A FATHER of three stabbed to death today at a Sydney restaurant has been described as a "very gentle man" but having a "little temper".
Another man is under police guard in hospital with facial injuries after an alleged row in the early hours at a Newtown pizzeria in Sydney`s inner west.
The deceased 61-year-old`s ex-wife Rose McNulty told Fairfax Radio Network the dead man was her former husband Dave McNulty – a father of three adult daughters.
"My husband Dave was a very gentle man," Mrs McNulty said.
"He did have a little temper being of Irish descent, but he loved life and loved his children and he loved St George (Illawarra Dragons NRL club)."
Mrs McNulty and her sister Letizia Salzone were at the pizzeria and it`s understood the other man involved was Ms Salzone`s boyfriend.
"All I know is it`s ruined our lives," Mrs McNulty said.
"It`s devastating for me and my children."
She said Mr McNulty was in poor health and was living with her family above the pizzeria, which they own.
Police were called to Lucky`s Pizzeria in King Street just before 1am (AEST), where the fatally stabbed man was found at the rear of the premises.
The other man is being treated for his injuries in hospital.
"A 59-year-old man, suffering injuries to his face, was arrested at the scene," police said.
"(He) has been admitted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he remains under police guard."
A crime scene has been established, and Newtown detectives are being assisted by the homicide squad and forensic police.
A police spokesman said the man will be questioned once he is deemed well enough.
