Helen Bertocci was speechless and numb when she got the surprise of her life this morning.
The Altona North mother-of-two, who lost her husband last December, was overwhelmed after receiving a gift of a new car.
Roger Bertocci, 46, was fatally stabbed about 200 metres from his Knapp Street home after going to the aid of a pregnant woman allegedly being attacked by a man.
He left behind his wife, Helen, and their two daughters, Ashlee, 15, and Brylee, age two.
Mrs Bertocci’s friend, Maria Maddox, spent six months organising the surprise, knowing that Mr Bertocci had planned to buy a new car.
Werribee Nissan donated a Nissan Pulsar worth more than $20,000.
“We had Roger and Helen over last Grand Final and there was a couple there that were going to sell their car,” Ms Maddox said.
“When Roger and Helen arrived they saw this car in the driveway and then Roger said, once all the renovation’s done, once the house is all finished, we’ll think about getting a new car.
“And that just stuck in my mind and I thought, no, I need to do this for her, I need to grant Roger’s wish.”
Mrs Bertocci said she was initially in a state of numbness, literally unable to move, but had simmered down after taking her new car for a spin around the block.
“I’m going to take this in my stride and look to a brighter future for me and my girls, and it’s definitely Roger’s energy that’s bringing all these materialistic things to us, but I know that we’re making him proud as well,” she said.
She said the Rotary Club of Altona, Jim’s Building Inspections and Keith the ‘Blockinator’ had offered to do a complete makeover of her home and garden.
Hobsons Bay council is also planning to erect a memorial to Mr Bertocci.
Jonathon Sporton, 21, has been charged with his murder and is due to face trial next March.
