Mourners at Sisto Malaspina's state funeral wore bright colours, cravats and neckties to honour the much-loved Melbourne restaurateur.
"Dad never liked wearing black. Dad always thought the way you dressed should reflect your personality," son David said.
"Dad had a very colourful personality."
David had to pause as he explained the values his father instilled in him.
"He said ... treat everybody equally, despite race, religion and social values."
The service for the 74-year-old terror victim, was held just a short walk from where he spent decades feeding hungry Melburnians at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar.
Family members were joined by politicians, dignitaries and loyal customers, in paying tribute to Mr Malaspina, whose stabbing death prompted an outpouring of grief across Australia.
Mr Malaspina was killed and two other men were injured on November 9 when 30-year-old Hassan Khalif Shire Ali drove a burning ute into the city and launched a knife attack.
Police shot Shire Ali who later died in hospital.
Since the tragedy, hundreds of cards and bunches of flowers have been left outside Pellegrini's on Bourke Street, while devastated customers queued to sign a book of condolence.
Premier Daniel Andrews, who made the offer of a state funeral to his family, said Mr Malaspina was a "Victorian icon, known and loved by us all".
