Rush Green bid farewell to a beloved shopkeeper with an “amazing” turnout at his funeral last weekend. 

Prakash Devlukia, who had run Handy Stores in Dagenham Road for 43 years, died on January 30 after suffering a brain haemorrhage at the age of 70. 

His daughter, Roshni Devlukia, 25, paid tribute to her father as “the most selfless man I know”. 

On Sunday, February 5, Prakash’s funeral was held at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium’s South Chapel. This was preceded by a procession which took Prakash's coffin from the shop to the chapel. 

Roshni said around 200 to 300 people attended, with many customers showing their love for Prakash and gathering outside Handy Stores. 

“I think it went really well. It went exactly as planned,” she said. 

“The turnout was amazing. The funeral went really nicely.” 

Romford Recorder: Prakash Devlukia was described as a selfless man by his daughter, RoshniPrakash Devlukia was described as a selfless man by his daughter, Roshni (Image: Roshni Devlukia)

Romford Recorder: Roshni said between 200 and 300 people attendedRoshni said between 200 and 300 people attended (Image: Family of Roshni Devlukia)

Romford Recorder: Before the funeral was a procession from Prakash's home and shop to the chapelBefore the funeral was a procession from Prakash's home and shop to the chapel (Image: Family of Roshni Devlukia)

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Following the service, Roshni said customers held a wake in memory of Prakash. 

The family, which as well as Roshni includes her mother and Prakash’s wife, Hetal, are asking for those who wish to contribute to donate a sum to Kidney Research UK.  

To donate online, visit: https://www.memorygiving.com/prakashdevlukia