Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a father of two who “made every moment brighter” after he passed away suddenly while he and his family were in the UK ahead of planned Thanksgiving celebrations in Ireland, reports The Mirror.
Communities in both Waterford and Virginia, USA have been left devastated by the sudden death of Gary Croke on Monday, November 24, reports The Mirror.
Gary and his wife Alysia, along with their children Molly (17) and Patrick (10), had travelled to Brighton in the UK to visit friends before continuing on to Waterford for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Gary, a native of Waterford City, worked as a supervisor with Jefferson Lab in Virginia and was well known within the local soccer community where he coached youth teams and played in several adult leagues, reports The Mirror.
His unexpected passing has shocked all who knew him, with relatives and friends describing the loss as “unthinkable” and “devastating,” reports The Mirror.
With the family far from their home in the United States at the time of Gary’s death, they now face significant emotional and financial difficulties, according to organisers of a fundraiser.
A GoFundMe page titled ‘Support for Gary’s family after tragic loss’ has been set up and has already raised more than €28,000 ($32,500) to “relieve some of the financial burdens that will allow Alysia to focus on ensuring stability and support for Molly and Patrick as they continue their education and adjust to life without their father,” the organisers wrote, reports The Mirror.
Organisers said that helping reduce the financial strain is one of the most meaningful ways friends and neighbours can honour Gary’s memory, reports The Mirror.
“Gary was cherished by so many,” they said. “Supporting his family now is the best way we can reflect the love and generosity he shared with everyone around him,” reports The Mirror.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to be shared, with one person writing online: “Rest in peace sweet, kind and gentle Gary, sincere condolences to the family,” while another said: “Unilaterally admitted and loved at Jefferson Lab.
“As a colleague it was always a pleasure to work with Gary. His dedication, humour and hard work made it a pleasure to work with Gary, not to mention the Irish accent. He was only my supervisor for a short time, but he handled it with grace, patience and leadership. He will be sorely missed.”
Another wrote: “Gary was such an amazing young man, taken way too soon. May his gentle and loving soul rest in peace,” and one more tribute read: “A friendly gentleman with a warm heart and always full of craic – he made every moment brighter,” reports The Mirror.
Gary’s death notice on RIP.ie said he is “sadly missed by heartbroken and loving wife Alysia, son Patrick, daughter Molly, parents Paul and Helen, brothers Paul and Neil, sister-in-law Amy, nephews Justin and Brandon, nieces Sophie and Evie, aunt Patricka Keogh, friends Gavin and Diane Fitzgerald, extended Croke, Keogh and Orrel families, Gary’s wide circle of friends here in Ireland, USA and UK,” reports The Mirror.
He will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Waterford on Thursday, December 4 from 3pm to 5pm, with Vigil prayers and rosary at 4.30pm.
A private cremation will follow at a later date, reports The Mirror.
Mourners are asked, if they wish, to make donations to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund instead of sending flowers, reports The Mirror.
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