ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Captain Eugene Lavelle, Cartron, Kinvara, Galway. Peacefully on 7th December 2025 after a long illness. Pre-deceased by his brother Kieran. Beloved husband of Carole and dearly loved father of Aonghus and Eoghan. Sadly, missed by his loving family, his grandchildren Luke, James, and Éabha, daughters-in-law Giselle and Ciara, his sister Gabrielle, extended family, neighbours, Defence Forces comrades and friends.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Eugene Lavelle, a native of County Mayo, was born on 22nd October 1941 and enlisted in the Defence Forces on 31st January 1961 as a member of 35 Cadet Class. Although initially commissioned into the Signals Corps on 23rd July 1962, he was posted to the Army Equitation where he represented Ireland at home and abroad with distinction. Eugene sustained a broken thigh while competing at a competition in Wiesbaden, Germany, on 23rd May 1969 and this ended his show jumping career. He transferred to the Supply and Transport Corps and served in Base Workshops Company, Clancy Barracks, until his retirement from the Defence Forces on 31st July 1973. He later studied engineering, subsequently became a boat-building expert, and had a significant involvement with the RV Celtic Explorer, a multi-purpose research vessel operated by the Marine Institute in Galway.
Reposing in Conneely’s Funeral Home, Galway (H91 A786) on Wednesday 10th December from 5.30pm to 7pm. Arriving at Shannon Crematorium on Thursday 11th December for a cremation service at 3pm. To view the service, log on to http://www.shannoncrematorium.com/ and use the password: ELG11
The family would like to thank you for your kindness and support at this sad time. House private please and family flowers only. Donations in lieu to Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Memory of Eugene Lavelle https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/EL60164999/donate.html
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Eugene’s death notice on rip.ie at: https://rip.ie/death-notice/eugene-lavelle-galway-kinvara-613743
