Robert J. Flaherty

Robert J. Flaherty, Jr., beloved husband of Mary A. (Williams) Flaherty, passed away on Friday, December 30th, 2022, at the age of 85.  Born in Boston, he is the beloved son of the late Robert J. and Pasqualina ((D’Alelio) Flaherty.
 

Bob grew up in Charlestown and was a graduate of Boston College High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University.  Bob and his wife Mary married and lived in Charlestown before settling in Andover in 1974 to raise their three boys.  He worked as an engineer at AVCO/Textron Defense Systems for 39 years until his retirement.  
 

You could always find him under a hood of a car or doing the latest "do it yourself" project.  He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid bike rider.  Bob enjoyed traveling, vacationing with family and his greatest joy came from being with his grandchildren and family.

Bob was a kind, generous, and unassuming man.  He will be deeply missed by his loving family and many friends.
 

In addition to leaving his wife of 61 years, Mary, he is the devoted father of Robert J. Flaherty, III and his wife Susan of North Andover, Richard J. Flaherty and his wife Lisa of Salem, NH and Michael J. Flaherty of Wellesley.  Cherished grandfather of Michaella, Ryan, Catherine, Daniel, Shannon Flaherty and Susan McLaren.  Bob was predeceased by his sister Eleanor Porro and  brother Gerard Flaherty.

Family and friends are cordially invited to an hour of visitation at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Wednesday, January 4th, 2022 from 9 to 10am, followed by  a Funeral Mass, celebrated at St. Theresa's Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading at 10:30am. 

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover.
 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob's Memory to a Charity of One's Choice.  
 

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