Death of well-known funeral director

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Tom Browne, Lucas Park, Enniscorthy, who was one of the best-known funeral directors in the country. He was aged 92 years.

The family business known as Browne’s Funeral Directors is now in its fifth generation with Tom’s son, Paul, at the helm. It has a long history in Enniscorthy and has served generations of families.

It started out with the O’Reilly family ca-1845. They had a base at Lower Church Street in the centre of Enniscorthy but lost nearly everything when an outbreak of fire destroyed the premises in 1920.

Tom’s father, Nick Browne became involved in the O’Reilly undertaker’s business at Lower Church Street in 1923.

Having attended St. Peter’s College, Tom Browne was aged about 17 years when he joined his father in the business and ran a very successful business serving both a wide urban and rural area throughout his working lifetime.

He moved from the Lower Church Street premises to set up Browne’s Funeral Parlour at The Folly, a short distance away, in 1986.

Tom Browne was highly respected for his professionalism and compassion towards those who sought his services at a very difficult time in their lives. He was also always admired for his attention to detail and the manner in which he showed dignity and support to all grieving families.

FAMILY NOTICE; TOM BROWNE, Lucas Park, Enniscorthy. Peacefully in the wonderful care of all at Knockeen Nursing Home, Barntown. Dearly loved husband of Sara and the late Nora, loving father of Mary, Ruth, Paul, Claire and Thomas and much-loved brother of Anne, John and the late Mary, Fr. Paddy, Breda and Celine.

Sadly missed by his loving wife, his children and their partners Killian, Andy, Joanne, Adam and Laura, brother, sister, grandchildren Tom, Conn, Lucy, Alex, Róise, Joe, Tadhg, Emily, Max, Ryan, Alice and Shea, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy. Funeral arriving to St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy on Thursday morning for his Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.