John Ward Flaherty

To "Big John's" family & friends . . . I am very sorry for your loss. I had only met him for a brief moment in time, but the feeling was all so delightful. And in the words of Kahlil Gibran, . . .
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

This is how Big John would have said it: NOW LISTEN!! WHO SAID I WAS A MARINE!! NOT ME!! NOW LISTEN!! ALL YOU GUYS ARE FULL OF BULL!! THE ONLY REASON YOU ARE HERE WITH ME TONIGHT IS TO SEE ALL THE OTHER GUYS!! I DID THIS TO GET YOU ALL TOGETHER AGAIN!! TELL SOME STORIES, SHOOT SOME HOOPS, FIGHT SOME FIRES, AND ANOTHER THING!!! LISTEN...THERE IS TO BE NO LAUGHING TONIGHT!!!
If there was to be an SFFD banquet tonight, would that be a bit of Big John?
I love you,
BIll Richardson...

On behalf of my family I wish to express our sincerest condolences to the Flaherty family. John was a great man. We all have wonderful memories of him and were fortunate to have known him.

To the Flaherty family, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, firefighter and friend to all. Rio Nido will not be the same without his leadership and presence at the barbecues and around the pool. The memories our families shared together will linger and forever stay in our hearts. The Passanisi Family.

All of us who had the pleasure of working with Big John knew of that quiet strength he had. He could say more with one look that most men could with a paragraph. When he did speak people listened because he always had something meaningful to say. The monologues at banquets were priceless. His voice and laugh came from way down deep in his heart. My sympathy to you Steve and Family. It was an honor to work with your dad.

Flaherty Family, I really don't need to say it; you all know what a class act your Dad was, and it shows in all his children. Godspeed, Big John.

On behalf of the entire Trapani Family John will be missed. His time up at the Russian River brought great pleasure to all of his many friends.

Dear Lucy and family, my heart and prayers go out to all of you. John was such a remarkable man and left such a wonderful legacy through all his children and grand-children.

I remember as a young fireman in Batt. 1. a lot of nervous eyes would watch Big John at a fire. If he wasn't worried, neither were we. Looking back now my memory is that he was never worried. A great role model and a concrete wall under the hoop. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him.
We'll all miss him but will never forget him.