
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 12, 1993                   TAG: 9306120219
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BRESCIA, ITALY                                LENGTH: Short

ARMS HEIR BERETTA DIES AT 86

Piergiuseppe Beretta, who made his family's ancient arms company into a worldwide force in the weapons market, has died at age 86.

Beretta had canceled all public appointments during the week, complaining of fatigue.

He died Thursday night at his home in nearby Gardone Valtrompia, Italian news reports said Friday.

The family arms business was founded in the 15th century by Bartolomeo Beretta and claims to be the oldest manufacturer of arms in the world.

Beretta expanded in the 1950s under the direction of Pietro Beretta, Piergiuseppe's father, and was internationalized by the son.

Beretta has supplied the U.S. military since 1985 after defeating seven competitors for the right to provide 9mm pistols to replace the venerable .45-caliber automatic.

He leaves his wife and adopted son Ugo Guassalli Beretta, now managing director of the company.

by CNB