With deep respect and sincere admiration, the Department of History of the University of Concepción regrets to announce the death of the distinguished Professor Leonardo Mazzei de Grazia. Born in La Serena on December 4, 1941, Professor Mazzei dedicated more than four decades of his life to teaching, research and extension in the field of History and Geography, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community and in the Biobío region.
Educated at the Manuel de Salas Experimental Lyceum and the José Toribio Medina Men’s Lyceum No. 7 in Santiago, Professor Mazzei trained under the tutelage of outstanding teachers at the Pedagogical Institute of the University of Chile. He expanded his academic horizons at the Latin American Center of Demography in San José, Costa Rica and at the Institute of Medieval and Modern History at the University of Pisa, culminating his academic journey with a Doctorate in History from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile in 1989. .
Since joining the University of Concepción in 1968, Professor Mazzei not only stood out for his academic and methodological rigor, but also for his deep humanity, generosity and passion for knowledge. His research work focused notably on the regional history of Biobío, contributing with more than 46 publications that establish him as the main historian of the region. This commitment to history and the community was recognized in 2001 with the Municipal Award for Humanities and Social Sciences of the Illustrious Municipality of Concepción.
Under his leadership, the Department of History saw the creation of the Regional History Program, the Bachelor’s Degree in History and a significant push towards academic internationalization, establishing valuable connections with specialists abroad and encouraging the training of new researchers. His vision for extension materialized in numerous conferences and diploma courses, remembered for their capacity to attract people and for their impact on the dissemination of historical knowledge.
We remember Professor Mazzei not only for his academic contributions but also for his human warmth. His kind treatment, his anecdotes and his passion for football and Audax Italiano, together with his generosity towards students, assistants and colleagues, make him an unforgettable figure. He was a mentor, a colleague, a friend and a pillar to our Department.
Through these lines, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by Professor Mazzei. His legacy will live on in historical research, in the classrooms where he taught, and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing his path.
Although words like these cannot do justice to the rich life and contributions of Professor Mazzei, we hope they serve as a humble tribute to his memory. May his light and teachings continue to inspire us all in the search for knowledge and in the construction of a more united and committed academic community.
In memory of a true teacher, researcher, and friend, the Department of History is committed to continuing his legacy of academic excellence, generosity, and commitment to history and its teaching. We say goodbye to him with deep gratitude for everything he taught us and for the example of life that he left us.
