Greek-Australian butcher tragically died in vehicle crash: "He lit up the room with his smile"

A Greek-Australian father-of-two and butcher tragically died in a motorbike accident in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville on Saturday evening.

34-year-old Nectarios ‘Necta’ Papanicolaou died after losing control of his motorbike. he was treated by paramedics at the scene but could not be saved.

Necta, who worked as a butcher at his family’s shop Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats, is being remembered as “full of life”.

“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.

“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.

“He was a loving father to his daughter Paris and son George, and a devoted husband to his wife Krissy.

“His parents George and Yiota and siblings Michael, Dion and Michelle are surrounded by loved ones during this unbelievably difficult process of grieving.

“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.”

Papanicolaou’s death has left the wider community devastated, with hundreds of people sending their condolences to the family on social media.

“Words are failing me, such a good bloke and loving family man,” one person wrote.

“When coming to the shop I always looked forward to seeing Nectar and having a laugh,” another person wrote.

“He will definitely be missed and will be the brightest star in the sky!”

Police established a crime scene following the fatal crash and an investigation continues.

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