Atanasio Catraro was born in 1898. He was the son of a distinguished Greek family of Trieste (Italy). He was involved in journalism and translated literary works into Italian, including poems by C. P. Cavafy. He published a book with his memories from the poet, who was his friend (O filos mou o Kavafis, Ikaros, 1970). In 1954 he was decorated by the Italian Republic as Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (già Stella della solidarietà italiana).