Joel Tamburro: Lalor dad died in sleep before birth of second child

The wife of a much-loved Lalor dad fought to save his life after he died in his sleep a day before the 20-week ultrasound of their second child.

Christopher Joel Tamburro, who passed away suddenly on November 24, 2021, with his wife Di.

A much-loved Melbourne father who died in his sleep just months before the birth of his second child is being remembered as a doting and caring dad.

Christopher ‘Joel’ Tamburro, 40 of Lalor, was found by his partner, Dianne, at 2am on November 24 hunched over in bed an hour after he returned home from a local car meet.

The “mad” car enthusiast had been taking photos with the car club and had been telling friends and family he was excited to have the chance to see his baby at the 20 week ultrasound the following day.

“We’re all just absolutely destroyed by this,” close family friend Melanie Howatson said.

“Joel was just one of the kindest and most generous men you’d ever meet.”

She said Christopher, who went by his middle name Joel, was an “amazing and doting father” to his five-year-old special needs daughter who was “his entire world”.

Christopher Joel Tamburro, who passed away suddenly on November 24, 2021, with his wife Di.

Mrs Tamburro began CPR immediately, and paramedics were rushed to the scene fighting for more than an hour to resuscitate the 40-year-old to no avail.

A full autopsy was carried out after Joel’s death, but the cause of death is unknown and family may have to wait months for the findings of a coronial inquest.

Ms Howatson said the pain of not knowing the cause was an “immense stress” on Joel’s family.

“It’s hurting Di to not be able to tell his family and friends how he died,” she said.

“People are shocked there’s no answers yet”.

His local car club, E-Series Owners, held a tribute run days later through the northern suburbs and have been selling memorial stickers to raise money to support Joel’s family.

“The whole E Series Community is mourning your loss today. Rest in Peace Joel. We love you and we will miss you,” a fellow member wrote after his death.

A sticker memorialising the life of Christopher Joel Tamburro.

Ms Howatson started a GoFundMe shortly after his death which has since raised more than $20,000 from 180 contributors.

“It’s honestly restored my faith in humanity,” she said.

“Joel was the kind of guy that would give you his last $20, he was the breadwinner and his young family has really been left struggling to make ends meet.”

The funds raised will cover his funeral costs, which is being held Friday at Golden Gate Funerals.
Mrs Tamburro is due to have their second child early next year.
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