George E. Flanagan

Born in Fall River the son of the late Hugh and Margaret (O’Neil) Flanagan he was a lifelong resident of the city. George met his future wife Mary Boardman while a student at BMC Durfee High School, he graduating in 1939, and Mary the following year. On leave from military duty, George and Mary were married in December 1943 at St. Williams Church of the city. Best man was John Flanagan and matron of honor was Phoebe (Boardman) Lyons.

Having completed diesel engine mechanic school, Mr. Flanagan served his country during World War II in the United States Coast Guard as Motor Machinist Mate 2nd Class on Coast Guard Cutter 83405 off the coast of Cuba. The couple returned to Fall River where they resided on Newport Street from 1949 to the present. He established George E Flanagan Plumbing & Heating in 1954, working throughout the area until his retirement in 1995. A Master Plumber, he was a long-term member of the Massachusetts Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association, serving one term as Fall River chapter president. He additionally served on Diman Regional Vocational Plumbing Advisory Board from the program’s inception in 1970 into retirement. He also served on the Fall River Water Board, was a long-term member of the Clover Club and the Knights of Columbus, and sixty year parishioner at the Holy Name church.

Beginning in 1957 Mr. Flanagan became an avid sailor, joined in this passion by his brothers’ John and Hugh and brother-in-law Jack Lyons. With his wife Mary and children as crew, the family spent many happy hours sailing the waters of Narragansett Bay, Cuttyhunk Island, and Martha’s Vineyard. His last and favorite sailboat was the “Humble Tiger”.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children George J. Flanagan and companion Maureen Estes of Swansea, Robert H. Flanagan of Denver, CO, Joan Majcher and her husband David of Jacksonville, FL and Nancy M. Flanagan of St. Croix, VI; a brother Hugh Flanagan of Vermont, a sister Grace Flanagan of Fall River; eight grandchildren Lynne Chisholm, married to Daniel, Greg Flanagan, David, Kristen and Lauren Majcher, Erin Hagens, married to Eddie, and Leslie and Andy Feldman; four great grandchildren Mark, Michael and Amanda Chisholm and Noelle Hagens and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Flanagan was also the brother of the late Margaret Flanagan, Anne Santoro, Louise Donnelly and John Flanagan.

Visiting Hours will be from 4-7pm Tuesday at the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT CHERRY PLACE 178 Winter St., Fall River. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 with the Funeral Mass at 9am in the Holy Name Church 709 Hanover St., Fall River, and burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. For tributes and directions visit: www.waring-sullivan.com