Memorial builds for Bourke Street victim Sisto Malaspina

An iconic Melbourne Italian coffeehouse has been adorned with tributes for restaurateur Sisto Malaspina who died in a terror attack in the CBD.

Mourners pay their respects to Sisto Malaspina, co-owner of Pellegrini's Espresso Bar.

Mourners pay their respects to Sisto Malaspina, co-owner of Pellegrini's Espresso Bar. Source: AAP

A makeshift memorial outside an iconic Melbourne coffeehouse is still building after restaurateur Sisto Malaspina died just metres away in a terror attack on Bourke Street.

Floral and written tributes have been placed at the popular Pellegrini's Espresso Bar after the 74-year-old Italian restaurateur was killed by Islamic State-inspired attacker Hassan Khalif Shire Ali on Friday.



Mr Malaspina was walking down Bourke Street, just a few hundred metres from the business he had run for more than 40 years, went he was caught up in the tragedy.

Premier Daniel Andrews praised Victorians for flocking in their thousands to the Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday in defiance of Friday's act of "pure evil".

Mr Andrews said he hoped to speak to Mr Malaspina's family soon.

 The Victorian Premier has offered the family a state funeral to commemorate Sisto's life.
The Victorian Premier has offered the family a state funeral to commemorate Sisto's life. Source: AAP


Victorian Greens Senator Janet Rice added to the many tributes on Sunday.

"This is heartbreaking - a true Melbourne icon. Particularly poignant this Remembrance Day. Peace to all," she tweeted.

The store closed for trade on Friday and Saturday after his death.

Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 4636


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Published 11 November 2018 5:52pm
Updated 11 November 2018 8:56pm

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