A ‘gentle giant’: Man who died in Galway homeless hostel leaves will of almost €1.3m

Victor Spaggiari, a familiar figure around Galway’s landmarks, died in a homeless hostel and left an estate valued at €1.29 million, according to papers published by the Probate Office.

Spaggiari, who was originally from Italy, was often seen around O’Brien’s Bridge. He died at the Fairgreen Hostel on Foster Street in May 2024 and was remembered in condolence messages as “an absolute gentle giant”. Another message recalled his kind eyes and presence and said people would miss seeing him around the city.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop also noted how much Spaggiari would be missed from Galway’s daily life. A public funeral service took place at Conneely’s Funeral Home, and he was buried at Rahoon Cemetery. Cope Galway, the homelessness and housing charity that runs Fairgreen Hostel, had supported him.

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An absolute gentle giant.

Spaggiari was single and died without making a will. The Probate Office granted authority to administer his estate to his cousin, Alberto Tota, of Lombardy, Italy.

The probate records also include the estate of Ronald “Ronnie” McCormick, who died last November and left assets valued at €5.45 million. McCormick was the long-time principal of Gorey Vocational School, known locally as the tech, and was remembered by former students and colleagues as a driving force behind the school. He also served as a choir director for 44 years and remained involved in education and the arts after retiring. With his wife, Margaret, he operated Plattenstown House, a Victorian property used as a country retreat and bed and breakfast.

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Rest in peace. Always often remember seeing you about Galway. You had kind eyes and a kind presence. Hoping you are now at peace. Will miss not seeing you around any more. Gentle giant. Farewell.