DR. JOHN RAYMOND FLAHERTY, longtime North Adams optometrist, 95, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at North Adams Commons. He was born in North Adams, MA on August 19, 1921 a son to the former Police Chief John Flaherty and his wife, Mabel. He attended St. Joseph’s Grammar and High School in North Adams graduating with the class of 1939. He attended St. Michael’s College until 1943 when he joined the US Navy Flight School and became a Navy pilot. He was stationed in Brazil doing anti-submarine patrol duty. He was discharged as a Lieutenant in early 1946 and enrolled in the New England College of Optometry. Upon graduation he became associated with Dr. John Shea, then the president of the American Optometric Association. In January, 1950 he opened his own practice in his hometown of North Adams, retiring in 1988.
Dr. Flaherty was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, acolyte and usher. He was a member of the American Legion Post 125, the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists, American Society of Optometrists and the Northern Berkshire Retired Men’s Club. He enjoyed bridge, woodworking, gardening and bowled with the N.B. Retired Men’s Club.
Dr. Flaherty married his wife, the former Helen Donovan on June 22, 1946 in Rutland, VT. she died November 12, 2016. Survivors include his two sons, John E. Flaherty and his wife, Susan of PA and Edward Flaherty of North Adams, two grandchildren, Shannon Lurenz and Shaun Flaherty and a sister, Carol Porier. He was predeceased by a brother, William Flaherty.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Dr. John Raymond Flaherty will take place on Saturday, March 18 at 9a.m. in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams, MA. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 17 from 4-6p.m. at the Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, CENTRALCHAPEL, 74 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA. Memorial donations are suggested for the Harper Center in Williamstown through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.