Melissano competed as an athlete in swimming, water polo, canoeing and sailing events, before going on to become vice-president of the Italian Paralympic Swimming Federation.

He was also sports director of the Milanese Polisportiva and was given a bronze star of sporting merit from the Italian National Olympic Committee.

Pancalli paid tribute to his colleague following his death. 

"The news of Roberto Melissano's sudden death came to me like a punch in the stomach," Pancalli said.

"Roberto was a friend and teammate, as well as being an ex-athlete, a Paralympic swimmer and a valued Italian Paralympic Swimming Federation adviser. 

"The void he leaves is immense. 

"Goodbye Roberto we will miss you."

CIP Lombardy President Pierangelo Santelli was another to comment on Melissano's death. 

"We will miss your discreet, silent and great ability to know what to do, to put yourself at the service of others with such humility, but also with great professionalism," Santelli said.