Creator of “Puttinu” character, Philip Farrugia Randon passes away

Philip Farrugia Randon, a prominent Maltese lawyer, author, and broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 76 after a short illness. His death was confirmed today, following a career that spanned the legal, corporate, and cultural sectors of Malta.

A lawyer by profession since 1973, Farrugia Randon specialized in banking law. He spent much of his professional life at HSBC Bank Malta, where he served as an executive director. Beyond his legal practice, he held several government-appointed roles, including Chairman of Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) and Chairman of the National Book Council in the early 2000s.

He is perhaps best known to the public as the creator of Puttinu, a character he developed for a children’s book. The character later became the namesake for the Puttinu Cares Cancer Support Group, a charity established to assist families of children suffering from cancer. His involvement with the charity remained a significant part of his public life, and the organization is now one of the most recognized NGOs in the country.

Farrugia Randon was an active member of Malta’s cultural community. As an artist, he focused on water colours and held several exhibitions. As an author and researcher, he published works on art history, notably regarding J.M.W. Turner’s stays in Malta and the works of Caravaggio. He was also a frequent broadcaster on radio and television, often presenting programmes on Maltese history and literature. He is perhaps best known in this sector for being the narrator on the CD recording of Charles Camilleri’s oratorio ‘Pawlu ta’ Malta’ set to words by Oliver Friggieri.

He was a long-standing member of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, eventually serving as the President of its Maltese Association. In this role, he oversaw various charitable projects and diplomatic functions for the Order within the islands.

Tributes have been paid by various national figures, including Archbishop Charles Scicluna and representatives from the legal and artistic communities, noting his diverse contributions to Maltese society. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and their daughter.