In Loving Memory of Stephen Larrissy, a distinguished Engineer and an Irish Healthcare Visionary

Those who knew Stephen Larrissy of Swords Road, Whitehall will remember a man whose infectious energy, brilliant mind, and genuine warmth touched everyone he met. Stephen’s family wishes to reach out to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who may not yet have heard of his passing, inviting them to celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived.

Stephen is deeply missed by his beloved wife Jocelyn, their cherished children Patrick, Marcus, Simon and Julia, his devoted mother Kathleen, sisters Elizabeth, Sarah and Julie, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, and a wide circle of extended family, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Paddy Larrissy.

From Churchtown to the World

Stephen’s journey began in Churchtown, Dundrum, where he grew up in a family steeped in education and excellence. His father, the late Paddy Larrissy, served as Dean of Accountancy at DIT, while his mother Kathleen lectured in accounts at the same institution. At St Benildus College in Churchtown, young Stephen developed the sharp intellect and compassionate spirit that would define his remarkable life.

Family holidays painted the canvas of Stephen’s childhood with joy and adventure. Summers at Brittas Bay with cousins brought endless days of sandy beaches and crashing waves.

Trips to Athenry in Galway connected him to his Irish heritage, while journeys to France sparked his lifelong love for languages and international cultures.

A Spirit of Adventure and Memorable Mishaps

Stephen’s adventurous nature led him across continents, creating stories his friends still recall with affectionate laughter. During a J1 visa adventure in America, his eagerness to reach the beach led him to jump over what he thought was a low fence—misjudging the height and breaking his leg in the process.

After completing his engineering degree at University College Dublin, Stephen’s first engineering job took him to Munich, Germany, where he and a group of friends built train tracks. Stephen always brought his beloved CD player and music collection—a lifelong passion that accompanied him everywhere. In Germany, another memorable incident occurred when he attempted to lean against a tree with arms outstretched. The resulting fall, which one friend remembered as looking “like something from a comedy sketch,” left Stephen with a broken shoulder.

Though these incidents brought pain and injury, they became treasured memories among his friends—perfect illustrations of Stephen’s boundless enthusiasm and the laughter he brought to every situation.

A Love Story That Began in Madrid

Stephen’s adventures continued through Valencia before fate brought him to Madrid. At a Spanish class one evening, Stephen met Jocelyn—the love of his life. That chance encounter changed everything. Together they built a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Both fluent in Spanish, they continued speaking the language at home even after returning to Ireland, keeping alive the spirit of where their love story began.

A Career That Transformed Healthcare

Back in Ireland, Stephen continued his studies at Technological University Dublin before launching a distinguished career that would impact countless lives. As a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Project Management Professional (PMP), he brought remarkable enthusiasm and brilliance to every challenge.

Stephen’s impressive career spanned leadership roles at Ireland’s premier companies—over seven years as Property Development Manager for SIAC Construction, groundbreaking work at Intel, complex project management at Pfizer, and transformative initiatives at Diageo.

His crowning professional achievement came as Project Director for BioPharma Engineering Ltd, overseeing the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) Cell and Gene Therapy expansion project from 2019 to 2023. Stephen directed the creation of a state-of-the-art 1,800m² facility for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. Opening in May 2024, this facility now serves as a global hub for next-generation biologic medicines research and training—a lasting monument to Stephen’s vision and commitment to advancing Irish healthcare.

Yet Stephen’s greatest achievement was the life he and Jocelyn built together. In 2023, they co-founded Learghusa Healthcare, a beautiful realisation of their shared dreams and Stephen’s passion for making a genuine difference in healthcare and people’s lives.

A Friend to All, A Light in Every Room

Stephen possessed an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel they mattered. Whether sharing stories over coffee, mentoring a colleague, or simply being present for loved ones, his warmth and authentic care lit up every space he entered.

His legacy lives on in the relationships he nurtured, the laughter he shared, the wisdom he offered, and the countless ways he lifted those around him. He was a devoted husband who treasured Jocelyn deeply, a proud father to Patrick, Marcus, Simon, and Julia, and a friend whose loyalty and kindness knew no bounds.

To know Stephen was to know someone who truly embraced life—who seized every opportunity, celebrated every success, and met every challenge with grace and determination.

Some people leave footprints on our hearts.

Stephen left blueprints for how to live with purpose, passion, and impact.

The Light That Remains

Though Stephen is no longer with us, the light that remains shines brightly in the lives he touched, the projects he completed, and the love he shared. His spirit continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him, a reminder that a life lived with authenticity, enthusiasm, and care creates ripples that extend far beyond our time here.

Join Us in Celebration

Family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives Stephen touched are warmly invited to celebrate his extraordinary life and share cherished memories:

Sunday, 4th January, 2025 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Killarney Suite, Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Dublin

Please come and share your stories, your laughter, and your love as we honour a remarkable man who made the world brighter simply by being in it.

Those wishing to attend are kindly asked to confirm by RSVP 0877653367 (SMS or WhatsApp)

In celebrating Stephen’s life, we keep his incredible spirit alive in our hearts forever. His laughter, his warmth, and his legacy of love continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.