Charlie Jones, 42, died two-and-a-half weeks after being attacked near his home in Parkfield Road, Rudheath.
Charlie, affectionately known as Chaz, had been at the Wings Club on Station Road just before the attack at about midnight on Sunday January 25.
He was found badly beaten and was taken to Leighton Hospital with serious head injuries.
But, after returning home, he was re-admitted after suffering a stroke.
He then developed a blood clot on his brain and died on Tuesday night last week.
A post mortem confirmed that Charlie died from injuries related to the attack.
An incident room has been set up at the scene of the crime.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Thompson said Charlie had left the pub and gone to the nearby curry house for a takeaway, before making his way home.
"We need to speak to anyone who may have seen Charlie in the Station Road, Middlewich Road or Parkfield Road area that night," said Chief Insp Thompson.
"Charlie used the Wings Club and the Tandoori a lot and was well known.
"On the night of the incident he had won a bottle of brandy and wine and was on his way home.
"He was not a man looking for a fight. He was going about his peaceful, lawful business when this vicious assault happened.
"We need the public to help us work out what happened after he left the Wings Club.
DCI Thompson added: "We've held road checks, had officers posted at static points and on Sunday night they went into pubs and clubs in the area.
"Somebody must have seen something suspicious. It might jog people's memories if they remember it was the same day Newcastle drew with Stevenage."
Charlie was wearing a black waist length jacket, a blue shirt, blue jeans, blue trainers and was carrying a brown paper bag and a blue and white plastic bag.
Charlie's brother Ernie, 43, said: "We are a very close-knit community.
"Charlie was one of 10 brothers and sisters who live in the Northwich area. He lived with our sister Olwen. We are all in total shock, but just about bearing up.
"Charlie didn't deserve this, nobody does.
"We are all determined to find out who did it."
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