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1927
2017
James "Papa Jim" Flanigan passed with his family lovingly by his side on December 18, 2017 just after reaching his 90th birthday. Born December 14, 1927 to Edward and Catherine (Foley) Flanigan, Jim was one of eight children. He was a proud Navy veteran serving during World War II aboard the USS Nevada and the USS Willard Keith. While working as a stockboy at Kresge's Department Store in Hartford, he met his wife of 66 years, Angeline (Pope) Flanigan. After they married, he went on to work long nights at the Hartford Courant in the Stereotype Department and later became a supervisor in the Camera Department. Jim had an unbelievable knack for repairing things and fixed just about anything for his family. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix with his famous blue toolbox. After he retired from the Courant he happily volunteered his time to take care of his grandchildren and was able to enjoy many trips to Disney World and spent every summer at his beach house in Old Saybrook with his family. His handsome complexion, striking blue eyes and silver hair that was always fixed perfectly in place, lent to constant comparisons with Clint Eastwood later in life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and patience, and a tremendous amount of strength which he exhibited until the very end. Memories of him are filled with a lot of love and laughter and he will always be remembered for his gentle and kind spirit and the few tricks and harmonica he kept up his sleeve. He is survived by his wife Angeline, his three daughters and their husbands: Susan and Michael Pirro of Simsbury, Maureen and Dennis Sweeney of Wethersfield and Karen and Bob Colangelo of Wethersfield; eight granddaughters: Kim Robinson and her husband Ben and their children Andrea and Lisa of Wethersfield; Elizabeth Peling and her husband Rob and their children Kevin, Amy and Brendan of Wethersfield; Jennifer Pirro and her husband Mike Mulhall and their children Anthony and Abigail of Canton; Allison Sweeney of Rocky Hill, Rosanne Gowdy and her husband Mike and their son Marcus of Wethersfield; Helen Nye and her husband Jonathan of Wethersfield; Julie Colangelo of New Haven; and Lindsey Colangelo of Astoria Queens, NY. He also leaves behind two sisters, Noreen Propfe and Kathleen Hull. Funeral services will leave on Friday, December 22, 2017 at 8:45 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 53 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Village Cemetery, Old Wethersfield. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, from 5-7 at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Run For [email protected]. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.
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Our sincerest condolences. Jim was a great man. I will always remember his friendly wave of hello and many front yard conversations.
Rick Tanasi
December 23, 2017
So sorry, love and prayers to all of you. Jim left a wonderful legacy. What am amazing family...Fran Guerrera and family.
Fran Guerrera
December 22, 2017
Jim was a special man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He had a generous spirit, a great sense of humor and a loving and caring personality.
He left legacy of love and dedication to his family and friends.
He had a special place in his heart for Great Hammock Beach, and on behalf of all us, let
me say "Rest In Peace,Jim". You will be missed.
Love, care and peace,
Angela Conochalla
Angela Conochalla
December 21, 2017
Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. With much love to this special family.
Elizabeth Barker Shilosky & Family
Liz Shilosky
December 20, 2017
My condolences to Jim's family and friends. My father and I worked with Jim at The Courant for many years. Jim was a friend, colleague and mentor. My prayers are with you all.
Mark Kurtich
December 20, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I remember Jimmy primarily as a youngster. Visiting his home or seeing him at family gatherings he always had a smile and and truly enjoyed attending to us as children. Soft spoken and full of fun always took the time to acknowledge Us. I remember always hearing from members of my own family That Jimmy what a nice guy.To be remembered with such love and affection reflects a man that can be proud of the life he has led. It was in his nature to show kindness where others have to practice. I hope you will find peace in knowing he will be lovingly remembered. Thoughts and prayers from all of us in Rhode Island.
Darlene Costta
December 20, 2017
Our deepest condolences on your loss. The D’Esopo Family.
D'Esopo Funeral Chapel
December 20, 2017
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D'Esopo Funeral Chapel277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109
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D'Esopo Funeral Chapel277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109
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