DANDENONG has lost a prominent and respected resident with the
death of Lorenzo Modica, one of the City of Greater Dandenong’s Living
Treasures – an honour bestowed by the city council on prominent
community workers.
In a tribute to him, mayor Angela Long said: “Lorenzo’s strong
sense of community and his enduring commitment and loyalty made a
positive difference to our city.
“Although he had been unwell for some time, his passing still
comes as a shock, and we hope that [wife] Carmella and the extended
Modica family find peace and comfort in knowing Lorenzo’s suffering is
now over.”
Mr Modica came from Italy with his family in 1953 when he was 17
and worked in various jobs. He gained a real estate licence and
eventually started his own real estate business. He married in 1965 and
later helped his wife establish Modica Travel Service in Dandenong.
He worked in the travel agency, now operated by his daughter,
Angela, and her husband, Domenic Brasacchio, until retirement in 2003.
Mr Modica was deeply involved in Italian community clubs. For many
years, he was a committee member and president of the Dandenong Italo
Australian Club. He was a justice of the peace for 36 years.
Mr Modica is survived by his wife and three children – Lucia
Fonti, of Wheelers Hill; Angela Brasacchio, of Dandenong North; and son
Carmelo, of Knoxfield. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren.
About 500 mourners attended the funeral service at St Mary’s Church in Dandenong.
