Mr J. BULL (Sunbury) — I rise today in condolence of a great man, Mr Sebastiano — Sam — Pitruzzello, OAM. I was first introduced many years ago to Sam through the former member for Yuroke, Liz Beattie. They say you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and Sam certainly did that. He was immediately warm, welcoming and generous, the kind of man who would welcome you into his heart and home and sit down and share a meal with you.

Sam moved here from Sicily in 1963 with what his family described as ‘a suitcase and a dream’. He founded the Pantalica Cheese Company in Tullamarine in 1973 before going on to establish one of Sunbury’s finest vineyards, the Pitruzzello Estate. Sam valued hard work and the business he created, but he always maintained a deep sense of justice and generosity. He was an incredibly hardworking man who strived every day to create the very best for his family. He was a great man who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Sam, it was a privilege to have known you.