The funeral of popular greengrocer Tony Magdi will be held the day before New Year’s Eve.
Mr Magdi, 52, of Portland Road, Hove, died three weeks after he was attacked by a cyclist across the road from his home and shop.
He is believed to have opened the door of his car in the path of three cyclists and was knocked unconscious when one of them punched him on Sunday 7 November.
He died at Hurstwood Park Neurosciences Centre on Sunday 28 November after suffering from an infection.
A funeral service will be held at St Mary and St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church – formerly St Thomas’s – in Davigdor Road, Hove, at noon on Thursday 30 December.
He will be buried afterwards at the Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Warren Road, Woodingdean.
After the burial, prayers will be held back at the church followed by tea and coffee in the church hall.
Mr Magdi’s family and friends hope to arrange a celebration of Mr Magdi’s life at a later date, according to the blog maintained by his friends George and Liz Jeha.
The funeral has been arranged by Mr Magdi’s cousins from America and Egypt.
The obituary, posted on the blog, says: “Magdi (Antoine, Tony) Farid, 52. Died November 28 2010 as a result of an injury sustained November 7.
Loved and respected
“Born in Cairo, Egypt, Tony moved to Hove in 1988 and ran a popular greengrocer’s shop, Tony Magdi’s Fresh Mediterranean Food.
“He was loved and respected in the neighbourhood of Portland Road for his friendliness, constant conversation and generosity.
“There were many customers who went home with some extra fruit and veg he slipped into their bag.
“He loved children, and for many neighbourhood children visiting him and his shop was part of their lives.
“He truly loved working in his shop, as much for the social as for the business side of it.
“Tony is survived by his sister Amal and brother Farid, Egypt, his former wife Louise Greenwood, cousins Morris, Theresa and Adel, USA and Egypt, his good friends George and Michel Jeha, Canada.
“He was pre-deceased by children Christina and Joseph, who died of spinal muscular atrophy in infancy.
“Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the wonderful medical team at Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre, who did absolutely everything they could; the community of Portland Road who came together to help in any way possible; and the friends, employees and family who gave such tremendous support.
“Donations in Tony’s memory may be made to The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy at www.jtsma.org.uk.”
* Paul Lambeth, 35, of Stafford Road, Brighton, has been charged with the manslaughter of Mr Magdi. He has been bailed to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 7 January.
