Philanthropist Volpe, 72, dies

Charles E. Volpe, a businessman and philanthropist who served on the boards of Spoleto Festival USA and the Medical University's Heart and Vascular Center, died Tuesday. He was 72.

Volpe suffered from a heart condition, which prompted some of his philanthropy, his daughter Cynthia Garrett said.

Volpe and his wife, Andrea, provided $5 million in 2006 to establish the Volpe Institute for Preventative Cardiology Research. The institute probes potential genetic causes of heart and vascular disease.

The Medical University's Jerry Reves, dean of the College of Medicine, said Volpe was "a remarkably gifted individual who made things happen by shear personality, wit and determination." Reves said he marveled at Volpe's "unique brand of steadfast advocacy."

"The guy was unique in every regard, and so generous of his time and his passion for causes," Reves said. "We were good friends, and he meant a great deal to me personally. This is a true loss to the community."

The Volpes decided some years ago that their philanthropy would focus on three key areas: medical research, education and the arts, Garrett said.

Charles Volpe was a board member of the Spoleto Festival USA during the second half of the last decade. The Volpes endowed the directorship of the chamber music series. Charles Wadsworth, director of the chamber music program who retired last year, noted that the Volpes were very close, always working in tandem.

"I'm so sad," Wadsworth said upon hearing of Volpe's death, "because they are an extraordinarily caring couple, and I have benefited from their generosity as far as having my position and Geoff's position underwritten by a very generous gift." Geoff Nuttall takes over as director of the chamber music series this year.

Volpe spearheaded collaboration with the Festival of the Two Worlds in Italy, recently reaching an understanding to pursue some joint publicity.

"It was a step in the direction of creating a link, which would not have happened without him," said Nigel Redden, Spoleto's general director.

Knowing that his health condition would likely end his life, Volpe nevertheless dedicated himself to community service, Redden said.

"He was about taking care of others."