MasterChef Jock Zonfrillo laid to rest in top secret Sydney funeral
Jimmy Barnes performed an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace to farewell friend Jock Zonfrillo at a private Sydney funeral for the MasterChef judge. EXCLUSIVE PICTURES
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Jimmy Barnes sang Amazing Grace to close out an emotional private funeral service for MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo in Sydney today.
In recent days members of the Glasgow-born chef’s family have flown in from around the globe, from Scotland and the US, to farewell Zonfrillo who died in Melbourne on April 30.
Zonfrillo’s wife Lauren Fried, who has not been seen since her emergency dash home from Rome on May 1, and the chef’s four children, Eva, Sophie, Alfie and Isla, led a solemn parade of mourners into a small chapel on Saturday morning to mark her husband’s death at age 46.
An indigenous smoking ceremony took place outside the chapel before Zonfrillo’s coffin was carried inside by Ms Fried and five other men, flanked by a Scottish marcher playing the bagpipes.
Ms Fried had a Scottish tartan draped over her shoulder and was hugged by several loved ones before entering the chapel.
Zonfrillo’s MasterChef co-star Melissa Leong was visibly emotional as she arrived, and was held by friends as she was escorted inside.
Supporting the chef’s family were his MasterChef fellow judge Andy Allen and his pregnant wife Alex Davey, also former MasterChef judge George Colombaris and fellow celeb chef Shannon Bennett.
My Kitchen Rules’ Manu Feildel was also present to pay his respects, as well as Colin Fassnidge, who hugged and greeted Zonfrillo’s friends and loved ones as they arrived.
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame was also there to pay her respects, arriving with partner Max Heerey.
Zonfrillo died two weeks ago, sending shockwaves through the entertainment and food industry when he was found dead inside a boutique hotel in Lygon St, Melbourne.
MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo has been farewelled by family, friends and colleagues in a private funeral service in Sydney.
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) May 13, 2023
“I know days like this are meant to be a celebration of someone’s life, so I will try really hard to do that through my immense sadness.†Lauren… pic.twitter.com/6pvyU1nqX0
Police did not treat his death as suspicious, but it was revealed in the aftermath his widow Lauren asked for a welfare check while she was in Italy with the couple’s children.
Zonfrillo was in Melbourne at the time preparing to promote the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia.
He died just days before the first episode of the season was due to be released, but was delayed by a week.
The native Glaswegian moved to Australia in 2000 after working under chefs like Gordon Ramsay in his 20s.
Always open about his struggles, Zonfrillo revealed he was a heroin addict before going cold turkey when he arrived in Sydney.
In 2017 his Adelaide restaurant Orana was named Australian restaurant of the year by Gourmet Traveller magazine.
Originally published as MasterChef Jock Zonfrillo laid to rest in top secret Sydney funeral
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