‘He just lived life to the absolute fullest all the time’: Crash victim, talented footballer Alexander ‘Rooch’ Aurrichio farewelled in touching funeral
‘HE just lived life to the absolute fullest all the time’: Talented Darwin footballer Alexander ‘Rooch’ Aurrichio, who was killed in a devastating cycling accident in Howard Springs this month, was celebrated in a touching funeral service today before beginning the journey home to America.
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AN Akubra and the guernseys of his four Australian rules teams rested on Alexander “Rooch” Aurrichio’s coffin as he was farewelled by his Darwin family at a touching funeral service today.
Aurrichio passed away on June 8 after a devastating cycling accident in Howard Springs.
Every pew was filled with the red and white guernsey of Waratah Football Club, which hosted the service at Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
Waratah players sat in silence in tears, remembering their times on and off the field with their beloved teammate as his life, accomplishments and kindness were celebrated.
Waratah FC team manager Sue Kotz, whose family hosted Aurrichio in Darwin, read the eulogy on behalf of Aurrichio’s friend and former teammate Tom Fields.
“Alex had the gift to enter into someone’s life for a brief moment and instantly make them feel happier, safer and better about themselves,” she read.
“To me, that is the mark of an exceptional human being, and I got that feeling from Alex every time I was with him.
“It gives me great peace knowing that Darwin was where Alexander Aurrichio was at his absolute happiest.”
Ms Kotz said she was grateful to have known the beloved player.
“We’re just so blessed that Alex chose Darwin and he was having the time of his life,” she said.
“It’s hard to imagine that he’s gone. (He was a) larger than life figure that, he just lived life to the absolute fullest all the time.”
In a video tribute, Aurrichio’s parents Lou and Jill, and siblings John, Jillian, Michael and Christopher thanked the Waratahs and Aurrichio’s friends and teammates across Australia for their love.
Mr Aurrichio fought back tears as he spoke.
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“The many emails, texts, calls and stories told to us over these past two weeks have been so reassuring that our family is finding comfort in knowing that he was loved and cherished by everyone,” he said.
“A larger than life personality, Alexander had the uncanny ability to in any situation into a positive, fun loving and memorable experience. He would do anything for anyone and expect nothing in return.
“Thank you for the people of Australia who surrounded him with such warmth and generosity, and to your country, a place he loved so much.”
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