James del Piano

James Andrew del Piano (1916–1981) was an Australian businessman and civic leader.

Early life He was born Giacomo del Piano on 17 November 1916 in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. His parents were Giovanni and Maria (née Mazzina). After primary education in Widgiemooltha and Kalgoorlie he moved to Italy where he finished his education in Castello dell'Acqua. He worked in an office until the death of his father when he moved back to Australia with his mother in 1935. In 1935 del Piano enrolled at the University of Western Australia, where he studied engineering. Before he could finish his degree, he joined the Australian Government as an engineering draftsman.

Internment In 1942 del Piano was interned after allegations were made that he had fascist sympathies. He spent time in Fremantle Prison before spending time in internment camps in country Western Australia and South Australia. He was released in early 1944.

Honours For his services to the Italian diaspora community in Australia he was awarded the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity in 1955 and later made an officer then commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In 1977 he was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Death Del Piano died on 13 July 1981 of cancer. He was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.