Obituary of Thomas Flaherty

Thomas J. Flaherty, Jr. was a man who believed in country, community and family. He was born and raised in Winchester and was a graduate of Winchester High School. Tom joined the U.S. Navy shortly after World War II began. He served as an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class on the U.S.S. Yorktown CV-10 until his discharge in 1946. Among his many awards and citations, his family is most proud that he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Gold Star and the Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars. Tom, Alma and Thomas III moved to Burlington in 1950 and very quickly embraced the town and community. He was devoted to his family and provided them with inspiration on the importance of giving back to the community. Tom began managing Babe Ruth baseball teams in the 1960’s ending his service as the District Director. Tom was a member of the Burlington Democratic Town Committee for many years and served as Chair for many years. Tom served as a Recreation Commissioner from 1965-1973. He was instrumental building parks and programs throughout the town. Tom served on the Marshall Simonds Board of Trustees until his death. In 1973, Tom was elected to the Board of Selectmen. He served until 1982. He was the Chair for two of his nine years on the board. When looking back on his years of service, Tom was most proud that he and the board kept taxes as low as possible while continuing to support the still growing community. He was an ardent supporter of bringing the Lahey Clinic to Burlington. Former Lahey Clinic C.E.O., Dr. Robert Wise repeatedly stated that if not for Tom’s efforts, the Clinic would not have been able to move to Burlington. Tom was a charter member of the Burlington Rotary Club and served one year as president. He was one of the club’s first Paul Harris Fellow awardees. In 2006, he was honored with the Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award. In all endeavors, Tom lived to the motto of Rotary International: “Service Above Self.” While serving the community, Tom never forgot his love and commitment to his family. He worked hard to provide a loving home for his family. His home was a home where his children’s friends were not only welcome but wanted. Tom was also a good friend. He will be remembered for his good humor and wit. When one was at a function with Tom, times were never dull. He was known for good-natured pranks especially at Rotary meetings. If you left a meeting with spoons in your purse or pocket, you knew that you were considered a friend. For a while, Tom also entertained his colleagues with the use of his laser pointer directed at guest speakers and certain members of the club. Tom was a member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Tom began working as a police officer for the Boston & Maine Rail Road shortly after the end of WW II. In the late 1950’s, he went to work for Technical Operations, a local company. In short time, he became the Plant Engineer of the company. In 1975, his building was purchased by Wang Laboratories. He joined Wang as the Plant Engineer. His talent and character were admired by Dr. An Wang. When Tom retired from Wang in 1987, he was the Corporate Director of Real Estate, Security and Facilities. Rather than retiring from work completely, Tom served as the Director of Facilities for the Burlington School Department from 1987 until finally retiring in 1990. He very much enjoyed his three years working with the schools and made many additional friends there. The motto of Rotary International is, “Service Above Self.” Thomas J. Flaherty, Jr. dedicated his entire lifetime to serving his country, family and community above himself. He made quite a difference in the lives of many people. He remains an inspiration to all. Tom was the beloved husband of the late Alma B. (Russell). He was the loving father of Thomas J. Flaherty, III & his wife Shirley of Burlington, Richard Flaherty& his wife Janice Burns of Millis, Colleen Grady & her husband Michael of North Port, FL, and Shawn Flaherty & his wife Judy of Newburyport. Brother of Barbara McHugh of Winchester, the late Margaret Crowley, the late Richard Flaherty and the late Francis Flaherty. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, May 22 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the Tidewell Hospice, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.