Piero M. Trimarchi

Piero Mario Antonio Trimarchi, 72, died February 25, 2015, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Trimarchi was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his wife and partner of 38 years, Sara Bone Trimarchi; their sons, Marco Trimarchi, Mario Trimarchi, of Jonesboro, daughters, Stephanie Giesecke (Washington, DC), and Felicia Hart (Little Rock), and their mother, Cheryl Wall Trimarchi; his sister Mariella Bisogni (Rome, Italy); his four grandchildren Max and Sebastian Giesecke, and Olivia and Giorgia Hart; three nieces, three nephews and eight great nieces and nephews.

Born October 7, 1942 in Florence, Italy, he studied at l ’Academia dell’Arte and designed leather goods in Florence before moving to Jonesboro in 1968. A visionary, Piero was always ahead of his time. He was instrumental in developing both the Foundation of Arts in the 1970s and Downtown Main Street in the 1990s. He ran a high end clothing store with his moniker at Indian Mall which featured haute couture from the world’s most famous designers and produced spectacular fashion shows featuring local models. After a six-year stint in California as a buyer and designer in the fashion industry for John Hogan haute couture, Kazuko Knits and Coldan Leather in Calolziocorte, Italy, he returned to Jonesboro in 1986 to open the city’s first Italian restaurant.

Most people in Jonesboro know him because of his 25 year run of Piero and Company Ristorante -- first on Union Avenue, then on Main Street, with the finale at VOX on Church Street -- and his commitment to downtown Jonesboro paving the way for the bustling blocks of restaurants and bars here today. His restaurants were a reflection of him -- full of creativity, good humor, activity and hospitality. He designed his restaurants to include his paintings and sculptures; recipes from his childhood; the pizzazz of the latest trend; and an open and accessible space that welcomed newcomers and regulars. His restaurants were truly family-run –with Sara and all four children working by his side at different points in their lives.

Piero was an artist his entire life. He explored many styles, techniques and genre of fine art. His home, as well as many of his friends’ homes, are full of his paintings and sculptures depicting themes that include religion, Italian landscape, color study, native American folklore, nature, still lives and nudes. His work has been shown in galleries locally, around the country, and in Italy.
For many family, friends, acquaintances and patrons, Piero’s influence expanded their views and experience of fashion, cuisine and artistic expectations. His smile, laugh, talent and joie de vivre will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Emerson Funeral Home, 1629 East Nettleton Ave. with visitation to follow from 5-7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, or the Foundation of the Arts, Jonesboro, AR.
Friends are invited to celebrate Piero’s legacy with his family at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1103 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, Saturday March 7 at 7:00 pm.