Andrew Truman from Seddon was walking home along on Elizabeth Street on Wednesday when he was hit on the head by a man, police say.
The 44-year-old sustained significant head injuries and was taken to hospital in a critical condition but later died of his injuries.
His brother Trevor said Andrew, also known as “Chewie”, was a “vibrant, independent, courageous man who was unafraid to be himself”.
“He was a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,” he said.
“He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke.
“May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour.”
He was also a “passionate” Western Bulldogs supporter.
Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club, where he was a life member, said it was “a deeply sad day”.
“His enthusiasm for football and especially the Western Bulldogs was infectious and he was always ready for a friendly chat,” Williamstown Seagulls FIDA FC said in a statement.
Before the attack, Truman had been to the Clocks pub on Flinders Street – as he used to do daily – where he listened to a band and had a glass of milk.
Homicide squad detectives are now appealing to the public for help in locating Todd Menegaldo following the serious assault.
They’re hoping someone can provide details of his whereabouts after detectives conducted significant searches over the past few days in an attempt to find him.
Menegaldo is described as being approximately 180 to 185 centimetres tall with a thin build.
Police say he also goes by the nickname “Rooster” and has a black and white crossbreed Staffordshire terrier.
He’s known to frequent the Melbourne CBD, in particular the areas around Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street railway station, as well as the Mildura and Bendigo areas.
He was last seen wearing a purple zip-up hoodie with dark jeans and a yellow beanie.
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but to contact triple zero immediately.