President’s father dies a day after the PM’s

President George Abela was unable to attend the funeral of the Prime Minister’s father yesterday as he was in hospital with his own father who died early yesterday afternoon.

Mr Abela, aged 84, passed away at Mater Dei Hospital at 12.30 p.m. with his wife Lucarda and the President by his side. He lived most of his life in Qormi and used to be a port worker.

The Labour Party, the Nationalist Party, Alternattiva Demokratika and the General Workers’ Union, among others, expressed their condolences over the loss.

The PN said Mr Abela represented the genuine love of a father towards his children. “Through personal sacrifices and hard work, he did his utmost for his children to live a better life and be of service to their country,” the party said.

Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat spoke to Dr Abela to express his own and his party’s condolences.

Representatives from both parties attended the funeral of Luigi Gonzi, the Prime Minister’s father, who passed away on Monday morning, aged 89. The funeral of Ġiġi, as he was affectionately known, was held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Sanctuary in Valletta, a few metres from where he had spent most of his life.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Martin Schembri, who praised Mr Gonzi for his strong faith and values but also for his humour.

Margaret Abela, the President’s wife, led the congregation.