The touching role Bert Newton's grandchildren played at his funeral

Bert Newton's grandchildren played a special role in the TV icon's state funeral today, with the youngsters delivering sweet messages in church to their beloved "poppy".

Newton's six grandchildren attended St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on Friday morning, sitting alongside Patti, 76, in the pews before speaking in front of 500 mourners.

Sam, Eva, Lola, Monty, Perla and Alby also sat beside mum Lauren as three of them paid tribute to their dear "poppy" while reciting Catholic readings.

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"Heavenly Father, we commend Poppy to your mercy and care. Welcome him home to heaven, where there will be no more sorrow or pain but only peace and happiness. Lord hear us," one of the sweet readings said.

"We pray for Nanna and all our family and friends gathered here today. Heavenly Father, we pray for Poppy up in heaven."

Meanwhile, Newton's children Lauren and Matthew shared fond memories of their father in letters read aloud by Peter Smith.

"We had so many special times together, and I am so glad he got the chance to know my children. They loved Poppy so much, and his love for them was clear to see," Lauren said.

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"He would spend hours playing games with them, his favourite game being hospitals and hotels."

Lauren went on to tell mourners the farewelling Newton was most heartbreaking for mum Patti.

"Saying goodbye has been heartbreaking for us all, especially Mum," Lauren said.

"They loved one another so much, and I know how he waited until she left the room to take his last breath, because while she was with him, he couldn't have gone."

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Matthew, who was unable to return from his home in New York to attend the funeral, also paid tribute to his late father, remembering his "final conversation" with Newton.

"One final conversation in the days before we lost him was different from the usual, and we both knew it," he said.

"The change was never directly stated, but we eschewed the stories and the laughs and just said how much we loved each other."

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Matthew went on to say his Dad would hope to be farewelled "with a wink, not a tear".

He added: "I'm gonna really miss jamming with you, mate. Here's looking at you, kid."