Colleagues have paid tribute to popular hospitality worker Dario Casarano after his death this month.

The former senior manager at Café Cairo was 50 and leaves behind his wife, Jacqueline Wallen, and two sons, Dario and Jordan.

Mr Casarano, originally from the province of Novara in northern Italy, worked for MEF Ltd first at the Tavern on the Green in 1988, then Harbourfront in 1990, and at Café Lido from 1993 until 2003. Since then he had worked at Café Cairo.

He also had international experience, having worked in England, Italy and Jersey, in the Channel Islands.

Gioacchino Di Meglio, the director of MEF Ltd, said: “Dario’s sudden loss literally stunned not only the Italian community in Bermuda, but all of those who knew him.

“His death was a total shock to all of us, it was so unexpected and it came too early.

“Many of us met Dario through work but during all these years, and because of his character, he became a good friend, and I know I speak for all of us when I say how very much he will be missed.

“During the time he worked for our company he made great friends, who have so many fond memories of him.

“We were all shaken and saddened to hear that he left us so early. He was a candid and good-hearted person, a loving and devoted father to his children, a good friend to many of us, and a great colleague.

“He was a genuinely warm and wonderful person, one we will miss greatly.

“We will all remember Dario with great affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”