TRIBUTES have been paid to a former postman who died of lung cancer just three months after being diagnosed.
Joe Cleary was a postman for 30 years before starting work as a cleaner at St Nicholas School, in Philpott Avenue, in Southend.
The 59-year-old leaves behind four children and his wife, Kristy.
Sadly, Joe’s lung cancer wasn’t caught in time after he had been suffering with a persistent cough.
Wife Kristy said: “Joe was one of those people - the outpouring of love for him is just incredible.
“People are still turning up at the door now; it’s incredible.
“He was so well thought of.”
Despite not having worked there for more than four years, a dozen post vans and Royal Mail colleagues lined up at East Street, where the Southend sorting office is, and showered the hearse with flowers as it passed by.
Joe was diagnosed with cancer on January 30 and died on April 21.
Kristy, 47, said: “I urge everyone to contact their GP if they have any worrying symptoms, especially a persistent cough. By the time we managed to get anyone to take Joe’s symptoms seriously, it was too late.
“Despite never being a smoker we were told the primary cancer was in his lung.”
It then spread to his liver, oesophagus, diaphragm, lymph nodes and bones.
Joe’s funeral took place at Southend Crematorium on Tuesday and a tree has been planted at St Nicholas School in his memory.
Kristy added: “They planted a tree in his memory, on the day of his funeral May 12, at the school.
“Due to coronavirus restrictions we were only able to have a few close family members at the service at Southend crematorium. This did not stop people lining the streets to pay their respects.
“Family and friends gave Joe a wave as he passed by in his super-cool coffin, which we had completely covered in posters of his favourite music bands and artists.
“Royal Mail gave him a wonderful tribute. Two of his friends and colleagues, Steve Collier and Keith Elgar, cycled in full Royal Mail uniform ahead of the hearse, dobbing their caps at the East Street / Sutton Road junction to send him on his way.”
Original - Joe's coffin which was specially made for him adorned with his favourite music artwork