MELAKA: A cultural icon of the Portuguese Settlement - fondly known as "Papa Joe" - passed away on Thursday morning (May 17).

Emmanuel Joseph Lazaroo, 80, had breathing difficulties in the morning before passing away at about 8am at his home at Crystal Bay, Alai, near here.

The former student of St Francis Institution made a debut as a musician at the age of 13 in the 1950s when foreign dignitaries visited Melaka.

He also served as a supervisor at state Public Works Department and ventured into the food business after his retirement in 1997.

One of his closest friends, Joseph Sta Maria, described Lazaroo as a jovial person.

He said Lazaroo was involved in reviving traditional Portuguese dance and was the grandson of the settlement's first Regedor or village headman, Felix Danker.

"He is considered an eminent elder of the Portuguese community," he said.

Lazaroo leaves behind his wife and two children.

His funeral service will be held at a chapel in the Portuguese Settlement of Melaka at 10am on Monday (May 21) while the wake is at No 14, Jalan AP 9, Taman Alai Perdana in Alai.