Family’s heartache as ‘friendly’ Irish dad-of-two dies suddenly on holiday & tributes pour for ‘gent with warm heart’

Friends have launched a fundraiser to support the family at this time
TRIBUTES have poured in for a “friendly” dad-of-two who died suddenly while on holiday in the UK last week.

Gary Croke, who was originally from Waterford City but had been living in Virginia in the USA, sadly passed away “unexpectedly” on November 24.

He had been visiting friends in Brighton, England with his daughter Molly, son Patrick and wife Alysia when he sadly passed away.

The family had been due to spend Thanksgiving in Ireland before the tragedy.

A death notice said: “Gary, 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 Patricia Keogh, friends Gavin and Diane Fitzgerald, extended Croke, Keogh and Orrel families, Gary’s wide circle of friends here in Ireland, USA and UK.”

Friends have launched a fundraiser to support the family as they face the “overwhelming challenges” presented by their sudden loss.

The campaign said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our cherished friend Gary’s sudden passing. Gary was a devoted husband to Alysia and a loving father to Molly, 17, and Patrick, 10.

“Gary was well-known in the soccer community not only as a youth coach but as an active player on several adult leagues. His kindness, laughter and ridiculously quick wit were unmatched.”

The ‘Support for Gary’s Family After Tragic Loss‘ GoFundMe has so far raised over €28,500 ($33,312).

It said: “The suddenness of Gary’s passing has brought overwhelming challenges. The costs associated with these challenges are significant.

“Relieving some of the financial burdens 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.

“We are reaching out to our community for support during this incredibly difficult time. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to honour Gary’s memory and support his loved ones.”

The organisers of the fundraiser said the “love, generosity and support” shown by the community since the launch of the campaign has been “truly humbling”.

And mourners have flocked to pay tribute to Gary, with one telling how he was an “amazing young man, taken way too soon”.

‘ALWAYS A PLEASURE’

Another said: “I’ll always cherish the memories of our time together and the laughter he brought everywhere he went. I was lucky enough to visit him and his family in Virginia on very short notice, and in true form he welcomed me with open arms.

“A friendly gentleman with a warm heart and always full of craic — he made every moment brighter. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing how fondly he was thought of.”

A third mourner wrote: ” As a colleague, it was always a pleasure to work with Gary. His dedication, humor 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.”

Tidewater Sharks Soccer Club in Virginia, where Gary was a coach, shared the clubs heartache at the news of his passing.

It said: “Gary brought so much joy, passion, and kindness to our fields, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

“A GoFundMe has been created to support his wife Alysia and their children during this unimaginable time. As a club, let’s come together and help provide the stability and support they need.”

Gary will be reposing in Thompson’s Funeral Home on Barrack Street in Waterford from 3pm until 5pm tomorrow, with vigil prayers and rosary at 4:30pm.

A private cremation will take place at a later date.

The family has requested no flowers, but donations if desired can be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a charity which provides financial assistance and guidance to families repatriating the body of loved ones who had died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances.