Georgewasawell-known firefighterandmilkman
WEXFORDMAN George Carley of Davitt Road North who died last week, was well-known through his work as a fire fighter and a milkman with Snowcream.
George died at home on June 28 surrounded by his loving family, following an illness. He was 82 years old.
He is survived by his wife Monica; his sons Frank and George; his daughters Kathleen, Helen and Jacinta; his 18 grandchildren; nine grandchildren; by his brothers Joe, Peter, Seamus, Fred, Wattie and Ger and by his sister Mary.
He was predeceased by his brothers Billy, Tom, Paddy and baby Thomas.
A son of the late Joe and Ellie Carley of Ballyharron, Crossabeg, George married Wexford woman Monica Carroll in 1957 in Kilburn, London where he was working on the railway. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary next year.
The couple returned to Ireland when their eldest child Frank was three months old and lived for a time with Monica’s parents in Whiterock View before moving to Wolfe Tone Villas for a few years and eventually settling in Davitt Road North.
On his return to Wexford, George worked on the construction of Wexford Bridge and then in Wilson’s coalyard before joining Wexford Fire Brigade and Snowcream.
He worked for the fire service for 30 years, becoming sub-station officer and finally station officer. He continued working with Snowcream until the company closed in the 1990’s.
George worked hard all his life, driving taxis for Wexford Cabs for a number of years after the milk company closed down.
In his spare time, he loved fishing and kept a boat at Ferrybank or Ferrybank, bringing all his children and grandchildren out fishing down through the years. He also taught each and every one of them how to drive.
A family man through and through, George was a gentle giant with a great presence who would always go out of his way to help another person. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
Burial took place in Crossabeg cemetery last Thursday following a beautiful funeral Mass in Rowe Street Church in which family members were involved. His son Frank delivered an emotional tribute while grandchildren Colm and Fiona sent messages from Australia which were read out during the service.