John GREALISH Obituary

Not sure how I ended up on this page so long after John's death - as a child (about 3 years old) I called him Uncle John when he arrived from Ireland, following his Uncle, Aunt, Sister and Brothers. I thought he was so handsome and got to know that laugh from an early age.
He married Nancy and on their return from Ireland they moved into Reuben Avenue, around the corner, and then began over 50 years of to-ing and fro-ing between the homes. John sold me tickets to the Irish Ball when I was 16 - it was amazing and I joined the Irish Club not long after.
The Church was a common feature and the Cahills and the Grealishes often said the Rosary together when the Parish rosary statue was doing the rounds. Despite Nancy and my best efforts at serious, contemplative prayer, Mum and John, leaning forward on a chair with their faces covered, proceeded to giggle their way through the whole 5 decades, peeking at each other and setting each other off!!!
John gave me my first drink in a pub - a sparkling raspberry and lemonade WITH A STRAW - and thus began my love of pubs and working and socialising in them.
John's contribution to the Wellington Irish Society was considerable - he helped build the spec houses that financed the Clubrooms in Fifeshire Avenue (recently demolished); used his truck to deliver and remove soil, furniture, anything! He served on the Committee, behind the bar, and was the volunteer cleaner for years! He and Nancy danced beautifully at functions.
And finally, although John wasn't a singer per se, if there was a bit of a session, and he'd limbered up his voice, his "I've just stepped in to see ye now, I'll only stay a while..."would echo across the room ...not sure if he knew all the words of the Homes of Donegal but I'm pretty sure that song represented his love of catching up with what was going on.... today it'd be 'networking' and he was an expert!
Remembering the good times, Maureen, Alexia and Marty xxx

Very sad to hear of Uncle John´s passing. A wonderful character who lit up any place he went, had a fantastic capacity to remember and tell amusing stories. We loved his stays at our family house when he visited Ireland. Keep the laughter going in heaven, John, as you are welcomed there by Nancy, your parents and brothers. Sincere sympathy to Gerard, Denise, Anne Marie and extended family on the loss of a great man. Breda.

Our Deepest Sympathy To The Grealish Family.
John Was A Cousin Of My Late Mother, Kathleen King Grealish.
Our Grandparents Were Brother And Sister.
Rest In Peace John.
Gerry And Maura.

To my cousins Gerard, Denise and Anne Marie I offer you and your families my sympathy on the death of your Dad.
Uncle John's visits to Lisheen were a highlight of our summers growing up.
You summed him up "amusing storyteller" as he was the one remembered all the details of the funny stories growing up. He was so sociable and he was comfortable in any company. No matter where he went when home in Galway he always made a connection with someone that he met.
May Uncle John now reconnect with all his loved ones in heaven, your Mum Nancy, his parents and his brothers.
I'm sure he'll be the amusing storyteller again.
Rest in peace Uncle John and thanks for the great memories.

We are heart broken to hear of the passing of our beloved John. What a funny happy kind man who loved people and chats with everyone whether he knew them or not. Happiest always in his beloved Lisheen and walking down the village to meet all his old friends and neighbours. Loved a pint in Philip Murphys pub in high St galway where his dad would have had a pint many years ago. Best man at our wedding his speech made him a legend. We had many games of golf together at Miramar Links in NZ and here in galway. The 19th hole was the most important one of the round. Wonderful to have been in his company so much as he returned every second year for many years. John you will be missed by everyone who knew you and may you enjoy the fairways of heaven as you rest in eternal peace. God bless you.

We were sorry to hear of John's passing, may he Rest in Peace

Deepest Sympathy to Gerard, Denise, Anne Marie and all of the extended family. I was so fond of Uncle John, we loved seeing him arrive home, full of funny stories and tales from New Zealand. I remember very well on one occasion just the 2 of us heading into town here in Galway to catch up over a few drinks, my belly hurt with all the laughing. When I was in New Zealand in 2005 he was only too happy to give me a tour of his home town which is a very treasured memory for me. John's lovely smiling face will be missed here but will never be forgotten. RIP Uncle John, lots of love, together with your Nancy again.

Deepest Sympathy to Gerard, Denise, Anne Marie and extended family.
I have very fond memories of my godfather's regular visits to Galway.
We always looked forward to Johns stories and chats.
He was always laughing and joking, and even if you were having a bad day you would walk away happy.
We will miss him greatly. Rest in peace.

Thinking of you all,on the sad loss of John,sincere sympathy

A few photos of dad

Deepest Sympathy to Gerard, Denise, & Anne Marie.
I have fond memories of John working with him at Wellington Airport, and also the Irish Club.
I am from Northern Ireland, and John and I used to have some good discussions and craic.

Sincere sympathy to Gerard, Denise, Anne Marie & extended family on the death of John. I have very fond memories of Uncle John during his many trips home to Ireland. He always had a smile on his face and so many funny stories. May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to all John's family on his sad passing. We stayed 2 nights with John and Nancy in 1993 while on honeymoon such wonderful warm welcoming people. RIP