A sea of flowers lies outside Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, on Bourke Street in Melbourne. 74-year-old café owner Sisto Malaspina was a victim of the brutal terrorist attack that has been claimed by Islamic State.
As the city attempts to comprehend another attack, customers of Pellegrini’s try to cope with the loss of one of Melbourne’s most loved figures.
Sisto took over the Bourke Street espresso bar in 1974 and still worked 70 hours a week to keep it running. He was fatally attacked less than 400 metres from his restaurant of more than four decades.
Pellegrini’s, which originally opened in 1954, was closed for business on the weekend, but thousands of customers paid their respects at the restaurant. Chaplains were available to comfort mourners, wreaths of flowers lined the streets and a solo violinist paid tribute to the fallen local legend.
The loss of Mr Malaspina was already being felt by the wider Melbourne community. and hundreds of people continue to pay tributes today.
Staff posted a hand-written note in the window paying tribute to “the best boss”.
“Thank you for making us, your staff members, as part of your life. You always looked after us like family. You always said to have fun at work because we all worked so hard,” the note said.
“Pellegrini’s was your life. We will never forget all that you have done and given us all. We will love you forever and ever in our hearts.”
Members of Melbourne’s restaurant community expressed shock at the loss of the “industry legend”. Tributes came from Denis Sabbadini, from the Waiters Restaurant, Former Hotel Sofitel and Hare & Grace chef Raymond Capaldi, and more.
On Sunday afternoon Premier Daniel Andrews spoke to the family of Mr Malaspina and offered a state funeral. The family have not made a decision as of Sunday evening.
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