Tributes have poured in from all around the world to Southampton restaurant boss Tony Centola who has died at the age of 66 after losing a battle against cancer.
The genial Italian played a major role in the success of the city's renowned La Margherita, where he worked for more than 20 years before his retirement.
Tony, who spoke five languages, had grown up in the town of Formia in Italy but in 1962 he came to Southampton for six months to improve his English and met wife Sheila.
In 1983 joined the staff of La Margherita which in those days was just a stone's throw from The Mayflower.
Tony became well known to the star-studded list of diners which included Danny La Rue, Les Dennis and Brian Conley.
Family, friends and many of his old customers are expected to pack St Edmunds Roman Catholic Church, Southampton, for the funeral service on Monday, June 11 at 11 am.
Flowers or donations, if desired, should be made to Cancer Research UK.
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