Hundreds attend mafia-linked fruiterer John Latorre’s funeral in Moonee Ponds
Hundreds of mourners have farewelled mafia-linked fruiterer John Latorre at a packed service in Melbourne on Saturday.
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Murdered mafia-linked fruiterer John Latorre “didn’t deserve” to die in the way he did, his heartbroken daughter said at his packed funeral in Melbourne.
Hundreds of mourners and his associates decked in black paid their respects at St Monica’s church in Moonee Ponds from 10.30am.
Distressed and grieving family members wiped away tears as they bowed at Latorre’s coffin after shuffling toward the front of the church.
The fruiterer was gunned down in a pre-dawn ambush that blasted the 64-year-old with bullets about 4.30am on March 12.
Dozens of his family and associates, many wearing large, black sunglasses, kissed each other on the cheek as they entered the service.
“How truly sorry I am that you have departed this earth so suddenly and not in your own or God’s time,” his daughter Melina said.
“You didn't deserve this.”
Melina’s sister, Antoinette, spoke of the day her father was shot dead.
“It was not his time to go,” she said, through tears.
“My beautiful and amazing dad, I cannot begin to fathom that you are not here with us.
“I want you to know I tried everything I could to help you.
“My courage and strength came from you that day, that I know for sure.
“You never let us go without, but now we do, we are without you.
“We will all always remember you and say your name, you will never be forgotten.”
“If you want a tribute to the gentlemen, look around you, it’s a big church and we’re probably at twice the capacity,” the church’s priest said as he opened proceedings.
“John Latorre was a pretty good bloke. Rest in peace.”
A death notice placed in the Herald Sun this week echoed those thoughts.
“Much loved husband to Maria. Beloved father of Antoinette and Melina, father-in-law of Tony LaVerde and adored nonno of Michele and Gianni,” it read.
“Dearly missed by all his family and friends. Forever in our hearts.”
A large love heart with ‘nonno’ written on it was placed near his coffin, that was topped with white roses and a burning candle.
About a dozen songs were played and several prayers were spoken.
Tissues were passed around and many tears flowed.
The hit man responsible for the killing, who was possibly flown in from overseas to kill, fled on a small, noisy motorcycle and has managed to evade authorities since the murder.
Latorre’s relatives howled in pain and grief as his body laid behind sheets and tarps in the hours after he was shot.
He was regarded as captain of the Calabrian mafia’s Melbourne arm; and underworld sources claim the hit would have been given the green light from mafia bosses higher up.
Police continue to investigate any organised crime links with Latorre’s killing.
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