A WELL-KNOWN personality who was a familiar figure in the world of banking has died suddenly while on holiday - less than a year after his brother died in similar circumstances.

Mr. Joseph McCormack, age 61 suffered a fatal collapse in his hotel while taking an Easter break in the Mediterranean hot-spot of Limassol on Cyprus.

His 69-year-old brother William, who lived at Windle, passed away while staying with friends in Northern Ireland last July.

A bachelor and lifelong parishioner of Lowe House church where he sang in the choir in his youth, former West Park Grammar School pupil Joe spent 33 years working for the Midland Bank, and served at the Ormskirk Street, Eccleston and Haydock branches.

A motoring and photography enthusiast, Joe was a highly respected member of Lowe House Mens' Club and, as a Saints' stalwart, liked nothing better than to muse over the team's fortunes with his many friends at the Seven Stars in Millbrook Lane.

Said his only surviving brother John, of Eccleston: 'Joe was a friendly, out-going man with a smile for everyone and his tragic death is a tremendous blow, especially coming so soon after our Bill.'

Joseph's body was due to arrive at Manchester airport from Larnaca last night and a date for the funeral, which will be held at Lowe House Church, was being finalised as the Star went to press.

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