Tributes have been paid to the “best daddy” following his sudden passing at his Armagh home on Monday.
Joe Fields, who was 58 and lived in the St Brigids Hill area of the city, was a loving father to Lisa, Emma, Orla, Joe (their mother Marion) and Niamh (and her mother Sheena).
He was a grandfather to Aimee, Danny, Ellie and Frankie, as well as a dear brother to Gerard, Deirdre, Anne, Sheelagh and Frances.
Joe was also the beloved son of the late Jackie and Peggy, and son-in-law of Eithne and the late Eddie Rice.
Joe’s daughter, Emma, said their hearts were “broken” before posting the words “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Joe’s step-daughter Caitlin described him as “the best daddy to Niamh”, adding of herself, that he was “so much more than a stepdad; you made the choice to love us when you never had to. I’m always forever grateful to be able to have called you my stepdad – you will be sorely missed.”
Tributes poured in from friends, colleagues and neighbours, who described Joe as a “gentleman” who enjoyed a laugh; many references were made to his orange Vespa, acquired only last year – his pride and joy!
One neighbour wrote: “Rest in peace Joe. You were a real gentleman. Going to miss chatting to you. You were one of the first people to welcome me to Armagh and St Brigids Hill and you were the nicest neighbour anyone could ask for. Thank you for everything you done for our family when we moved in I’ll never forget the kindness you showed us.”
O’Kane’s store, at the Moy Road roundabout in Armagh, paid tribute, saying they were “deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our much loved colleague and friend Joe Fields”.
In a social media post, the city-based business added: “Joe was not only a loyal employee, but a friend to both Staff and Customers alike, always helpful and smiling, he will be sorely missed by us all.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family and close friends at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.”
The West Armagh Consortium said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Joe’s passing.
“We met Joe at Christmas time during our Toy Appeal were he came with a donation on behalf of himself and the scooter club. We know he was highly thought of through his club and we offer them our deepest sympathy.”
According to a funeral notice, Joe will be reposing at the family home at 33 Gosford Rd, Markethill BT60 1QD, from Wednesday from 12noon.
The funeral will taje place on Friday to the Church of St James Of Jerusalem for 11.30am Mass, with burial afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Armagh.
Family flowers only are requested, with donations in lieu, if desired, being accepted for the Niamh Louise Foundation c/o the family or J.J. McArdle & Sons, 37 Thomas Street, Armagh. Tel 02837522480.
