Flaherty, Martin

Martin J. Flaherty, Sr. “Marty”, age 85 of Wilmington, died Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the Winchester Hospital.

Marty was born on July 23, 1923, in Galway, Ireland, he was the son of the late Martin J. & Mary Ellen (Schofield) Flaherty. He immigrated to the United States as a small child with his family and they settled in Dorchester, MA. Marty attended Boston Latin School and was a graduate of Boston English High School. Following High School, Marty worked for the First National Stores until he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II.

He served aboard the USS LST 602 Vessel and was a Champion Lightweight Boxer for the 6th Fleet. Marty was involved many missions and received two letters of Commendation for his service, he was honorably discharged in 1946. Marty returned to his job at the First National Stores until they closed and then went to work for the Unites States Post Office as a maintenance control supervisor until he retired in 1996. Marty married Virginia R. Fitzpatrick on October 2, 1948 and they moved to Wilmington in 1956 to raise their family. Marty quickly became involved in the community, he coached Wilmington Little League for over 17 years, he then umpired Little League and girls softball for many years. He was an active member of St. Thomas of Villanova Church, he was the first president of St. Thomas Holy Name and belonged to the training team that taught CCD teachers at St. Thomas. Marty was also a CCD teacher for many years. Marty was a 3rd Degree Member of the Fr. Croke Council Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Member of the Bishop Delaney Assembly. In his spare time, Marty enjoyed bowling, playing cards, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Marty is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years Virgina R. (Fitzpatrick) Flaherty. He was the devoted father of Anne Urtiaga & her husband Daniel of Alabama, Martin J. Flaherty, Jr. & his wife Janice of Maryland, Janet Flaherty=2 0& Thomas Sarelas of Maryland, Thomas Flaherty & his wife Donna of West Barnstable, Mary Angles & her husband Alberto of No. Andover, Lynne Melaragni & her husband Paul of Wilmington, and the late Jack Flaherty, loving grandfather of Erin Finney, Jeanne Daw, Jack Finney, Martin J. III & Devon Flaherty, Amy Watkins, Thomas Jr., Katelyn & Jaclyn Flaherty, Brianna, Christopher, John, Samuel, & Lucas Angles, Gianna & Isabella Melaragni, great-grandfather of Thomas Gonzales, Liam, Emma & Kean Daw, and Grace & Aiden Finney, dear brother of Clare Flaherty of Norwood and the late John Flaherty, Clement Flaherty, Mary Burke, and Patricia Lee. Marty is also survived by many brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and his dear friends Suzi & Kelly Cushing of Wilmington.

Family & friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, October 6th at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Sunday, October 5th from 4-8 p.m.

Memorial donations in Martin’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.

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