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”
Respects have been paid to a charming and “unique” man who left a lasting impression on colleagues, customers and his family. 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 branch manager Connie Reynolds said: “Luigi was our best salesmen in the DDC business, he could sell ice to an Eskimo, he was so good at what he did. He did it with passion, kindness, gentleness – he just did it in a way by wanting to help people.