John Flatley Sr.

Groton - John Flatley Sr., of Groton, died in his home on Thursday, Aug, 11, 2005, after a brief battle with cancer. His family was by his side.

John was born in St. Louis, Mo., on March 26, 1933, to the late Bernard and Gladys Flatley. He was raised in Greenport, Long Island, N.Y.

John graduated from Greenport High School in 1952, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended boot camp in Bainbridge, Md., and he subsequently attended and graduated from submarine school in Groton. It was there that he earned his dolphins, an accomplishment of which he was very proud.

During his navy career, John served aboard the USS Diadon, the USS Torsk, the USS Dogfish, and the USS Clamagore. He also served as yeoman chief in squadrons two and eight. Throughout his illustrious career, he received numerous good conduct medals, merit awards, and commendations. He also received the Navy Occupation Award and the National Service Defense Medal.

After his retirement from the Navy in 1972, he joined the Naval Underwater Sound Center in their computer systems lab. He retired for a second time in 1993 after 20 years with that organization.

On a personal level, throughout his life, John was active developing children through sports. He volunteered as a youth football coach for twelve years with the National Youth Football League. Along with his good friend and assistant coach, Tom Nolan, his teams won many championships. John was honored as Coach of the Year the one and only year the league gave that award. John also coached girls softball and boys baseball for the Town of Groton for many years.

In his later years, John's passion was golf. He played in a weekly golf league with his friends, and he took every opportunity to play with his family. He was a member of the Shennecossett Golf Club.

John loved his church, and he was a faithful member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry. Other memberships include the Groton Senior Center, FRA, and VFW.

John was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. His life was dedicated to his family, and he enjoyed every moment with them.

John shared nearly 52 years of happiness and content with his beloved wife and partner, Doris. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, John Jr. of Groton and Guy Alan of Oakdale. He is also survived by two daughters, Joy Flatley of Blacksburg, Va., and Diann Huber and her husband, David, of Mystic. He also leaves seven grandchildren, John Flatley III of Groton, Jason Flatley of Los Angeles, Calif., Jonathon and Jennifer Flatley of Oakdale, Sara Jane Woltman of Preston, and Cory Calamari and Alexandria Huber of Mystic.

He was predeceased by his son, Glenn Ray Flatley, who died on Oct 25, 1993.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry. Burial with military honors will be held in the Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, also in Gales Ferry. Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. There will be an additional visiting hour from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Donations in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, or Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut.