Matthew Caruana, Owner of Iklin gaming and record store ICC Malta, has unfortunately passed away, his wife Daniela Caruana announced on Sunday.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I have to write this post. Matthew sadly passed away this morning in my arms with our family by his side,” she wrote on ICC Malta’s Facebook page.

“He fought a long and hard battle, but now it was time for him to rest,” she added.

She said that “words can’t describe” how much she will miss him, as he was “the love and light” of her life and “without him life will not be the same”. “He lit up every room with his smile and happy banter,” she continued.

Ms Caruana added that she knew he “touched many lives” and was devastated at having to write the post. “He was well loved and will be missed by many,” she said.

ICC Malta's store in Iklin / Facebook

The news of his death led to hundreds of tributes pouring in on social media, with many thanking Mr Caruana for his “friendly service” and saying that it was “always a pleasure seeing, speaking and making business with him”.

Earlier this month, Mr Caruana posted that due to his health situation, he had to “take the difficult decision” to switch the Iklin store to an online-only business. The physical store officially closed on 9th June, shifting to a delivery-based business together with two pick-up points in Iklin and Mġarr.

He founded ICC Malta in 2004, selling videogames, gaming accessories, and vinyl records, as well as figurines and other collectibles.

His funeral will be held at Lija Parish Church on 28th June at 3.30pm.