TRIBUTES have been paid to a former cafe owner who was a 'big part' of the community he lived and worked in throughout the years.

Giovanni Binelli, who lived in Mold since the 1960's, passed away aged 86 years old on Tuesday, September 24.

He was a much-loved figure in the town's community, having set up and been in charge of Binelli's Cafe along with wife Carmela for four decades.

Mr Binelli bought and opened the cafe on King Street (based where Asia Sensation is now) in 1976.

He and his wife employed several people from the town to work at the cafe over the years, and also had a helping hand from their children; Maria and Peter.

The couple retired in 2003, with daughter Maria opening her own 'Maria's Cafe' site further up the road in town a year later. 

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Paying tribute to her father, Maria - who still runs her cafe to this day - said: "Dad was someone who has been a big part of this town. He mentored a lot of people through the cafe.

"He was someone who loved knowledge and loved people and he really made himself a part of Mold. He touched the lives of so many people." 

Several others fondly remembered Mr Binelli underneath Maria's social post about her father.

Carolyn Coulton said: "Oh no, absolutely gutted to hear this! Very fond fun filled memories from my very first job helping in the cafe. Mold loses yet another cornerstone!"

An earlier picture of Giovanni Binelli outside his cafe in Mold.An earlier picture of Giovanni Binelli outside his cafe in Mold. (Image: UGC) Rachel Johnson added: "So sorry for your loss. Lots of childhood memories talking to him in his cafe."

Ceris Brand wrote: "He was such a nice man and used to love going to the cafe when we came into Mold for my cheese butty and vimto."

Paula Conway said: "Sorry for your loss, your dad was a great man."

Mr Binelli's funeral will take place at St David's Church in Mold from 11am on Thursday, October 10.

Maria added that anyone who knew her father and wishes to pay their respects to him is welcome to attend.