Late chef Jock Zonfrillo remembered by wife, daughter in emotional tribute on 47th birthday

Jock Zonfrillo’s daughter Ava Zonfrillo and wife Lauren Fried sent the internet into an emotional meltdown after paying heartfelt tribute to the late Masterchef Australia chef on what would have been his 47th birthday.

Taking to the Instagram Stories, Ava, 22, posted a throwback black-and-white picture with her dad and penned heartbreaking words on Friday.

“Missing you more every day. Happy birthday Dad,” she wrote in the caption. Jock Zonfrillo shared daughter Ava with his first wife Amanda Ewing.

Back in May, Ava shared heartfelt tribute to her dad shortly after his passing. “Still can't accept that we'll be remembering you for more time than we had you, but doesn't mean we'll love you any less,” she wrote under an Instagram post.

“I love you dad, always,” Eva added.

Zonfrillo’s now wife Lauren also shared a moving montage of family videos and pictures in honor of her late husband’s birthday.

In the caption, she wrote, “Happy birthday my love. Some moments from your birthdays together, never more special than today.

“Today the kids and I are together; spending time with you, watering your grass, singing you songs, still not grasping what forever is like without you in it.”

Lauren concluded, “You eclipsed our family with your chaos and fun, and we are trying to find our new true north.

“I’m grateful that we are finding moments of joy in our smaller family, knowing that you are forever my husband, forever their Dad/Papa, forever a part of all of us. Lz.”

Jock Zonfrillo was found dead in his hotel room at Zagame's House on Lygon Street in Carlton on May 1.

He is survived by his third wife Lauren, and his four children: grown-up daughters Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages and Alfie and Isla with Lauren.