Vale – His Honour Joseph Gullaci

Joe was born on 22 November 1946 in the village of Bruzzano, in Reggio Calabria, Italy. In 1956 he migrated to Australia, when he was 9 years of age. Joe attended Assumption College and University High. After completing high school, he undertook a law degree at Melbourne University.

After finishing his law degree he was admitted to practice on 1 April 1971 and worked for just under two years as a solicitor.

Joe signed the bar roll on 8 March 1973 and worked as a committed, fearless and passionate advocate in criminal cases for almost 30 years.

Over his time at the bar, Joe had nine readers being Brendan Kissane QC, Francine McNiff, Cheri Lee, Penny Marcou, Justin Baum, His Honour Magistrate Timothy Walsh, John Marquis, Her Honour Magistrate Ehrlich and Karl Brandon.

Joe regularly assisted with the Readers Course and was generous with his time for any barrister who needed guidance.

On 4 June 2002 Joe was appointed a Judge of the County Court where he served for 11 years. He retired in early 2013 and enjoyed nine years of retirement pottering in his garden; finally watching his beloved Demons improve to win a Grand Final and spending time with his five grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his partner Jackie and his four children.

Joe’s funeral will be held this Friday, 15 July at 11:15am at Ern Jensen & Sons Funeral Home, 6 Bruce Street Preston.