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John Ward Flaherty

FUNERAL HOME

Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City

500 Westlake Avenue

Daly City, California

John Flaherty Obituary

John Ward Flaherty Born December 5, 1923, John passed away August 17, 2007, surrounded by his family, after a fearless battle with cancer. He was a loving husband of 56 years to Lucia; a devoted father to his children: Stephen (Julie), Diane Petruzzella (Corrado), John II (Maria), Timothy, Elaine, Daniel (Joan), Maria De Palma (John); a beloved grandfather to Stephen Jr., Jacqueline and Mario Flaherty; Elizabeth and Anthony Petruzzella; John III and Francesca Flaherty; Timothy Jr. and Brianna Flaherty; Daniel Jr., Katharine and Colleen Flaherty; and Alex De Palma. Preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth Flaherty; brother, Thomas J. Flaherty; sister, Bernandette McVeigh; and sister-in-law, Ruth Calonico. A caring brother-in-law to Fred and LaVerne Calonico and John E. Calonico; cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. John was a native and lifelong resident of San Francisco; graduate of Star of the Sea, Saint Ignatius (1941), CCSF and University of SF. John was a decorated Marine receiving the Bronze Star as a tank commander at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Retired as a battalion chief after 40 years in the SFFD where his leadership and firefighting skills were legendary. He was a tough and accomplished basketball player and official; a passionate cyclist who enjoyed long rides along the Russian River. John enjoyed watching his grandchildren engaging in various academic and sports activities and was proud of all their achievements. Executive member, Board of Directors, Rio Nido Homeowners Association. He was an extraordinary man, with a big laugh and a huge heart. Friends may visit Tuesday from 3:00 - 5:00pm at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City, and after 6:30pm at Church of Epiphany, Vienna and Amazon Sts, SF, where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:30pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11:00am at Church of the Epiphany. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made in John's memory to the Church of the Epiphany Building Fund, 845 Vienna Ave., SF, CA 94112, or Kaiser Hospice Services, 4131 Geary Blvd., 3rd Fl., SF, CA 94118.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 19 to Aug. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Flaherty

24 Entries

Stephen Compass

August 31, 2007

To "Big John's" family & friends . . . I am very sorry for your loss. I had only met him for a brief moment in time, but the feeling was all so delightful. And in the words of Kahlil Gibran, . . .
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

Bill Richardson

August 22, 2007

This is how Big John would have said it: NOW LISTEN!! WHO SAID I WAS A MARINE!! NOT ME!! NOW LISTEN!! ALL YOU GUYS ARE FULL OF BULL!! THE ONLY REASON YOU ARE HERE WITH ME TONIGHT IS TO SEE ALL THE OTHER GUYS!! I DID THIS TO GET YOU ALL TOGETHER AGAIN!! TELL SOME STORIES, SHOOT SOME HOOPS, FIGHT SOME FIRES, AND ANOTHER THING!!! LISTEN...THERE IS TO BE NO LAUGHING TONIGHT!!!
If there was to be an SFFD banquet tonight, would that be a bit of Big John?
I love you,
BIll Richardson (Ephiphany Church last night was ROCKING...and that's the way Big John would want it! So LISTEN!!

Ted Cercos

August 22, 2007

On behalf of my family I wish to express our sincerest condolences to the Flaherty family. John was a great man. We all have wonderful memories of him and were fortunate to have known him.

Cindy Passanisi

August 21, 2007

To the Flaherty family, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, firefighter and friend to all. Rio Nido will not be the same without his leadership and presence at the barbecues and around the pool. The memories our families shared together will linger and forever stay in our hearts. The Passanisi Family.

Larry Giovacchini

August 20, 2007

All of us who had the pleasure of working with Big John knew of that quiet strength he had. He could say more with one look that most men could with a paragraph. When he did speak people listened because he always had something meaningful to say. The monologues at banquets were priceless. His voice and laugh came from way down deep in his heart. My sympathy to you Steve and Family. It was an honor to work with your dad.

John Wyman

August 20, 2007

Flaherty Family, I really don't need to say it; you all know what a class act your Dad was, and it shows in all his children. Godspeed, Big John.

Andrew Trapani

August 20, 2007

On behalf of the entire Trapani Family John will be missed. His time up at the Russian River brought great pleasure to all of his many friends.

Donna Sylvestri

August 20, 2007

Dear Lucy and family, my heart and prayers go out to all of you. John was such a remarkable man and left such a wonderful legacy through all his children and grand-children.

Bob Molinari

August 20, 2007

I remember as a young fireman in Batt. 1. a lot of nervous eyes would watch Big John at a fire. If he wasn't worried, neither were we. Looking back now my memory is that he was never worried. A great role model and a concrete wall under the hoop. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him.
We'll all miss him but will never forget him.

Sandra Belluomini

August 20, 2007

Dear Elaine: my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I lost my mom 5 years ago this month from cancer and I know how hard this is for you and your family.

RON APOSTOLI

August 20, 2007

I shall remember always the spine-tingling feeling and will never forget the thunderous sound from the standing ovation that he would receive each and every time I had the overwhelming privilege of announcing to a packed audience:
"And now Ladies and Gentlemen here is..... BIG JOHN FLAHERTY!"
Deepest regrets to Steve and the rest of the family.

Marlene Betsch-Rasmussen

August 20, 2007

So sorry to hear of Mr.Flaherty's passing. My uncle was at 3 truck, Harry Syvertsen. I went to school with John at Epiphany, Your family is in our prayers.

Benny Apostoli

August 19, 2007

Our condolences to the Flaherty family. 'Big John' will be missed by all who knew him. He was a GIANT of a MAN. His laughter and powerful voice will remain in my heart forever.

Steve Srock

August 19, 2007

John Flaherty IS a great person and lives forever, as his spirit never rests. John always took the time to interact with the "block kids" playing football or basketball on Lapham, as busy as his agenda was.........he just always availed himself. An icon for sure for our "block", for Lapham Way. These memories, like John, are infinite.

Jack Sherratt

August 19, 2007

Words can hardly describe this outstanding and wonderful man. He was a "man's man!" All who worked with John, down through the years, observed John as a man who lived his life in a way we all admired. Yes, he was like a "silent giant" who DEMONSTRATED his great character. Most of the time "Big John" was quiet, but when he spoke up we all heard his message - and then his "gigantic laugh!" All of us who knew him have been blessed! His work on earth is over, but he has left a legacy of admiration for all of us. May the Good Lord Bless His Soul! Jack Sherratt, San Francisco Fire Department, Retired

James and Marilynn Ahern

August 19, 2007

Please accept our condolences and know that John and the Flaherty family will be in our thoughts and prayers. John was a leader, an inspiration, and a role model to all those who knew him. His presence will be greatly missed.

Tony Simi

August 19, 2007

John made it a better world for anyone who knew him. He has left us all with so many fond memories.
Truly the best.
God bless John and his family!!

James Lee

August 19, 2007

I just herd of John's passing and would like to say that John was truely one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers go to all of the clan.

Tom Kurpinsky

August 19, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the Flaherty family. "Big John" was truly one of the best people I have met in my life. He was a great role model for me and I know he made me a better person. Chief I know I will see you again. I am sure you will have the pastries ready for us and I hope a game of basketball set up with some Pedro to follow. May God Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace.

Harry &Joan Brophy

August 19, 2007

Our best to the Flaherty family. We have so many great memories of John. What a role model. We will miss John. God Bless.

Michael Paulsen

August 19, 2007

John, My wife Laura and I are so sorry for your loss. I remember him visiting us at the old Co.E. and what a good guy he was! Our prayers are with you and your family.

Mike & Laura Paulsen

Tom Kurpinsky

August 19, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the family of "Big John". He was truly one of the best people I have met in my life. I know I am a better person for having known him. I will always remember him and think of him when I hear that Big Laugh of his that plays in my brain sometimes. We will meet again Chief. I know you will have the pastries waiting and I hope a game of basketball and then pedro will follow. God Bless the Flaherty Family.

BOBBY HAGGETT

August 19, 2007

DEAR LUCY,BIG JOHN WAS MY ALLTIME HERO.HE WAS MY BOSS AT 3 ENGINE AND AT 4 TRUCK.I REMEBER HIS GREAT STRENGTH AS A FIREFIGHTER.ONE FIRE HE GRAB ME BY THE BACK OF NECK AND PULLED ME OUT OF THE BURNING BUILDING AND SET ME DOWN ON THE GROUND LIKE A LITTLE BABY.HE WAS A GREAT LEADER OF MAN. HE HAD A GREAT LAFF WHEN SOMETHING FUNNY HAPPEND.HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MEMORY AS THE GREATEST MAN I EVER WORK WITH.

Pedro & Dolores Carrillo

August 18, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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