One of Bedford's best-known Italians has died at the age of 76.

Nicola Valerio was a businessman and founder of US Valerio football club, who emigrated from Italy in the 1950s.

He built up the Valerio's Olympia Group in Manton Lane, which provides cheese, meat and pizza garnishes for Italian restaurants and business across the country.

His colleague of 34 years, Angelo Perugi, said: "Nicola was a man of great vision and resolve. He never stopped working until the day he died.

"But he also had a big heart, as he helped many charities and organisations, and sponsored young people in sport.

"He was a self-made man and self-educated. He came over here with almost nothing but the company he built now employs around 85 people."

Mr Valerio, also known as Nick, was born in 1929 in Ferrazzano in southern Italy. He came to England in 1951 and, like many Italian immigrants, initially worked at the brickworks.

After five years, he began his business career by setting up Bedford's first Italian grocery store in Midland Road, and later a mini-delicatessen in London.

By then, Mr Valerio had been joined in business by his three brothers, Giuseppe, Mario and Emilio, who helped him as he branched into producing Mozzarella, Ricotta and Italian sausages in the London store.

In 1970 the brothers moved to a purpose-built factory and warehouse in Bedford, where the firm is still based.

Nick's softer side was never far away from the successful family businessman, however.
He was a keen supporter of local sports, and in 1985 he founded Bedford Valerio as a Sunday league men's side.

Mr Valerio then began the junior and youth sides under the US Valerio banner, and a mini soccer school for youngsters aged five to eight.

Above all, he was a proud Italian who was recognised for his business and charity work in 2000 when he was awarded the Commendatori by the Italian government, its equivalent of the MBE.

Lui La Mura, director of football at US Valerio, said: "Nicola was the reason US Valerio FC existed. He was inspirational, and whatever he agreed to do, he did.

"His story is worthy of a book in itself, and all of us who knew him were led by him and will miss a great man."

Nicola Valerio died on Sunday, December 4. His funeral will take place on Monday at 10am at Saint Francesca Cabrini Church in Woburn Road, Bedford.

He leaves wife Antonietta and two sons, Mario and Aldo, who are also involved in the family business.