INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightAFPImage caption
Sisto Malaspina was a well-known cafe owner in central Melbourne
For
more than 40 years, Sisto Malaspina served up coffee, cake and smiles to the countless people who entered his famous cafe in the heart of
Melbourne.But earlier this month, while on an afternoon break, Mr Malaspina was murdered in a terror attack about 400m (1,300 feet) from his
cafe.The 74-year-old was stabbed alongside two men who suffered injuries but survived
The attacker was shot dead by police.On Tuesday, Mr Malaspina's customers were among hundreds of people who gathered to remember him at a
state funeral in Australia's largest church.It follows much public grief - and a vast number of tributes - for the popular co-owner of
Pellegrini's, one of Melbourne's best-known cafes.Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption
Mourners were asked to wear
bright colours to remember Mr Malaspina
His son, David Malaspina, led the tributes in Melbourne's St Patrick's
Cathedral."Never would we have thought that our beloved dad would reach out and have such an impact to so many," he said.'Remarkable'
figureSisto Malaspina migrated to Australia from Italy in the 1960s, and has been celebrated for helping to shape Melbourne's cafe
culture.In 1974 he became co-owner of Pellegrini's - one of the first cafes to have an espresso machine in the city.Victorian Premier Daniel
Andrews described Mr Malaspina as a "remarkable Victorian, who brought love, life, colour and flavour to our city".Image copyrightEPAImage
caption
Flowers were left outside Pellegrini's in the days after Mr Malaspina's death
In the days
following the tragedy, many former customers posted memories of meeting Mr Malaspina
Among them were actor Russell Crowe and Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten.Many tributes have referred to Mr Malaspina's kindness, sense
of humour and even his "out-there" fashion
Outside his cafe, customers queued to lay flowers and sign a condolence book
There have also been calls to rename an adjoining laneway in his honour.'An Australian story'Speaking at his funeral, Governor of Victoria
Linda Dessau said she recalled her own childhood visits to Pellegrini's for cake and Italian food.Ms Dessau said Mr Malaspina had put in
"incredible hard work" and 70-hour weeks to ensure he prospered after migrating
He also built a sense of community, she added."Sisto Malaspina's story is an Australian story," she said.Image copyrightEPAImage caption
Mr Malaspina migrated to Australia in the 1960s
David Malaspina said his father's experience showed "why
Melbourne is the best city in the world"."Our great country has been blessed with waves of migrants from all corners of the globe," he
said."These people bring their dreams with them in search of a better life
Dad loved Melbourne with a passion, and was so proud to live in this unique and wonderful city."
