FAMILY and friends of much-loved bistro boss Enzo Franco packed into a Cockermouth church for his funeral yesterday afternoon.

There was standing room only in St Joseph’s Church where Mr Franco’s coffin arrived, draped in the Italian flag and surrounded by flowers creating the words: Dad, Grandad and Son.

Mr Franco, who died on January 6, aged 62, was married to Caterina and had three children, Amelia, Vince and Antonella, and five grandchildren, Ellie, Tom, Harry, Lucas and Isabella.

He was born in a small village in Sicily but moved to England as a baby. He grew up in Liverpool but later moved to Cumbria, where he worked at The Trout Hotel, in Cockermouth, for more than 20 years.

Father Tom lead the service and was joined by members of the family.

“His was a life well lived but we are acutely aware it was not as long as it could have been,” said Father Tom.

The eulogy was done by Mr Franco’s brother, Mike, and three children.

“It’s an honour to pay tribute to my brother who has clearly touched so many hearts,” said Mike. “He was a very true and special person.”

Mr Franco, who lived in Great Broughton, was the eldest of three brothers.

“He was very much the protective older brother to Guiseppe and me.

“He gave us words of wisdom and advice which were not always useful but always delivered with good intention and lots and lots of humour,” said Mike.

“He was so supportive and encouraging, both Guiseppe and I have much to thank him for.”

He spoke of when Mr Franco met “the love of his life and soulmate Caterina”.

“He loved all his children dearly and was so proud of them,” he said.

Vince described his father as “a legend”. Antonella said: “Dad was happiest when he had his family around. He worshipped his grandchildren and loved to make up songs and stories. He had a fantastic imagination.

"He was so patient and laid back. He was most relaxed when he arrived at his villa in Sicily, where he could pick fruit and enjoy food and wine.”

Amelia said he was always there for them. "Nothing was ever too big, " she said.

"As a family it’s given us great comfort knowing how truly loved he was.”