"You always know it's going to be bad news at that time," he told reporters on Monday.
The news that his brother, Paul Strangio, had been shot dead in Sydney's west has stayed with him ever since.
More than a decade on, no arrests have been made and the cold case of a beloved father, brother and grandfather remains a mystery.
Police have launched a fresh appeal for information on the murder of Mr Strangio, offering $500,000 for information that leads to the conviction of the 42-year-old's murderer.
The night of the shooting, police believe three people forced their way into the Glenmore Park home before firing and killing Mr Strangio.
NSW Police homicide squad boss Virginia Gorman said the attack was not random.
"Somebody knows something," she said on Monday.
"There's three people, everyone can't possibly keep a secret."
For the family left behind, the wait for answers has been frustrating.
"They've taken a brother, father, grandfather, they've taken away our Christmases," Julian Strangio said.
"He won't watch his grandkids grow up, what we have now is just memories."
Police were called to the Glenmore Park home on February 6, 2010, where they found Mr Strangio dying from gunshot wounds.
Two others were also present and helped police with their inquiries at the time.
Strike Force Goodier was established to investigate the murder but made no arrests or charges.
Anyone with information on Paul Strangio's murder should contact NSW police.
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