Family remembers Bell Park butcher Bruno Siketa

The man who founded one of Geelong’s most popular butcher shops is being remembered after passing away peacefully at 83.

Bell Park icon Bruno Siketa passed away at 83.

A well known business figure in Geelong’s northern suburbs is being remembered for his kind nature.

Bruno Siketa, founder of popular Hughes St butcher shop Siketa Meats, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, surrounded by family.

He had served customers at his Bell Park store for nearly 50 years.

His son Steve said Bruno, who had been ill in the months leading up to his death, had “lived a full life”.

“He was in and out of hospital for the last month,” Steve said.

“He basically said he would like to go home, so he got his last wish.”

Steve said his father was a “sensational man”.

Brothers Mike and Bruno Siketa in 2009.

“He had very strong family values,” he said.

“He alway had a great rapport with customers, lots of little kids remember my dad giving them a piece of tirola.

“I say little kids, they’re in their 30s, 40s and 50s now.”

Bruno moved to Australia in 1956, leaving Croatia, then Yugoslavia with his nine siblings and parents.

The family arrived in Geelong with nothing besides their suitcases.

Beginning his apprenticeship at 16, Bruno took over the shop in 1962, at just 21, rebranding as Siketa Meats.

Siketa family members, back from left, Milenko, Kuzma, Bruno, Mario, Tonko, Ivan, Aldo; front, Ellena, mother Filomena, father Antun, Ida, Pierina.

The shop became well known in the northern suburbs, particularly among the region’s European population, with the traditional salami making months of June and July peak times in the shop.

He continued to work at the shop with his brother Milenko until 2010, when a leg amputation forced him to hang up the apron.

“He would’ve kept going until he dropped dead,” Steve Siketa said.

“He stayed involved after, but it caused too many problems for him to be working in the store.

“So many customers have said to me that he wasn’t just a butcher, he was a friend.”

Bruno’s eldest son Tony has since taken over operations at the store.

Bruno Siketa in 2004 with a range of smallgoods he produces in his Geelong shop.

Long time supporter of Siketa Meats councillor Eddy Kontelj posted a tribute to his social media.

“Vale Bruno Siketa,” Mr Kontelj said.

“A legend in Bell Park and Geelong, and a friend to many, working tirelessly and serving the community for decades at the iconic Siketa Meats, which he established in the 50s.

“Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Siketa family.”

Bruno Siketa will be farewelled on Wednesday at 2pm during a service at St Mary’s.

Originally published as Family remembers Bell Park butcher Bruno Siketa