Mourners said the young dad’s “goodness and kindness will always be remembered”
Stephen Tighe
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a ‘superhero’ dad from Co Westmeath who sadly passed away on Christmas Eve.
Stephen Tighe, who was originally from Belmullet in Co Mayo but had been living in Mullingar for a number of years, died “suddenly at his home” on Wednesday, according to a death notice shared by his family on RIP.ie.
The notice adds that, “Stephen will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife and best friend Stacey, adored son Oliver, brokenhearted mother Pamela. Aunts; Adrienne (Hanrahan), Carol (Hanrahan), Mary (Gorman), Uncle Trevor, parents in law; Harry and Rachel Brant, sisters in law; Rachel, Ruth, Jean, Martina, Naomi, brother in law; Harry, nieces, nephews, extended families, many friends and former colleagues in the civil service and Bernard John Jewellers, Maynooth.”
Stephen’s wife Stacey has paid an emotional tribute to her husband, hailing him as a ‘superhero dad’ to their son Oliver, adding that he “filled our world with love and adventure”.
“Forever my best friend,” she wrote in a post shared on Facebook.
“We faced the world together, I will cherish and love you forever. Superhero Dad to our beautiful boy, you filled our world with love & adventure. Rest now we’ll meet again.”
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Stephen’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Mullingar, with friends, neighbours an acquaintances sharing their own tributes to the former civil servant, who worked for The National Shared Services Office, an Irish-shared services provider for HR and payroll administration for government departments and public service bodies.
A former college said: “My sincere condolences to Stacey, Oliver, Pamela and all of Stephen’s family. It was a pleasure to work with Stephen. He was such a gentleman. Thinking of you all at this time.”
Another mourner added: “I am so shocked and saddened by Stephen’s untimely passing. My heartfelt condolences to Stacey, Oliver and all the Tighe family. Stephen was such a kind and gentle soul. Sending you love and strength during this very difficult time.”
While a third person said: “Stephen had such a presence and aura. I’m so sorry for your loss. His goodness and kindness will always be remembered.”
Stephen will repose at Gilsenan’s Funeral Home, College Street in Mullingar (N91 K660) on Tuesday from 4pm, concluding with prayers at 6pm, followed by Removal to the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, arriving at 6:30pm.
Stephen’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Wednesday, burial afterwards in Ballyglass Cemetery.
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