The former national president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Mr Noel Clear, has died at his home at Inchicore in Dublin.
The society this evening paid tribute to Mr Clear, saying the years of his leadership were characterised by "great energy and zeal for renewal and regeneration of the Society during a time of dramatic social, political and economic change".
"He had the vision of the Society as being a voice for the poor. So he spearheaded the establishment of the Social Policy Division within the Society which now acts as a prominent advocate for the needy in our growing polarised society," a statement said.
"Noel's legacies are many. His primary legacy is the exemplary family he has left behind to carry on his vision of serving God and his neighbour; another is a more vigorous and adaptive Society of St Vincent de Paul which will better meet the needs of the poor through its extensive national membership and staff."
Mr Clear served as Dublin regional president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul from 1990 to 1996 and later as national president, from 1996 until 2002.
He and his twin brother Sean were born on Christmas Eve 1937. Mr Clear had a great love of the Irish language and was fluent in it. He was a member of Conradh na Gaeilge throughout his life.
He was also a keen supporter of the Dublin Senior Football GAA team and was fond of horse racing, holidays, theatre, music and singing.
Mr Clear worked with the Probation and Welfare service for 37 years until his retirement in October 2001.
He is survived by his wife Anne, whom he married in 1972, and his sons Ruairi, Alan and Conor.