Sydney butcher Nectarios Papanicolaou will be laid to rest as friends set up GoFundMe

A popular Sydney father-of-two killed in a horror crash only a week before Easter will be laid to rest this week, as thousands rally behind his distraught family.

A popular Sydney father-of-two killed in a motorcycle accident will be laid to rest on Wednesday, as thousands rally behind his heartbroken family.

Nectarios ‘Necta’ Papanicolaou died on his way home after losing control of his motorbike in Marrickville on April 19.

The 34-year-old, who was due to celebrate Greek Easter only a week later, was treated by paramedics at the scene but couldn’t be saved.

The inner west local, who worked as a butcher at his family’s shop Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats, was remembered as “full of life”.

Nectarios Papanicolaou died in a car accident on his way home from work.

Following the tragic death, family friend Lisa Pereira set up a GoFundMe for the distraught family, which has already raised more than $26,000 in two days.

“His loss has been felt throughout the entire community, with everyone having their own fond memories of Necta. However, it is his wife Krissy and two young children, Paris and George, whose lives have been shattered and devastated beyond words,” Mrs Pereira wrote.

“While there is nothing we can do to bring Necta back, coming together as a community and helping to support his young family is the best way we can honour his memory.

“Thank you for your support, love and kindness through this very difficult time.”

Mrs Pereira’s husband Anthony also paid tribute to Mr Papanicolaou.

“Necta, you touched many people's lives and your departure has left a hole in the hearts of many that will never be filled,” he wrote.

“May your family find the strength to get through this tragedy.

“Rest in peace brother, you will be missed forever.”

Mr Papanicolaou with wife Krissy, daughter Paris and son George.

The funeral for the much-loved butcher will be held on Wednesday at All Saints Church in Belmore.

“We are extremely sorry to pass on the devastating news that our beloved Nectarios died suddenly over the weekend in a road accident,” the family said in a statement on Facebook last week.

“It is hard to believe that someone who was so full of life has left us.

“We are deeply lost and in despair.

“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.”

Mr Papanicolaou’s death has left the wider community devastated, as thousands of family and friends continue to send their condolences on social media.

“A heartbroken wife, two kids, dozens of family members, hundreds of friends and who knows how many thousands of acquaintances are richer for having come into contact with him,” one relative wrote.

“Necta is gone but his infectious laugh will echo in our memories for many years to come. Will never forget you, cousin.”

Originally published as Sydney butcher Nectarios Papanicolaou will be laid to rest as friends set up GoFundMe