Edward P. Flaherty, Sr. Obituary (1926 - 2016)

PORTLAND - Edward P. Flaherty, 90, died Wednesday, November 30, 2016 with his loving family at his side. A lifelong Portland resident, Ed was born on March 8, 1926, the son of Mark J. and Anna Welch Flaherty. Ed raised his family in his childhood home at 23 Bradley St., residing there until his passing. He graduated from Deering High School and the University of New Hampshire after serving his country during World War II in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating from college, Ed worked for Graybar and Central Maine Power Company from which he retired in 1987. In 1953, Ed married Anna Conley Flaherty and together, they raised 8 children. Ed was the ultimate family man. Although very successful in his career, his ultimate happiness came from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was proud of his Irish heritage, and big family, the sight of his family visiting (especially his grandchildren) made his face light up. He was a lifelong Catholic where he was very active at St Patricks Parish having attended St. Patricks School, and continuing his commitment to a Catholic education sending all 8 of his children to St. Patricks and actively participating in the Home and School Association, including serving as President. Although the closing of St. Patricks Church was heartbreaking for him, he remained committed to his Catholic faith. In addition to his loving wife Anna, Ed was predeceased by 7 sisters and one brother: Mary Nelson, Dorothy MacLean, Eileen Leach, Helen Vankevich, Marguerite Schmidt, Matthew Flaherty, Adelaide Luttrell and Agnes Flaherty. Ed will be immensely missed by his surviving family including five daughters: Katherine Flaherty of Franklin, Massachusetts, Joanne Morse of Goffstown, New Hampshire, Rita Renaud and Ellen Flaherty of Scarborough and Ann McCormick of Cape Elizabeth; and three sons: Mark and Matthew of Portland and Edward, Jr. of Washington, DC; his five sons-in law: Steve Schroeder, Larry Morse, Michael Renaud, Jim McCormick and Mark Cohen and one daughter-in law, Kristi Flaherty. Ed is also survived by his 19 grandchildren: Lizzie and Caroline Schroeder, Jessie Morse, Kristen Nielsen, Joey Pelletier, Katie McCabe, Ryan , Eddie, Michael and Molly Flaherty, Allie McCormick, Anna, Matt, Patrick and Mary Kate Flaherty, Andrew, Adam, Alec and Aidan Cohen; four great-grandchildren: Jack and Quinn Flaherty, Tobey McCabe and Morgan Flaherty. The youngest of 10 children, Ed is also survived by his sister, Katherine Massell of Queens, New York. Ed also leaves many nieces and nephews and one sister-in law, Ginny Brogan of South Portland. The Flaherty family wishes to express deep gratitude to Dr. Lisa Almeder and her team, and the R3 Staff in the COR unit for their warm care of their father in his final days. Visiting hours will be heldfrom 3:307:00PM on Friday, December 2, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Saturday, December 3, at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Burial will be in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Eds name to the Preble Street Development Department, 38 Preble Street, Portland, ME 04101