Laurence Dollimore
TRIBUTES have been pouring in on social media following the sudden death of expat restaurateur Peter Nette.
The Floria Rustico boss was tragically found dead on Thursday, according to reports.
The Facebook page of the much-loved eatery said: “It is with deepest sadness and regret that we must announce the sudden passing of Peter Nette.
“Arrangements for his funeral and a celebration of his life will be announced in due course.
“In the meantime we ask for some privacy for his Family at this very difficult time.”
The sudden death comes almost two years after the Floria chiringuito was destroyed in the devastating November floods of 2016.
Following the disaster, Nette refused to give up, creating Floria Rustico up in Manilva, offering Spanish food and live music.
Expat Jamie Grant recalled on Facebook: “He told me right after the tragedy of Floria Chiringuito that there was no time to waste on dwelling on that loss even though it broke his heart, he rarely spoke of it but when he did it was compared to the loss of a child, his responsibility firmly at that point was to the Floria family he’d created.
“He almost immediately relocated, concrete tables the lot to what is now Floria Rustico to make sure the Floria family had a familiar home.
“Peter and I hit it off straight away five years ago now becoming the closest of friends along with Mike, the 3 of us would sit for hours most evenings putting the world to right.
“I will deeply miss his friendship and the phone calls checking on me if I hadn’t appeared for two days in a row. ‘Mr Green, where are you?’ he would bellow down the phone.
“I never met a person in my life that knew so much stuff about so many things. He taught me a thing or two, that’s for sure.
“RIP Peter and thank you for ALL the friendships.”
Michelle Pattenden added: “This is so so sad to hear – Peter was so kind to us and our autistic Son Callum who he accepted straight away letting him help out in the kitchen.
“He made us feel so welcome – sending you all our deepest love and strength to get through this. He will be fondly remembered by a lot of people.”
Friend Tino Balm said: “So shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Peter Nette. I will always remember him as The Greatest Host on the Coast!
“We had endless conversations, he was the one that put me back on my feet after the sudden passing of my wife Jonna this year.
“My thoughts and condolences go out to Karen, Tom, family and all his Florian friends. May you rest in peace, Peter.”
