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PHILLIP FLAHERTY Obituary
Beloved husband to the late Patricia (Ryan) Flaherty. Loving father of Paula J. Flaherty of Stoughton and Susan E. Flaherty of Bridgewater and former husband to their mother Barbara Flaherty of Bridgewater. Caring stepfather of Michael Norton, his wife Susie and their family of Nebraska and Carol Gregerman and her husband Stu and their family of Canton. Dear brother-in-law of Walt Sweeney and his wife Linda of Florida. Proud uncle of Larry, Paul, Sean and David Sweeney and Suzanne Henderson. Also survived by his longtime friend Charlie Flahive and his wife Gloria of Westwood. Predeceased by his sister Paula Sweeney of Hanover.
Due to the ongoing public health crisis, and out of concern for the health of family and friends, Services for Phillip will be private. Normally, the Funeral is an opportunity for the community to gather in support of one another. Although we cannot gather together with Phillip's family at this time, friends may still offer their support by visiting www.Keohane.com and sharing a special memory or message. For those who cannot access the website, please call 781-335-0045 to have your message added. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Phillip to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PHILLIP FLAHERTY
John J Brucato
June 21, 2022
There have been many times since Phil's passing that I have thought about him. He had a major impact on my development as a school leader. He was my mentor and friend. I will forever miss Phil and never forget how blessed I was to know him personally.
Dee Larkin
September 21, 2020
Sad news . "Mr. Flaherty" was such a great guy. I have very fond memories of him showing up just as baseball practice was winding down - 2 or 3 times a week . He would tell me to stick around for a while after everyone else left , and for the next 10 or 15 minutes , I would "warm him up" . I guess he was a pretty good pitcher in his day , he loved baseball , and he just loved to get on the mound and throw for a while , maybe it helped him unwind , who knows , he was very busy back then. What a down to earth, good natured man he was - and he had a great sense of humor . He could be really, really funny , I don't think many people saw that side of him when he was "on duty" , but he really was naturally funny - despite outward appearances LOL. At first I thought it would be a great way to get out of detention - being the Principal's personal "catcher" definitely would have its perks LOL - but then I just came to look forward to it as much as he did . We both grew up in the same part of Boston, and I had just moved out a few years before. so we shared quite a few stories about the old neighborhood. - Mr. Flaherty - you were a great man , and I will always fondly remember our "bullpen sessions" from 1972 and 1973 - RIP my friend.
Rich Gray
July 4, 2020
I fondly remember Coach Flaherty from winter track ('68-'70). He would make the pre-dawn rounds in his station wagon picking up those of us who didn't have a way to get to school early for morning practice. I was probably the slowest kid on the team (never scored a point in any meet in 3 years) but that didn't make any difference to him. A wonderful, wonderful man!
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July 2, 2020
May you find comfort in knowing that Phil did so much to enrich the lives of others throughout his career as an educator and his service to the MSSAA.Phil became my mentor in 1989.He inspired me with his wisdom and regularly reminded me to stick to my principles as a school leader.My wife Linda and I had many memorable visits with Phil and Pat at our annual conferences in Falmouth.We shared a love for Scotties and Guss once spent the weekend at our home. A visit my children will never forget.My love and respect for Phil runs deep.While I am saddened by his passing, I am sure he and Pat are at rest and in peace together.
John Brucato
dick neal
July 2, 2020
Over a period of 40 years, You Phil, were my colleague, peer, and friend. You were wise but never aloof, a man of letters always most willing to utilize that skill and gift to advance the good and best positions in life. Your thoughtful and profound counsel advanced so many, and saved others! You and your beloved Pat are now where you can be the eternal couple you have earned through your special love. God will bless you Both forever.
Amen to a life well lived. [dick neal; ret. exec dir of MSSAA and MIAA]
donald brown
June 30, 2020
you were my history teacher in the 7th grade in Westwood Junior High then you were my history teacher in 9th grade from the day I first met you - you were my favorite teacher - you made me a history major in college you were very influential in my life - you were a good man yo also were my summer baseball coach at the deerfield playground for more than three summers. you were a better baseball coach then any other I had as a youngster i am so sorry i didn't get to see you since 1990 - i'll always have great memories of you as a person - a teacher - a history bufdf - an avid sports fan an may you rest in peace
Donald L Brown
Jan Martin
June 29, 2020
I worked with Phil at the MSAA office for his whole time there. Phil was a wonderful person... caring, intelligent, witty. He will be missed. My thoughts and condolences to his (and Pat's) families.
Joanna Polechronis-Hopkins
June 28, 2020
I graduated from WHS class of '69. I have fond memories of Mr. Flaherty.
Liz Grube
June 26, 2020
I graduated from WHS in 1983 and loved having Mr. Flaherty as my principal. He was as caring as he was competent. My condolences to his family--especially my favorite babysitter, Susan.
Chuck Gerlach
June 26, 2020
Mr Flaherty was the Vice Principal at WHS when l was there. He came up to me in 72 my freshmen year and said l hope your a student like your brother and sister were. I knew right then i had no choice. He was firm and fair with all students and a great guy. Rip Mr Flaherty my condolences to your family
Danice Collette Thomas
June 26, 2020
Rest In Peace and Thank you for your service. Sending prayers. Went to Westwood High School ( class of 1981)
Dave Rice
June 26, 2020
Flaherty Family,
Mr Flaherty ( to so many of us students) was an icon at WHS. From his earlier teaching days, to his Asst Principal days (when we met) he was tough and yet fair, with a smile! Thanks for caring about all of us Mr Flaherty! Thoughts and prayers to Flaherty family at this time of loss.
Carol McCusker
June 26, 2020
RIP you were such a good teacher and help to so many of us at WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL..(CLASS OF 1969)
June 26, 2020
An all time favorite teacher and colleague from being my teacher when I was in 8 th grade and had a crush on him, then later in high as my teacher again - no more crush but a serious fondness and respect for his lintellect and compassion. Finally, as a colleague when I taught at WHS from r a short time,the friendship and respect continued...RIP, Phil - you leave an amazing legacy!
Jewel Bland Blake, class of 1959
Roseanne Clark
June 26, 2020
Best teacher I ever had...in Advanced Placement Western Civ! Because of Mr. Flaherty I experienced a love of learning and after college went on to graduate school and felt
I could go on for a PhD! So much gratitude for how he respected and expected a lot of each student! Sending Sympathy for their loss and comfort to his family!
Willliam Pendell
June 25, 2020
June 25, 2020
I had the honor and privilege to work with Phil at Westwood High School from 1980 to 1992. He was a friend, mentor, and great example of compassionate leadership. Although I moved on in my career, we kept in touch over the years, always exchanging stories and memories our time at WHS.
Rest in Peace my friend, reflecting on the positive influence you had on so many.
Bill and Darlene Pendell
Austin, Texas
rAYMOND Kodzis
June 25, 2020
I had Phil as a teacher, coach, fellow teacher, Principal, and friend. He was very special to me.
Raymond Kodzis - Lunenburg, Ma
Frank Cook
June 25, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family. As a dedicated history teacher, and the first winter (later indoor) track coach at Westwood High, Mr. Flaherty always sought to bring out the best in his students and athletes. In so many ways he was a personal inspiration. I have many wonderful memories of his teaching style and his sense of humor. God Bless!
Frank B. Cook, Class of 1968
richard hargreaves
June 25, 2020
I first met Phil (then Mr Flaherty) in 7th grade. He was my history teacher. I had him as a teacher again in grades 9, 10 and 12. I came back to WHS to teach and eventually Mr. Flaherty became Phil and a good friend. He was my teacher, colleague, principal and mentor. I will miss him. RIP
Bob Tummillo
June 25, 2020
What a great man and teacher. I remember in my freshman year Mr. F showing me and a couple classmates how to change a muffler on his car! He was firm, but what a guy! Class of 1962 Westwood High.
Debbie Harvey
June 25, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Phil at MSSAA/MSAA throughout the past several years. We had many conversations filled with his stories of history, keen sense of humor, and words of support. His adoration for his "bride" Pat was always evident and admired. Rest in peace, Phil. Keep the masses entertained up there!
June 25, 2020
Rest in Peace,
former student,Glenn Jackson
Thomas J McKenna lll
June 23, 2020
The WHS class of 1980 thought alot of Mr. Flaherty so much that we dedicated our year book to him.He was always firm and fair.He also realized that youthful indiscretions shouldn't stigmatize your future. Professional from all angles..RIP my friend.
James K Pray
June 23, 2020
May you rest in peace Mr Flaharety.....thanks for all the memories in Westwood High School class of 69....I will never forget indoor track and the faith u had in me....May God Bless You
Paul Daigle
June 23, 2020
A great linguist and story teller. Professional at all times and an outstanding educator. Our professional state association has lost a true friend.
Thomas Cavanaugh
June 23, 2020
Phil was a mentor to all who knew him. I will always remember how helpful and supportive he was as I started my career as an administrator.
Lillian Orchard
June 23, 2020
I have fond memories of Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Case standing outside their home rooms surveying the new crop of freshman every year. He was a great teacher and despite his gruff manner he cared deeply for his students. RIP Mr. Flaherty.
Lillian Orchard class of 1968
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