His son David Malaspina has negotiated with Pellegrini's co-owner Nino Pangrazio to buy his share of the cafe when he retires. "I look forward to looking out of the window of Pelligrini’s and watching people learn about Dad while enjoying a coffee at his table," David said. A plaque for Pellegrini's co-owner Sisto Malaspina. Credit:City of Melbourne "Our family is delighted and very proud that Dad’s life will be celebrated with a beautiful artwork that is also very practical. Dad loved nothing more than to sit and have a coffee with our customers, many of whom became life-long friends." The tribute - with a portrait by Melbourne illustrator Oslo Davis - was announced on Thursday after the council abandoned the idea to rename the laneway that corners Pellegrini's in Sisto's honour.

Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp said: "We met with Sisto’s family to discuss the best way to remember his contribution to Melbourne, and it became clear that creating a space outside Pellegrini’s where people can sit and reflect would be a fitting tribute to his famous sense of hospitality. "Sisto used to sit, chat to people and watch the world go by out the front of his cafe, and we hope Melburnians will take the time to do the same in his memory." Mr Malaspina was walking down Bourke Street to buy chocolates to celebrate the birth of his grandchild when he saw a burning car near Swanston Street and went over to help. He was stabbed and died at the scene from blood loss, as his attacker was shot down by police. The memorial plaque and table will be fitted outside the cafe. Credit:City of Melbourne

The plaque reads: "The outpouring of grief that followed Sisto Malaspina's death during a terror-related incident in Bourke Street would have surprised Sisto more than anyone else. Yet the response made sense: Sisto loved Melbourne - and Melbourne loved him back. "Sisto was a local icon. Co-owner of Pellegrini's Espresso Bar since 1974, he served his customers daily with style, humour and great coffee. His signature blend included a neckerchief and loud yet strangely tasteful shirts, teamed with a winning smile and a gift for remembering both the famous and the not-so-famous. Melbourne covered the cafe with flowers in the days after the 74-year-old's death. Credit:Eddie Jim "On his last day, 9 November 2018, Sisto was off to buy chocolates for staff to celebrate the birth of his third grandchild. His love lives on." Mr Malaspina migrated to Australia from Italy in the 1960s and bought Pellegrini's with Mr Pangrazio in 1974. Its success was intertwined with his generosity and personality.