Giuseppe Isacco Spadafora Whitaker passed away in Rome on 3rd November 1936. His daughter Norina died on 1st April 1954 and his wife Tina Scalia three years later, on 22nd July 1957. The daughter Delia, the only survivor of the family, continued to reside at Villa Malfitano, where she passed away on 21st July 1971. Following the suggestion of Biagio Pace, notable historian and Academician of the Lincei, she strived to ensure that the Villa was an integral part of a cultural Foundation named after the father and became its administrative office. The Head of State conferred, by decree on 9th July 1975, the recognition of non-profit organization to the Giuseppe Whitaker Foundation that, under the high patronage of the Lyncean Academy, aims to promote the growth of culture, education and the dissemination of artistic values in different expressions and, especially, the study and knowledge of the Phoenician-Punic civilization in the Mediterranean.

(Source: Romualdo Giuffrida and Rosario Chiovaro, La Villa Whitaker a Malfitano, National Academy of Humanities and Arts Accademia Nazionale di Scienze Lettere e Arti, Palermo 1990)

Over the years, the Foundation has pursued its statutory objectives to the extent permitted by the available funds, representing one of the most important cultural landmarks of the city. The Foundation has also promoted the rich property assets ‘inherited’ from Whitaker family, consisting mainly of the isle of Mozia island, the Stagnone Nature Reserve in Marsala and Villa Malfitano, green oasis in the heart of Palermo, home of the Foundation.