Phenomenal outpouring of love following death of father-of-two in Cork, visitation hears
Prayers were said for Joice Thomas, aged 34, at Ronayne’s Funeral Home in Fermoy, Co Cork yesterday afternoon prior to his last journey to his homeland for his funeral and burial.
An Indian man who died after his car went in to the river as he made his way home from work in heavy rain in Co Cork has received a fond farewell following a “phenomenal” outpouring of compassion and love, his visitation has heard.
Prayers were said for Joice Thomas, aged 34, at Ronayne’s Funeral Home in Fermoy, Co Cork yesterday afternoon prior to his last journey to his homeland for his funeral and burial.
The father of two died following an incident on the R628 Conna Road on Friday evening as he made his way home having completed a shift as a kitchen assistant at a nursing home in Leamlara.
Mr Thomas was pronounced dead on Saturday after his car was taken from the water. A passer by had spotted the car submerged in the water.
He lived on Main Street in Ballynoe, Co Cork with his wife Ruby Kuriakose, their four month old son Jacques and their two year old daughter Jacqueline. Ms Kuriakose works as a nurse.
His Grace Bishop Abraham Mar Stephanos, Diocesan Metropolitan in the Indian Orthodox Church, told mourners who gathered yesterday that the community in Ireland and India had come together to assist the family of Mr Thomas at their time of great need.
His Eminence Stephanos said that people of “diverse identities” had joined forces following this tragic event.
"But we see the spirit of the real love overflowing among all of us. For the past more than 48 hours I get to listen to stories of how people can come together at a time of a loss and in the face of a tragedy.
"The media and social media — everything revolves around bad news. But we see here how human compassion works together. This is one of the greatest example that love prevails in the world. Goodness sustains in the world. Exemplary leadership, compassion and love has been shown.”
Over €103,000 has been raised for the family of the deceased and to pay for the repatriation of the body to his native Kambammettu in Kerala in India.
His Eminence Stephanos said that outpouring of love from various faiths and communities was a source of comfort to all those who mourned.
Mr Thomas is survived by his wife Ruby and their children, his parents and a sister.
He will also be much missed by his extended family, “loyal friends” in Ireland and India, work colleagues and his “kind neighbours.” A mass of solidarity was also held at Ballynoe parish Church this morning in support of the family and friends of Mr Thomas.
Donations can be made to the Go Fund page at https://gofund.me/18a0b472b
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