Richard Thomas Flanagan

Richard Thomas Flanagan, 83, of Palm Beach, Florida, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 24, 2022 after a two-year illness.

He cherished his family and leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary (nee Kelly); five children - Monica, Richard (Colleen), Matthew (Mary), Megan (Steven Miller) and Justin (Meghan); 10 beautiful grandchildren – Emily Flanagan, Kelly Miller, Matthew Flanagan, Ryan Miller, Caroline Flanagan, Keel Flanagan, Molly Flanagan, Cassidy Flanagan, Arch Flanagan and Dale Flanagan; sisters Mazie Valiulis (John), Kathleen Flanagan Barraclough (Walter), Erin Flanagan Lazard and brother John Flanagan; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by beloved siblings James, Nancy Beale and Patricia Leahy.

Richard was born in Manhattan to the late Richard and Pearle (nee Coxe) Flanagan and attended All Hallows Elementary School, Cardinal Farley Military Academy, Iona Prep and Fordham University where he formed lifelong friendships.

Richard’s early career was dedicated to service: first in the United States Army, stationed in Fort Dix, later working at JOIN, a New York City Agency devoted to finding employment for underprivileged young men and women and subsequently as Deputy Commissioner in the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. He was also a member of the Downtown Athletic Club and served as Chair and Publisher of the Heisman Journal for several years.

Later in his professional life, Richard (“Dick”) worked in the private sector enjoying a long career at International Thomson’s Transport Press and finally as owner and publisher of World-Gen Magazine, a publication focusing on the renewable energy sector. World-Gen brought him to top energy sites throughout the world.

While studying at Fordham, he developed a keen interest in the arts. He was instrumental in having the works of William G. Congdon, the famed abstract expressionist, displayed at the main entrance of the Vatican Pavilion at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair.

RTF will be most remembered by loved ones for his positive outlook and big smile, and the grace and elegance in which he lived life to the fullest despite his COPD. His memory will forever be cherished by his loving family and friends.

His requiem mass will be held at 11am on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 at St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church in Palm Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the COPD foundation in Richard’s name at: Let's Fight COPD Together | Support the COPD Foundation.