Tributes paid to Irish father-of-two following sudden death in New York

Damian Stanely of Jonesborough, County Armagh, passed away unexpectedly in the US on Monday, December 9, 2024, with his family releasing his death notice over the weekend.

It is understood that the father-of-two had been living in New York at the time of his death.

"Great friend"

Mr Stanely is survived by his mother, two children, sisters, brother and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

Several tributes to the Irishman have been posted online following the repatriation of his body from Queen’s, New York back home to his native Jonesboro, with many describing him as a "great friend".

"Damian, I can’t believe you left you so soon my friend," wrote one. "I’m going to miss our stupid messages on WhatsApp and our phone calls, but most of all your laugh. I’ll never forget that."

Forever grateful

"I met Damian through work, and from the minute I met him he took me under his wing, he saw a young Irish man bluffing and he helped me out a lot, I’ll be forever grateful and do the same for others."

Another penned: "Very sad to hear of the sudden death of Damian. I met him when his aunt Phyl was over visiting and he was great craic. A lovely young man gone too soon. My sincere condolences to his family, who must be devastated."

A third added: "He was such a funny guy — I’ve fond memories of him stateside. Condolences to Damian’s family at this sad time. May he rest now in heavenly peace."

Funeral arrangements

Before his repatriation to Ireland in recent days, Mr. Stanely was waked close to his home in Sunnyside, Queens — now, the father-of-two will lie in repose at his late home in Jonesborough from 7 pm this evening (December 16) until his removal at 11.15 am to the Church of the Sacred Heart on December 17.

A notice posted on Rip.ie read: "Reposing privately at his late home for family only from 2 pm on Monday 16, and open to visitors from 7 pm that evening until his removal at 11.15 am on Wednesday 18, for 12-noon requiem mass in Church of the Sacred Heart Jonesborough."

"Damien will be deeply regretted and fondly remembered by his entire circle of family and friends."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.