Joe from the Hollyfort Road and formerly of Funge’s located on Gorey Main Street passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, December 26. The community has mourned the passing of Joe who was widely known in the town.
Joe was heavily involved in the Gorey community with local sports such as rugby, GAA and golf, but also running his well-known family business on Main Street.
He is also known for long time service as a town councillor for Wexford County Council, which he retired from in 2004 after 25 years. He also acted as secretary in the Chamber of Commerce for several years.
In addition to this, Joe was a prominent figure in development and upgrade to the schools in Gorey. Joe was vocal in the need for improvements to the CBS, Loreto and the VEC which were being run out of prefabs at the time.
Acting as chairperson, he came up with the idea to build new schools to amalgamate the CBS and Loreto. After much planning, it came to the conclusion that the Community School would be built.
The late Joe Funge.
Joe was educated at the Loreto and Christian Brothers School in Gorey, and also at Newbridge College, in Kildare. After completing an apprenticeship in Arnott’s in Dublin, he joined his father Tom in the family drapery business in 1960.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne offered his condolences to Joe’s family, praising his commitment to uplifting the Gorey community. “There are few individuals who have contributed so much to the life of Gorey and north Wexford as Joe Funge,” Deputy Byrne said.
He went on to say that Joe was very supportive of young people in the community, including Deputy Byrne at the start of his career in politics. “He always gave honest and well considered advice that steered me in the right direction or avoided trouble.
“I considered him a friend and wise consul who only ever had the interests of our community at heart,” Deputy Byrne added.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan also paid tribute to Joe, calling him one of Gorey’s “finest businessman”.
“Gorey has lost a gentleman – Joe made an incredible contribution to Gorey’s community in so many ways during his lifetime,” Deputy Brennan said.
In a Facebook post, Funge’s of Gorey made a statement regarding the passing of Joe and added that the shop would remain closed until Wednesday, December 31, as a mark of respect to mark their father and mentor. In the post they thanked the community for their understanding at this difficult time.
Funeral mass to celebrate Joe’s life took place on Monday, December 29 at 12pm at St. Michael Church in Gorey, followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery Gorey.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ann, his children Kieran, Colm, Fergal and Eilish, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.