Suddenpassingofsuccessfulbusinessman Petershockedbothtownandcountry
THE sudden passing of Peter Conlon on 19 December, 2016, shocked both town and country.
He was born in 1954 to parents Peter and Mary. He went to school in Drumsinnott N.S and Dundalk Technical School.
On leaving school, he worked for a short time with Joe McArdle panel beating before beginning a life in cooking as a junior chef under the guidance of Tommy O’Donoghue in the Imperial Hotel.
During his early years as a chef, Peter worked in many local hotels, as well as The Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan and The Great Sothern Hotel, Rosslare.
He also spent some time working at The Hilton Hotel in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
In 1981, Peter married Margaret (nee Kettle), and they were blessed with five wonderful children Martin, Christopher, Gareth, Deborah and Rachael.
Peter’s family were his whole life, and in order to spend quality time with them, he decided to leave the hotel business, and in 1984 he set up his own business, Conlon’s Food Hall.
He opened his first shop in Patrick St., moving to Bridge St. some 18 months later, before finally purchasing his flagship premises at 14 Church St., where he also established a state-of-the-art catering facility. In 2007, Peter opened in The Longwalk Shopping Centre, and in 2015 he expanded further by opening in The Avenue Centre. He also operated a very successful canteen in St Vincent’s Secondary School.
Peter loved his business and his wonderful staff became his extended family. He had a wonderful relationship with his customers, valuing each and every person who came through the doors, counting them as friends.
Peter was involved with many charities, and he worked tirelessly to support them. These charities included Vita, Crumlin Children’s Charity and Dundalk Parents and Friends of The Intellectually Disabled, for which he organised his Monaghan Way walk over the last few years. There were also many charities he supported privately.
Travelling was also a great passion of Peter’s, and as part of his charity work he travelled to various parts of Africa, Mexico and the U.S.A., taking part in sponsored walks and educational workshops.
Peter and Margaret had many happy holidays abroad with their children, and in more recent years the two of them enjoyed many trips to various locations in Europe.
His greatest pleasure what the time he spent with his family and he always encouraged them in everything they undertook. He was especially proud when his son, Christopher, joined him in Conlon Food Hall, and the business continues to thrive under his leadership.
Peter will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Margaret; sons, Martin, Christopher, Gareth; daughters, Deborah and Rachael; daughter-inlaw, Melanie; Christopher’s partner, Orla; and Rachael’s partner, Conor; brother, Jimmy; sister, Geraldine; mother-in-law, Bridie; sisters-in-law, Margaret and Caroline; brother-in-law, Derek; extended family, loyal staff and wide circle of friends.
Peter reposed at his home at Gorteen, Inniskeen, until he was taken to Mary Mother of Mercy church, Inniskeen, where his moving requiem Mass was celebrated by his friend and cousin, Fr. Noel Conlon. The readings at Mass were given by sister-in-law, Caroline Murphy and Rachael’s partner, Conor McGinnity. Prayers of the faithful were led by Melanie Conlon, Adrian Conlon, Michelle Goss, Marie Markey and Mark Conlon.
Peter was laid to rest in St Mary’s Cemetry, Inniskeen. Guards of honour were provided by staff of Conlon Food Hall, Inniskeen Grattans, and pupils of St. Vincent’s Secondary School.