Antonio Sergi, known as Tony, TBuff or T, passed away in Austin, Texas on July 7. He was 29.

His sister Sarina Sergi is nursing a broken heart after losing her “little brother and best friend”.

“From a very young age he was always the entertainer of the family – singing, dancing and always performing his own little movies,” Sarina said.

“I can remember numerous times where I caught him talking to himself or Sasha our dog, acting out his own show.”

Sarina said Tony was a great listener.

“He had a funky, fresh style about him,” she said.

“He knew who he was and what he liked.”

Sarina said Tony treated her children like his own.

She said Tony was their favourite uncle.

“Dad, mum, my brothers Frank, Joseph and myself were always very proud of Tony for doing what he loved and following his dreams."

Tony became an actor and producer.

“He fell in love with Austin, Texas when he first got a scholarship for producing,” Sarina said. 

“He attended university there and couldn’t wait to return after finishing.

“Although we knew we would miss him, we were so happy for him because we knew he was happy.”

Tony travelled the world and shared many photographs with family members.

“His vivacious and unique charisma was something special that we all loved and will truly miss,” Sarina said.

“Tony was spectacular and so was the life he lived.

“Everything was always spectacular when he was around.”

Tony was an inspiration to every person he met.

“He encouraged us to follow our dreams, just like he did.”

The family believes Heaven must have needed a hero.

“I may have been your earth angel, T, but you are my angel now,” Sarina said.

The Hanwood Football Club passed on its condolences to the family in this difficult time.

Brian Bertolin, on behalf of the club, said members were devastated by the news.

He said their thoughts were with the Sergi family and club stalwart Pat ‘Sarge’ Sergi.

“Pat and his family have been and still are a massive part of our club and Tonys death has really shocked us, as he was well-known to many of our playing group,” Mr Bertolin said.

“Our condolences go out to both Pat and his family at this very difficult time.”

Tony will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, July 23 at 10am.