DAINI, Peter (Olivero)

DAINI, Peter (Olivero)

25-Nov-1930 - 07-Oct-2020

We were all saddened of the death of Peter Daini aged 89 at Marina Hostel Altona North late last week. In recent months, Peter has been in and out of hospital and Marina, after living as the Caretaker at our Williamstown funeral home. 

He was privately cremated.

Olivero Daini arrived from Italy in the 1950s to start a new life in Australia. When he saw an advert for a French Polisher in Williamstown, he applied. Upon meeting Theo W Nelson, he was shocked to learn that it was for manufacturing coffins (which Nelson Bros did until the 1970s). He was called Peter by his Australian friends and colleagues, as he found it easier for them to call him that than Olivero. The name stuck.

Peter was a perfectionist as a French Polisher, and this continued when he started to assist on funerals. He dressed immaculately and his vehicles were always the best presented, inside and out. Peter was always willing to help in any he way he could, was very trustworthy, and drove the bridal car at weddings for the Nelson family. In fact with most of his own family remaining in Italy, Peter was a de facto family member for us.

When Peter retired in the 1990s, it coincided with the opening of our new funeral home in Williamstown. He was caretaker there for the rest of his life. Peter continued to be enthusiastic and cared greatly for the property and gardens. He hoisted the flag daily and opened the gates. Many times he was over-enthusiastic, for example wanting to climb a ladder to cut the hedges against our advice and despite the fact that he was well into his 80s. Peter was never afraid to show his emotions. His love of the punt was also legendary, and he even requested to local pokies venues to forbid him to enter.

Peter never lost his strong Italian accent after more than 60 years in Australia. He never married or had children, but remained proud that as a young man leaving his country of birth, he established a new, successful and very happy life in Australia.

We will miss him and his wonderful contribution to Nelson Bros and to our lives. His legacy will live on.