From the owner of a single deli to one of Albany’s most influential business figures, Paul Lionetti spent decades building businesses, backing ideas and helping shape the commercial landscape of the Great Southern.
Known for his tireless work ethic and hands-on approach, the name of the “humble baked bean salesman” became a familiar one across Albany through ventures spanning retail, hospitality, property and tourism.
Born near Naples in Italy, he moved to Narrikup with his family when he was five years old.
He sadly died in 2022 at the age of 69.
His mark on the city was such that crowds lined York Street to farewell him as the hearse passed by after a packed service at Due South.
Growing up in regional WA, Mr Lionetti developed an early appreciation for hard work and opportunity, which later helped him through his business career.
His daughter Lorella Lionetti said his journey into business began as a teenager when he was offered an opportunity alongside his brother-in-law.
“He came to town (Albany) at about 18 and was offered a business opportunity with his brother-in-law at the mini supermarket and it went on from there,” she said.
“He’s had 17 businesses — he had Paul’s Pet Foods, Central One, did water bottling, Cash and Carry, a hardware store, two IGAs, Due South, the Hilton.”
“He started buying real estate and different buildings.”
What started with a small deli venture quickly grew into a diverse portfolio, with Mr Lionetti becoming known for his ability to see potential in businesses others may not have considered.
Those closest to him say his success came from staying involved in every detail of his work.
Ms Lionetti said growing up meant being part of the daily rhythm of the family’s businesses.
“We were always helping,” she said.
“We always helped fill the shelves or try to serve people when we were eight or nine years old and lots of squashing boxes.
“We would be down there after school every day and hang out and help.”
She said her father’s focus was always on both his work and the future of Albany.
“He started thinking about the bicentenary even before he passed — about what would be good for Albany and what Albany needs to grow it,” she said.
“Mum always said how much he loved Albany and definitely supported local from pretty much day dot and all of his business are still running.”
Ms Lionetti’s partner, Steve Denton, said his father-in-law’s approach to business was defined by presence and persistence.
“He worked very hard — he went to work everyday,” he said.
“I think his philosophy was that you’ve got to be in the business to really operate it otherwise you lose touch or miss things.
“He’d go to every business every day just to make sure things were going right and was getting in touch with what’s happening.
“Quite a lot of the time he’d be out the back in the kitchen cutting up a bit of cheese to sell and doing jobs like that.
“He enjoyed being in the kitchen or doing whatever it was . . . he wasn’t one to sit around and do nothing.”
Mr Denton said Mr Lionetti was constantly thinking ahead, even outside of work.
“He was always on the go — I remember when he went on holiday and couldn’t be in the shops or doing things but he would come up with all of these ideas,” he said.
“He was a guy who was always thinking ahead and who had lots of visions — a lot of people would have thought putting a hotel down at the waterfront, ‘you’re crazy’, but he could see what was going to happen.
Mr Denton said Mr Lionetti’s influence continues to guide decisions within the business, even after his passing.
“Whenever there is any sort of decision, we’re always thinking what would dad do, which is good,” he said.
Today, Mr Lionetti is commemorated with a mural on Stirling Terrace, which was unveiled in 2023.
The artwork pays tribute to his life and includes a brief account of his contribution and lasting impact on the Albany community.
Mr Lionetti is a remembered as a businessman whose determination, ideas and connection to Albany left a lasting mark on the city.