Saint / folklore
Zio di Roma
A hired mourner who impersonates a distinguished ‘uncle from Rome’ at a funeral to raise the bereaved family’s standing.
In the book
Lattarullo’s suspended sideline, resumed once Rome falls — complete with a rented car and driver and a special ‘Zio di Roma’ suit.
Appears in 1 diary entry.
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October 15 1943Introduction of Vincente Lattarullo, an eccentric, impoverished informant obsessed with justice and etiquette, who becomes a key civilian contact.
hired-mourner funeral custom — a well-dressed stranger poses as a dignified 'uncle from Rome' to add prestige to a family's funeral display
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