Great-grandfather, 83, dead after allegedly being hit on head by neighbour, 90

Michael Di Berardino, 83, was found unconscious outside his home by his wife, Gemma. He died shortly after.

A 90-year-old man allegedly killed his elderly neighbour with a piece of steel because of a dispute about their gardens dating back almost half a century.

Great-grandfather Michael Di Berardino, 83, was found dead on the footpath outside his home in Melbourne's north early yesterday afternoon.

He had allegedly been hit over the head with a piece of steel after he had accused his neighbour of poisoning his plants and roses, the Herald-Sun reported.

The dead man had had a 47-year dispute with his 90-year-old neighbour over a fence and water trickling into the garage, Nine News said.

Neighbours of this street in Melbourne's north have told reporters Michael Di Berardino, 83, had a long-running dispute with his neighbour, 90.

Di Berardino was unconscious shortly before he was found dead on Joffre St in Reservoir, about 1pm.

His wife Gemma, 80, is understood to have found her husband shortly before emergency services were called.

Son Angelo Di Berardino said he and his mother had tried to resolve the dispute his much-loved father had with his neighbour.

"He was the best father you could have," Angelo told News Corp Australia.

"The kindest man going around. He was loved by everyone.

"We are struggling to cope. He was a friend with everyone in the street.''

Police were at the scene where the elderly man died yesterday.

Police are yet to determine a cause of death but have confirmed a 90-year-old man is assisting them with their enquiries.

A postmortem examination will also be carried out to determine how Di Berardino died.