An acclaimed Italian chemist dubbed the “Father of Nutella” for his work on the world-famous Ferrero spread died on Valentine"s Day aged 97, his family have shared, writes dailymail.co.uk.

Francesco Rivella, a widowed father of four, will be remembered today at a funeral in his Piedmont hometown, where he worked with Ferrero for more than four decades.

Dr Rivella is credited with helping the Alba-based brand grow into an international sensation, innovating products from its Wonka-esque chocolate “Chemistry Room”.

Joining the company in 1952, he saw the company through its expansion with household names like TicTac, Kinder and Ferrero Rocher before retiring in 1993.

As Michele Ferrero’s “right-hand man”, Rivella travelled widely to find the perfect ingredients for their pioneering chocolate brand.

The chemist is said to have had a crucial role in the creation of Nutella, credited with coming up with the name of the brand.

He was named as “one of the historic managers of Ferrero, a personal friend of Michele Ferrero... [and] an important piece of the history and memory of Alba”.

Rivella’s children shared the announcement that his funeral would be held at the town’s cathedral later today, thanking "those who lovingly assisted him”.