Williamson, Jerry
January 22, 2013The untimely passing on Christmas Day at his daughter's residence of Jerry Williamson, 109 Church Street, Graiguecullen has left his wife, children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and extended family grieving the death of a well-liked man.
Jerry had felt unwell on Christmas Day and had sought medical aid but subsequently passed away, causing a deep sense of shock within his local community. Jerry, who was 62, was a native of St Mary's Park, Carlow. He was one of a family of six children of Eddie and Maureen (nee Maher) Williamson.
In his younger days, Jerry played Gaelic football with both Eire Og and O'Hanrahans. He also played soccer indoors at the Youth Centre, Green Lane and when The Harps club started up in Graiguecullen, Jerry lined out with the team. He was a life-long Manchester United supporter and, along with son Keith, another dedicated fan of The Red Devils, he had been to United matches in Old Trafford on a number of occasions, including the first trip to the Theatre of The Dreams by the Carlow Manchester United Supporters Club.
Educated at Carlow CBS primary and secondary levels, Jerry went to work initially with the Eagle Light company on Green Road, manufacturers of infra-red radiators. He later served his time as a baker and confectioner at Crotty's of Tullow Street. Jerry subsequently went on to work in the building trade in Dublin with sons Keith and Nigel before going to work with O'Reilly's Coal Yard, Graiguecullen. For the past five years Jerry was self-employed as a taxi driver in Carlow town. In all his workplaces, Jerry Williamson was noted as an industrious, conscientious, and popular individual. As a taxi driver, his sense of humour came to the fore. A regular quip from Jerry whenever he was summoned for an urgent fare was: "I'm not driving a helicopter", informing the client that he would be there ASAP. He also liked to joke with his taxi passengers.
He was married to the former Esther Glynn from Raheendoran, Carlow for 42 years and they had a family of five children, four boys and a girl. He reposed at home before removal to St Clare's Church, Graiguecullen on Saturday 27 December to the St
Clare's Church, Graiguecullen, where his funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr John Dunphy, PP, Graiguecullen-Killeshin.
A number of significant symbols of Jerry's life were brought to the altar at the start of Mass. These were: two family pictures, one a portrait of Jerry, Esther and the five children and the second a picture of his five grandchildren; Jerry's taxi driving identity; his Manchester United book and his glasses; and a DVD of the film Lethal Weapon, one of his favourite films. Jerry also had a great love of western films.
Readings at Mass were by Jerry's brothers Eamon and Michael, while the Prayers of the Faithful were recited by nieces and nephews. The Offertory gifts were brought forward by Jerry's sisters Angela Dowling and Colette Willamson. During Mass, Fr Dunphy paid tribute to the qualities of Jerry, while the singing at Mass was by the Graiguecullen Men's Choir. During Mass, The Candy Store On The Corner, a hit for Dickie Rock was played - Jerry was a big Dickie Rock fan.
At the end of Mass, son-in-law Michael Haughney paid tribute to Jerry and also thanked sincerely the medics and paramedics who worked so hard in a vain attempt to save Jerry's life when he took ill.
After Mass, Jerry was laid to rest in St Mary's Cemetery, with Fr Dunphy reciting the final prayers at the graveside. His taxi driver colleagues formed a guard of honour for Jerry by way of a cortege of taxis, as part of the funeral cortege.
Jerry is survived by his wife Esther, children Keith (Graiguecullen), Nigel (Arles-Kilcruise, Co Laois), Audrey Haughney (Graiguecullen), Adrian (Darwin, Australia) and Alan (Graiguecullen), brothers Eamon (Carlow) and Michael (The Curragh), sisters Angela Dowling (Carlow), Theresa O'Reilly (Carlow) and Colette Williamson (Carlow), by his grandchildren Ciara, Cian, Dylan, Jamie and Abby, by daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, his aunt Judy, uncle John 'Busty' Kearns, nieces, nephews, other relatives, neighbours and friends.
Jerry will be fondly remembered.
Courtesy of The Carlow Nationalist. Tweet
