Sad passing of highly respected businessman and community leader, Maxi McCreary - Donegal Daily

The death has taken place of highly respected east Donegal businessman and community leader, Maxi McCreary.

Late of Glebe House, Crossroads, Killygordon, he passed away peacefully yesterday at Brindley Manor Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr McCreary was best known as the face of J McCreary & Co hardware store ( now Topline McCrearys) for almost four decades. Established in 1860 by Johnston McCreary, the business was passed down through the generations, with Maxi taking over from his father, Willie, in 1978. He expanded the store shortly afterwards and later oversaw another major development in 2015, when McCreary's -- now Topline McCrearys -- moved for the second time and officially opened a new 12,000-square-foot superstore just 100 metres from the old premises.

The business, now under the control of his eldest son, Darren, has remained within the McCreary family for five generations. Following his retirement, Maxi was an ever-present figure in the store, greeting customers with his quick wit and charm and guiding his sons and daughter as the business continued to thrive.

Mr McCreary was also a pillar of the local community. He was an Elder of Donaghmore Presbyterian Church, a key member of the team behind the famous Crossroads Gala Weekend, and a longtime chairman of Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise (CAKE). It was his tireless work with CAKE that earned him a nomination for the prestigious Donegal Person of the Year award.

Most importantly, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, employer, and a good friend and neighbour to many.

See his full funeral notice below:

The death has taken place at Brindley Manor Nursing home of Maxi McCreary, Glebe House, Ballinacor, Killygordon, F93 N2RT, surrounded by his loving family.

He is predeceased by his parents Kathleen and William, son Wesley, brother Derek and brother-in-law Tom.

Maxi will be deeply missed by his loving wife Louise, sons Darren (Lorraine), Bria