Eugene (Gene) Stuart, Liosdara and Stuart's Stores, Ashe Street, Tralee and formerly of Ballinagh, Co Cavan died peacefully on Wednesday, November 13th. Eugene Anthony Stuart, or Gene as he was affectionately known by all, was born in Ballinagh on June 30, 1930 to Robert And Annie Stuart (nee Smith). He was one of four siblings, with two sisters, Maureen and Bernadette and one brother Aidan. Sadly Aidan died at four years of age from illness.
Gene's parents owned the village grocery store and also ran a successful egg exporting business. As a child during the Second World War he remembered rationing of basic food stuffs and the 'ration dockets' his parents exchanged for groceries in their store. His abhorrence of waste, particularly of food, no doubt stemmed from those frugal times.
Growing up in a rural community, Gene developed a great love of the land and nature. He loved animals and as a young boy kept goats, bees and hens amongst others.
He was educated at St Patrick's College in Cavan town where he loved playing football. Cavan football was in its zenith at that time, famously beating Kerry in 1947, the only All-Ireland ever to have been played abroad (New York).
Little did he know then that he would have to endure almost sixty years in the Kingdom without witnessing a single further title - while his wife and children cheered countless Kerry triumphs.
As a young man, Gene relocated to Dublin, beginning employment in a large department store at North Earl Street. Always ambitious for knowledge, Gene enrolled at the local college for evening classes in textile and design.
Before long he saw an opportunity to move into the wholesale business and was quickly promoted as area representative for Munster. During one of his many trips to Tralee he met the great love of his life, Bridie O'Connell in the Grand Hotel.
Gene and Bridie were married in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin on September 10th, 1958 and held their reception in the Gresham Hotel. Following their honeymoon abroad they set up home in Oakpark, Tralee. As the years went by Gene and Bridie started their own business at No 1 Ashe Street, Tralee. Coincidentally, it was in the very premises where Bridie had worked as secretary to her uncle John D O'Connell, The County Solicitor.
Stuart's Stores opened for business on May 10th, 1967 and despite the poor economic times, the venture was a great success from the start. Gene often remarked on the loyalty of the many customers over the years and how pivotal that loyalty was to their success.
Apart from time spent on business Gene was also a very active member of St.Vincent de Paul. He gave his time generously and always enjoyed visiting those in need.
Over the years he was also an active member of Tralee Bridge Club and Probus. His many hobbies included gardening, crosswords, music and singing.
Gene never lost his love of driving and the family spent many summer holidays travelling in Europe, especially France. In retirement Gene and Bridie enjoyed many trips to various parts of America where they had many happy times.
In recent years Gene suffered from Parkinson's Disease. He stubbornly fought his illness throughout, retaining a sense of humour and refusing any help he considered unnecessary. He accepted his illness with great dignity and was cared for at home until the final two months of his life where he spent time between nursing home and The Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee.
Having fought the good fight for so long, Gene departed to his eternal reward on Wednesday, November 13th. He passed away gently and peacefully at Fatima Home in the loving presence of his family. His last three words were to Bridie and there is no need to say what they were.
Gene is survived by his loving wife Bridie, sons Robert, Patrick, John, Eugene, daughters Louise and Deirdre, seventeen grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and sister-in-law. May he rest in peace.
Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris

Kerry's Eye, 12th December 2013 Tweet

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