Service will honour the life of popular restaurateur

Antonio Martin-Melero, proprietor of Mediterranean family eatery Mi Casa Su Casa in Red Bank Road, Bispham, died last Thursday shortly after complaining of a sore throat, which he put down to tonsillitis.

He was just 37, and left behind heartbroken wife Victoria, 27.

The pair were three weeks short of celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

In an announcement, Mr Martin-Melero’s family described him as a ‘darling husband, beautiful son, cherished brother, and loving son-in-law’.

A service will be held at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Devonshire Road at 10am on Thursday, followed by burial at Carleton Cemetery.

Family flowers only have been requested.

Numerous tributes were paid to Mr Martin-Melero following his sudden death.

Sarah Smith said: “As regulars to Mi Casa Su Casa, we were always made to feel so welcome by Antonio and his staff. I am totally saddened by this and in shock.”

Chris O’Shea added: “I knew Ant from when we were teenagers and he was such a genuinely nice and funny person.”