Customers share their tributes to Dulux worker Luigi Anastasia

Luigi Anastasia was well recognised for his passionate, kind and gentle qualities after working 37 years for the Dulux Decorator Centre (DDC).

During these years he alternated between working at the Bushey Mill Lane branch and the one in Hampstead North, but Luigi always called the Watford branch his “happy place”.

Luigi passed away on January 22 after contracting Covid-19, and his loss has left a shock to staff and customers at the DDC alike.

Bushey Mill Lane manager Connie Reynolds said that his death is a “massive loss” and a bit of Watford DDC has died with him.

Read more: 'Passionate' Dulux worker killed by Covid was loved by customers

The Watford Observer asked readers to send in some of their messages remembering Luigi. And unsurprisingly, many came shared their fond memories of the unforgettable man.

Labour councillor Nigel Bell said: “He used to live for many years in Whippendell Road here in West Watford and would always be cheerily asking me questions and even more giving me his opinion on what should happen in the local area.

“I used to miss our conversations and his knowledge of the past when I knocked on his door and if he contacted me after he decided to move from the area. I send my condolences to his family on their sad loss”

Paul Freeman, a frequent DDC shopper, wrote: “Wow such a shock, been a customer of DDC for many years so always good to see that familiar face in a few of their stores. When serving, Luigi would always try to sell that little bit extra with each visit. Always time for a chat ,will be missed, condolences to his family .”

Chailey Lambert said: “Luigi was a charming gentleman who knew his job, I enjoyed chatting to him in my holiday Italia, he was very encouraging and made me feel like maybe

“I could ask for more than that bicchiere di vino rosso , mi dispiace molto lui ha lascito troppo presto. My thoughts are with his family in this sad time.”

Chris Day said: “I’ve known Luigi for over thirty years. What a great servant to DDC. Whenever l went in the store it was him that l wanted to serve me. He knew the business inside out. He was so keen and willing. He helped me big time when l was spraying, he knew all about that side of the trade . I was so shocked when the news came through, I’ll never forget him. Luigi was a GOOD MAN, God bless.”

A tribute table set up for Luigi (Photo: Connie Reynolds)

Hope Thomas said: “Being a female decorator starting up 20 years ago it was hard to be accepted even in the paint shops but Luigi was so lovely and always there to answer questions. He couldn’t do enough.

“Over the last 20 years he has always been there going the extra mile, he could get his hands on anything decorating you wanted. Even after the first lockdown when paint was out of stock everywhere, he found me what I wanted! It didn’t matter if I hadn’t been in the shop for a long time he was always there smiling and asking how I was getting on. Such a sad sad day, miss you.”

Simon Lewis said: “I've known Lui for many years. so sad he's gone. Lovely man who was always the gent. RiP Lui.”

Stanley Edmands said: “Luigi was Dulux in Bushey Mill Lane. As a very frequent customer over many years, I found Luigi to be an excellent salesperson. Knowledgeable, Personable, and always keen to give of his best. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.”

Jacquie Cockburn said: “Thoughts are with the family, Luigi was such a lovely man always ready to help with any problems, will miss his banter as you walked into the shop, always made me laugh RIP.”

Mick Cheshire said: “I've known Luigi for 30+ years, when it was McDouglas Rose in Greatham Road. He always had time and patience for you, a great servant to DDC. I bought many things I didn't really need after he finished with me!! 🤣. God bless ya mate.”

Trevor Rolfe said: “RIP, Lui. You’ll be sadly missed lad . Couldn’t do enough for you the minute you walked through the door.”