THE son of a well-loved ice cream man from Bradford, who served his community for 60 years, has paid an emotional tribute.

Vittorio Di Mascio, known as Mr Rossi, passed away at the age of 81 last Friday whilst in Italy.

It became customary for residents of the Pudsey, Bramley and Stanningley areas in Leeds to see the Wibsey resident in his classic uniform serving ice creams out of his white and yellow van.

Vittorio came across to England, Sunderland to be specific, in 1962 to begin his newfound occupation. A few years later, he moved over to West Yorkshire.

Son Dario Di Mascio says his father was a “friendly person with a big heart” and that he would never let anyone go without.

“I will miss him so much,” Dario said.

“He was a really popular guy. Dad was a people’s person.

“He wasn’t shy, he was a friendly person with a big heart.

“It was a location (Pudsey, Bramley and Stanningley) that dad liked, that is why he always went there.

“When it was bad weather, I used to say don’t go out. But he used to go out seven days a week and tell me ‘rain or shine Rossi is about’.

“So, he always kept his customers happy. That is the reason why his customers loved him because he was always there.

“If kids were short on pennies, dad would say forget about it. He said if you couldn’t afford it today then bring your money to the van when you could.

“That is why they loved dad; he would never say no to a person if they wanted ice cream.

“I used to say to dad pack it in when he got to a certain age. But he said I have got to respect my customers and be loyal to them like they have for me. He kept on going for them.”

On February 20, 2019, tragedy hit the family when Dario’s twin brother died followed by his mum’s passing only months later.

It all made Vittorio consider packing his job in before a friend convinced him that it may help if he went back out there.

“A shopkeeper in Manningham convinced dad to go back to selling ice cream to take his mind of losing his son and wife.

“Dad said he was happy to go back out. The people who loved dad were upset to hear what had happened.”

Vittorio’s funeral was held in Italy on Monday and Dario has been overwhelmed by all the messages the family have received over the past few days.

He added: “I have been told that some friends want to do a service for him in England.

“I would like to thank all the customers who supported my dad. You have brought a lot of comfort to my heart at this tragic time.”