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BORN
1935
DIED
2021
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John Flanagan Obituary
John was born August 26, 1935, in Clinton Hospital, the youngest child of Thomas F. Flanagan and Lillian (Wiles) Flanagan. He grew up in Sterling, and spent many happy summers on his Uncle Jimmy`s farm on Flanagan Hill Road. John graduated from Leominster High School in 1935, where he excelled in athletics, football in particular. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He married Janet (Balboni) Flanagan in 1958. Upon completion of his tour of duty, they settled in Leominster where they raised their family and lived for the remainder of his life.
He is survived by Janet, his loving wife of 62 years. He was the father to daughter Paula (Flanagan) McMillan of Northbridge, MA, Shirley Buchanan-Skeen of RunningSprings, CA, and sons John J. Flanagan of Leominster, MA, Thomas E. Flanagan of Pomfret, CT, and Charlie Buchanan of North Brookfield, MA and grandfather to several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John enjoyed woodworking, inventing, soaring gliders, football, and traveling the world with his wife and friends. But his greatest passion in life was his family, and being actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
John`s legacy is his sense of humor, which he possessed even in the final hours of his life. He was surrounded by family as we told stories and laughed with him and sent him to, in his words, his "blast off" with the knowledge that he filled our lives with immeasurable joy and love.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Thomas F. Flanagan, Jr; and his sister Cecelia (Flanagan) Zola.
A funeral Mass for John will be held on Friday June 4, 2021 at 10am in Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union St. Leominster. Calling hours in the Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St. Leominster, are Thursday, June 3, 2021 are from 4-6pm. Donations in John's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
www.richardsonfuneralhome.net
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries
Mathew Camardella
June 30, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Mary Flowers
June 10, 2021
Janet and family,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of John. My thought are with you during these difficult times. Please take care of yourselves and each other.
Carol and Ding Cormier
May 29, 2021
John was a great classmate always smiling. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences. Carol & Ding Cormier
Judy (Pizzuti) Angelini
May 29, 2021
Dear Janet,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in your great loss. You were blessed to have had John in in your lives for so many years, as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Dom and I were equally blessed, along with so many others, to have known John as a friend since high school. It was always a pleasure to see him again at our Class of 1954 Reunions.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Janet.
Judy (Pizzuti) Angelini
Ed and Patty Kelly
May 29, 2021
Though it’s been many years since we’ve been in touch, we will always be very grateful for the kindness shown to us as a young couple just starting out by John and Janet. They were very good to us and hold a place in our heart always. Sincere condolences to Janet and the rest of the family.
Scott Hay
May 29, 2021
Dear Janet, Paula, John, and Tom; My sincerest condolences for your loss. John was a truly "good guy". Whenever we meet he always had a big smile and warn greeting. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him. May you friends, your memories, and your family provide you the solace you need in this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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