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John Flanagan Obituary
Saco, ME — Known for being able to feed the cast of thousands from leftovers from the beach fridge, John was famous for his Shepard's Pie, meatloaf, endless pot of spaghetti and meatballs, cucumber sandwiches and cookie sheet chicken he would walk to the beach at the shank of the evening to catch sunset.
Born in Swampscott, MA April 14, 1941, John loved playing sports for his high school and is also a Swampscott High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee. After graduating high school in 1959, he went on to play football at Boston College, where he played for five seasons, dressing for four (as he liked to tell us). He played in the Orange Bowl and traveled the country with his fellow Eagles, many of whom he still hosted at the beach each June to reminisce about the good old days. As a "foot note" John's BC friends affectionately referred to him as "hoof."
In 1972 John moved to Concord, NH where he lived for over thirty years raising his seven sons with his first and second wives, Joan, and Cindy.
He made many lifetime friends playing Rugby for Concord RFC on Flanagan Field, behind his farmhouse on South Street and internationally.
Fall of 2000, John retired to Saco, Maine where he enjoyed reading, gardening, photography, drafting short stories, cooking, and observing.
John became an ordained minister in 2015 so he could officiate two of his son's weddings.
He loved beginning each day watching the sun rise over Saco Bay, his favorite place on earth. Nothing brought him more joy than when his family and friends made the annual pilgrimage to the beach house "Perkies Too."
John will be sorely missed by his brother, Colonel, Thomas Patrick Flanagan and sister-in-law, Lucille (Patrick and Diane), of Newport, RI. His children, Sean (Kara), Neil (Melinda), Brendan (Marilyn), Colin (Donna), Ian (Heidi), Devin (Erin), Tynan (Lisa) and grandchildren, Fiona, Áine, Liam, Lyndon, Bella, Cerys, Tulla, Fletcher, Finn, Isla, Vincent, and Thomas Patrick and longtime partner, Maria Psiakis.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring John's memory by donating to a scholarship in his name at Swampscott High School: https://gofund.me/2fa68b32
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Flanagan
Bob Andrews
February 4, 2022
John was a very good friend of mine both on & off the gridiron at SHS.
John played starting left end... I was next to him at left tackle.
We had a lot of fun ... he was a great player who covered my mistakes.. many times on many occasions.
Off the field, we partied hard with our mutual friends. I always considered him to be one of the indestructible people & I was surprised at his passing.
Good memories.
RIP John.
Donna Ferland
February 1, 2022
Over the years, he connected with so many people. It's been years since I saw him last, but his name always brings a smile to my face. R.I.P.
Richard Allen
January 29, 2022
Great guy and great family. Our thoughts are with you. Among Johns other accomplishments he was instrumental in the founding of the Concord Dance Academy Basketball Team.(Men in Pink) This team was originally composed of mostly Rugby players who had no business on a basketball court. The team was built around a couple of tall men known as the Twin Towers of Crap. Winnning was not an option. He was also involved in the notorious St. Isadore Basketball Tournament which included some of the best players from around the country. Each year these people combined Basketball skills and excessive drinking and made a mockery of the sport. Great Times. RIP John. Rick and Linda Allen
Pamela Ober
January 29, 2022
My sincere condolences to John´s family. He was quite a guy! Loved spending time at the beach and being the recipient of his wonderful food and his very dry sense of humor!
God´s speed, John......
Vinnie Gamble
January 29, 2022
It's time to remember all of the great times we all had at the Down Town Athletic Club. Who could forget John's spaghetti dinners after the matches.
A Concord Rugby Club legend, on and off the field.
Jonathan Hanson
January 28, 2022
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, rest in peace John
Randy Whitehead
January 28, 2022
To John's Family
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I will always remember our times on and off the rugby field. He was always a joy to be around along with his quick wit.
He was so proud of his boys and always beamed when he spoke of them. He was a good friend and will be missed by many. God Bless.
Carol Alosa
January 28, 2022
Our sympathies go out to the entire Flanagan families. Our families spent many years creating memories, among them, John visiting us on Christmas Eve dressed as Santa, pool parties at our home, having his delicious onion soup at their home, our children spending countless hours making movies, just to name a few. I´m sure you all have many wonderful memories to keep him alive in your hearts.
Much love, Carol, Denise, Jay, Mark, and MaryBeth
Peter Timbas
January 28, 2022
Sympathy to John's family. We had some great times back in the Rugby days and those nightly basketball games at the DTAC. May you rest in peace John.
Kristen "Krissy" Smith
January 27, 2022
To Neil, Sean, Brendan, Colin, Ian, Devin and Tynan, I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember him well and I remember how much he loved you all! I hope you're able to celebrate him in a way he would enjoy. Cheers!
michael powers
January 27, 2022
John will be greatly missed by many who have had the pleasure of knowing him. I had the honor off playing next to John on defense at Swampscott High School, a great team mate and friend
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