Joseph Francis O'Flanagan

1953 - 2020

BORN

1953

DIED

2020

Joseph O'Flanagan Obituary

Joseph Francis O'Flanagan
April 9, 1953 – December 13, 2020
Joseph Francis O'Flanagan of Alameda, California – engineer, regulatory expert, civic leader, loving partner, brother, uncle, and friend – has died at 67.

Born in San Francisco to Arthur and Jane (Parker) O'Flanagan, Joe was the youngest of four siblings and the only boy. An honors student at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco, he graduated in 1971. He then attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree with honors in Marine and Nuclear Engineering in 1975. He also later attended Harvard Graduate Business School.

The third generation of a sea-going family, upon Joe's graduation from the Merchant Marine Academy, he served as an engineering officer on ocean-going tank vessels for Exxon USA (1975-1978). Following studies at Harvard, in 1979, he began work for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) at San Francisco's corporate headquarters in the Finance, Rates and Regulatory Department. Joe held a succession of positions over the years, serving as Director of Capital Accounting, Tax, Budget, State Regulation, and other positions. Joe retired from PG&E in 2015 after working there for 36 years.

Joe was an active member of his community, serving on the Board of his homeowners' association for more than a decade. Joe's enjoyment of music, books, the outdoors (especially the tidal wonders of Alameda's estuary), and sports was contagious. He was a devoted fan of the Niners, Giants, and Formula 1 racing. An ageless curiosity and love of adventure and travel led to his explorations of places from Paris to the Far East.

Joe, somehow no stranger to the sound of laughter, thoroughly enjoyed and loved his partner Karen, sisters, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and family, wonderful friends, and the community.

Joe is survived by his partner of thirty-two years, Karen Forsgard, three sisters, Marcella (O'Flanagan), Elizabeth (Frank McCarthy), and Jayne (O'Flanagan). He is also survived by three nieces, two nephews, and six great-nieces and nephews. Joe's wife, J Davis, died in 1987.

There will be no memorial due to the pandemic, but his family wishes you to raise a glass of good cheer in Joe's memory. Donations can be made to your favorite charity in Joe's honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 16 to Dec. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph O'Flanagan

8 Entries

Thad DeGroot

May 30, 2021

Joe was the consummate guy, a great guy and a funny one to boot. I have known Joe through J Davis his wife and my sister Dr. Holly DeGroot. He was also a good client of Neiman Marcus where I managed. Man, I am sad.

Bill Isola

January 11, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the entire O’ Flanagan family. Their families & mine were neighbors for a lot of years. Lotta great memories. Holy Name school, Sunset playground. Rest in peace my friend

Dick Clarke

December 30, 2020

I knew Joe at least as long as Karen and will always remember him well. Joe and I crossed paths in the 80,s and continued to be close until his retirement. We were working pals both for different companies and later the same company. We held similar positions, sharing ideas, attending conferences, sometimes adversaries, but always friends. Outside of work is where I really got to know Joe and Karen. More often than not adult beverages were involved. Joe was often my wingman or I his. Enjoyed the hospitality of their home and will miss knowing him. Karen it’s been a while hopefully someday soon we can raise a glass for our beloved friend.

Bill Pai

December 27, 2020

I served with Joe on his HOA board for several years and always found Joe to be fair, open-minded and committed to serving his community. He will be missed.

Marty Hackett

December 26, 2020

I went to Lick- Wilmerding with Joe. Never saw him since but I did think of him and a few guys I was friends with there recently. Remember him as a nice guy. Had a good sense of humor. Always interesting when you see where life has taken people you knew in your youth. Sorry to here of his passing.

Richard Jensen

December 19, 2020

I worked with Joe and Karen in the '80s. Joe was as smart as he was warm and friendly. Karen, I am very sorry for your loss.

Marcia Lamb Cline

December 17, 2020

I was so sorry to learn that Joe had passed. I remember visiting my Aunt Maxine Smith next door to Art and Janes house on 30th Ave and having the whole family be so excited about his birth. I loved your family. Marcie and Beth and little Jayne were always so kind to entertain me. Very fond memories. Much love snd sympathy. Marcia Lamb Cline

Enrique Mejorada

December 16, 2020

I worked with Joe from 2013 to 2015. I very much enjoyed working with and learning from Joe. He was smart, experienced, humble, and kind. He was a true friend! He was missed since he retired...

Enrique Mejorada

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