Tributes have been paid to the owner of a hugely popular café in Sunderland following his tragic death.
Ariel Niesporek’s death was announced on social media by his wife, Patrycja on New Year’s Eve. The couple ran the Paticake Patisserie on Tunstall Road, in the city centre.
The café is well-known in the city for it’s delicious pastries, cakes and coffee, with Ariel being a popular and well thought of businessman. Following his death, Patrycja launched a GoFundMe with the aim of reaching a £16,000 target and almost £10,000 has been raised so far.
A note on the fundraiser says: “Dear customers and friends. My beloved husband Ariel has passed away and will no longer be with us. We loved him dearly.
“Unfortunately, we do not have a date for the funeral yet, so we ask for your patience. Those who would like to attend Ariel’s funeral are warmly invited. There will be a small reception afterward. We are also collecting donations to cover the expenses related to this situation. We kindly ask that you do not bring gifts or flowers, but instead offer a donation.
“He would have appreciated that more. Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.”
When Ariel’s death was announced on the Paticake Patisserie Facebook page, hundreds of customers paid their respects. One customer wrote: “Oh Patti, I am absolutely gutted to see this post. Ariel was always full of smile and cheer when I came in for your beautiful blueberry scones. Always striving to make the patisserie better. I am devastated and in complete shock. I send you my sincere condolences. RIP Ariel.”
Many families visit the café, with on parent writing: “So sorry for your loss! Ariel was an absolute gentleman and lit up the room every time we visited the coffee shop! He was fantastic with our children! He will be a massive miss to the whole city.”
One new customer said: “I only met this man a few weeks ago on our first visit and he was genuinely the most lovely welcoming man. We have talked about him to friends and family of just how an openly lovely bloke he was. Can’t believe it…so so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.”
Another customer simply wrote: “I’m so sorry what a lovely human. Thinking of you all.” Donations to the fundraiser can be made here.
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