PORTLAND – Portland resident, John R. Flaherty, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023. Many knew him as “Jack” or his nickname “Flapper”.

He was born on Jan. 9, 1935, the oldest of five children to Martin and Arlene Flaherty. The family soon moved from the Gorham’s corner area of Portland to a home on Fallbrook Street in North Deering where Jack grew up, graduating with honors from Cheverus High School.

He then served his country in the U.S. Army and in the City of Portland Fire Department. After 25 years, he retired from the department in 1985 as Deputy Chief, having never missed a day. By the age of 30, he was also the father of six children. In addition to the fire department, he worked for the Maine Central Railroad for 46 years, as a bartender at Georges Tavern on Munjoy Hill, shuttling cars for Yankee Ford, and as a starter at Riverside Golf Course. He also transported his father daily for years to a Maine Central Railroad office on West Commercial Street where his dad stood at a desk due to his severe arthritis.

Jack loved boating on Casco Bay with his late friends Joe McDonough, Don Webster, and Dick Jensen. The hunting camp in South Paris was also a special place with his buddies John Pompeo and the late Buster Pompeo, Gus Quinn, and especially his late brother, Timmy, with whom he was very close.

Jack was well read and made friends easily, but didn’t care to travel far. The world he loved was anywhere between Long Island and Riverside Golf Course. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and was very proud of their many accomplishments in life and sports.

Jack is survived by his wife and mother of his children, Patricia; daughters Maureen (Fred) Fuller, Kathleen Flaherty (partner Frank Breggia), Colleen Flaherty, Regina Bugbee (husband Jim Woodman), sons Michael Flaherty and Tim (Marie) Flaherty; sister, Terry (David) Bergson, brother, Dennis (Carol) Flaherty, sister-in-law, Therese Flaherty; granddaughters Nicole Fuller, Alexa Bugbee, Michelle (Christopher) Philbrook, grandsons Dan (wife Marissa Hughes) Flaherty and Michael Fuller; great-grandchildren Camden Hughes-Flaherty, Lillian Philbrook, and Caroline Philbrook; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his sister, Donna Hasson and brother, Timmy Flaherty.

Thanks to all who cared for our dad, his primary care doctor, the staff at Maine Medical Center and Gosnell Hospice, Ryan at Riverside Golf Course, and especially to our brother Michael who was always there for Dad.

To leave condolences, please visit http://www.CoastalCremationServices.com.

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