THE man behind the most famous ice creams in Sussex has died aged 79.

Renato Marrocco, who launched Marrocco’s on Hove seafront in 1969, passed away on Sunday surrounded by his family.

Mr Marrocco was born in 1935 in Cassino, Southern Italy.

After marrying partner Maria in 1962 he moved to the UK hoping to make something of himself.

Having ended up in Brighton he bought a cafe on the corner of East Street, before setting his heart on a small seafront cafe in Kings Esplanade.

Then called Forte’s, he bought the business in 1969 before changing its name to Marrocco’s.

His wife Maria, who helped him transform the business, said: “He always used to tell everyone he came to this country with just two pairs of trousers, he didn’t have much.

“But he was a hard worker and very proud of what he achieved.”

Mr Marrocco would wake each morning at 4am to make authentic Italian ice cream from a secret recipe.

After taking his children, Peter and Livia, to school he would then return to serve his loyal customers. Mrs Marrocco said: “We would have people come from as far as London.

“They would ring up and ask what the weather was like.

“There was nothing else like it around at that time.”

The cafe, which has since seen the inclusion of an Italian restaurant, has became a staple of Brighton and Hove life for generations with customers known to queue for more than 30 minutes in the summer to get their ice creams.

The Argus:

The cafe was also a popular haunt for celebrities, with comedian Tommy Cooper and Laurence Olivier among Mr Marrocco’s customers.

His son Peter said: “He was different to everyone else, he liked to do things his own way.

“He built this up for us and I want to continue the family name and make him proud.”

Daughter, Livia, 43, added: “He was so charming and would make an effort with everyone he met.

“He knew so many people so much so that a five minute walk down George Street would take half an hour because he would stop to speak to everyone.

“He was a fantastic family man.”

As well as his wife and two children he leaves five grandchildren, Nico, 24, Giovanna, 23, Aurora, 12, Alessio, 10 and Isabella 10.

Marrocco’s will be closed on Monday and his funeral will be held at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Norton Road, Hove, at 10am. Members of the public are welcome to attend.