Former head waiter at Llandudno’s Empire Hotel dies at 68.

Feb 4 2010 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

STAFF at the Empire Hotel in Llandudno are in mourning after for the death of the venue’s loyal and well loved former head waiter.

Italian born Pietro Spacone moved to Llandudno in 1963. He was only supposed to stay six months but ended up working at the Empire Hotel for an astonishing 43 years.

Elyse Waddy of the Maddocks family who own the hotel said: “Although Pietro was only very young when he became head waiter he slotted in perfectly.

“He was incredibly loyal and in the 43 years he worked here I don’t think he ever called in sick! He’d work very long hours as he’d be in the restaurant for breakfast from 7.30am, lunch and dinner, often working until 11.30pm.

“Pietro was totally dedicated to the hotel. Customers thought the world of him as he’d always remember their names, what they liked to eat and their favourite tables.”

Elyse also remembers how Pietro was always immaculately turned out and said he was from a “different era” of waiters.

“He worked with three generations of my family. He even met his future wife Marie, when she worked in the bar,” she said.

“We will miss him terribly as he is part of the hotel’s history.”

Pietro went on to have three children with his wife Marie. His funeral took place last week.