John Martin Flaherty

Cumberland – John Martin Flaherty, also known as “Flatz”, 69, died on June 26, 2025, at his home in Cumberland Foreside surrounded by his family and friends.

John was born on April 30, 1956, in Portland, Maine to John and Anne Flaherty, where he grew up in his treasured Cape Elizabeth home on Elmwood Road. John shared great memories of his time growing up in Cape Elizabeth. He enjoyed playing basketball, fighting off bats in the house, and going on adventures at Fort Williams. As he grew older, John became an avid golfer, his favorite course was the Portland Country Club, where he and his friends would make jokes and create memories around the putting green.

John graduated from Kent High School and started a lasting career for the United States Post Office. After retirement, John worked part time at the Yarmouth Amvets and later for Chebeague Island Transportation. John lived out the end of his life in his dream job where he got to watch the ocean, read the paper, and make lifelong friends as he assisted in managing the local Chebeague parking lot and boat launch for his dear “islanders.”

With his quick wit and generous heart, John made friends wherever he went. His laugh was loud, boisterous, and infectious. His smile, humor, and empathy for others was magnetic. His passion for life was unmatched. John shined under every light that hit him, but always made sure to share that light with the people around him, especially his loved ones. John will be remembered as a true Irishman, as he was a lover of music, the life of any party, a friend to all, and the king of the traditional “Irish goodbye.”

John is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his daughters, Shannon and Sarah; his siblings, Jane (Jeff), Nancy (Jimmy), Maureen (Ray), Robert (Sherrie); his in-laws, Maureen (Jamie), Chrissy (Dave), Kathleen, Bridget; and several nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

An 11am Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 326 Main St., Yarmouth, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with a reception after at Pat’s Pizza in Yarmouth. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074