Sisto Malaspina’s son delivers moving eulogy at Melbourne legend’s funeral

Much-loved Melbourne restaurant owner Sisto Malaspina has been remembered by his son for his “amazing ability to make everyone feel special” in a deeply moving eulogy at his funeral.

The 74-year-old co-owner of Pellegrini’s, who was well-known and loved around the city and beyond, was fatally stabbed by Hassan Khalif Shire Ali in the Bourke Street terror attack on November 9 – leading to a flood of tributes from his friends, family and mourners in the days that followed.

Now, some of Australia’s most high-profile politicians have joined his loved ones in St Patrick’s Cathedral in the city to remember him and say a final farewell in a packed-out state funeral – with Sisto’s son David leading the readings inside.

Remembering his father’s bubbly personality, David said: “Dad never liked wearing black. Dad always thought the way you dressed should reflect your personality. Dad had a very colourful personality.”

He spoke of his father’s deep pride to live in such a “unique and wonderful city” and went on to thank emergency services for their bravery on the day of the horrific attack – adding that Sisto always ensured he gave emergency personnel priority service if they ever came into his restaurant while on duty.

The state funeral for Pellegrini's co-owner Sisto Malaspina will take place today at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. His cafe employees have laid a wreath inside as well as coffee beans, accordion, piano & an Italian flag. @kcostalos #Studio10 pic.twitter.com/HJap7CoogY

— Studio 10 (@Studio10au) November 19, 2018

“Our family have felt the emotion and witnessed the outpouring of love from so many people. Dad was so vibrant and warm,” he added, while paying tribute to the “overwhelming” love and support they have received.

“He didn’t consider you customers, he considered you friends, this we know for sure,” he went on. “To the staff at Pellegrini’s and Spaghetti Tree, your support over the years and especially in this last year has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Adding a personal touch to his reading, David recalled his earliest childhood years with his father and said: “From an early age, Dad taught us good old-fashioned values and manners. Smiles cost you nothing… Treat everyone equally despite outward appearance, race, social standing…”

Sat in the audience was Sisto’s long-time business partner and close friend Nino Pangrazio, who was seen being comforted by friends outside as he struggled to contain his emotions.

Meanwhile, business tycoon and personal friend Lindsay Fox followed David with his own emotional reading and struggled to hold back tears as he recalled meeting Sisto more than 60 years ago, before watching him flourish in the restaurant business.

“They [Sisto and co-owner Nino] had an ability of making everyone feel part of the party,” he said. “I can honestly say the world is a better place for having Sisto in it.”

He also recalled how Sisto would often start a sing-along with his daughters as he played alongside them with his mandolin whenever they joined together for the evening.

“The heart has its own memory, and he will forever live in ours. Farewell buddy, I will miss you,” he concluded.

Among the politicians in attendance were Labor leader Bill Shorten – who was a regular customer at Pellegrini’s – as well as state Labor leader Dan Andrews and state Opposition Leader Matthew Guy.

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Senator Derryn Hinch were also in attendance, as were State MPs James Merlino, Philip Dalidakis, Martin Palio’s and Richard Wynne.

While the cathedral was packed out, screens were also set up outside for friends and mourners to watch the service and pay tribute themselves.

Read more: Violinist performs moving tribute outside Melbourne attack victim’s restaurant

Pellegrini’s is a well-known and much-loved establishment in Melbourne’s city centre, having been one of the first venues in the city to install an espresso machine. Sisto had been running the Bourke Street cafe since 1974.

The cafe was closed for the weekend after his death as a mark of respect, with a small sign sign on the door reading: “Due to an incident, Pellegrini’s will be closed until Monday 12th.”

Do you have a message for the family? Did you ever visit Pellegrini’s?