Desmond Patrick "Desi" Flaherty

With heavy hearts and with gratitude for a life well lived, we announce that Desmond "Desi" Patrick Flaherty, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2025 at the age of 86.

Desi was born on July 30, 1939 in the Bronx, NY to Timothy and Bridie Flaherty. He graduated from St. Nicholas of Tolentine high school. He moved to Stony Point, NY in 1969 where he raised a family and remained for the rest of his life. We find peace and comfort knowing he was welcomed into heaven with wide open arms by God, preceded by his parents, his brothers Timothy, James, and John, and his infant son Gerard.

Desi is survived by the love of his life, his adored wife Eleanor (Penteck) Flaherty, with whom he shared nearly 63 years of love and marriage. Together they raised a family that became his proudest achievement: his children Jeanmarie Cooney, twins Desmond Flaherty (Teresa) and Geralyn Flaherty, and Lori Ann Arduini (Charlie). He was the super proud grandfather of Taryn, Cailyn (Dylan), Christopher, Ryan, Erin, Danny, Jessica, Aidan, Brian, and Meaghan, and the delighted great-grandfather of Tucker James and Cody Desmond. He is also survived by his beloved brother Edward Flaherty and his wife Marion, his sister-in-law Pat Flaherty, and countless extended family.

Service was a defining part of Desi's life. For 20 years, he proudly served as a police officer with the NYPD in the bustling 44th Precinct in the Bronx. He was a founding member of the 44 Forever Club, which continues to this day, a testament to his commitment and the lifelong bonds he helped foster among his fellow officers. Locally, he was a member of the Rockland County Shields. Desi also spent 50 years behind the wheel of a school bus with Haverstraw Transit. With his easygoing personality and endless patience, he managed a multitude of lively, noisy children with a smile, keeping them safe while becoming part of their everyday lives.

Perhaps his greatest gift was the way he touched young lives through coaching. For 25 years, Desi proudly coached in Stony Point Little League, primarily as head coach of the Pirates, shaping not just baseball players but future adults. His players still share stories about the lessons, laughs, and encouragement he gave them-a legacy that has rippled far beyond the field. In addition, he was a longstanding member of the North Rockland Social Club, remaining active with multiple generations of club members and treasured friends his entire life. Lastly he was a faithful parishioner of St. Gregory Barbarigo parish from the time he arrived in Stony Point.

Desi was born with a love of sports that never left his side, both as an athlete who loved to compete and as a fan who always followed his favorite teams. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, loyal supporter of the New York Giants (always hoping for one more Super Bowl), and a faithful follower of the New York Knicks and Yankees, he could watch just about any game, any time, with equal enthusiasm. Sports weren't just something he enjoyed-they were a part of his identity and the language he used to connect with family, friends, and even strangers who quickly became friends. He was never shy about offering a "bit" of coaching to his children and grandchildren on the sidelines of all their many games. He loved watching them play.

Known for his warm, welcoming personality and fun-loving spirit, Desi never met a person he couldn't engage with. His storytelling was legendary. Whatever the topic, he had a way of drawing you in-even if you'd heard the tale before, you couldn't help but listen, laugh, and enjoy it all over again. Desi was a strong and determined man who loved living life, and that was evident in his fight to stay here with us, but God had other plans. He truly was one of a kind, and though our hearts ache, we find comfort knowing his legacy will live on through the family he loved and the many people he inspired. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd and Wednesday September 3rd from 4:00-8:00 pm at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home located at 71 N. Central Highway, Garnerville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday September 4th at 11:00am at St Gregory Barbarigo Church located at 21 Cinder Road, Garnerville NY.

Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery located at 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.