Michael F. Flaherty Sr.

Flaherty, Hon. Michael F., Ret. Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court Department and former State Representative for South Boston, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025 at the age of 89. Beloved husband to the late Margaret J. "Peggy" (McGlone). Devoted and adored father of Margaret F. "Peggy" Albertson and her husband Sean of Needham, Michael F. Flaherty Jr., former Boston City Council President, and his wife Laurene of South Boston, and John J. Flaherty and his wife Margaret "Maggie" of Milton. Loving and cherished "Big Mike" to Brendan, Meagan, and Ryan Albertson, Patrick Joyce and his fiancée, Gabrielle Brown, Michael Flaherty and his fiancée Caroline Franks, Ella and Jack Flaherty, Ryan and Grace Flaherty, and great-grandfather to Lonnie Jane. Mike was the son of the late Mary (Joyce) and John J. Flaherty, Sr., brother to the late John "Dudy" Flaherty, the late Mary "Sissy" Devine and her late husband Robert "Bibby" Devine, the late Winifred McGrath and her late husband John "Mucka" McGrath, Margaret "Peggy" Swanson and her late husband Richard Swanson, Ann Marie Adams and her late husband Ronald Adams, the late Thomas P. Flaherty and his wife Jeannie Flaherty, Eleanor "Ellie" Kasper and her husband William "Billy" Kasper, Francis "Franny" Flaherty and his wife Cheryl "Sherri" Flaherty, and brother-in-law to Carol McGlone and her late husband, John "Jack" McGlone. Mike was also a loving, proud uncle and mentor to his many nephews and nieces in the Flaherty and McGlone families.

Born and raised in South Boston's "Lower End," Mike was a true son of Southie, graduating from South Boston High School and proudly serving our country in the United States Navy on the USS Northampton. Following his naval service, Mike received a B.A. from Boston College and his J.D. from Portia Law School (New England Law) where he was later also a recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Mike served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing South Boston for 24 years (1967-1991). He chaired many committees but was most proud of his accomplishments as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee where he championed legislation on public safety, substance use disorder treatment, and benefits for Firefighters, Police Officers, and their families.

While Mike's service in the legislature and in the Massachusetts court system brought about many accomplishments, he was most proud of and grateful for his sobriety. Mike dedicated his life to helping people struggling with alcoholism and substance use disorders. He personally helped many hundreds gain access to treatment programs, often driving them and counseling family members. His work in the legislature raised public awareness and amplified the need for systemic government intervention decades before mainstream recognition of the crisis. Mike always put family first but had a loose and generous definition of who constituted his family. He had a special place in his heart for firefighters, whose brave and selfless commitment to saving lives resonated deeply with his own sense of quiet service. Mike truly lived his life in service to others.

Visiting hours will be held at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 146 Dorchester Street, South Boston, on Sunday, December 28, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, on Monday, December 29, at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in New Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

Given Mike's belief in the transformative power of education, the family respectfully requests that, rather than flowers, donations be made in his honor to the Michael F. and Margaret J. Flaherty Memorial Scholarship at Boston College High School which will support students from South Boston. Please visit https://www.bchigh.edu/give