He was known for selling opulent chairs, bedheads and tables from his eponymous stores in Footscray and Brunswick since 1956.

His energetic television commercials throughout the 1980s made the humble businessman a Melbourne icon.

In a statement posted to social media today, his family confirmed he had died surrounded by his wife and family.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Franco Cozzo,” the statement read.

“We would greatly appreciate that our privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

You May Also Like

Prince William and Prince George get fired up in rare father-son outing at soccer game in Paris

This father-son outing is pitch perfect. Prince William and his eldest child,…

Police thwart ‘drone bomb’ terror attack on Peter Dutton – with a private schoolboy accused over plot to blow up the Opposition Leader’s house

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was the alleged target of a private school…

CBB fans demand ‘vile’ Mickey Rourke, 72, is removed from the house as he reduces JoJo Siwa, 21, to tears with homophobic threat before going after Patsy Palmer and Donna Preston in ‘misogynistic’ tirade

Celebrity Big Brother fans have demanded ‘vile’ Mickey Rourke be removed from the…

Major Aussie banks predicts super-sized May rate cut – and generous relief until next year

 NAB predicting 50 basis point rate cut in May By STEPHEN JOHNSON,…