'Adored young man' Sebastiano Montalto honoured by family and friends

The turnout was a sad but fitting farewell for Mr Montalto, who died on February 13, aged 18, while helping a friend whose vehicle was bogged at Pejar Dam. Friends and family prayed for the emergency services personnel and thanked those who stayed by his side at the accident scene.

Mr Montalto's girlfriend, India Tysoe, lit a candle to represent comfort at such a sad time. "You were always there for me during everything. It didn't matter how big or small," Ms Tysoe said.

Their friends said she was the love of Mr Montalto's life and they planned to marry. "All I can do is wish that this was a dream. I wish I would wake up and you would be right by my side," Ms Tysoe said.

Ms Tysoe, Mr Montalto's step-grandfather Allan Bennison and family friend Anthony Montalto spoke at the Mass of Christian burial, conducted by Father Joshy Kurien.

Allan Bennison said they were very close.

"Sebby and I developed a special relationship," Allan Bennison said. "We could talk about things in general or things that were concerning him. He would often call me for advice and my opinion."

Mr Montalto was hard-working and always there to lend a hand, Allan Bennison said. "He was keen to learn and always there when he said he would be. Seb was also fun-loving and enjoyed the rural life."

Mr Montalto would often do odd jobs on his step-father Andrew's rural property. He also helped his step-grandfather with the electrical work while building his Brayton home.

Despite his intelligence, Mr Montalto had not enjoyed school and had decided to become an electrician, Allan Bennison said.

"He searched for an electrical business to work as an apprentice and worked for one for a while in Bankstown, but longed to be with his friends in Goulburn," Allan Bennison said.

Mr Montalto did odd jobs and some electrical work in Goulburn, but went on to work as an arborist with Ms Tysoe's father.

"Seb said his life had finally come together and he loved where he was at," Allan Bennison said.

Mr Montalto was born on August 17, 2001, at 2.43am to Jodie and Mario in Bankstown Hospital.

He went to Picton Public School, and then on to Picton and Goulburn high schools.

Mr Montalto loved sport, especially cricket and football. He played for football clubs in Picton, where he won awards, family friend Anthony Montalto said. He also loved extreme sports, such as stunts on his scooter, four-wheel-driving, hunting and jet-skiing. He was a passionate and dedicated young man, Mr Bennison said.

"We were watching a teenager grow into a young man with so many plans for the future," Mr Bennison ssaid. "He was adored by his friends and family and that is a testament of how many of you are here today. To lose Seb is heartbreaking. His life was too short. I hope he is now with the saints and angels."

Mr Montalto is survived by his mother Jodie and step-father Andrew, father Mario and step-mother Sandra, siblings Tahlia, Jasmin, Chelsea, Harry and Jack, and girlfriend India. "He was an extremely proud brother who adored his siblings," Mr Bennison said.

Pallbearers carried the coffin into the cathedral to You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban and out to See You Again by Charlie Puth. The coffin was adorned with flowers and surrounded by photos of Mr Montalto happy, smiling and his football shirt bearing the number five. Mr Montalto will be buried in Sydney.

A fundraiser for the family of Sebastiano Montalto will bring the community together in support after their loss. Goulburn Car Club president Stephen Parsons said the club got together and thought about a few things they could do to help the family through this difficult time. "It was a very tragic circumstance," he said.

The fundraiser will be held on Friday, March 6 at Bunnings car park in Goulburn. The event will run from 6pm to 9pm. A gold coin donation upon entry or $10 entry for vehicles and motorbikes.

On offer will be a barbecue, face painting, vintage cars from local clubs as well as Sydney and Canberra, music and more.