Tributes are being paid to "a character with a very generous heart" who passed away earlier this week.
Michael Healy ran the well-known Michael's Shop in Binghamstown, Co Mayo until his death on Monday.
The dad-of-one has been described as "a gentleman" who "couldn't do enough" for his customers.
His shop has been a "lifeline for so many" during the pandemic, with his family and members of the local community "heartbroken" over his death.
Community page Cairde Geata Mor wrote paid tribute online on Tuesday, writing: "The heart of our village has stopped beating.
"Yesterday we sadly lost Michael Healy. Michael’s shop in Binghamstown was at the heart of everything.
"Going in for the morning papers, a coffee, an ice cream on a sunny day or a big shop - Michael was always there to greet you, and he couldn’t do enough for you.
"Nothing was too much trouble. In particular, during the pandemic his shop was a lifeline for so many. Delivering shopping to people’s homes and making sure the shop was as safe as possible for everyone that came in.
"He was something special, and it’s incredibly heartbreaking to think we will never see him there again. He was a character, with a very generous heart.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to his loving wife Catherine, son Daniel and his family. His dear mother Rita, sisters Mary, Margaret and brothers Damien, Paul, and Cathal. RIP Michael."
Hundreds of people have been sending their condolences to the Healy family and paying tribute to the popular man.
One person said: "We send heartfelt sympathy to Cash; Dan; Rita; Paul; Damien; Mary; Cathal; Margaret on yer great loss. Michael was a character and will be missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace."
A second said: "Michael such sad news to hear that you have gone but the banter we had will still live on RIP my friend. Condolences to the Healy family."
A third wrote: "Condolence to Catherine and Daniel and all the Healy family. Michael was a gentleman with a heart of gold. Rest in peace Micheal."
Another person said: "My heart goes out to Michael's whole family on their unbearable and heartbreaking loss. Michael was always so helpful and full of chat in the shop and especially kind to the kids. I hope his gentle soul is now at peace."
One local resident added: "Deepest sympathy to Catherine, Dan, Rita, Rhiannon & Callum. All Michael's brothers and sisters & extended families. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Lovely Man. Will miss him in the shop. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace."
Another wrote: "So sorry you had to leave Michael. Not too long since you gave me a bear hug. You will be sorely missed. My deepest thoughts are with your family now. Rest easy now and send strength to all you love you."
Someone else said: "Sincere condolences to the family. On many a visit he was always very welcoming to us and we got to know him. Again nothing too much trouble even digging out buckets and spades for the kids in October one visit. Rip Michael."
While another person added: "I met the man twice in my lifetime and both times he made me laugh, God to all his family and the decent people of Binghamstown."
Michael will be laid to rest on Friday.
A notice on RIP.ie reads: "Michael Healy, Corclough West, Belmullet and Healy’s Shop, Binghamstown, Belmullet who died on 17th January 2022. Predeceased by his father Michael.
"Beloved husband of Catherine and dear father of Dan and grandfather of Callum, precious son of Rita and father in law to Rhiannon. He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family, brothers Paul, Damien and Cathal, sisters, Mary Murphy, Margaret Healy, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, customers, neighbours and many friends.
"Remains will repose at McDonnell’s Funeral Home, Belmullet on Thursday evening from 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock with funeral arriving at the Church of the Holy Family, Carne Belmullet at 8.30. Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 o’clock , followed by burial in Cross Cemetery.
"House private please. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to the “Patients Comfort Fund at the Belmullet Community Hospital”, co McDonnell Funeral Directors, Belmullet.
"May His Kind and Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.
"In keeping with current Government advice and H.S.E. guidelines regarding public gatherings, Funeral Mass will have a maximum of fifty percent of capacity in attendance, please ensure social distancing is being respected, also please refrain from handshaking in the funeral home, at the church, during funeral Mass and at the cemetery.
"The Healy family appreciate your understanding at this difficult time."
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