Paul F. Flanigan

Born in Hartford, CT, a son of the late Thomas J. and Margaret (Wheeler) Flanigan, he lived in Boston, MA, and San Diego, California, prior to settling in Swansea almost sixty years ago.

A Veteran of the United States Air Force, he served during the Korean War as a historian. He received his Master’s degree in Classical Languages (summa cum laude) in 1958 from Harvard University. Mr. Flanigan was an educator at Joseph Case High School for 24 years before his retirement. He was the language arts instructor having taught Latin, German, Spanish and Art.

He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church where he previously served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. He belonged to the Taunton Rod and Gun Club, the Somerset Sportsman Club, and the Fall River Art Association. An accomplished artist, his paintings had been exhibited annually at the Fall River Historical Society Palette Pictures Exhibition. He enjoyed working with both watercolor and oil paints. He was an excellent gardener and always had fresh tomatoes and asparagus for the table and a colorful display of zinnias.

An avid reader and lover of poetry, he compiled, edited, and illustrated a book of his late wife Marion’s poems titled “The Pale Cast of Thought,” which was published in 2018. A gifted writer himself, Paul translated the complete “Eclogues" of Virgil and numerous odes of Horace, and he staunchly practiced the generous art of personal letter writing to friends and family through to his last days. He always enjoyed the peaceful times spent with his wife Marion reading, sketching, and fishing.

He is survived by two daughters, Martha B. Flanigan of Swansea, Ruth J. Flanigan and her husband William C. Gucfa of Rehoboth; one son, Thomas G. Flanigan and his wife Katherine E. Kickel of Hamilton, OH, and two grandchildren, Lily H. Gucfa and Colin P. Flanigan. He was the brother of the late Thomas W. and Richard J. Flanigan. He was the father-in-law of the late Maurice P. Durette, Jr.

Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, his funeral service will be private. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Fall River Historical Society, 451 Rock St., Fall River, MA 02720.