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Lee Flaherty Obituary

The Horatio Alger Association mourns the passing of Lee F. Flaherty, 1979 Horatio Alger Award recipient. A businessman, charitable philanthropist and Army veteran who proudly served his country, Mr. Flaherty believed strongly in educating the next generation of students pursuing the American dream. His impact will be long lasting, as he gave his time and resources generously to others throughout his lifetime.

We are grateful to Mr. Flaherty for his support of the Association's mission and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Jeff bakiares

March 23, 2025

The Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago is being run today, and I cannot help but think about Lee Flaherty. Today is the third anniversary of his passing.

Dr. Gina Bakiares Santori

January 13, 2024

My dear friend Lee, We shared many years of joy and laughter. We met through your dear friend, George G. Zanders, another marketing genius, December of 1980. Your mystique in the promotions business was unrivaled throughout the United States. You pleased and profited many corporations and businesses. But, your greatest contribution was through your love and kindness and faith in Jesus Christ. Your strong faith in God followed you on your lives journey to bless many with your charity. The years and years of memories remain in my heart. I am blessed and grateful to call you a friend, fellow Christian and someone I loved. God be with you Lee. I will keep you my prayers. See you soon.

Greg Severino

November 15, 2023

I met Lee back in the late 60's when I was a young Packaging Engineer at Alberto-Culver Company. We worked mainly on retail counter and floor displays. I found Lee to be very considerate and I had an enormous respect for the man and his talents. Lee was definitely loaded with class and personality. I have crossed paths with many successful people in my life and Lee ranks very high on my list of favorites! Rest in peace my friend...

Jeff Bakiares

November 21, 2022

Jeff Bakiares

September 29, 2022

Lee Flaherty was a great friend who I will miss dearly. I had the good fortune to befriend Lee the last two years of his life. We would speak daily and I loved our lunch meetings at my home.
He was an original mad man who revolutionized the marketing business. He was the founder of the Chicago Marathon and one of the greatest promoters of Chicago. The city has lost a real giant.

Godspeed Lee, you made a great impact on me and my wife and I will always remember your quick wit and enchanting smile.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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