Death of Mayo native whose kindness touched many lives in the US

THE death of Thomas English, Brooklyn, New York, and formerly Keelwest, Dooagh, Achill, is being mourned on both sides of the Atlantic.

He passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, in the care of his devoted wife Peggy.

Tom’s kindness and strength touched the lives of all who knew him not only in his home of Achill but also by many Achill people visiting New York where he was always willing to act as tour guide as Captain of the Circle Line and Statue of Liberty Ferries.

He will be remembered with great affection, and his memory will be treasured forever by his family and friends.

The Dooagh Pipe Band in Achill has paid tribute to their friend and former band member, stating: 'Thomas was a proud Achill man who captained the Staten Island ferry in his adopted home for years, and he always enjoyed returning home in the summer and launching the currach for a day on the sea.

'Thomas was a piper with Dooagh Band for a number of years and our thoughts are with his wife Peggy, son (and Dooagh piper) John, sister Mary and brother Michael John and his wider family here in Achill and in America and to his many friends.'

Another tribute paid online stated: 'The world was a better place while you were here Tom. Thank you for your patience and all your knowledge, we have lost one of the finest kind of gentlemen.'

Predeceased by his father Michael and mother Cissie (Bridget), sister Bridgie and brother Patrick, Tom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Peggy, devoted son John, daughter-in-law Aileen, grandchildren Kevin, Eve and John, his brother Michael John English (Bunacurry) and sister Mary Toolis (Keel), brother-in-law Greg, sisters-in-law Kathleen and Bridgie Ann, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, and his many friends.

Funeral arrangements to be confirmed.