A founding member of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform in the U.S.

Mayo-born Ciaran Staunton and his family are mourning the death of their son at the weekend.

12-year old Rory Staunton of Sunnyside, Queens, New York died of complications following a brief illness.

Ciaran Staunton of Knappagh, Westport and formerly of Tullaghbaun, Louisburg owns an Irish pub in the Sunnyside area of Queens, New York.

He and his wife Orlaith are mourning the loss of their 12-year old son Rory at the weekend.

The Sunnyside Post in New York says Rory fell ill last week and was hospitalised, but died suddenly over the weekend, following complications.

Ciaran Staunton and his brother-in-law Niall O’Dowd of the Irish Voice have been involved for many years in assisting Irish emigrants to the U.S. and in lobbying for immigration reform.

His wife Orlaith is from Co Louth, and is a sister of Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd.

Funeral arrangements for Rory Staunton have not yet been confirmed, but it’s expected his remains will be brought to Ireland for burial.

Rory is survived by his parents, his sister Kathleen, his paternal grandmother Tessie Staunton in Knappagh, Westport and extended family.