'Many Cork people will remember the shop fondly'; Tributes mark the death of great Cork watchmaker 

Tributes have been paid to former Cork business owner, Wolfgang Grabe, following his passing. 

Wolfgang Grabe Jewellers was originally located at 42 Grand Parade but the shop later moved to 38 Oliver Plunkett Street.

Mr Grabe, a German native from Hannover, operated the jewellers in the city centre until his retirement in February 1999.

The Oliver Plunkett Street shop was later replaced by a hairdressers and is now a Subway sandwich shop.

Fine Gael councillor and former Lord Mayor, Des Cahill expressed his sadness to hear of Mr Grabe’s passing. 

He said many Cork people will have fond memories of the business.

“The shop was a jewellers but Wolfgang was a very skilled watchmaker. 

"My own family had a butcher shop on Princes Street and all traders would have known everyone else. 

"Oliver Plunkett Street was a mix of locally-owned shops where every need could be met. 

"Wolfgang, originally from Germany, had a great team with him in the shop including his own son Walter. 

"Many Cork people will remember the shop fondly for life, as it may be where they got engagement and weddings rings, their first watch or even a pocket watch,” he said.

“Wolfgang featured on Frank Hall’s television show on RTÉ with a radio-controlled model boat, which highlighted what a bright mind he had,” Mr Cahill continued.

Mr Grabe passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the excellent care of the staff at Grange Con Nursing Home on Friday evening.

He is survived by his three children Karl, Declan and Walter.

A private family funeral will take place, due to the HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings. A memorial for Mr Grabe will take place at a later date.

Anyone who would like to extend their condolences to the family can do so on RIP.ie