Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John GREALISH
1938 - 2022
John GREALISH
1938 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2022
John GREALISH Obituary
31.03.1938 - 03.04.2022
Of Brooklyn, Wellington, New Zealand. Born County Galway, Ireland. Beloved husband of Nancy (Anne) (deceased). Much loved father and father-in-law of Gerard and Jennifer, Denise, Anne Marie and Steve. Proud grandad of Kelly, Jeremy and Stephanie. John will be fondly remembered by family and friends as an amusing story teller, enjoying the craic, golfer, worker and great mate. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's New Zealand. Messages may be posted to the 'Grealish Family' C/- PO Box 14-366, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Millvale Lodge Lindale for their care and compassion of John. There will be a private family service. You are welcome to join the family to farewell John at the graveside at Makara Cemetery on Friday 8th April at 1.00pm.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Maureen Cahill
October 26, 2022
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
Breda Disney (Grealish) Galway
April 10, 2022
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.
MAURA GREALISH TRAYNOR BALLYGLUNIN GALWAY.
April 8, 2022
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.
Gerry Grealish
April 7, 2022
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.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Billy & Rita Grealish
April 7, 2022
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.
Charlie & Teresa Grealish
April 7, 2022
We were sorry to hear of John's passing, may he Rest in Peace
Elma Carew (Nee Grealish), Galway
April 6, 2022
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.
Brian, Aisling and Liam Grealish
April 6, 2022
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.
Paddy and Helen Collins Christchurch
April 6, 2022
Thinking of you all,on the sad loss of John,sincere sympathy
photo of John Grealish
April 6, 2022
Denise
April 6, 2022
Denise
April 6, 2022
Denise
April 6, 2022
Denise
April 6, 2022
A few photos of dad
Jack McAllister
April 6, 2022
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.
Paul Grealish Lisheenavalla
April 6, 2022
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.
Gerry & Brid Collins Lisheenavalla
April 6, 2022
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
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in John GREALISH's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John GREALISH's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
