Jack Flaherty

John "Jack" Joseph Flaherty, known simply as Jack or Jackie, lived his 75 years with joy, laughter, and an ever-present sense of gratitude. If you asked Jack how things were going, his answer was nearly always the same: "Awesome." That word epitomized Jack's optimism, humor, and way of seeing the best in life and the people around him.
Born on June 8, 1950, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Jack was the youngest of seven children of Francis "Flats" and Sarah "Sadie" Flaherty. Growing up in a big Irish family in Scranton taught him early about loyalty, laughter, and how to hold his own at a crowded dinner table, albeit from the little red stool in the corner. Summers at the family's beloved cottage at Lake Winola were the highlight of his young life. His grandchildren and the rest of the Flaherty 500 now swim in that same lake, a joy he committed to passing down generation to generation.
A proud graduate of Scranton Prep and the University of Scranton, Jack joined IBM and attended the prestigious IBM Business School. Over 50 years, he built a successful career in consumer electronics sales. He loved his work not just for the deals made but for the people he met along the way. Jack never forgot a name, a story, or a shared joke. He had a rare gift for turning clients and coworkers into lifelong friends.
In 1977, he married the love of his life, Grace Marie Flaherty. Together they built a home and life. Jack's greatest joy was his family. He was a proud father to Sarah (Michael), Connor (Sarah), and Kyle (Allie). And he loved being "Papa" to his eight grandchildren: Mhairi (Josh), Hannah (Zac), Iona, Ronan Xavier, Sadie Rasar, Sloane Sunday, Ford Jackson, and Quinn Presley. Nothing made him happier than having his people with him on Sunday for family fun; a full house with a fire or a flop in the pool, delicious wine, the NYT Crossword and laughter filling the air.
Jack is survived by his favorite mother-in-law Dorothy "Dot", brother Ted and sisters Ann Terese and Mary Kay (Tom), and was preceded in death by siblings Frank, Betty Jeanne, and Patsy.
Jack found joy in music, especially the band Scars on 45, whose members he welcomed as a part of his family. He approached music, friendship, family and life with full-hearted enthusiasm.
His presence made every family dinner, every meeting, and every conversation just a little brighter. He made his and our world Awesome.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Wyckoff, NJ on Saturday, November 8th at 10:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:15 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Villa Marie Claire, in Saddle River, NJ. They provided an incredible home of comfort, dignity and spiritual care for Jack's last weeks.