Zamperla Group has announced the passing of Alberto Zamperla, the second-generation president of the global amusement manufacturer, and fourth-generation member of a family dedicated to attractions. During his career, Zamperla brought joy to millions of people across the globe, and he was known as a visionary and innovator in the amusements space.
He is survived by his wife Paola and sons Antonio, Alessandro and Adriano, as well as his three grandchildren.
A career in attractions
Zamperla moved to the US from Italy in 1976, in order to follow in his father’s footsteps by creating innovative rides and attractions. Thanks to his craftsmanship, determination, intelligence and skills, he created hundreds of rides that transformed the amusement industry for generations.
He had a passion for the industry and approached his vision with drive, leading him to sign a contract in the late eighties to build most of the attractions at Disneyland Paris, followed by Universal, Paramount, and Six Flags, bringing his innovations to a global audience. In 2010, Zamperla relaunched Luna Park in Coney Island where, for over ten years, the Zamperla family have transformed the iconic amusement area into a seaside destination for travellers from around the world
In 2019, Alberto Zamperla joined his father in the IAAPA Hall of Fame, alongside giants of the attractions industry such as Walt Disney and George Ferris, the inventor of the Ferris wheel.
In a statement, Zamperla Group says: “His passion for creating and innovating will live on through his family, colleagues, and employees around the world. Alberto will be missed by all who got to know his extraordinary love of life but his spirit will forever be our foundation.”
The company also shared a quote from Alberto Zamperla:
“I like to fly in the clouds around our beautiful planet, for at least one hundred days every year. I love living in New York City. I am proud to be an Italian Alpino. I am proud to be, above all, a citizen of the world. I enjoy knowing that my profession makes “children of all ages” happy across the globe.”
The funeral ceremony will be held at the Cathedral in Vicenza, Italy, on Wednesday 23 November 2022, at 10:45 am Italian time.
Top image: Alberto Zamperla at Luna Park. © Brian Shumway
