Joseph "Big Daddy" Flanigan

Joseph "Big Daddy" Flanigan

Joseph Flanigan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 30, 2005.
Flanigan, Joseph "Big Daddy", the founder and Chairman of Flanigan's Enterprises, died Friday morning at his home in Sea Ranch Lakes, Florida. He was 75. Mr. Flanigan was an industry leader in the restaurant and bar business for 45 years. He stayed ahead of his industry by constantly pushing forward new concepts to entertain and provide great food at value pricing. Over the years, his business grew across the country from Florida to California under the name "Big Daddy Lounges" with 77 locations. He became the largest independent lounge operator in the United States. In the mid-eighties with the help of his sons Patrick, Michael and Jim he re-invented the company from a lounge and package store business to seafood restaurants located in South Florida. "He was on the forefront of the entertainment industry", said his son Jim Flanigan the President of the company. Mr. Flanigan grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. His grandfather was a founder of the American Store chain of supermarkets. His father was a specialist in the management side of labor relations. After graduation he served in the United States Navy first as a navy diver and then as an executive officer on a mine sweeper. While serving in Japan in 1955 he met his wife, where she was teaching school, the former Ann Nock of Harborton, Virginia. Upon his return from service he worked for Eastman Dillion Securities as a stock broker. In 1959, he came to Florida to pursue his dream of doing in the liquor business what his grandfather had done in groceries. "Whether he was shaking the hand of Presidents, or one of the millions of customers he greeted in our stores over the years, Joe was a one-of-a-kind combination of a bigger than life icon and regular guy. He was, and is, and will always be 'Big Daddy', and truly, the 'Big' stood for his magnanimous heart", said Augie Bucci the COO of the company. Joe Flanigan described himself as outspoken and flamboyant. He was direct and created a business and image that was truly an original. He enjoyed a good laugh and loved spending time with his family diving and fishing in the Bahamas. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Ann Nock Flanigan and their five children: Patricia Flanigan Motta (James Motta), Margaret Flanigan Fraser (Bill Fraser), Patrick Joseph Flanigan (Hooper Flanigan), Michael Barry Flanigan (Cathy Flanigan), and James George Flanigan (DeeDee Flanigan). He was the beloved grand father of 16 grandchildren: Travis, Tucker, Tanner and Trent Motta; Kayli and Walker Fraser; Marina, Cassidy and Makaira Flanigan; Grace, Annie Cate and Jack Flanigan; Madison, Mackenzie, Mackully and Monty Flanigan. He is also survived by his brother James Barry Flanigan of Philadelphia. A memorial service will be conducted at the Assumption Church, at 2001 South Ocean Blvd., in Lauderdale by the Sea on Tuesday, Feb 1st at 10:30AM. The family has asked in lieu of flowers, that any donations be given to the House of Hope and Skipping Stones, 908 SW 1st Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 (954-524-8989). Arrangements entrusted to Kalis Funeral Home, Wilton Manors, FL.

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February 4, 2005

Jan Gerrish posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2005

Leslie Nelson posted to the memorial.

February 2, 2005

Peggy Branch posted to the memorial.

Jan Gerrish

February 4, 2005

To the Flanigan Clan,

I am very sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Flanigan as he was a client of brokerage industry from 1979-1992 when I knew him (through Sandy Davidson). I remember "Pop" Flanigan, brother James, wife, Anne, and the kids, & secretary, Jerri Bell. Long-standing institution and he will be missed. My condolences.

Leslie Nelson

February 4, 2005

We would like to extend our sympathy to the whole Flanigan Family on the loss of "Big Daddy","Papa Joe"

He will be missed but remembered by all the wonderful memories and stories he gave to everyone he met!



You are in our thoughts and prayers



Leslie & Ed Nelson

Peggy Branch

February 2, 2005

It was a pleasure to work for Mr. Flanigan for nearly 20 years. Since leaving the area in 1998 I spoke of him often, telling others what a great man he was. He will be greatly missed.

Brian Behan

February 2, 2005

I just recently heard and I am sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I went to school with Peggy. Brian Behan and family.

John Songer

February 1, 2005

Dear Flanigan family, I am so sorry to hear about your father. What a great guy he was. I will never forget the time when I was in the Walkers Cay, Bahamas on "Roy's Toy" fishing boat and Roy went back to the states and I was all alone. I was only 13 at the time and your whole family took me in. What a wonderful time we all had. Patty, I always liked you more than a friend hope to see you at our 30th reunion. John

Michael Larrison

January 31, 2005

It's always the people you miss the most in lifes journey. Never the Job or the task at hand. Joe will always be tops on my list. I have told his stories time and time again. It was a great 17 years of something he alway's told me was an "Era that would never be again". The memories will live with me forever. My sympathy to the family and friends.Your loss is felt by Many.

Shane Mitchell

January 31, 2005

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Joe Flanigan from 1996-2003 and thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to all of his visits throughout his stores I worked in. I especially remember Joe "snatching" burgers off of the grill while checking on the kitchen.



I always loved our intimate conversations and I always found his business sense astounding!



My prayers are with Joe and the whole Flanigan family.



Sincerely;





Shane Mitchell and family

Jan Saxton

January 31, 2005

I knew Joe was ill and have had him on my mind recently, wondering how he was. I'm so very sorry to find out he's passed away.

Our company documented the last boat Joe bought to take to the Bahamas and I used to love when he'd come into our office. He'd sit at my desk for an hour telling me stories about how he started in the 'bar' business and some of the things he went through. He was truly the Big Daddy with a big heart, and he'll be missed by all who knew him.

My sympathy to you all.



Jan

Bob Feeley

January 30, 2005

In high school at Cardinal Gibbons, there was a banquet in the cafeteria one evening, and I was assigned to work the guest (sign in) book. Mr. Flanigan entered the room, and instead of signing with the pen that was there, he pulled out a green Flair pen, and signed like John Hancock. He certainly had a flair (no pun intended) for life. I guess it was a sign of what made him great.



My sympathy goes to his family, Peggy was in my class. God bless you all.



Bob Feeley Jr.

Frank Tinker

January 30, 2005

In memory of a great man and a legend in south florida. He will be missed!





Frank Tinker Waiter Pa DeGennaro,s

Joseph Summa

January 30, 2005

I first met Joe Flanigan on a Friday night as a Flanigan's manager at store #40. He walked in and the place was just buzzing. Everyone was saying "Big Daddy's here, Big Daddy's here"! I had to look at my shirt and look at him to recognize him. He came up to me and extended his hand and said "you must be Joe Summa one of my new managers, Hi, I'm Joe Flanigan. When was the last time you saw Norman Brinker"? "We'll you'll see me alot more than you saw him, I promise you that."



I was impressed and honored that he took the time to learn my name and know a little bit about my background. I felt that it was truly an honor to have worked for Flanigan's and for Joe Flanigan.



He truly lived a great life and he was an impact on mine.



Joe and Jimmy Flanigan were very supportive of me during the time of my father's death and it will always be remebered how they helped me through this.



Although I do not know all of the Flanigan family, my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.



He will truly be missed, remembered and admired by my family and I.



Respectfully,



Joe Summa

Robert Johnson

January 30, 2005

To the Flanigan family I am sorry for your loss. I work for Mr. Flanigan for 4 years (1982 to 1985) in the Hialeah store while I attended Biscayne collage. My Father Judge & Senator Robert P. Johnson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania introduced me to Joe.

Mr. Flanigan will be missed.

Sincerely,

Bob Johnson

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Sign Joseph Flanigan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 4, 2005

Jan Gerrish posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2005

Leslie Nelson posted to the memorial.

February 2, 2005

Peggy Branch posted to the memorial.