PETE Nardini’s sons Philip and Gordon helped to carry his coffin into a packed St Mary’s, Star of the Sea Church for his funeral service.

His sons and daughters, Julianna and Ilaria, joined their mum Catriona Nardini for the Requiem Mass which was conducted by the Rev. Fr Eammon Flynn.

Philip and Ilaria, and Episcopalian curate James Currall gave readings and the large congregation sang the hymn ‘You Are Always Close To Me’ before the burial service at Haylie Brae cemetery.

Fr Flynn said that for 78 year old Pietro, known to all as Pete, death had been a happy release from the pain and suffering of recent months.

His impressions of Pete were that he was very gracious, courteous, friendly and a real gentleman. However he came across as a quiet, unassuming, private person whose family knew his good sense of humour.

Fr Flynn said that the former director of P Nardini and Sons had been manager of the former Nardini restaurant for decades.

Fr Flynn contnued: “Pete enjoyed fishing and shooting and when he was younger he had the image of a young Italian man with a love of fast cars. He also enjoyed football and tennis, so it was not all hard work for him.

“He was a good living man and, above all, he fulfilled his vocation in life as a good husband and father. He was very active, and always busy, respected in the community where some people had cause to thank him for helping them in business.” Fr Flynn added:”For Pete life has changed but not ended. He is now with God.” Pete was the younger son of Nardino and Marianna Nardini from Barga, Tuscany where he is survived by a sister Anna Rosa. He is also survived by older brother Aldo of Largs.

A reception was held at Kelburn Castle after the funeral.