An Essendon man has faced court over the alleged hit-run death of a respected 78-year-old volunteer in St Albans.
Giau Van Nguyen, 64, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Athanasios 'Arthur' Frangis and failing to stop and render assistance.
The court heard Nguyen had health issues with his heart and was on medication for "extremely high" blood pressue. He appeared barefoot and poker faced wearing blue track pants and a grey T-shirt.
Nguyen did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. He will return to the court on Thursday for a filing hearing.
Mr Frangis was struck on Main Road East near the corner of Erica Avenue about 9pm on Wednesday, just metres from the St Albans home he had lived in for 54 years after moving to Melbourne from Greece in the 1960s.
He was walking home after volunteering at his the Westvale Soccer Club canteen.
Mr Frangis had been a stalwart of the club for 15 years as a volunteer.
A passerby called emergency services but Mr Frangis died at the scene. He leaves behind his wife Helen and three children.
Police released CCTV footage of the red hatchback they believed hit Mr Frangis.
They arrested Nguyen on Friday following two days of public appeals for information and witnesses.
Mr Frangis' loved ones described him as a thoughtful person who always put his family first.