More than 1000 attend slain Paeroa man's memorial

Jordan Voudouris, 55, who was found dead outside his pizza shop, Mykono's Pizzas, in Paeroa. Photo / Supplied

More than 1000 mourners crowded into the Paeroa War Memorial Hall this afternoon to pay tribute to slain Paeroa businessman Jordan Voudouris.

Mr Voudouris' family was among the large crowd that included local business owners, school students, police officers and staff from Mykonos Pizza and Pasta, which he ran on the town's main street.

Mr Voudouris' body was found at the back of his store early on June 18 and police are still hunting for his killer.

On the request of the family, bagpipes were played in memory of the popular and generous 56-year-old "pizza man".

A family spokeswoman, Gwendoline Richmond, supported by Mr Voudouris' children, said he had a "great zest".

She said he would want to be remembered for his cheekiness, laughter and smile.

The family thanked the community for the flowers, cards, caps and tributes which they would treasure.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga said Mr Voudouris wasn't only the best pizza maker to the locals but also to travellers.

"He had a special connection with young people... He was only here ... seven or eight years and in that short time he has left his mark. He was one hang of a nice bloke."

Positively Paeroa business association spokeswoman Anne Harris said Mr Voudouris had a love of life and generous spirit.

His employee Alice Proudfoot spoke of a "serious little man with a big heart" who made the staff laugh and sent them on errands to the TAB and supermarket for cheeky after work beers.

Today's memorial service followed a private funeral in Albany in Auckland on Monday.