Franco Cozzo Obituary

Australian business mogul Franco Cozzo died on December 20, 2023, at age 88.

He is survived by his wife, Assunta, nine daughters and a son.

About Franco Cozzo

Renowned as an Italian-Australian entrepreneur, Franco Cozzo, who graced Melbourne in 1955, left an enduring legacy in the areas of business and culture.

Famed for his engaging television ads delivered fluently in English, Greek, and Italian, Cozzo’s true impact lay in breaking new ground for multiculturalism.

His crowning achievement was producing Australia’s inaugural non-English TV show, “Carosello,” broadcast exclusively in Italian, a milestone in cultural representation.

Despite shifts in furniture preferences, Cozzo retained his status as a cultural icon for over 50 years, embodying the spirit of multiculturalism in Victoria.

In the late 1960s, he pioneered the first Australian TV show not in English, featuring local Italian-Australian musical acts, paving the way for ethnic broadcasting.

Simultaneously, Cozzo strategically acquired his flagship store in Footscray, a move that, by 1981, had elevated the suburb’s profile.

The local council recognized his profound impact, presenting him with a plaque in acknowledgment of his contributions.

On December 20, 2023, Cozzo passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cultural influence and business innovation.