Luigi Mazzotti was a familiar sight in the Melbourne suburb of Lilydale. No matter the weather, he’d set off on his motorised scooter, navigating the footpath to his favourite spot—the Degani Café in the Lilydale Marketplace. Along the way, he’d greet everyone with a smile and a warm hello, and the community would respond in kind, embracing him as one of their own.
Yet, despite his local fame, few people truly knew Luigi’s story. And at MS Plus, his name was completely unknown—until a surprising letter arrived after his passing. This quiet, humble man had left an extraordinary gift in his Will to support people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
“Many people have a connection to MS, but sometimes we receive beautiful, unexpected gifts like Luigi’s,” shared Laura from MS Plus. “It’s a reminder that generosity often comes from the most unassuming places.”
A Life of Hard Work and Heart
Born in 1932 in the picturesque mountain town of Coreglia Antelminelli, Tuscany, Luigi was the only child of Mario and Gida Mazzotti. In 1952, with courage and ambition, he set sail for Australia to build a new life.
A skilled cabinet maker, Luigi first found work crafting and repairing furniture. Later, he became a payroll escort at Victorian Railways before carving out a lasting career in the building industry. Though he never married or had children, he was never alone—his friendships were many, and he even brought his parents to Australia to share in his new life.
A Man of Faith and Independence
Luigi’s deep faith anchored his life. As a devoted member of St Patrick’s Church in Lilydale, he formed strong bonds within his parish. Pastoral worker Debbie Edwards often spoke with him, whether at mass or during her visits to Lilydale Aged Care, where Luigi spent his later years.
“Luigi was such a lovely, faithful man with a huge smile and heart,” Debbie recalled. “I first met him when he still used his walker to come to church. Later, he embraced his scooter as a way to keep his independence even after moving into aged care.”
An accident had led to his reliance on mobility aids, but it never slowed his spirit. Until the very end, he remained engaged, present, and full of quiet kindness.
A Legacy That Builds Hope
Luigi passed away during Melbourne’s prolonged COVID-19 lockdown. At his funeral, his friend Marlon delivered a eulogy that captured his essence: “Humble and kind.”
Luigi wanted his legacy to be one that made a difference. Through his generous bequest to MS Plus, he ensured that people living with multiple sclerosis would receive the support they need to live fuller, more independent lives.
Luigi was a builder in every sense—a craftsman who shaped homes and a visionary who constructed a future of hope for others.
How Will You Be Remembered?
Your Will tells a story about what you value most. Like Luigi, you have the power to change lives, ensuring people with MS receive the care and support they need. No matter the size, every gift makes a difference.
To learn how simple it is to leave a gift in your Will, contact MS Plus today. Your legacy could be life changing for those affected by MS.
Luigi’s story is recorded in the MS Celebration of Life Book see page 68.
Like Luigi, you can leave a legacy of hope for people living with MS, through a gift in your Will. Any gift, large or small, even 1-2% of what is left, after gifts for family and friends, can go to research or support services.
Want to know more? Contact Laura, Future Planning Manager, on 1800 443 867. You can also email futureplanning@msplus.org.au or visit www.mymslegacy.org.au.
