Silvio Zammit, former Deputy Mayor for Sliema and a well-established restaurateur, has passed away aged 57.

His son, Zack, broke the tragic news on social media earlier today.

“Watch over us and bless our families forever. There are very few words that can describe the emptiness that you left inside me,” he wrote.

“Thank you for all that you have done with us, from the very beginning. There will never be a father like you. You had a heart of gold and were always happy. Rest in peace, dad,” Zack concluded.

His announcement was met with countless messages of support.

The Sliema Local Council also took to social media to pay tribute to the late former Deputy Mayor.

Throughout his lifetime, Silvio served as President of the ‘San Girgor Band Club’ and owner of ‘Peppi’s Restaurant’ and ‘The Exiles Hotel’.

Rest in peace, Silvio!