TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved fish and chip shop owner from Lochwinnoch.

Italian-born Paolo Pia, who ran the La Dolce Vita chip shop in the village, died this week, aged 75, after a brave battle with cancer.

Family man Paolo is survived by his heartbroken wife Concetta and their sons Remo, Sergio, Marcello and Olindo.

Tragically, his death comes just weeks before he was due to celebrate his Golden Wedding anniversary with Concetta.

Remo, 44, told the Gazette: “We are all really struggling with his death and just feel numb about everything.

“He was funny, hard-working and well liked everywhere he went.

“He lived to work and for his family. I can’t believe he is gone.”

Paolo and his two brothers Guiseppe and Santo first opened the fish and chip shop in 1976.

The business was handed over to Remo and Sergio in 2002 but their dad was often back at the shop to lend a hand and chat with his loyal customers.

As well as the Lochwinnoch branch, he ran five other La Dolce Vita chippies - three in Paisley, one in Johnstone and another in Glasgow’s Byres Road.

Remo said: “He originally moved to the area in 1961 and worked at a farm for four years.

“He had his own ice-cream van for a while before opening the shop with his brothers.

“I’ve been working in chip shops since I was 12 years old, going between them all, so I have a lot of good memories of growing up.

“My dad was from Picinisco, which is a small village in Italy, and he loved going back there to visit every year when he got some time off.

“He will be laid to rest there as this is where his mum, dad and brother were buried.”

Paolo’s funeral took place at St Mirin’s Cathedral, in Paisley, yesterday.

The family has also made arrangements to take him back to Italy, so the Lochwinnoch shop will be closed until Tuesday, August 15.

Remo has thanked all those who have rallied round to support the family.

He added: “My dad was a great man, very well liked, and will be missed by those who knew him.”