Thousands raised to ensure final wish of Limerick Migrant Integration Forum chair is realised

THOUSANDS of euro has been raised to help the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum chairman Daniel Nedelcu fulfil his dying wish of being buried in his homeland.

Daniel, from the Romanian city of Suceava, died aged only 57 earlier this summer, leaving behind two daughters Diana and Anastasia, their mother Natalie, and a huge band of friends.

Following his passing, an online appeal was launched, with people being asked to help cover the cost of returning Daniel to his homeland, and assisting with funeral and burial expenses.

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The esteem in which the campaigner was held is reflected in the fact that almost €10,000 had been amassed from 233 donations in the fundraiser set up by his daughter Diana.

On the page, she wrote of how her father “dedicated his life to supporting and uplifting others, especially within the Romanian and all the other migrant communities in Ireland.”

“Daniel’s sudden passing has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew him,” she added.

As well as chair of the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum, he also led the Dynamic Forum Association.

“It feels like heaven brought back a dear angel to serve on a different galaxy,” one person wrote.

Fianna Fail councillor Azad Talukder, a friend of Daniel’s for more than 10 years, said: “He had a very good soul and was very helpful to the migrant community.

“He could simply integrate with anyone regardless of any cultural difference. He was very easy to get on with. He was always helpful to anyone, regardless of where they were from, or what community they came from,” he added.

“I will remember him as a good friend. I know he did a lot of work for the Romanian community in Ireland. Importantly, he had respect for the Irish community, introducing a lot of programmes,” concluded Cllr Talukder.

John Lannon of migrants’ rights charity Doras added, in a tribute on the RIP.ie website: “It was always such a pleasure to meet him, as we often did through the many positive contributions he made to integration in Limerick. His unceasing work for the Romanian community and for migrant communities in general has enriched out city.”

Daniel Nedelcu, who lived at Little O’Curry Street in the city centre, died peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on June 12 last.

He is sadly missed by his beloved daughters Diana and Anastasia, their mother Natalie, his sister Corina and all other relatives and friends in both Ireland and Romania.

May he rest in peace.

Donations are still being accepted to help return Daniel to his homeland.

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