Robert Tracey "Robby" Flannery

ROBERT "ROBBY" TRACEY FLANNERY

2/5/1984 2:53 AM-2/19/2026 2:53 PM

Robb Flannery's purpose in life was to have a positive impact on others. At 15 months old, Robb was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy ("SMA"; a neuro-muscular disease), which, at the time, was untreatable and one of the leading causes of infant deaths. His prognosis was that he was expected to live only a couple of months to a couple of years. His father's prayer was, "Lord, I know that you can miraculously heal him if it's your will. If not, let him be a witness to your grace and let me keep him for a little while." That prayer was answered with 40 more years!

During his time on this earth, Robb touched so many lives. He appeared on The March of Dimes Telethon with Jimmy Crum in Columbus; served as the Ohio Goodwill Ambassador for The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) of Central Ohio; appeared on local MDA Telethon for many years; inspired the Olentangy High School DECA class to focus on fundraising for MDA as a civic project when he was in early elementary; became the President of his DECA class as a high school senior; the class won the National DECA competition and Robb was able to present the check to Jerry Lewis in LA during the 2002 Labor Day Telethon.

With his wit, humor and outgoing personality. Robb never had trouble making friends. He could make anyone laugh. Having attended Olentangy Elementary, Middle School and High School, Robb developed a special relationship with many of his classmates, teachers and staff which continued throughout his life. Robb had a bit of an ornery streak, which sometimes got him in trouble. Both Coach T and Coach Hale commented recently about how they would have to get on him as he would fly down the hallway with one of his buddies riding on the back of his wheelchair. Both coaches, along with Coaches Gerhardt and Maloney, were instrumental in allowing him to develop his knowledge and love of football. They allowed him to be a part of the team. In his senior year, his teammates and coaches named him as Honorary Captain of the football team, a distinction that he was so proud to wear. He will forever be a Brave, a Buckeye and a Bengals fan!

After graduation, Robb attended Wright State University where he received his Masters of Science in Education. While there, he met Nichole or Nikki, to whom he pledged his eternal love on March 26, 2011. Robb also got to enjoy the joys and pain of fatherhood when Nikki's nephew, Brandon, came to live with them. They raised him as their own providing a life for him that he might otherwise not have been able to enjoy. Brandon, upon achieving the age of consent, legally changed his last name to Flannery. A year later, Brandon met Haley (Doan) Flannery who honored them with a granddaughter, Ava Nichole Flannery. Who would have thought little Robby Flannery would ever be called a grandpa, or in his case, "Paps"

Robb utilized his degree through online teaching opportunities, first through ECOT and then Ohio Virtual Academy. His love of history made teaching social studies to middle and high schoolers a joy. Robb's ability to do public speaking also allowed him to be a spokesperson for a drug call Spinraza. Spinraza is a prescription medicine therapy which Robb had been on to treat SMA. Spinraza was developed, in part, through research funded by the MDA!

Robb leaves behind his mother and father, Rod and Lisa Flannery; love of his life, Nichole "Nikki" Flannery; son Brandon (Haley) Flannery; granddaughter Ava Nichole Flannery; sister Tiffany (Matt) Hunter; nephew Landon Hunter; grandfather Jacob Flannery. Robb was preceded in death by grandmothers Roxie Flannery and Donna Meeks; and grandfather Denver Meeks. He also leaves behind many aunt, uncles and cousins. In addition, he leaves his best friends Chad Sorentino, life-long friend Chase Evans, college roommate Mark Hollo and special friends Danny Stacy. Really, there are way too many friends and family to mention, all of whom loved him deeply.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 28 from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM at New Hope Church 4739 W Powell Rd, Powell OH 43065. A "Celebration for Life" will be held immediately following the visitation at 4:00 PM at the Church with time of food and fellowship following the service. For those who will, please be ready to share any "Robb Stories" during the service. In honor of Robb's love for Ohio State Football, we ask that you wear something scarlet and grey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution towards SMA research by making a donation to: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation at https://smafoundation.org or the Muscular Dystrophy Association at https://www.mda.org/ways-to-give

Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell is honored to be assisting the Flannery Family with arrangements.