Michael Flaherty

Michael J. Flaherty of Longmeadow, MA, age 85, died peacefully on January 18, 2026. He was the son of the late Michael P. Flaherty and the late Catherine (Mitchell) Flaherty, both of Springfield, MA. He graduated Cathedral High School in 1958 and the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1962. He earned a law degree from Western New England University in 1967 and practiced law in Springfield for 34 years. Michael also taught law at Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Western New England University School of Law and the Springfield Police Academy. He was an avid reader and a devoted fan of Notre Dame football and the New England Patriots.

Michael was pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years, Judith (Lamothe) Flaherty. He is survived by their two children, Karen McFarlane (Stephen) of Wayland, MA and Kevin Flaherty (Barbara) of Dublin, Ireland, and four grandchildren: Ryan and Chloe Flaherty of Los Angeles, CA and Cooper and Brooke McFarlane of Wayland, MA. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gerald "Jay" Lamothe of West Barnstable, MA, his nephew, Jeffrey Lamothe of Hyannis, MA, and his niece Jennifer Lamothe, of West Barnstable, MA. He was pre-deceased by his sister-in-law, Patricia (Judd) Lamothe.

The family invites friends and family to join them for a service on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, State Street, Springfield. Donation in Michael's memory may be made to D'Amour Cancer Center or a charity of your choice.