Tipperary and Offaly mourns loss of beloved Roscrea businessman

Roscrea witnessed an outpouring of grief this week at news of the passing of beloved local businessman Bobby Williams on Thursday last.

Bobby witnessed many changes in his beloved hometown of Roscrea over his working years and retired from work last July after 70-years of service.

Roscrea's Main Street has several landmark businesses which have stood the test of time and become woven into the town's identity - and Bobby was a man who also withstood the test of time and built one of those businesses.

Bobby Williams began working in Pattersons on Main Street in Roscrea in April 1955 alongside his uncle, Tom Patterson.

On his first day in 1955 what is now the neighbouring shop Bernie's SuperValu was then Denis Grimes' hardware and coal yard and on the other side, what is now the former Moran's clothing store, was then a small grocery shop operated by Ponty Carey.

A youthful Bobby pictured alongside his uncle, Tom Patterson outside the old shopfront on Roscrea's Main Street in the 1960s

Over the years Bobby expanded the premises three times into what became one of the town's most cherished shops - where almost everything from a needle to an anchor was available at arms reach.

“My Dad, Bobby, passed away peacefully in the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise last night. I cannot thank the staff enough for the care and kindness that they showed him while he was there,” Colin Williams said in a social media post which received an outpouring of support.

“Dad worked in Pattersons Hardware for 70 years and I had the privilege of working with him for 40 of those years. He loved every minute of his time in Pattersons, loved meeting every single one of you and only had kind words to say about you all.

"I would like to thank you all for every kindness that you have shown to Dad over the years To be half the man that he was would be enough,” Colin Williams said in his moving tribute.

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Formerly of Clonmore, Errill, Co. Laois, Bobby died peacefully surrounded by family in the excellent care of the staff of Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.

Pre-deceased by his beloved son Nigel and deeply regretted by his loving wife Noeline, his heartbroken sons Colin and Keith, daughter Paula (O' Connor), daughter-in-law Annette, son-in-law Padraig, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law.

Adored by his grandchildren Rachel. David, Rebecca, Kate, Andrew, Hugh and Paul. Sadly missed by his brothers George and Herbie, sister Renda, nephews, nieces, relatives, good neighbours and wide circle of friends.

Mr Williams Funeral Mass was held in St. Cronan's Church of Ireland on Monday and private cremation took place on Tuesday in Shannon Crematorium. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.