Obituary of Philip Flaherty

Philip A. Flaherty, 79, of Pocono Pines, died Thursday, September 4, 2014 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre. He was the loving husband of Madeline (Pierce) Flaherty with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Born in Queens, N.Y., he was the son of the late Robert and Lucille (Patten) Flaherty. Philip was a Veteran of the US Navy, and served in the Underwater Demolition Team during the Korean War. He was an auto mechanic and owner of Iron Horse Auto in Orwell, VT, as well as an instructor for the auto mechanic program at Job Corps of Vermont. He was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and member of "Freedom of Road Riders", and organized charity rides to benefit Special Olympics and Down Syndrome research. Philip was fascinated by his Sioux Indian heritage and studied it throughout his life. Philip was quick to help those in need, seeking nothing in return but for those he helped to pass good deeds on to others. In addition to his wife, Madeline, he is survived by his children: Philip Flaherty, Jr. and his wife, Nancy; and their sons, Matthew Flaherty, currently serving in the United States Army, Philip Flaherty III; Maureen DiBrienze and her husband, Michael and their children, Michael and his wife Sheri, and Rosie DiBrienze; William Flaherty and his wife Michelle, and their daughter Farah; Judeann Flaherty and her daughter, Alison; Andrea Ochs and her children, Gabrielle and Riley; Keith Flaherty and his wife, Jess and their children, Ian Walter and Logan Alistar; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, Maureen McGuire and her husband, Mike. Private Cremation has been entrusted to Bolock Funeral Home Crematory.