Edoardo Gabardi (1871âÂÂ1962) was an Italian textile industrialist and philanthropist from Busto Arsizio, Lombardy. He was a key figure in the economic development of the town and expanded the family's textile business. He became a prominent benefactor of the town, funding many institutions, such as the Hospital of Busto Arsizio and the construction of the Church of Sant'Edoardo.
Edoardo Gabardi was born in 1871 in Busto Arsizio, Lombardy, the son of Giuseppe Gabardi and Camilla Gallazzi. His father had found luck entering the cotton-waste industry in 1866, establishing the familyâÂÂs industrial activities. Taught by his father, Gabardi followed in his footsteps and ran the business. Gabardi's brother, Biagio Gabardi, was born in 1881. Biagio was a known benefactor and philanthropist, and a road was dedicated to him. His brother died on 17 August 1941 in Busto Arsizio. His elder brother, Pietro (1866âÂÂ1919), was a priest and participated in the Catholic mission in Hong Kong.
After inheriting the family cotton business from his father, Gabardi quickly transformed the cotton-waste industry into a much more modernised business. He developed methods to recover, reuse, and process textile residues to produce secondary materials, such as absorbent cotton, increasing the value and efficiency of the low grade material. Gabardi served on the board and owned cotton mills outside of Busto Arsizio, specifically in Besnate, Romagnano Sesia, and in Ponte San Marco (frazione of Calcinato). Gabardi was a part of the municipal council of Busto Arsizio, and in 1942, became a Cavaliere del Lavoro.
Gabardi was a well known and respected philanthropist in Busto Arsizio. His extensive philanthropic work earned him the Order of St. Sylvester, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, the Order of Merit for Labour, and was given the title of Nobil Homo (nobleman), by the House of Savoy. Gabardi significantly contributed to:
Gabardi also contributed significantly to the construction of the Church of SantâÂÂEdoardo, Busto Arsizio. Built between 1938 and 1939, Gabardi was one of the major benefactors of the project. The church was dedicated in his honour (hence âÂÂSantâÂÂEdoardoâÂÂ) and a plaque was placed in the portico of the church, commemorating Gabardi. Edoardo Gabardi is remembered by the community during a Mass, which commemorates those instrumental to the existence of the church. The mosaic in the apse of the church is dedicated to Gabardi.
Gabardi was married to Anna Anzini (26 October 1866âÂÂ3 December 1919), and had two children.
Gabardi died in 1962 in Busto Arsizio.