With a profound sense of loss and respect, we recognize the life and achievements of Eros Valentino Bacoccina. The sad news of his passing on November 21st, 2022, in his San Jose, California home reached us only in June 2023.

Eros, a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and proud great-grandfather, was born and raised in the scenic city of Lucca, Italy, in 1927. At 21, his life took a huge turn when he immigrated to San Francisco, California, in 1948. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Carla Giovannoni, and they raised a beautiful family of five daughters together.

Eros Valentino Bacoccina (1927-2022), the Italian Pastor at the Italian Baptist Mission in San Francisco, CA, editor and program producer at La Buona Novella and Family Radio (WYFR)

Eros initially made his living in America as a painter and designer. However, his life took a divine detour in 1965 when he was ordained a minister. This led him to establish the former Italian Baptist Church at 39 Amazon Avenue in San Francisco (CA). He served the congregation faithfully as a pastor for 37 years, and his services weren’t limited to the pulpit; he also extended his care and spiritual guidance to hospitals and prisons as a chaplain.

Since early 1980, his dedication and faith have been conveyed globally through the airwaves on IRRS (the Italian Radio Relay Service on FM, AM/MW, and SW), European Gospel Radio, and NEXUS-IBA, on the radio program “La Buona Novella” (The Good News). As we process the news of his passing, we celebrate Eros’s life and legacy, cherishing his memory and remarkable impact on countless lives.

Eros Bacoccina: From Altar Boy to Revered Pastor, The Early Years

Eros Valentino Bacoccina was born in Sorbano del Vescovo, Lucca, Italy, on April 9, 1927, where he resided for the first twenty-one years. He was born into a Roman Catholic family. He lived adjacent to a Catholic institution, the Artigianelli orphanage, which his family served with honour and devotion.

Once, at his home in San Jose, CA, Eros made fun with me of his second name, “Valentino”: “Entirely inappropriate – he said – for a Baptist Pastor” – and told me that he never liked it very much and wanted to be known simply as Eros Bacòccina.

His family was deeply Catholic and faithfully attended the local church and other Catholic institutions. He served as an altar boy and participated daily in the family rosary. Although the religious activities were vibrant and ornate, they confused and dissatisfied him.

At the age of ten, he became an altar boy. For him, there was no other religion or church. He had never laid his eyes on a Bible. He grew up believing that he was a sinner and that God’s wrath was upon him, for it was because of his sins that Jesus, His divine Son, had been forced to suffer and die on the cross.

In 1948, at 21, he immigrated to San Francisco, California, with his sister Tina and his mother, Dina. They joined their father, Angelo, in San Francisco. Angelo Bacoccina was just out of several US internment camps, being considered an enemy alien during World War II and under investigation as a prominent figure during the Fascism among the Italians in the San Francisco area, a teacher at the San Francisco Italian Language School and an occasional speaker at the KLS radio station in nearby Oakland, CA.

While in California, Eros worked as a painter and designer. After a few years of hard work, he became a successful businessman in San Francisco.

Yet, his spiritual journey continued. When he sought a direct connection with God, he encountered resistance in his Catholic church. Undeterred, Bacoccina continued his quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Crossing Paths with Amelio Giannetta: A Turning Point

In 1951 Eros Bacoccina married Carla Giovanonni. One Sunday, while in San Francisco, he heard a man speaking in Italian about God on a local radio station. The message was novel and different. The speaker conveyed a sense of deep knowledge and intimacy with God, talking of His greatness, mercy, and the salvation possible and available to all men by faith and grace. This was precisely what Bacoccina was seeking, exactly what he needed. The program was titled “La Buona Novella” (in English: “The Good News”), and the speaker was Amelio Giannetta, the Home Mission Board missionary for Italians.

Amelio Giannetta (1925-2019), an Italian-born Southern Baptist missionary

Bacoccina wrote to Giannetta, who visited him in response. The bond between the two men deepened when Giannetta gifted him an Italian New Testament. This gift, coupled with Giannetta’s teachings and the continued exposure to the radio broadcasts, led Bacoccina on a path of profound transformation. Five months later, he accepted Christ as his Savior, an event that marked a significant shift in his spiritual journey. In 1965, Eros Bacoccina became an ordained Baptist Church minister. Eros joined the Italian Baptist Church at 39 Amazon Rd, in San Francisco, where he served as Pastor for 37 years. He also worked as a Chaplain for numerous hospitals and prisons.

In an evening reunion during my travels to Silicon Valley, after a cozy dinner at Eros and Carla’s warm home in San Jose, Eros leaned back on the sofa with a twinkle in his eye and said, “Let me tell you a funny story from when Carla and I were first married.” It was 1951, and they had just tied the knot, driving their pickup truck toward their honeymoon destination along the California highway. Overwhelmed with joy, Eros couldn’t help but steer the truck playfully, veering gently right and left across the lanes, as if his happiness had spilled over into his driving. A police car eventually pulled them over, suspecting he might be drunk. Laughing, Eros recalled stepping out and explaining to the officer that it wasn’t alcohol but pure excitement from being newly married that had him driving so erratically. After a quick test—walking a straight line to prove his sobriety—the officer chuckled, offered some kind advice to drive more carefully, and sent them on their way.

Eros’s journey took a significant turn when he chanced upon a radio broadcast by Amelio Giannetta, the Home Mission Board missionary for Italians. The “Buona Novella” program was a breath of fresh air for Bacoccina. He was drawn to Giannetta’s teachings, his deep knowledge of God, and the salvation he promised all men could achieve through faith and grace.

Amelio Giannetta: A Legacy of Faith and Broadcast

Few figures have left as indelible a mark in the rich tapestry of religious broadcasting as Pastor Amelio Giannetta. Born in Italy and educated in the United States, Giannetta’s journey reflects a profound dedication to his faith and an unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel across continents and through the airwaves.

Giannetta’s most notable contribution to religious media is as the principal speaker for “La Buona Novella,” a 30-minute Italian-language religious broadcast produced by the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission. La Buona Novella, which translates to “The Good News” in English, served as a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance for Italian-speaking audiences. This program was more than just a radio show; it was a lifeline to faith for many, delivered in their native tongue with warmth and conviction.

The impact of “La Buona Novella” was felt most strongly in San Francisco, where it aired on a local station. The program’s success was a testament to its content and Giannetta’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. His eloquence and sincerity resonated with many, making the teachings of the Southern Baptist faith accessible and relatable.

In a significant turn of events, in 1960, Giannetta left for Brazil to continue his missionary work. This transition could have spelled the end for “La Buona Novella,” but Giannetta’s foresight ensured its continuity. Before his departure, he meticulously recorded a backlog of messages, providing the show with a reservoir of content that sustained it during his absence. This move demonstrated his dedication to the program and his strategic vision for its longevity.

Recognising the program’s value, the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission decided to sustain “La Buona Novella” and even expanded its efforts. They enlisted Lino Bartoli, a violinist and Italian instructor at Baylor University, as the announcer. This addition added a new dimension to the show, maintaining its cultural and linguistic authenticity while Giannetta continued to contribute new recordings from Brazil.

The program’s musical element, directed by Mrs. Ornie Sufferns from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, added another layer of richness. The choir, comprised of students and faculty, infused each episode with soulful hymns and spiritual songs, creating an immersive auditory experience that complemented Giannetta’s messages.

Giannetta’s influence extended beyond the confines of the radio studio. His life and work epitomised the entrepreneurial spirit, transcending geographical boundaries to touch lives around the globe. His dedication to his faith and innovative approach to religious broadcasting have left an enduring legacy.

In a world where the media is often a tool for secular and commercial interests, Giannetta’s story is a refreshing reminder of its potential for spiritual enrichment and community building. His work with Buona Novella not only brought the message of Christ to countless listeners but also highlighted the power of perseverance, adaptability, and faith.

As we reflect on Amelio Giannetta’s contributions, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have through dedication to a cause greater than themselves. His legacy continues to inspire, a testament to the enduring power of faith-driven media.

Eros Bacoccina becomes the Italian Pastor at 39 Amazon Avenue, San Francisco, California, USA

Amelio Giannetta’s profound faith inspired Eros to lead others on a similar journey. Eros’s dedication and commitment led him to become an ordained minister in 1965. Soon after, he joined the Italian Baptist Church at 39 Amazon Avenue in San Francisco, California. He served as Pastor there for an impressive 37 years, touching countless lives with his teachings and guidance.

The former Italian Baptist church at 39 Amazon Ave., San Francisco, California, led by Eros Bacoccina

Despite the many challenges he faced along the way, including criticism and resistance from influential figures like Harold Camping, the controversial president and owner of Family Radio, Bacoccina remained steadfast in his mission. His resilience enabled him to continue his Christian mission through his “La Buona Novella” radio program, which aired on NEXUS-IBA stations daily on FM in Milano, Italy, since 1979 and later – from 1989 – on Shortwave across Europe and beyond the Berlin wall into eastern Europe.

Worldwide Preaching: The Legacy of Eros Bacoccina

Eros Bacoccina will forever be remembered for his steadfast faith, commitment to worldwide preaching, and significant contributions to Christian radio and shortwave radio broadcasting. His journey from a young altar boy in Italy to a globally recognised pastor inspires many.

Eros’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance. He used radio to spread Christ’s teachings and touched countless lives. He was a beacon of hope for many, a guiding light that shone brightly in times of spiritual confusion.

Despite his passing, his legacy lives on. His sermons inspire people worldwide, offering solace and guidance to those seeking a deeper connection with their faith. His life story is a testament to his unwavering faith and serves as an inspiration to many.

His journey from Italy to the shores of California, from an altar boy to an influential pastor, from a spiritual seeker to a beacon of faith, is a narrative that will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Eros Bacoccina’s life was a testament to the power of faith, the reach of Christian mission, and the transformative power of a personal relationship with God.

Eros Bacoccina: A Life in Service to the Italian Christian Radio Mission

Eros Bacoccina was born into a profoundly Catholic family in Italy. His life was deeply entrenched in the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Despite his early religious involvement, Bacoccina had an unquenched spiritual hunger. After immigrating to California in 1948, he sought to grow closer to God but felt obstructed by the church’s teachings. This spiritual journey set the stage for Bacoccina’s transition into the world of Christian radio broadcasting.

Eros Bacoccina’s life transformed when he tuned into a Christian radio program called “La Buona Novella”, hosted by Home Mission Board missionary Amello Giannetta for Italians. The novel perspective on faith and God’s relationship with humans filled Bacoccina with hope, launching his lifelong devotion to radio broadcasting, particularly shortwave radio, as a means of worldwide preaching.

With Amelio Giannetta’s guidance and the New Testament’s transformative messages, Bacoccina found his “very personal” relationship with God and eventually accepted Christ as his Savior. This decision marked the end of his spiritual quest and the beginning of his Christian mission to bring the message of salvation to Italians worldwide.

Eros Bacoccina: A Radio Evangelist is Born at la Buona Novella Broadcasts

From a 30-minute weekly program that began in 1954 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Eros Bacoccina finally took over the “La Buona Novella” radio program. Its message went to all of California and seven states in the continental USA. Then, the La Buona Novella Ministry also started in Italy, and at one point, 24 radio stations broadcast the Gospel daily.

The radio ministry of La Buona Novella continued for half a century as the Gospel of Jesus Christ was preached over the air in the Italian language both in the United States and Europe. Each program brought to light the simple and yet fathomless truths found in God’s word, presented timeless principles to the lost and believers alike, and covered various programs and themes:

1. Christian counselling in Italian
2. Gospel Messages
3. Bible quiz.
4. Woman to Woman radio episodes

Then Pastor Eros Bacoccina’s voice brought the Gospel worldwide on Shortwave and locally on FM and received mail from 50 nations. When Government regulations and pressure from other religious groups forced many evangelical radio stations off the air, La Buona Novella started over the Internet with a new website with the help of NEXUS-IBA and European Gospel Radio.

Eros Bacoccina: The Italian Pastor at Family Radio (WYFR)

Eros Bacoccina was known worldwide for his daily program in Italian on Family Radio (WYFR), broadcast on Shortwave from Okeechobee, Florida. He was known internally as “The Italian Pastor” and the only Italian radio speaker at Family Radio. The controversial president and owner of Family Radio, Harold Camping (July 19, 1921 – December 15, 2013), hired him to translate Campings’ messages from English to Italian.

Eros visited our FM station in Milano in the early 1980s. We met him again several times in his home in San Jose, where he lived with his beloved wife, Carla. In our private conversations with Eros, he described Harold Camping as an engineer who made his fortunes in the construction business but had little or no theological education.

Harold Egbert Camping, the powerful boss of Family Radio, was also the most prominent evangelist radio broadcaster on the English radio service of Family Radio and WYFR (on Shortwave), owned by Family Stations, Inc., with headquarters in Hegeberer Rd, Oakland, California. WYFR ceased all shortwave transmissions on July 1, 2013. In December 2013, Jeff White, the owner of WRMI, formerly operating from Miami, agreed with Family Stations Inc. to use the WYFR transmission facility in Okeechobee, FL.

Harold Camping became notorious for a series of failed predictions about the End Times. As the president of Family Radio from 1958, he oversaw a station group that, at its zenith, reached more than 150 markets in the United States. Camping’s prophesies, particularly his forecast that the Second Coming of Christ would occur on May 21, 2011, attracted global attention and significant donations. However, when the anticipated events failed to transpire, he faced widespread ridicule and criticism, particularly after his revised prediction for the final destruction of the universe on October 21, 2011, also proved incorrect. Despite retiring from active broadcasting following a stroke in 2011, Camping maintained a role at Family Radio until his death. In the wake of his unsuccessful predictions, he admitted his attempts to set dates were “sinful” and retreated from his insistence on knowing the timing of the Rapture or the end of the world.

Tensions Rise: Harold Camping’s Suspicions and Eros Bacoccina’s Interpretations

An intriguing dynamic evolved between Harold Camping and Eros Bacoccina at Family Radio. Known for his idiosyncratic interpretations of biblical prophecy, Camping’s doctrines were anything but orthodox. Eros Bacoccina, tasked with translating Camping’s English sermons into Italian, faced a considerable challenge. The contrasting ideologies between the two led to an inevitable clash, a conflict that significantly impacted Bacoccina’s tenure at Family Radio.

In his private talks at his home in San Jose, Eros was highly critical of Camping’s doctrine and preaching over Family Radio. Still, he believed Family Radio was powerful enough to reach and evangelise through Shortwave radio. Being critical of Camping implied that he had to interpret Harold Camping’s doctrine when translating his messages from English to Italian.

Bacoccina, valuing his duty to listeners, took liberties in interpreting Camping’s messages. Striving to ensure his translations aligned more closely with traditional Christian theology, he injected his understanding and personal faith into the translations. He perceived it necessary to provide a more familiar message of hope and faith to his Italian-speaking audience rather than Camping’s unconventional apocalyptic prophecies.

However, Camping grew suspicious of Bacoccina’s approach. Concerned that his original doctrines were being lost in translation, he took the initiative to have Bacoccina’s Italian radio programs translated back into English. Upon reviewing these translations, Camping’s suspicions were confirmed. Bacoccina was not simply translating; he was reinterpreting.

Camping severely reprimanded Bacoccina for his approach. The event highlighted the tension between Camping’s rigid adherence to his unique doctrine and Bacoccina’s traditional Christian worldview. This clash of ideologies ultimately led to Bacoccina’s decision to resign from Family Radio, marking a pivotal moment in his religious journey.

Soon after Eros Bacoccina resigned from Family Radio, the Italian service of Family Radio (WYFR) was discontinued. Eros Bacoccina, as the Pastor of the Italian church at 39 Amazon Avenue in San Francisco, was able to retain support from a group of Italian emigrants in the San Francisco and the Bay area and was able to produce his own daily 30-minute radio program in Italian called “La Buona Novella” (the Good News). The “La Buona Novella” program and the original program from Family Radio were broadcast daily on NEXUS-IBA stations on FM and Shortwave for several years since 1979.

Family Ties: The Indispensable Roles of Carla Bacoccina and Tina Scopazzi

No account of Pastor Eros Bacoccina’s remarkable journey would be complete without acknowledging the significant roles played by his wife, Carla Bacoccina, and His sister, Tina Scopazzi. Through every major milestone and minor challenge that Bacoccina faced, these two remarkable women remained his pillars of support, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his Christian mission.

A devoted wife and mother, Carla provided emotional sustenance and actively engaged in Bacoccina’s work. She shared his vision of spreading the Gospel, and their home became a hub of his mission-related activities. Carla’s knack for organisation and unwavering patience and understanding contributed significantly to Bacoccina’s ability to manage the rigours of his pastoral duties, radio broadcasts, and evangelistic efforts.

Tina Bacoccina Scopazzi was another instrumental figure in his life and mission. With her firm belief in his cause and her strong spirit, she provided much-needed familial support. Tina’s involvement was crucial in the early stages of Bacoccina’s ministry, where she provided guidance and often acted as a sounding board for his thoughts and ideas. Their bond, forged through shared experiences and deep-rooted love, was a testament to the power of family support in fostering Bacoccina’s evangelical ambitions.

The Dawn of La Buona Novella

After Eros Bacoccina left Family Radio, he continued his project, which was initially founded by Amelio Giannetta in San Francisco, CA. He produced his daily 30-minute radio program in Italian, “La Buona Novella.”

On the 4th of July 2013, nearly its 60th anniversary since its foundation in 1954, La Buona Novella Broadcasts (a California non-profit organisation) ceased operations mainly for lack of support from listeners and the ageing and dying group of supporters in the USA. Eros Bacoccina was also becoming old and finally retired. For several months, his radio programs and repeats were relayed many times via NEXUS-IBA transmitters on AM/Medium Wave and Shortwave.

A Legacy of Faith and Service

Despite La Buona Novella Broadcasts’ cessation of operations in 2013, Bacoccina’s radio programs were relayed for a few months on some stations, including FM stations in Italy and the USA. His legacy lived on through the International Evangelical Fellowship, a group of Italian emigrants who shared Bacoccina’s commitment to spreading the Gospel Message of Christ. From its inception in 1954, the ministry’s mission was to preach Jesus Christ’s message to Italians worldwide.

A Legacy of Love: Eros Bacoccina’s Family

Pastor Eros Bacoccina’s great legacy also lies in the family he and his wife, Carla, nurtured with immense love and faith. Their five daughters—Joyce, Angela, Jeanine, Esther, and Anette—testify to their parents’ dedication to instilling the values of compassion, integrity, and love for God. The Bacoccina family’s strong Christian foundation continues to be a beacon for many, demonstrating the transformative power of faith and God’s love.

These values have been lovingly passed down to Bacoccina’s 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Each carries a piece of Pastor Eros Bacoccina’s spirit and enduring dedication to serving God. They continue to honour their beloved grandfather and great-grandfather by living out the principles he held dear and upholding the Christian faith he diligently propagated.

From his native Italy to his adopted homeland of the United States, Pastor Bacoccina’s legacy extends far beyond his biological family. As the spiritual father to countless listeners of his radio broadcasts and church congregants, his influence continues to reverberate in the hearts of the many lives he touched. His life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, demonstrating how one man’s journey toward God can light the path for countless others.

A Final Farewell

Eros Bacoccina, and estimated international broadcaster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on November 21, 2022. He is remembered for his service as an ordained minister and for his commitment to sharing the Gospel through the radio program La Buona Novella, broadcast worldwide. Eros Bacoccina’s tireless dedication to the Christian mission of reaching Italians worldwide with the Gospel will continue to inspire those who continue his work.

Eros Bacoccina’s life tells the story of a spiritual journey fueled by a relentless quest for a personal relationship with God. His story reflects the power of faith to transform lives and communities. Bacoccina’s journey from an altar boy in Italy to a pioneer of Italian Christian radio broadcasting in the US is a testament to his deep faith and commitment to serving others. His legacy of worldwide preaching and Christian mission continues to inspire and guide future generations.