UPDATED The Maltese community in Victoria mourns the sad loss of one of its prominent members, Emmanuel (‘Laurie’) Spiteri, who passed away aged 91 years. Mr Spiteri was a very active member of the community and for the past 15 years served as President of the Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria, Inc.
Mr Spiteri was a foundation member of the Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria at the time of its re-formation in 1978 after a period of inactivity following its original formation in 1956. He held executive membership of the association since 1978 and became its President in 2000.
Every year Mr Spiteri was keen to be involved in the organisation of the Mass to commemorate the Award of the George Cross to Malta in April 1942 and the laying of wreaths at the George Cross monument in Parkville.
Mr Spiteri also enjoyed organising the Maltese contingent of veterans and their families and personally participating in the traditional annual ANZAC Day March in Melbourne. Mr Spiteri led the Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria group, which is also the Malta GC Returned Services League Sub-Branch, under a Maltese flag banner which also bore the words “We served 1914-1918, the Nurse of the Mediterranean, and 1939-1945, the Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier”.
Representing the Maltese Ex-Services Association of Victoria, Mr Spiteri took particular interest in activities organised by the MCCV and he regularly attended the monthly Council meetings of the MCCV.
Last April, in recognition of his great service to the community, Mr Spiteri was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Maltese Community Council of Victoria.
The MCCV President and members of the Executive Committee convey their sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Mr Spiteri’s family.
May he rest in peace.
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The funeral arrangements for Emmanuel Spiteri, President of the Maltese Ex Services Association of Victoria Inc are as follows:-
Date: Saturday 15th August 2015
Time: 11.00 am
Place: Maltese Community Centre, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville
Rosary will commence at 11.00am followed by Mass for the repose of Emmanuel’s soul.
The funeral cortege will then depart for burial at Fawkner Cemetery.
Light refreshments will be served at the Maltese Community Centre hall afterwards.