Philly Lavery - A gentleman to the core
The late Philip Lavery
Ever since news slowly began to filter through on Tuesday last, April 1, that the much loved and well-respected Phllly Lavery had passed away suddenly but peaceful at his home on Lacken Road, the people of Waterford were left in a state of shock and disbelief following the death of the 69-year-old.
There was close to a three-mile queue of people that lined the road outside his house close to the new Fire Station in Kilbarry to pay their respects to a man that brought the meaning of the word gentleman to a new level.
Philly was just once of these amazing people that could light up any day or any mood with his simple one liners. He has this exquisite way of having banter even in the most difficult of moments, which was probably one of the multitude of reasons to why people loved him so much.
Whether he was driving a taxi, cycling a bike, coaching a GAA team, diving off the Gullimane, planting seeds in the garden, having a bottle of Smithwick’s or having that simple meal with his family, he always done it with a smile and a hello for everybody.
For his heartbroken wife of 48 years Bridie, his daughter Sarah Jane, his son Philly Jnr and his besotted granddaughter Pippa, I can only begin to comprehend the pain of grief that are experiencing at the moment because many of us who knew their husband, father and grandfather, feel the same.
That was clearly evident by the large concourse of mourners that sympathies with his family including his brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and extended family at his home or for those that took their seats inside an overflowing Sacred Heart Church, the Folly on Sunday afternoon last.
There was an air of poignancy as his hearse made its way to the church passing by Pearse Park where he raised by his parents Philip and Margaret. Incredibly Philly’s relationship with his mother was so close that he died 29 years to the date that she passed away.
As the Waterford Senior hurlers were in control of the National Hurling League final against Offaly at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Philly’s funeral mass was been celebrated by Fr. Gerry Chestnutt where he expressed the love that “Philly had for his family and for all those that crossed his path.”
The symbols of Philly’s life that were brought to the altar came as no real surprise. A teddy from his beloved Pippa, a hurley, his taxi driver badge, a bottle of Smithwick’s, a Butlerstown GAA jersey, a Sarsfields GAA jersey from Australia, his swimming googles, his bicycle helmet, a signed Mary Black CD, and family photos including one of him and Bridie on their wedding day.
“Take a moment to log onto rip.ie over the coming days,” remarked Fr. Chestnutt in his homily. “The incredible tributes to Philly are there for all to see. It was five pages the last time I looked.” It’s added another two since.
Fr. Chestnutt continued: “Today does test our faith belief because in truth, we shouldn’t be here this afternoon. I wish we were not here. I know that you are devastated as a family and the symbols here today show the love that Philly had for life.
“I hope that you as a family know that the huge congregation here today shows the outpouring of love that so many people had for Philly. That’s the sign of the esteem that he was held and the respect that you, his family, are held.
“To say that Philly was a taxi driver was an understatement because he was the person that people wanted to bring them home and I know that he stayed up many times to ensure so many got home in the nights. He entertained so many people during those journeys with his character.” In conclusion, Fr. Chestnutt said: “He left his mark on his life in every way. His love for his family and his care for others. He always went to funerals because he knew so many people, but that was part of his personality – always wanting to be there for others in their time of need.
“He has a tremendous heart and nothing was too difficult for him to do. He looked after himself by swimming, by cycling, by the love of the garden. One of the greatest moments in his life was the arrival of Pippa and he idolised her. He was proud of both Sarah Jane and Philly. He was best of friends with Bridie and you were inseparable. Thanks Philly all that you done and who you were. Well done faithful servant.”
Three of Philly’s most loved songs were sung during communion with soloist Tara Heffernan singing “The Isle of Innisfree” with his daughter Sarah Jane Lavery rendering “Red is the Rose” and “The Green Fields of France” to rapturous applause. David Hayes and Mark Robinson led the music on piano and guitar along with Jamie and Jonathan.
In a “non-negotiable” eulogy to their beloved father from the lectern of the church, Sarah Jane and Philly spoke with emotional pride for the “incredible support” that they’ve received as a family before going onto thank those that “helped their dad” including the ambulance staff and the doctors.
“As we all know here, Dad loved his funerals so this part was non-negotiable for us because if we wanted him to do anything for us during any day or evenings, it would have to slot in amongst his funerals,” remarked Sarah Jane.
In one line, she summed up her dad to a tee. “He loved going to support people and letting them know that he was thinking of them all because he had a great loyalty to people.” Herself and Philly spoke passionately about the love that Philly had for his family including their mother Bridie and also for the love that he shared with Pippa.
“He loved all his family and had a great relationship with everyone that crossed his path. We knew and loved him, but we never knew or imagined how much affection that he had on other people. He reached out to people with his kindness, laughter and big heart.
“Nobody was safe with him with his banter and craic. He was the most softest and sensitive man we’ve ever known. He was known to some people as “tiny tears” because he would cry at the drop of a hat. He loved to give advice and was always there for us all. He loved his holidays in the summer since Pippa was born in Lanzarote.” After speaking about the many memories that Philly left behind, his son Philly Jnr concluded: “Dad we know that you left us far too soon, but we hope that you know that you were the light of our lives. You were our everything and the legacy that you left is very evident here today. We will miss you forever. Sleep tight.” Amid his own record of Deportees, Philly’s remains were carried from the church as Waterford bid a final farewell to a man that touched so many lives for his kindest, care, humour, love, knowledge, wit, honesty and understanding, where he was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner.
To his wife Bridie, his children Sarah Jane and Philly and their partners Brian and Kelsey. his adoring granddaughter Pippa and her Dad P.J., y his sisters Eileen and Maureen, brothers Myles, Tosh and Noel, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and many friends, we offer our deepest sympathies. Rest in peace Philly and thank you so much for those brilliant memories.
