Malta pays its last respects to Robert Arrigo

Malta is paying its last respects to former Nationalist Party deputy leader Robert Arrigo, who died last Tuesday, aged 67.

The funeral is being held at the St Julian’s parish church and will be followed by a private interment at the Addolorata Cemetery.

Arrigo died after a battled with cancer. He was elected for five consecutive times to Parliament, the last four from two districts.

Malta paid its last respects to former Nationalist Party deputy leader Robert Arrigo, who died last Tuesday, aged 67.

The funeral was held at the St Julian’s parish church and was followed by a private interment at the Addolorata Cemetery.

Arrigo died after a battle with cancer. He was elected for five consecutive times to Parliament, the last four from two districts.

Attendees paying respects to Arrigo filled the Church on both levels, with some even standing up at the back. Flowers adorned the altar where his coffin lay. The crowd applauded as eight PN MPs carried Arrigo’s coffin into the church, while the band played a tune which was often played to accompany matches played by Sliema Wanderers Football Club. Arrigo was, for a time, president of the club.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia Abela, Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech and his wife Annemarie, and the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, were among the notable attendees of the funeral.

MPs from both sides of the House, relatives, friends, representatives of the Sliema Wanderers football club and many others attended to bid farewell.

Former St Julian’s parish priest of St Julian’s Father Claude Portelli led the Mass.

In his homily, Fr Portelli spoke personally about working with Arrigo, describing him as a generous man who always showed respect, working in silence to help others.

Portelli spoke about the importance of time, saying that each one of us has a mission to use their time to do well for others. Portelli said that Arrigo touched upon the hearts of many people and was a man who put the individual at the centre.

“Humble and generous were among the characteristics Arrigo had, and these are characteristics which everyone should embrace,” Portelli said.

“He always tried to be close with the people, and this church is full of people to show respect towards what Arrigo believed in,” Portelli continued, adding that his silent work for the people must now be carried on.

Portelli said that during Arrigo’s battle with cancer, he always said that he will fight it to the very end, filling others with courage.

Father Portelli blessed Arrigo’s coffin at the end of the mass.

His son, Andrew Arrigo gave a final speech, thanking the attendees, namely Arrigo’s doctor, who was there for him also as a friend.

His son also said that each activity Arrigo was planning for December, referring to the fundraising activities for Puttinu Cares, will all be held. This was followed by a huge round of applause from the congregation.

“I promised him that I would continue doing his work,” he said.

Applause continued as Arrigo’s coffin was carried out of the church, to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “My way”.

A Sliema Wanderers shirt was placed on the coffin, with some people touching it or kissing it as they bid good-bye.