Walter A. Flaherty of Hampton Bays died on March 23. He was 96.
Born to Thomas and Elizabeth Flaherty on September 10, 1919, he was part of a large Irish family. Mr. Flaherty had worked at the 1939 New York World’s Fair before joining the U.S. Army in 1942; he was a member of the 714 Tank Battalion. He was in the second wave of attack in the Omaha Beach, Normandy, invasion. At the end of the war, he returned to Ridgewood, Queens, as a decorated veteran and began his career with Gulf Oil Corporation.
Soon after, he met Elsie, the woman who would become his wife. They had three children, Walter Jr., Karen and Paul.
Survivors said Mr. Flaherty had strong family values and a commitment to St. Matthias Parish in Ridgewood. He was very active in his community as a member of the St. Matthias Holy Name Society, Ancient Order of the Hibernians 18th Division, Knights of Columbus #1814 Honor Guard 4th degree, VFW Post 123 and the Ridgewood Democratic Club.
Upon retiring in 1983, Mr. Flaherty and his wife moved to Hampton Bays.
He was an avid model railroader and a collector of pinball machines and jukeboxes. He also continued with community service in Hampton Bays. A lifelong member of the Tiana Shores Association and Hand Aldrich Post 924, he also served as an usher at the Church of St. Rosalie for 20 years. After the death of his wife, he became very active at the Hampton Bays Senior Center, making everyone laugh with his quick humor and his love of singing.
Mr. Flaherty is survived by two sons, Walter and partner Georgia of Colorado, Paul and wife Linda of Glendale, New York; former daughter-in-law, Jennifer Flaherty of Kingston, New York; grandchildren, Jessica Flaherty of California, Joseph Flaherty of Queens, Alisa Flaherty and husband Perry of Virginia, Christopher Heyen and wife Millie of Oklahoma and Sean Flaherty of Queens; and great-grandchildren, Giuliana and Karen Heyen; and an expected great-grandchild, Elsa Ann; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his dog, Cuzzy.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie; daughter, Karen Novak; brothers, William Flaherty, Frankie Flaherty, Joseph Flaherty, Jimmy Flaherty; and sisters, Cecelia Watkins, Helen Mc Greggor, Mary Schmitt, Vera Stroh and Marguerite Flaherty.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays. A funeral Mass took place at the Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays.
on Apr 4, 2016