Richard E. Flanagan

PEABODY — Richard E. "Rick" Flanagan, 73, of Peabody, died on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008.

He was the husband of Joy S. (Arrighi) Flanagan, with whom he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary on November 27. Born in Fairlee, Vt., he was the son of the late Henry E. and Ramona (Munn) Flanagan. He was raised in Fairlee and has lived in Peabody since 1984.

Rick served in the United States Navy from 1954 until 1958. He then received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Plymouth State College. In 1963, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for over 26 years. During that time, he received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Ball State University. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and spent two and a half years in Vietnam. He retired as a Major from the United States Air Force in June, 1981. Rick had also authored three books and was an avid reader.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Michael Flanagan and his wife Sandy of North Andover; Shaun Flanagan of Peabody, and Lisa Felix and her husband Manny of Lynn; five grandchildren; Ricky, Jessica and Kyle Flanagan, and Andrew and Nicole Felix; and one sister; Sandy Lovejoy and her husband Jerry of Vero Beach, Fla.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be held on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Solimine Landergan and Richardson Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Route 129) Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts, Room 546 State House, Boston, MA 02133-1042. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com.