Necta Papanicolaou: Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats butcher dies in Marrickville motorbike crash

A popular butcher and father-of-two who died in a motorcycle crash in Sydney’s inner west has been remembered as a “friend to everybody”.

A much-loved and famous inner west butcher has been identified as the man killed in a motorcycle accident at Marrickville on Saturday.

Nectarios (Necta) Papanicolaou, 34, died after he lost control of his motorbike on Wardell Rd, Marrickville. He was treated at the scene by paramedics but was pronounced dead about 5pm.

Necta Papanicolaou was a much-loved and known community figure, who always served with a smile. Picture: Craig Wilson

The husband and father of two young children was a well-known and much-loved face around Sydney’s inner west, working at his parents’ business Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats.

Mr Papanicolaou’s parents George and Yiota released a family statement on the business’ Facebook page on Monday.

“It is hard to believe that someone who was so full of life has left us – we are deeply lost and in despair,” the statement said.

“Necta was a friend to everybody. He lit up the room with his smile, his infectious laugh and his love of life. Necta was loved by our customers and the wider Dulwich Hill community and we know that he will be sorely missed beyond his family and closest friends.”

Comments on the post from friends and customers remembered Necta as a friendly, kind and loveable person in the community.

“This is such devastating news to hear,” Andrew Harvey wrote.

“We loved being served by Necta and will miss his wonderful sense of humour.”

Others remembered his laugh and smile.

“When coming to the shop I always looked forward to seeing Necta and having a laugh,” Fiona Tzouramanis wrote.

“He will definitely be missed and will be the brightest star in the sky.”

Necta Papanicolaou competed in the World Butchers’ Challenge for Australia in 2016. Picture: Craig Wilson

Necta Papanicolaou worked at the family-run and popular butcher, Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats Picture: Craig Wilson

Mr Papanicolaou was a big name in the butchery scene, selected in 2016 in the Australian team for the World Butchers’ Challenge.

“It nearly brought a tear to my eye to tell you the truth – I got really emotional,” he said in 2016 upon securing a place in the team. “I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my parents.”

A crime scene was established by police following the fatal incident and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Although not a pedestrian fatality, Mr Papanicolaou’s death is the third in as many weeks in the inner west.

Mr Papanicolaou is survived by his wife Krissy, daughter Paris and son George. His parents and siblings have said they are surrounded by loved ones during a difficult period of grieving.