The huge number of people who loved and were inspired by Tony Spizzica was evident on Monday.
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Mourners gathered in their hundreds at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart church in Elmore to farewell Mr Spizzica for the final time.
Mr Spizzica passed away last week after a three-year battle with esophageal cancer.
Inside the church almost two hundred friends and family members paid their respects.
At the same time, almost 500 people filled the church gardens and spilled onto the footpath outside the church.
The entrance hymn Come As You Are was followed by words from Father Alex Lim and Effie Spizzica.
Mr Spizzica was remembered as a caring gentleman who loved his close, tight-knit family.
Mr Spizzica was remembered as a caring gentleman who loved his close, tight-knit family. His love of music was passed on to his children. He was a man who lived life to the full.
His love of music was passed on to his children who play a wide array of musical instruments including saxophone and drums. Mr Spizzica was proud of their achievements.
Born on June 18, 1958, Mr Spizzica was a man who lived life to the full.
At the church on Monday, mourners spoke of Mr Spizzica not letting his illness get the better of him.
They said he spoke openly about death and even began to organise his own funeral.
In the lead up to his passing, despite being in a frail condition, those close to him said Mr Spizzica kept on going and had an impressive will to live.
Father Lim said while the saddest part of dying is the pain of loss, people were sure there would be a big reunion in heaven with Mr Spizzica.
Family and friends remembered how Mr Spizzica had helped them to smile.
His unconditional love and devotion to his family and the same love and strength he gave his brothers and sisters will help keep his family strong and united.
As he left the church, Mr Spizzica was reunited the instrument he loved – the double bass.
Music was his passion. It gave him strength as did the love of his family and friends.
Final farewell for popular musician
Anyone who knew Tony Spizzica knew his passion and love for music was endless.
It was clear to his family and friends on Monday when musicians played in his memory at the wake following the funeral procession.
He was a part of many bands during his years as a musician and there was no shortage of people happy to play for him.
After more than almost 700 people paid their respects at the church in Elmore, they celebrated his life and love affair with music at the Elmore Football Club.
While it was sad to farewell Mr Spizzica for the last time there were no shortage of smiles and stories about the former panel beater turned musician.
Three microphone stands stood ready and after a quick tune up, musicians played to Mr Spizzica’s memory.
Without the final goodbyes and ceremonies it would have felt like a jam session like any other.