Michael Patrick Flanagan

Often called “Uncle Mike” by family members.

Date of Birth: July 27, 1955

Date of Passing: January 2,2026

Michael Patrick Flanagan, a loving member of the Flanagan clan and a devoted friend to many, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and love.

Michael was born in Mahwah, New Jersey and grew up as a military dependent who lived and traveled worldwide. He attended Vicenza American School in Vicenza Italy and graduated from Bremerhaven American High School in Bremerhaven Germany in 1973. He co-captained his high school football and soccer teams. He achieved 6 All-Conference honors in 3 years. During his senior year, Michael played with a fractured maxilla, missing only one game, yet still made All Europe honors. He attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL on a soccer scholarship where he still holds some records as a goalie. He received a bachelor's degree in social work from USF in 1977.

Over the course of his career, Michael built a distinguished reputation in the field of learning and development with GTE and Verizon Communications. He was particularly proud of his role with Verizon/GTE in achieving recognition for the prestigious Baldridge award under the Clinton administration, traveling to DC with the team receive it.

Michael became known for facilitating and building leadership programs for FassForward Consulting Group where his work touched thousands of individuals and organizations to grow with purpose and vision. Over his 45-year career Michael had work assignments in Venezuela, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Budapest Hungary, Sri Lanka, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Macau, and the Dominican Republic. He often said that his travels gave him a different world view that helped him appreciate diverse cultures and people.

Michael had a passion for travel, helping others and sharing good meals with those he loved. He was a voracious reader, an amateur historian, and a seeker of great conversations. His interests ranged from history, philosophy, and leadership development. He found peace in nature, solitude, quiet mornings, and loving friendships.

Michael is survived by his loving partner, Paula Gastenveld, whose love and companionship were a blessing late in life. He often said to Paula “if I had met you sooner, I would have loved you longer.”

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Janet Ann (Glasgow) and William James Flanagan, both of whom are buried in Arlington National Cemetery, and his brother Danny.

He leaves behind his daughter Kara Flanagan, granddaughter Kyra, and grandson Cason. Also, his brothers – Billy, Timothy, and his “little” sister Tara Eve Mitchell. Michael was blessed to have incredible relationships with his nephews and nieces – Kelly, Christopher, Brandon, Michael, Ashley, Shane Ryan, and Cody, along with a close circle of friends he considered family.

Michael’s relationships were marked by many shared experiences, humor, deep conversations, and unwavering loyalty for those he loved.

Michael will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his commitment to decency, his generosity, and his belief that every life has a story worth telling.

Michael expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he had, the people he loved, and the experiences he cherished.

In his final reflections, he wished for those he leaves behind to "Be curious, be kind, and take nothing for granted."

In lieu of flowers, Michael requested that donations be made to Employment Horizons 10 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927.

A celebration of his life will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at 2:30pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Guests are welcome to arrive at 2pm.