It was hard to believe that such a powerful, commanding presence on the field came from someone as petite and gentle as her.

But you weren’t just a great captain to the boys’ team; you are also very polite, respectful to everyone including to all parents. As one of the moms in girls rugby team, I noticed that the girls like to hang out with you also. Your laughter was contagious, brightening every moment and warming everyone around you.

We will always remember you, Luca—your sunshine smile, your big heart, and the joyful spirit you shared so freely. You will be missed deeply.
My deepest condolences to your family!

SAS girls rugby team mom ( year 2015-2019). june

The most genuine, and unapolegetically himself person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You were the cool kid. Three years older, good at sports. Thank you for letting me devour all the food in your house, thank you for including me.

Thank you for reaching out to me when we were both in University and thank you for your company throughout all those sleepless nights of straight grinding Valorant.

You have taught me the valuable lesson of not taking anything too seriously, it truly is not that deep. You will remain in the memories of all of us.

You may have been shit in video games, but you were pretty damn good at life.

Owen.

Dear Luca,

Hey! This is your friend, Simon.

Like everyone else, everything still feels unreal to me. You were my first ever friend I made in Shanghai, and I still remember how kind you were to me ever since we met. (Not gonna lie, your name was too long for me when I was young, so it took me a while for me to remember your name xD) You were one of the few friends that I could rely on and I can still vividly remember so many memories we made together…

From Dulwich Mr. Pearson’s Year 6 homeroom to SAS rugby team, it’s already been 13 years since I have known you. I still vividly remember playing rugby with you, going to Shimao Family Mart to eat, making authentic Italian dishes at your place with your mother, and even going up to a rooftop (something that I would never do). For some reason I always felt very comfortable around you. Thank you for that. Without you, I would have had much more difficult time adapting to a new environment.

I regret that I did not contact you as much although I should have, and I hope you could forgive me… I cannot imagine the pain and fear that you would have went through, and I am truly sorry that I was unable to be there for you.

I hope we can meet again in our next life and have a bunch of fun together again…

Rest in peace Luca
Thank you and I love you brother.
(and happy belated birthday)

Simon Cho

Hi sweet Luca. Our moments together felt limited, now I find that each moment holds more magnitude and meaning. I giggle thinking about Vanessa and I handing you my pink eyelash curler, only for you to giggle with us as you took it. Or us creating films together, for some reason your genre was thievery and a light thriller. Thank god it’s all on YouTube. I count myself lucky that I got to see you in your creative light.

We miss you — you are kind, gentle, so loved, and truly the best of us. Not a day will go by where one of us won’t be remembering a moment with you, big or small. Love you and I hope you’re at peace.

Dear Luca,

You are such a true and gentle soul. I’m glad to have been friends with you and may you rest in peace. I’m glad we could share four years as goofy, serious, excited, passionate, lively students and athletes. I’m deeply sad to hear you’re not with us anymore, but to hear that you fought until the very end and uplifted those around you, I would have expected nothing less. I genuinely respect the person you were and hope to keep that light of yours alive in my memory.

To Gianluca’s family, friends, and loved ones,

When I remember Luca, I remember him as the happiest ray of sunshine and embodiment of joy. He was always giggling, cracking jokes, or doing something silly to get a laugh out of us (and had a great success rate for that too!). It was impossible to not have a good time with him. This is what I think of when I remember Luca - never without a smile on his face, so much talent and grit on the rugby pitch (and a delight to watch as he darted around other players with ease), and fiercely loved and admired as a friend to so many of us in school. I remember him, Martin, Sam and I would spend afternoons or weekends after school hanging out in Lujiazui, nothing really besides some good company, or having a giggle in class or the sports tournaments we shared.

Luca owned a kind of optimism and happiness that was second to none. Even when he would speak about his battle with cancer, he was still so positive and determined in a way unique to him. He was just so happy-go-lucky and there was never a dull moment to be had. Know that we are all thinking of him and will continue to remember him with love and adoration.

Happy birthday Luca - I know you are flying high and I hope you are resting easy. We are thinking of you always!

With love,
Kelly

Dear Gianluca’s family and to all who loved him,

I’m sure that everyone who knew Gianluca would agree that every memory with him was filled with fun, laughter, and contagious positivity—all of which truly defined him.

I first met Gianluca when he transferred to Shanghai American School, and we instantly connected through our shared love for sports and League of Legends. We played on the varsity rugby team together from sophomore to senior year. I spent every summer eagerly awaiting the new season, excited to be back on the field with him. One of our favorite plays was called "Apple 0" or "Ling" where I would grab the ball and loop around him, a move that always caught our opponents off guard. By senior year—Luca, me, Colin, Nick, and Simon—had become known as the “Big Five.” We gave each other nicknames for laughs and comradery. Luca was affectionately dubbed the “Funnel.” Every time he got the ball, he’d score a try, funneling all the attention and glory to himself, a role he naturally fit into. He played his part perfectly every time.

We were competitive, but, like Luca, we never took ourselves too seriously. We would often impersonate the silly photos the girls would take, striking poses and being cute together. I still can’t stop myself from laughing thinking of us spelling out “LOVE” with our hands together shirtless on the beaches in Hong Kong bruised and battered from games earlier in the day.

Luca and I spent countless hours playing League of Legends together. True to Luca's style, we always chose unconventional, high-risk champions that kept our games exciting and fun. During high school, and later when he moved to Philadelphia for college, we would queue up together and play all-in comps in the bot lane, just like how we played rugby—Morgana and Lux, Ivern and Rengar, Pantheon and Nautilus. I have countless cherished memories with Gianluca, and I know that anyone who had the privilege of knowing him feels the same way. He truly embodied strength and determination, perfectly captured by his League gamer tag, "Hard Man".

When Luca was diagnosed with cancer and as it progressed, we kept in touch often. I offered Gianluca my support and strength during his fight, and even though my knee surgery was minor compared to what he was going through, he still took the time to ask how my recovery was going. His thoughtfulness, despite his own immense struggles, was a true reflection of his character. He wasn't one to talk much about what he was going through mentally and physically; instead, he'd occasionally mention challenges like losing weight, which we both agreed he'd regain it in no time, a testament to his infectious optimism. His natural positivity was still apparent even through his toughest times.

To his family, please accept my deepest condolences. Gianluca was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone around him. His spirit will continue to inspire me, and I will carry on his memory of being a "Funnel," striving to channel his energy and enthusiasm for life in all that I do.

With Heartfelt Condolences,
Ido Tzhori
Gianluca’s Friend

You never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

Hey man, sorry I was late to the party. It took me a few days to process what has truly happened and what the reality has become. I hope all is well with you up there.

We started to get to know each other during the early COVID era. That was when Valorant was a big hit, and we started grinding the game with each other. My early memories with you have always been your chill comments and your crazy moments in the game. It was really great knowing you as a person just by talking with you online. I finally made it to Philly in 2023, and that was our first time hanging out with each other in person. Can you believe that??? You were so generous to offer me a place to stay and take me around the town. And hey man, I have to agree with you, something really clicked during those days, and just like you said, it felt like we’ve known each other for a long time. I will forever remember our time gaming in your living room, our trip to Best Buy, and the coffee you made the following day. And most importantly, thank you for introducing me to Illy’s. Although you were diagnosed with cancer later that year, you kept your spirit high, and we even started to plan trips, like inviting you to my hometown, Beijing, or you inviting me to your home back in Italy for a road trip.

Though you're gone, I'm certain you'll never be forgotten by your friends and family. Our friendship didn't end on October 31, 2024. You promised to tell me about your stories with cancer and your moves between Taiwan and Texas—stories I was truly looking forward to. But for now, you may rest for a bit after all the things you’ve been through, and please hold onto those stories so that you can tell me all about them when we meet again.

Good night.

Your friend & brother,
Eragon Ma. Comic Sans. Nakadasheesh.

Gianluca ,sei e sarai per sempre un figlio della 5c. un nostro figlio

Gianluca was such a carefree and caring person. He was incredibly kind. He was one of the most talented rugby players I have ever met. Games and tournaments were always more fun with him there. He always made me laugh, and was a good friend. Everyone knows him for his wide smile and sense of humor. He is very much missed.

Dear Luca,

It was the upmost honor to share time with you during our college years. You were one of my first friends when we landed at Drexel University in Myers Hall. Only being 3 doors down, me and all the other guys we had met from all over the country and world had convened in your room to play fifa all day long. Although you got annoyed that we would be in your room all the time, I would not take back a second we spent then. 3rd floor Myers for life!

After that year, you would always invite the lads to play all different card games in your apartment, whether it was exploding kittens, blackjack, or some Italian western game no body had ever heard of. Those nights with Kyle and Andrew laughing our asses off playing some crazy games were the highlights of my college years.

Once everyone started graduating, it was getting more difficult to keep in touch. So when i came to Italy to visit you, i was so thankful that you were around so show me the beautiful city you grew up in Rubiera. It was my second time in Italy and one of the most magical experiences ever. You would always make me feel comfortable with wherever we were going and whoever was around.

I’m not sure what else to say except i miss you man. You meant so much to me and the rest of the college boys and we hope you’re in a better place now. I’m glad i got to take some pictures of you but i realized we barely took any together. One day, we will.

Love,
Parth Arora

Luca,
Thank you for making our time at SAS so memorable. You were the most kind hearted, sweetest person, and never failed to make me laugh. I’ll always remember how your energy and positivity could instantly lift me up. I’ll forever cherish our friendship, and feel so lucky to have had the privilege of knowing you.

Rest in peace ❤️
sending all my love to his family and loved ones

Dear Luca,

I will always remember you for your kindness and warmth. You are one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I know that many people feel the same. I will always remember your warm smile and hearty laughter bringing light to the people around you.

Thank you for your generous spirit, your relentless optimism, and for brightening the lives of so many!

Much love,
Harper

Hey broski,

Thank you for being my best friend for the past 14 years. On my first day in Dulwich, I am so glad you came up to me in the school bus to talk about Call of Duty 4 and Minecraft, because it is no understatement that day changed my life forever. Your radiant personality and friendly smile reassured me that moving to a new school and making new friends may not be as difficult as I had thought. As we grew up together, your energy started to affect me in mysterious ways, and I broke out of my insecurities and became a much more confident and positive person just like you.

Thinking back on my time in Shanghai, it seems to me that you were part of almost every memory I have. Grabbing ice cream after gym at family mart, exploring Shanghai on our longboards, golfing in 38 degrees summer, trying to name as many types of pasta when we couldn't fall asleep in China Week, talking until 6am near the bund after a nightout. Even when we were apart during university, we would still call for hours whenever we get the chance. There are countless memories we have shared together for the past 14 years, and these memories I will treasure for the rest of my days.

You are a superstar, in sports, and in life. I had already asked you countless times, I don't know how you do it, how can someone stay so strong and positive when life gets you down? You would always reply with that grin on your face and tell me "I guess I am built different." I had always dismissed that as our usual banter, but now upon reflection, I guess what you said really is true.

Luca, you maybe gone, but your influence on me and many others is immortal. Your attitude to life is something that has changed me and will guide me in the future. The memories we shared together I will cherish forever. If there is ever an afterlife, I would want to be your best friend every single time.

From your friend, your brother, your duo.

Hi Luca,

Happy birthday my friend. In high school, you are always energetic, positive, and make people feel comfortable being themselves. I will miss the times where we laugh at random jokes together. I will miss the times where we push each other hard to our limits during track and field practices…

I will miss you dearly. Rest easy, and enjoy your birthday my friend.

Dear Luca,

I still can’t believe how quickly things took a turn. Just a month ago, we were still battling it out in ARAM. I’ll always cherish our memories from high school and beyond. Thank you for all the laughs and unforgettable moments—in the Rift, on the court, and in the halls of high school. Despite our terrible synergy, our Twitch and Alistar bot lane remains one of my fondest memories and will always hold a special place in my heart.

After four years apart, we finally reunited in Shanghai, and it felt like no time had passed—we picked up right where we left off, chatting and laughing as if we’d seen each other every day.

Luca was a light of joy and positivity, brightening every room he entered and touching so many lives with his warmth and kindness. These memories will forever be treasured.

Happy birthday, Luca. May you now find peace, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy.

Dear Luca,

Your smile and positive energy pops up in my mind every time I think of you. I love your witty reactions, troll behaviour, and sense of humour. Your cheerful energy always brightens the mood, making the most boring of tasks enjoyable and fun. You are one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve met who became a very dear friend. Thank you for being in my life, thank you for fighting a tough battle, thank you for being you. May you rest in peace and live on in the memories we all treasure.

Sincerely,
Ingrid

Dear Luca,

Happy birthday man.

I’m sorry we haven’t kept up with each other in the past years, yet still I consider you one of my oldest friends. I remember the period when we first met; I had just moved to Shanghai, petrified and anxious about making new friends but there you were. We weren’t in the same homeroom so I imagined we wouldn’t interact much. Then one day out on the football field you called my name. I just thought ‘how does this gorgeous man know my name?’ You were so friendly, so welcoming, but most of all your laughter was infectious.

Your ability to stay positive and radiate joy proved to be such an anchor for so many people, a quality that makes you strong inside and out. And so I’m sad- for everyone whose lives you impacted but more so for all the people you would have met. Even so, I take comfort knowing that wherever you are, you’ll make a good time out of it.

Rest well old friend,
Phelim

Dear Luca,

I didn't get to know you that well in high school. Despite that, the irony of COVID meant that I got to learn how funny and sweet you were, and how down you were to do whatever. Wish it were under any under circumstances that I would be writing this, but I hope you are somewhere still blast packing, eating some of the best birthday cakes, and resting well. Happy belated birthday my friend, we will immortalize Aculniag Peko for you. See you again!

Love,
Jonathan L.

Dear Luca,

From competing against each other in middle school, to being teammates and rooming together in high school, to all the random visits in college, and COVID in Taiwan, it's been a blessing to have you in my life.

I will forever be thankful for being in Taiwan at the same time you started treatment here last year. During this period, each time we hung out, grabbed food, and played games was the same as every interaction we've had; full of joy, happiness, and endless laughter. We would still talk about old stories and memories, what we were doing currently, as well as what the future held.

Luca, you were the bravest and most courageous person I've met. Even against the toughest obstacle, you were still able to remain positive, cheerful, and tackle every challenge with a smile. I could go on forever about stories and memories, but more importantly, the way you were able to bring us so much happiness- the ability to make us laugh and smile in an instant, that is what I will cherish and miss the most. But for now until we meet again, I'll miss you and I love you my brother. Rest in peace.

Dear Luca,

I do not have the words to express how thankful I am to have had you as a friend growing up. We were close during primary/middle school at Dulwich but you were consistently one of my closest friends even when you moved to SAS.

Your energy and positivity was something I’ve always admired, and you’ve always had the ability to light up a room.

I will always cherish all the memories I have of you whether it was climbing rooftops, going shopping in Puxi, dinner hangouts or studying for IB Bio exams together. We really should have studied more instead of playing Mario Kart on the switch. You were always the most athletic person I knew and I remember weekend high jump trainings where you would literally jump over our heads which was truly insane.

Thank you for having such a positive impact on my life. Happy 25th birthday and rest easy my friend, until we meet again 🤍

Dear Luca,

Happy belated birthday, my friend.

Time spent with you was filled with laughter. Family mart runs after school, the taxi ride after Halloween, hours of games played with friends. I'm grateful to have spent time with you in Taiwan, they're memories I look back on fondly. Your warmth and positivity made people gravitate towards you, and I always admired your dedication to making the people around you comfortable and happy. Thank you for being so strong. Words cannot describe how much I will miss you.

Love,
May

G,
all I can say is Thank you.

Life made 100% sure we crossed paths and walked them side by side; for those who know the story, it felt like a movie script.
I wish I had more pics to share from all the stupid things we did together, all the dinners and the late night chats. But with you, it wasn’t about staying on the phone or capturing everything; it was about living the moment, fully.
Don’t hate me, but I had to throw in a few goofy pics just to do us justice, not sorry (I could do worse; remember that before complaining <3 ).

Until the next one, because I'm sure we will meet again
Love you always,
M

Dear Luca,

Isn't it amazing that after all these years, after all the games we've played together, we would still somehow end up talking about how we used to trade pokemon cards in elementary school? I now realize that it's no coincidence - it never was. You took our time together and made it a part of you. I will always be grateful to you for that. We were able to reconnect in high school and in college as if we never left off all thanks to your willingness to reach out and start a conversation. I will always remember that.

Your enthusiasm was truly boundless. Having you on the team in any game we played was guaranteed to be a highlight of my day. Whether it be fighting for chicken dinner, looking for ghosts, or grinding to rank up, your goofy ideas out of the left field could always bring a smile to my face. Your competitive spirit never overshadowed the kindness you gave, and watching you taught me how to fight without losing sight of who I am.

We reconnected in college during some pretty rough times, yet somehow your smile, your jokes, and your laughter made it all better. I remember how you were always willing to talk, share your stories, and hear mine. The time we spent together was a big part of the reason why I could hold my head high again. For that, I will be forever thankful. You are magic.

Happy birthday my friend. I will always remember you.

Dear Buca,

Since our Dulwich days to our times in college and further on you have always been the brightest bunch of energy, radiating everyone around you and turning our frowns upside down. My three most memorable moments were: rooming in our two Track & Field TAS trips, our trip to DC to visit Sam's broken arm, and lastly that night at Home Hotel where we ran through Assassin's Creed (Bayek) till the next morning. I'm happy to carry those memories with me onto my next chapter and will always remember all the good times and giggles we had.

I'm glad back in May I was able to see you a few times, grind on the rift with Sam, catch up and eat good, and grateful we were able to play League last month with all the bois.

Happy 25th Birthday Luca, much love brother. Thank you for being an inspiration for us and I'm so grateful being able to call you my brother.

Rest easy and fly high brother, till we meet again.

Dear Luca,

Happy Birthday to you, my friend. It feels like just yesterday that we were chatting, hanging out, and sharing laughs. I hope I never forget your laugh under that silly bucket hat of yours: your full-toothed grin, clear yet expressive gaze, with just a hint of a smirk — I never knew when you'd launch one of your sneak attacks on me. I probably never told you this, but that insanely charming and infectious grin of yours could turn my worst day into the best one.

I always thought 大智若愚 captured your unique character perfectly. Without fail, every time I saw you, you'd be running toward me with arms outstretched, eyebrows dancing like crazy as you worked through a myriad of schemes. Yet, it always felt like you could magically sense my troubles and soothe them in your own way. Thank you for always having my back during the tough times.

As both my friend and teammate, your mentality had the biggest impact on me. Do you remember how, before every basketball game, you'd cheer me up, saying, "I want you to be aggressive today! Get mad!" Since then, you’ve been my role model for how to be a humble, gentle, and caring human being while maintaining a fiercely competitive spirit and striving to be the best version of myself. You were a big reason I was able to build my confidence from the ground up throughout high school, shaping who I became in college and medical school.

My friend, your infectious charisma and confidence will stay with me forever, and I promise to dedicate my best efforts to making a meaningful contribution to cancer care and research in your honor. Until we meet again in the next life.

Love,
Bcai

Never really got to know you back in Shanghai, and by a crazy coincidence I got to know you through playing video games over Covid. I remember the good times queuing late into the night screaming and laughing with each other. I really appreciate the memories made playing video games. You're still our number 1 Raze player.

Happy Birthday

Gianluca my boi,
Having you as my childhood friend all the way till the end of university was a blast. You taught me the dumbest things to do when we were in Ju Yuan. Teaching me how to make fart sounds with your armpit in English class and making the whole classroom laugh was hilarious. You also constantly reminded me about the time in HuiHao when I followed you on the edge of the pond area, but I fell in and got drenched which resulted in my mom getting so mad at both of us. We lost contact during elementary school when I moved but I was happy you ended up in SAS in high school and were able to reconnect. Even after graduation we kept in contact playing league and valorant with the others and I’ll never forget your dumb double satchels on raze and double shockdart plus around the world shockdart lineups on sova. I’m glad we got to meet up in Taiwan the last 2 years doing dumb stuff together, finally having a sleepover with your dumb butt.
Happy birthday man and I’ll always remember you, my brother.
Rest in peace

Hey Luca,
When we were in high school, I spent the most time with you at the gym after school. At the time, I had only started getting into the gym because I wanted to impress some girls in my grade. It was a "good habit" that I was trying to force myself into. But the gym was more to you than that. I remember how much you loved pushing me into getting through my reps and getting excited when I was able to do more than I thought I could. I remember how you told me that you liked feeling exhausted and sore and how ready you were to do it all again tomorrow. It took a while for me to understand back then, but once I knew how you saw yourself and how you saw the world, you opened my eyes. Whether you were on the muddy sweaty rugby field or the IB Chinese classroom, I knew that fighting against all odds, doing your best and pushing your limits as hard as you can genuinely brought you joy. You didn't love the gym just to look good - you loved it because you loved being able to lift heavier and run faster. You inspired me in a very profound and permanent way, and I will always remember you for that.
Happy Birthday :)

Vi abbraccio tutti dal profondo del cuore! Gianluca lo porterò sempre con me, come gli anni passati a Shanghai...indelebili! Grazie, vi sono molto grata e vi voglio bene ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Dear Luca, first and foremost, happy birthday my friend. I hope you have the biggest cake in front of you right now. No matter where you went or who you met, you always carried that iconic warm smile that would lighten up anyone’s day. You’ll be missed horribly my friend, in another life, I hope we can be friends again. With so much love, rest in peace.

Grazie Gianluca, continuiamo a percepirti accanto a noi ogni volta che pensiamo ad una sfida amichevole o scherzo. Siamo certe che sei sempre con noi anche quando facciamo un brindisi o una tavolata di cibo dedicata a te. Grazie per averci accettato con i nostri difetti ed esserti coinvolto nelle nostre pazzie. Il tuo spirito è rimasto dentro di noi.
Gabry e Rani

Luca,
You were a ⚡️ force and everyone who got to be around you knew it and felt the light and joy you exuded when you walked into a room.

I miss the thrill of climbing rooftops with you, the comfort of seeing you in the school hallway, knowing that a hug was only steps away. I miss cheering you on at rugby games, admiring your talent. I miss all of those small, ordinary moments that meant everything.

In 2016 we went to London and I came out to you. We were kids back then but you met me with open-hearted acceptance. I knew I could truly be myself around you. Being with you was like a warm steady hug. But it was also always an adventure -- we laughed so much.

Next year would have marked a decade of friendship. Our friendship went in waves as life happens and we grow so I won’t look back with regret. Instead, I’ll carry this friendship for the rest of my life and in the next life I hope to find you and grow up with you again. Until then, rest easy, my friend.

Love,
Matt Guo

No words will ever describe how much of an amazing friend Gianluca was. He made any bad day turn into a good one, and always with the biggest smile on his face. I will forever remember all of the wonderful memories that I had with him in high school and when we went off to college. He always made sure to keep in touch even though we were no longer in the same city. In college, I had a tough time adjusting to changes, and I often FaceTimed him knowing that he would always make me feel less discouraged, crack up jokes, and send me videos of his chinchilla named Porcini. In the months before he passed, he always remained positive and hopeful. He told me that we would be able to vacation at his home in Italy soon right after he gets better. Gianluca had the purest soul and I believe he truly was too good for this world. He will be in my thoughts forever. I’m sending all of my love and condolences to his family and loved ones.❤️

Dear Luca,

🎂 Happy Birthday!
I always told your beautiful mother Grace, you were like an Eagle 老鷹 🦅 when I saw you not only at the Rugby games but also flying over the hurdles on the track field, you were so focused, so powerful, you used your whole strength to win the competition, you had made your mom proud, made we parents/audience exciting, brought glory to SASPD！You were a legendary person!! It was such a joy to watch you play sports!
Under your strong body, you also had the most sincere & sweet smile and voice, specially to your mom. I remember you came to check on your mom so many times when we were sewing the heart shape pillows for the Brest Cancer foundation in the evening event at school. You were so charming and loving, you were like an angel to everyone! We were so envious to Grace!
We can’t believe and don’t want to see you leave…. too sad! Life is so unfair!! My heart is broken 太悲傷❤️‍🩹 太捨不得了😭……
However, you have no pain no suffering anymore, you are watching us from the another world (keep watching!) we will keep your mom company, we will hug her for you. You were a good boy! We will miss you! Take care~

Much love
Auntie Vivienne

Ciao Shunzuke, porta l'Aquilone alto nel cielo.

In Loving Memory of Gianluca Pecorari

Dear Ceci,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved brother, Gianluca. Having lost my mom to cancer as well, I understand the profound pain and emptiness that comes with such a loss.

I remember the time I visited your home in Italy and met your wonderful father. It was a beautiful moment of connection and warmth, despite the circumstances. I also recall the Halloween party where we all gathered, including my ex-husband and our friends. Gianluca’s presence was a bright light, and his memory will forever be cherished.

May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. Gianluca’s spirit will always be with us, shining brightly in our hearts.

With deepest sympathy and love,

Jose Daniel Millán Vega (Dan)

La tua simpatia e bontà erano davvero speciali. Ogni volta che c'eri te era impossibile non ridere e vivere momenti di grande spensieratezza. La tua gentilezza e il tuo sorriso rimarranno impressi nei ricordi di tutto l'Aquilone. Fai buon viaggio shonzuke, non ti dimenticheremo mai.🪁

We never really got to know each other back in Shanghai; I'm truly glad that we did get to through those late night video game sessions in
university.

What memories we did make together, from complaining about your toilet paper in Philadelphia, to teaching me league, and hanging out at your place, I will always cherish. You are the best of us.

It was an honor, and my pleasure, to be your friend.


Kennedy

Hey Luca,

Remember that time I was in New York and called you the night before saying I was coming to Philly in a convertible? I showed up and we cruised all over Philly with the top down and everyone was calling us gay. Those were some great times man.

I’m really going to miss you, you crazy fool. My heart hurts so much right now, and I honestly don’t think it’ll ever stop. But I know you’ll always be here with me. My brother, my best friend.... I'll miss you forever.

Karl

Luca,

Thanks for the time we spent and the laughs we shared. You were always my partner in crime to talk about life, play Magic cards, and find new ways to annoy Ceci. I'm proud of the man you were and grateful to have become your brother. Rest well - I will miss you.

Derek