In Memoriam, Philip Thomas Flaherty

It is with a broken heart that I share this announcement. If you knew my father, I guarantee that he made you laugh. If I have ever made you laugh, I learned it from watching him. If you have one, please share a favorite memory -- we could all use a laugh or a smile around here.

Philip Thomas Flaherty, of Mendon, passed away on Saturday, March 8th.

Born in 1950 to the late Joseph and Mary Flaherty, Philip was the fourth of six children and graduated from Hopedale High School in 1969.  He received his MBA from Bridgewater State College and a BS in education from Worcester State College.  He started his career as a teacher in the Rehoboth School system and subsequently became a sales executive at Sweda International, Data General and Sun Microsystems.  A lifelong musician, Phil was the drummer for The Talking Propeller Heads, a satirical corporate band that showcased his contagious sense of humor.

Phil married his high school sweetheart Jacqueline Wade in 1973.  He is survived by his beloved family – wife Jackie; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Lindsay of San Francisco, CA; daughter Leah and son-in-law Jason Moens of Framingham, MA; daughter Lauren Flaherty of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and granddaughters Elliott and Natalie Moens.  He is preceded in death by his sister Judith Yapp, and is survived by his brother Joseph Flaherty, his sisters Marie Krassopoulos, Barbara Luise, and Kathleen Conde. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fans.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Friday, March 21st at the Hopedale Community House, 43 Hope Street, Hopedale MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil’s memory to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Checks can be payable to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and include ‘Philip Flaherty’ in the check memo line. Please send to – BIDMC, Attn: Development, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.