AN IRISHMAN has passed away suddenly in Portugal after taking ill while holidaying with his wife.
Dad-of-two Padraic Staunton, 67, is believed to have fallen ill on Thursday January 16 while cycling with his wife Brenda during the break away.
Family members travelled over to the sun spot to be by Brenda’s side earlier this week as arrangements were made to bring Padraic’s remains home, according to the Meath Chronicle.
It has been confirmed that the retired pharmacist, who was living in Athboy in Co Meath but originally hailed from Louisburgh in Mayo, will be laid to rest next week.
A notice online said Padraic died “unexpectedly while in Portugal“.
It added: “Loving son of the late Joe and Breege and beloved brother of the late Anne O’Donnell, and son-in-law of the late Paddy Clifford.
“Sadly missed and remembered with love by his loving wife Brenda (née Clifford, Sligo), son Colm and his wife Aoife, daughter Emer and her husband Jono, brothers Tom, Joseph, and John, sisters Mary, Mairead, and Therese, mother-in-law Kitty Clifford, uncles Paddy, John, & Joe and aunts Margaret & Claire.”
The notice added that Padraic would be lovingly missed and remembered by his “brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, the extended Clifford, Staunton and Mc Myler families, colleagues, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.”
Padraic will rest in repose at Mullen’s Funeral Home on O’Growney St in Athboy on Sunday from 6pm until 9pm.
And he will continue in repose at Sweeney’s Funeral Home in his native Louisburgh on Monday from 5pm to 8pm.
The funeral will arrive to St Patrick’s Church in Louisburgh at 11:30am on Tuesday for a service at 12 noon, with private cremation to follow.
Mourners flocked to pay tribute to Padraic since his sudden death earlier this month, with pals and former customers remembering him as a “genuine gentleman” who was “always there” for others.
A neighbour said: “We were privileged to have Padraic as a neighbour.
“A kind, gentle, solid, reliable man with a caring strength who appeared for us as a family in our own dark days.
“He always had a smile and words of reassurance. He will be greatly missed and our heart goes out to Brenda, the children and the extended family.”
Another mourner said: “Heartbroken on the untimely passing of Padraic. He was the pillar of Athboy community. Always a smile and willing to help. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
He was a friend to so many people that came through the door.”
Mourner
A third added: “Padraic was a gentleman whose kindness knew no bounds. I know he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
One person told how the sheer number of condolences left for the beloved family man “is a testament to his popularity”.
Another mourner admitted that it was a “great shock” to get the news of Padraic’s passing.
They said: “A really true gentleman and always a pleasure to meet Padraic either on land, pier or sea.
“He will be missed by many but the memories we have of Padraic will always bring a smile to us.”
A former colleague described Padraic as “an absolute gentleman”, adding: “He had a quick wit and his knowledge on so many things taught me so much in my time there and I have some great memories.
“He was a friend to so many people that came through the door and always took the time to help and offer advice.
“He really made a mark on the town of Athboy and surrounding areas and will be sadly missed by so many people.”
