Devoted Wexford husband died while laying flowers on his wife’s grave

Nicholas (Nick) Eustace, passed away following a heart attack at Rathgarogue cemetery, a month prior to what would have been his 80th birthday.

Late of Dononore, New Ross, Nick was predeceased by his beloved Elizabeth (Eliza) O’Grady from Rospile in Wellingtonbridge in November 2015.

From Berkeley near Corcoran’s Cross, Nick was the youngest in his family. Having attended Rathgarogue NS, he went on to work for some time as a farmer.

He met Eliza at a dance, and swept her off her feet. The two would go on to enjoy many dances, Nick gracing the dancefloors of countless dance halls, including in Adamstown, the Rhu Glenn in south Kilkenny and in Waterford. He often had talcum powder with him which was spread liberally on the floor to prevent slips and falls.

He got a job on a roads gang with Wexford County Council, where he worked for forty years, making many friends whom he kept in touch with.

Nick and Eliza were married in Clongeen in August 1973 and had two children, Eamonn and Margaret.

Tragically Eamonn drowned in Waterford two years before Nick retired. Just as he was starting to find his feet, Eliza was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Nick being Nick he was a rock to his wife, caring for her 24/7.

A home bird, Nick was always there for neighbours. Even in later years he would cut their grass and hedges. He loved his garden and tended to it carefully, enjoying spending time growing flowers in the flower beds.

Nick loved coming into New Ross where he would chat at length with acquaintances. He was an independent man, who drove himself to the supermarkets and to the cemetery in Rathgarogue, where he ensured everything looked in ship shape.

Ahead of the Patron, Nick was placing flowers on Eliza’s grave when he fell ill, passing away beside his late wife’s side. “He was with her all his life and he was with her at the end,” a family member said.

Nick is remembered as a gentleman who always had a smile and was always up for a chat and a laugh. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time with Margaret, her partner Kieran, and his grandchildren Dylan and Becky.

Nick is survived by his brother, Jack, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and his many friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Tom, Nan and Jim.

Nick was thrilled to find out recently that he was due to be a great-grandfather this Christmas.

A large crowd attended Nick’s funeral mass, including some of his old council colleagues, with whom he used to meet often at Costa Coffee for a catch up.

He was laid to rest the mass beside Eliza.