Poignant funeral for Michal found after lengthy search

THERE was a poignant send off for New Ross resident, Michal Piotrowski, in his adopted hometown, when family and friends said a final farewell to a man who was a well-known face in the town.

Michal’s remains were found in woodland in County Waterford on Thursday, March 7. He had previously not been seen since he was discharged from University Hospital Waterford on December 19.

His family made an emotional appeal on RTE’s Crimecall for information about his whereabouts.

Mr Piotrowski (69) had lived in New Ross for 19 years,

“It was nice to have the funeral. Everything went very well and his family, we were all there,” said his daughter Ewa, who led the search for her father since Christmas.

Waterford gardaí said they did extensive searches and used drones to try to find him, but ultimately it was someone out walking who came upon his remains.

“Irish people are so good. They wrote such nice words about my father. A lot of people came to the funeral and many phoned me too.”

Fr Tom Orr spoke about Michal’s work life as a builder, including his time working at Rosslare Harbour.

Reflecting on the past few difficult months, Ewa said: “It was a very hard time. I didn’t speak at the funeral because if I would have I’d have broke down crying.”

Michal’s ashes were interred in the columbarium at St Stephen’s Cemetery.

He is sadly missed by his loving daughters Ewa, Barbara and Maja, son Kamil, grandchildren Klaudia, Anastazja, Szymon, Antoni, Laura, Sara and Mateusz, extended family and friends.

May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace