Legendary 'Furniture King' of Melbourne Franco Cozzo passes away at 87
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Franco Cozzo, the iconic 'Furniture King' of Melbourne who was known for his vibrant commercials and larger-than-life personality, has passed away at 87.
His journey from a humble immigrant to a household name is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and the multicultural fabric of Melbourne.
Cozzo arrived in Melbourne from Italy in the 1950s with dreams of a better life.
He quickly became a beloved figure in the city, especially within the Italian and Greek communities, thanks to his furniture businesses in Footscray and Brunswick.
On Wednesday, his family confirmed the sad news of his passing via a social media post.
'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Franco Cozzo,' the statement read.
'He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. We would greatly appreciate that our privacy be respected during this difficult time.'
The news of Cozzo's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the city and beyond.
Among them was comedian and actor Nick Giannopoulos, who said he would miss his ‘dear friend.'
'Franco Cozzo was a proud Italian immigrant who became famous for his late-night TV ads for his furniture stores,' Giannopoulos wrote on his social media.
'When we asked him to be in our Wogs Out Of Work late-night TV ad in 1987, he said yes straight away. A generous & wonderful man who will be missed by us all.'
Several people shared photos on social media of the furniture they bought from one of Cozzo’s stores to pay tribute to the ‘furniture king’.
Cozzo's legacy extends far beyond his furniture empire. He was a symbol of the multiculturalism that defines Melbourne, a beacon for immigrants, and a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
As we remember Franco Cozzo, let's celebrate not just the 'Furniture King' but the man who embodied the spirit of Melbourne's multiculturalism, the entrepreneur who built a legacy from scratch, and the charismatic personality who brought joy to many through his unforgettable commercials.
Have you ever bought a piece of furniture from Franco Cozzo's store? Do you remember his commercials? Share your memories in the comments below.
His journey from a humble immigrant to a household name is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and the multicultural fabric of Melbourne.
Cozzo arrived in Melbourne from Italy in the 1950s with dreams of a better life.
He quickly became a beloved figure in the city, especially within the Italian and Greek communities, thanks to his furniture businesses in Footscray and Brunswick.
‘Furniture King’ Franco Cozzo will be remembered for his late-night TV commercials. Credit: @thefrancocozzo / Instagram
On Wednesday, his family confirmed the sad news of his passing via a social media post.
'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Franco Cozzo,' the statement read.
'He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. We would greatly appreciate that our privacy be respected during this difficult time.'
The news of Cozzo's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the city and beyond.
Among them was comedian and actor Nick Giannopoulos, who said he would miss his ‘dear friend.'
'Franco Cozzo was a proud Italian immigrant who became famous for his late-night TV ads for his furniture stores,' Giannopoulos wrote on his social media.
'When we asked him to be in our Wogs Out Of Work late-night TV ad in 1987, he said yes straight away. A generous & wonderful man who will be missed by us all.'
Several people shared photos on social media of the furniture they bought from one of Cozzo’s stores to pay tribute to the ‘furniture king’.
Cozzo's legacy extends far beyond his furniture empire. He was a symbol of the multiculturalism that defines Melbourne, a beacon for immigrants, and a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
Have you ever bought a piece of furniture from Franco Cozzo's store? Do you remember his commercials? Share your memories in the comments below.
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