The father of a Co Armagh man who was brutally beaten to death has passed away – less than three weeks after his son’s killer failed in a bid to have his conviction overturned.
Marcell Seeley passed away at the family home at Manor Park in Lurgan on Saturday.
His son, also named Marcell but known as ‘Junior’, was discovered by his sister, at his flat in the Dingwell Park area of Lurgan, on the morning of Sunday, October 11, 2015.
Police said the 34-year-old died after a “vicious and sustained attack” meted out by Mark Ward.
Just last October – two years after the horrific murder which stunned the local community – and Ward was ordered to serve at least 16 years of a life sentence in prison for killing the father-of-four.
The 26-year-old, from Drumellan Gardens. had been found guilty in June last year of the killing.
But in June past he launched an appeal against the murder conviction and argued that the jury had not been properly directed on his level of drunkenness and how it had impacted on the intent to kill.
Just last month, on Monday, November 12, the appeal was rejected, with Mr Justice McCloskey saying the court had no reservations about the safety of his conviction.
The Seeley family have received the support and sympathy of the local community since the tragic loss of their son, brother and father, and they will again be saddened to learn of the passing of a hugely popular and much-loved man.
Mr Seeley’s funeral will take place on Monday, from his home at Manor Park, Lurgan, at 9.30am, with Requiem Mass at 10am in St Paul’s Church. He will be laid to rest afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers are being accepted for Marie Curie Nurses c/o Jack McLearnon and Son Funeral Directors, 75 North Street, Lurgan BT67 9AH, or through a donation box in the family home.
To Mr Seeley’s wife, Karen, sons Brian and Kevin, sister Carrai, father Brian, and the entire family circle, deepest sympathy is extended at this time.
