The death has taken place of highly respected east Donegal businessman and community leader, Maxi McCreary.
Late of Glebe House, Crossroads, Killygordon, he passed away peacefully yesterday at Brindley Manor Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.
The late Maxi McCreary.
Mr McCreary was best known as the face of J McCreary & Co hardware store ( now Topline McCrearys) for over six decades. Established in 1860 by Johnston McCreary, the business was passed down through the generations, with Maxi taking over from his father, Willie, in 1978. He expanded the store shortly afterwards and later oversaw another major development in 2015, when McCreary’s — now Topline McCrearys — moved for the second time and officially opened a new 12,000-square-foot superstore just 100 metres from the old premises.
The business, now under the control of his eldest son, Darren, has remained within the McCreary family for five generations. Following his retirement, Maxi was an ever-present figure in the store, greeting customers with his quick wit and charm and guiding his sons and daughter as the business continued to thrive.
Mr McCreary was also a pillar of the local community. He was an Elder of Donaghmore Presbyterian Church, a key member of the team behind the famous Crossroads Gala Weekend, and a longtime chairman of Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise (CAKE). It was his tireless work with CAKE that earned him a nomination for the prestigious Donegal Person of the Year award.
Most importantly, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, employer, and a good friend and neighbour to many.
The shop will be open as normal tomorrow from 8.30am, but will close at 1pm. It will also be closed for Maxi’s final journey on Tuesday.
See his full funeral notice below:
The death has taken place at Brindley Manor Nursing home of Maxi McCreary, Glebe House, Ballinacor, Killygordon, F93 N2RT, surrounded by his loving family.
He is predeceased by his parents Kathleen and William, son Wesley, brother Derek and brother-in-law Tom.
Maxi will be deeply missed by his loving wife Louise, sons Darren (Lorraine), Brian, daughter Maxine (John).
Much loved granda of Caitlín, Sophie, Josh, James and Ben.
Sadly missed by his sisters Muriel (Jimmy), Frankie, Wendy (Robert), sister-in-law Anne (Peter) and their daughter Kerry, the wider family circle, all Topline McCreary staff and his many friends.
His remains will repose at his late residence on Monday, 8th December, from 10am – 10pm.
Funeral leaving from his home on Tuesday, 9th at 1.30pm, going to Donoughmore Presbyterian Church, Liscooley for 2pm Service of Thanksgiving, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.
The house is private to family only please, today Sunday, 7th and on the morning of the funeral.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, care of Terence McClintock Funeral Director.
“Forever in our Hearts”
Sad passing of highly respected businessman and community leader, Maxi McCreary was last modified: December 7th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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