Daniel-O'Flaherty-Obituary

Daniel James O'Flaherty

Washington, District of Columbia

Nov 4, 1942 – Jun 14, 2025

About

BORN
November 4, 1942
DIED
June 14, 2025
LOCATION
Washington, District of Columbia
CHARITY
World Central Kitchen

Obituary

Send Flowers

James Daniel O'Flaherty served as a public policy figure at think tanks and on the U.S. Senate staff and was an expert on South Africa and U.S. foreign trade.  Dan was born in Chicago on November 4,1942 to James C. O'Flaherty, a scholar of German philosophy and history at Wake Forest University,...

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Dan was my senior-year roommate at Williams College, and from that time until his tragic death, he was always my closest, most deeply cherished, and profoundly admired male friend (along with my brother Philip). Every memory I hold of Dan is beautiful, precious and still vivid. When, in 2017, I had dangerous, life-saving cancer surgery, he and my brother together visited me in Oklahoma City's Cancer Center, and I only regret that I could not visit Dan and his wonderful, beloved partner...

I knew Dan as a classmate in our German class at American University´s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). We had much in common from our prior educational pursuits as well as having lived and worked abroad. Dan brought his cultural, professional and intellectual experiences to our class, his sense of humor, and his collaborative instincts. We worked together on many classroom activities that kept both of us learning and expanding our skills in German. I am still in the class but...

Several years ago when my wife and I were living in Glen Burnie, MD, we made plans with Dan to meet for dinner before he was scheduled to take a train from a Baltimore-area station. Shortly before our meeting time, he called to say that he was running late, apologized that he would have to cancel our get-together, and said he was famished but wouldn´t have time to get something to eat before boarding his train. My wife immediately made a huge sandwich, and we quickly drove to the train...

My deepest condolences to Dan's family and friends, especially Elizabeth. So sorry for your loss. May God give you strength

My deepest condolences on Dan's passing. He was an exceptional person. Our work associations began with the US-South Africa Business Council and continued during his long tenure with the NFTC. I shall miss his friendship and his trenchant observations on Washington's politics and personalities. May fond memories of your life with Dan comfort you at this difficult time.