SWIMMING great Murray Rose is to be farewelled during a funeral and memorial service in Sydney today.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist - a pioneer of the pool who went on to enjoy a film career - died on April 15 after suffering from leukaemia, aged 73.

He emerged as a national hero after winning three gold medals at the 1956 Olympics - in the 4x200m freestyle relay, the 400m freestyle and the 1500m freestyle - all at the age of 17.

Rose's funeral will be held at St Stephen's Uniting Church, in Macquarie Street, from 11am (AEST).