Ship's engineer John led an interesting life
JOHN May, of Harbour Road, Arklow sadly passed away on January 16, 2012 at the age of 55. Son of Christy and Maureen (nee Murray) and brother to Ann and Carmel. John was born and raised on Harbour Road. He attended the Boy' National School, which in those days was only a short distance from his home. He continued his education in the CBS and the Vocational School. John was keen to learn a trade and served his time as a fitter/welder with Avoca Mines. He always had a thirst for knowledge and the sea and later joined Irish Shipping & Arklow Shipping as a ships engineer, a role that combined his love of the sea along with travel to far flung locations.
John led a full and interesting life and travelled all over the world with his work. John loved the harbour and during his times back home spent many a content hour walking along it, chatting to neighbours and watching the comings and goings.
At one stage John and his father Christy had their own boat called the Ann Carmel. After a short spell at home he returned to the US where he spent his last years working in Florida. To those that know him in America "Irish John" was highly respected for his knowledge and was known to be very hard working. Although he would be away from Arklow for months or even years it never took him long to rekindle the friendships with his lifelong friends and was affectionaly known as the "long lad" especially to his best friends. John was known for his cheeky smile and always loved a good laugh. John was uncle to 5 nephews and 2 nieces. As children they were enthralled by his fabulous stories of his travels and shipping career, and as they grew older he was always there to guide and give his worldly advice.
Despite his young age and the severity of his illness, John remained upbeat and positive to the end. Throughout his illness he never complained. Although very ill his passing came unexpectedly.
Funeral mass for John was celebrated in Arklow Parish Church and he was laid to rest in St. Gabriel's Cemetery. John is sadly missed by partner Rosemary, sisters Ann (Coakley) and Carmel (O'sullivan), brothers-in-law Billy and Murth, nephews, nieces, Aunt Betty and Pat (Mcdonald), cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends. May he rest in peace.
