A WELL-known Cranbourne identity has died following a lengthy battle with illness.

Harry Boce died on Friday night at Epworth Hospital and family and friends will gather in Cranbourne today to farewell the 57-year-old.

He operated a financial planning practice in Narre Warren for the past 10 years. His son, Daniel, described his father as a ‘loveable larrikin’ who would be sadly missed.

Mr Boce was a well-known footballer in his day, playing in Beaconsfield’s 1974 premiership team.

Mr Boce was a two-time best and fairest winner at the club and was also selected in Beaconsfield’s Team of the Half Century. He played VFA football with Dandenong and later played in a premiership with Tooradin.

Mr Boce was also survived by his wife Maryanne, daughter Kathryn and son Daniel.