Tributes to Eastbourne character who died suddenly

Warm tributes have been paid to a 50-year-old Eastbourne man who died suddenly earlier this month.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jan 2016, 11:32 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2016, 11:44 BST

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Del O'SheaDel O'Shea
Del O'Shea

Del O’Shea, known to his family and friends as Del Boy, died on January 10 after a long illness.

He had been suffering with emphysema and also a rare type of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited lung condition that affects around one in 4,000 people in the UK.

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Del had just celebrated his 50th birthday in December but family and friends say his condition deteriorated quickly and they were at his bedside when he passed away.

Born and brought up in the Hastings area with his brothers Carl and Mark, Del moved to Eastbourne in his 20s and had two children Jess and Ryan.

He worked as a cavity wall installer and had a long term relationship with Mel Grant.

The couple lived in Croxden Way and as well as playing pool, Del was a regular at the Arlington Arms, Alexandra Arms, the Kingfisher and Jesters pubs.

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He also enjoyed watching football and was an ardent Liverpool FC supporter.

His step-sons Cameron Stevens-Grant, Tim Grant and John Grant said this week Del was a likeable and popular character who would do anything for anyone.

His former partner Mel said, Del was a big hearted person.

“Men loved him and women adored him,” she said. “He was always there for everyone and had a great sense of humour, was very witty and enjoyed banter with people.”

Scores of people have also taken to Del’s Facebook page to pay tribute to him.

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His funeral is on Friday January 29 at 1pm at Eastbourne Crematorium at 1pm followed by a celebration of his life at the Arlington Arms in Seaside.

The family is asking for people to bring only a single flower but donations can be made to the Alpha-1 UK Support Group, a registered charity dedicated to helping, advising and supporting fellow sufferers, their families, carers and friends.

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