Martin Rossi's sudden death just days ago has left the 24-year-old's family and friends devastated.
Today his family, from Shettleston in Glasgow, told how they will always remember Martin and his "amazing smile".
His brother Christopher, 30, led the tributes and described Martin as a "gentle giant with a huge heart".
Speaking exclusively to the Evening Times, Christopher explained how his parents found Martin had passed away in his bed almost two weeks ago.
"Martin always had a smile on his face – he was the most optimistic guy I knew," Christopher said.
"He was always happy and had a real enthusiasm for life.
"That just makes what has happened even more difficult."
Martin's parents, Giorgio and Margaret, as well as his other brother, 32-year-old Giorgio, have all been left devastated by his tragic and sudden death.
They will gather, with Martin's other relatives and friends, at St Alphonsus Church, in the East End of the city, today to say their final farewells.
Mum Margaret said: "He had the most amazing and beautiful smile, everyone was always saying so.
"We will always remember Martin's lovely smile."
At 17-years-old, Martin was diagnosed with epilepsy and doctors believe his sudden death was related to the condition.
His family said his epilepsy never held Martin back, adding: "He coped really well with it. If there was anything Martin wanted, he went for it. He was so focused and driven."
The former St Andrew's High pupil, who graduated in sports studies from Stirling University in 2009, was a promising sports journalist and was passionate about football.
Just two weeks ago, Martin, who worked part-time in Debenhams, started working towards a second degree, in primary teaching, at Glasgow University.
Christopher said: "He seemed to be really enjoying it – I know it was something he really wanted to do.
"The fact he had a plan makes it even more difficult to come to terms with."
Football-mad Martin, who was also a big music fan, was a well-known and well-loved, member of the community.
Christopher continued: "Martin lived for sport, he was so passionate about it, especially football.
"He was a massive fan of both Celtic and Inter Milan. He had a real passion for the sport.
"That's why he wanted to go into sports journalism, that was his dream.
"Unfortunately, it was very difficult for him to find a job, which is why he was going back to university.
"He had it all planned out."
His family has been inundated with cards and floral tributes, since he passed away on Friday September 28.
Christopher said: "Since Martin passed, the reaction we have had from everyone has been completely overwhelming.
"We've had a massive amount of support, from family, friends, colleagues, even former teachers, and lots of other local people.
"He was so well-loved, which does help.
"Martin had a close circle of friends, but was respected by everyone who knew him."
Since his sudden death, tearful family members have been gathering at the family home in the East End of Glasgow.
Tributes have poured in for the graduate, with shocked friends describing him "a young man with a golden heart".
Christoper added: "Martin was quite reserved and very modest, he didn't try to boost his own ego.
"He was a very considerate person, he almost always had a smile on his face."
rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk
