Francis Sant Cassia, Baron of Ghariexem e Tabia and Count Sant (25/1/1920-27/10/1988) was born in 1920 into one of the most privileged noble families of Malta. He served in the Royal Malta Artillery in Malta from 1939 to 1944, and in Italy from 1944 to 1947, reaching the rank of Major. In 1947, he succeeded his father Francesco as the twelfth Baron of Ghariexem and seventh Count Sant. From 1951 to 1967, he lived in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), holding various administrative posts, while remaining active in philanthropic activities in Malta, to which he devoted himself on holiday trips. In 1984, having returned to Malta, and having become President of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility, he renounced his senior title in favor of his son, John. He was the CEO of an international bank, and held many directorships. He was murdered on October 27 1988. The case is unsolved.

References

• Giles Ash, S., "The Nobility of Malta", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1988.