Football Victoria is saddened to learn of the passing of former Chairman and one of the game’s most respected administrators, Vito Cilauro.
Born in Sicily in 1930, Vito Cilauro arrived in Melbourne as a qualified lawyer in 1957, like many, searching for a new life away from war-torn Europe. With his qualifications not formally recognised in Melbourne, he returned to study, balancing his education during the week with a passion for football on the weekends, beginning a lifelong relationship with Juventus, the preeminent Italian club in Victoria upon his arrival.
By the following decade, Cilauro took up an executive member role on the Brunswick Juventus committee, a fifteen-year run which culminated in Life Membership in 1977 and the role of Vice President in 1978 and 1979.
Cilauro’s experience at club level led to an extensive administrative career with the Victorian Soccer Federation (VSF). He served on the Board of Management from 1975, firstly as Deputy Chairman and later as Chairman. He was also a representative to the Australian Soccer Federation where he became Deputy Chairman and toured overseas with Australian national teams. He later became Patron and Trustee of the VSF and was honoured with Life Membership in 1988, while being inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2003.
Cilauro was at the helm of the Victorian Soccer Federation during one of its greatest periods of upheaval, when the restructure of the Victorian State League in 1989 led to a series of political manoeuvrings which led to the resignation of Jack Reilly from the Board and Cilauro’s appointment as Chairman, where he ultimately oversaw the implementation of the Victorian Premier League in 1991.
But Cilauro’s experience as a solicitor culminated in the work he was most passionate about and the Federation benefited immeasurably from his expertise. He was proud to have assumed the position of Chairman of the Appeals Board for almost two decades, the longest serving tenure of any individual in the role.
Cilauro’s services to the Italian community in Australia were formally recognised by his native Italy, where he was bestowed with a knighthood by the President of the Italian Republic.
But a lifetime of service to football is what he will be most remembered for in his adopted homeland, and his son Santo recalls a humble man who is proud of what the game has become in the modern era.
“I think he was most proud of where the Women’s game finds itself today. He was still watching Matildas matches as recently as last month and marvelled at the success they are now enjoying.”
Football in Victoria owes a debt of gratitude to individuals like Vito, something Football Victoria Interim CEO Dan Birrell was quick to point out after hearing of his passing.
"The fabric of Victorian football was woven by administrators like Vito Cilauro. Football wasn’t just a pastime for the Cilauro family, it was the purpose, a connection piece for friends, neighbours, families alike and their identity.
"We are lucky and ultimately grateful for his rich and passionate contributions, and send our condolences to the family on Vito’s passing."
Vito Cilauro passed away on Monday, aged 95.
He is survived by his wife Clara, children Santo and his wife Morena, Margherita and her husband Luca, and his adored grandchildren Benito, Oscar, and Giada.
The FV Board of Directors, Executive, staff and broader Victorian football community send our sincere condolences to Vito Cilauro’s family and friends.