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Slain Melbourne lawyer farewelled

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About 1000 mourners have filed into St Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in West Melbourne for the funeral service for lawyer Joseph ‘Pino’ Acquaro, who was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack last week.

The funeral service was packed as members of the Italian community and legal fraternity filed in to sign condolence books and pay their respects.

Family members arrived in four black cars shortly before the service at 10:30am and hugged each other before entering the church through a side door.

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Mr Acquaro’s three sons were among those giving readings at his funeral, while his brother delivered words of remembrance.

The sons of slain lawyer Joseph Acquaro among relatives arriving for his funeral in West Melbourne.

The sons of slain lawyer Joseph Acquaro among relatives arriving for his funeral in West Melbourne. Photo: Twitter

The funerals of gangland identities Alphonse Gangitano and the Moran brothers, Jason and Mark, were held at the same church more than a decade ago.

Mr Acquaro, 54, was gunned down on St Phillip Street, near his Lygon Street cafe, just before 1:00am on March 15.

A businessman with alleged mafia links, Antonio ‘Tony’ Madafferi was suspected by police of putting a $200,000 bounty on the head of Mr Acquaro after forming the apparent belief the lawyer had been leaking information about him to a journalist.

Mr Madafferi vehemently denied the allegation.

Witnesses described hearing several loud bangs and a car speeding off.

Detective Inspector Mick Hughes from the homicide squad said a witness saw a “ute-like” vehicle on nearby Barkly Street with its lights off around the time of the shooting.

Because it was dark, police could not determine the exact type or make of the wanted vehicle.

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