George Flaherty

George H. Flaherty, "Buddy," formerly of Brighton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on April 6, 2024. He was 82 years old. Buddy, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Brighton, Massachusetts, on September 23, 1941. In his youth, Buddy enjoyed friends and shenanigans in the Oak Square area of town. An enthusiastic athlete, he played football and baseball throughout his school years, and spent free time hanging out in Rogers Park. He graduated from Saint Columbkille High School in 1961, then devoted himself to the service of our country. A career soldier, Buddy served valiantly in both the Marines and Army from 1961 through 1989. While in combat in Vietnam in 1969, he was awarded a Silver Star for Heroic Achievement when he extracted wounded comrades near an exploding ammunition bunker while under enemy fire. Buddy graduated from U.S. Army Military Police School in 1975, and became a MP at the United States Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Buddy concluded his military service in 1989 and worked as a corrections officer for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department in Boston until his retirement. A lifelong bachelor, Buddy was beloved by his extended family. A devoted son and brother, he also evolved into everyone's favorite uncle. To his bevy of nieces and nephews he filled the role of mentor, benefactor and playmate. The steadfast love and support he demonstrated made Uncle Buddy an honorary father and grandfather, whose memory will live on through stories told amid laughter. During his golden years, Buddy enjoyed adventure and travel. In colder months he'd jump in his car and head south. He was fond of the Florida Keys, and many years would end up in Fort Myers in time to enjoy Red Sox Spring Training. He was most content, though, at his cottage on Little Sebago Lake in Maine. Among the quiet pines, he enjoyed birdwatching, boating and reading by the water with his cat Fred. It was there that he hosted summer traditions and created enduring memories for family and friends. Buddy was predeceased by his father, George A. Flaherty, his mother, Mary G Flaherty, and his sister, Claire Flaherty Holt. He leaves behind a brother Joseph P. Flaherty and his wife Deborah of Plymouth, MA. Nieces Karen (Todd) Marinaccio, Mary Ellen (Bryan) Johnson and Patty (Steve) Pagan. Jessica (Joe) Holland, Gayle (Chad) Bates and Katie (Justin) Paradis, and nephew Joey Flaherty. Many grand-nieces and grand-nephews will carry his memory into the next generation, including Alex, Greg and Will Marinaccio; David, Emily, Peter and Charles Baizley; Alexander Pagan; Genevieve and Eleanor Holland and Natalie, Molly, Luke, Layla and Kevin Bates; Adley and Leighton Paradis, as well as great-grand nephews Jackson and Lucas Baizley, and special in-laws John Holt, Celeste Laak, Rob Holt and their families and Marge Flaherty. The family would like to thank the team at Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, who cared for Buddy with the dignity and honor due a United States Veteran. In his last days, the skill and compassion of the staff at Maine Medical Center lent comfort and grace to his passing. Donations in his memory may be made to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, a charity that was near to Buddy's heart. (www.stjude.org/donate) Family and friends are invited to gather to remember George Flaherty at Dolby, Blais & Segee Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road in Windham, Maine for Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 5 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm, with a prayer service to follow at 4:00 pm. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road in Springvale, Maine on Monday, May 6 at 10:00 am.

George Flaherty

September 23, 1941 - April 6, 2024

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