The light in our universe has dimmed most decidedly with the passing of our beloved Bill.  As words of grief and profound, personal remembrance continue to fill these pages, we struggle to capture the intense loss we feel in our hearts to adequately express just how much he meant to us for the more than 46 years that he touched our lives.  Plain and simple…Bill was the most kind and decent human being we’ve had the joy and privilege to know. Our friendship endured for so many reasons.  He loved Cindy and his precious sons, Peter, David, Bill and their families. He embraced his faith, his passion to give back and pay forward that was guided by his “true north” of doing what was right. Bill had the uncanny capacity to tilt his lens ever so slightly and see a different angle on whatever came his way! Our memories are filled to the brim with celebrations together…of holidays spent around the table filled with an abundance of Italian food, family and friends…our annual July 4th gatherings with Bill’s camera and tri-pod reliably in tow to take our group photo…of toasting in another new year with champagne…and movies galore that we saw together (the good, the bad and the really ugly). We will miss your presence in our lives and will remember the enduring love and friendship that we’ll treasure, forever.    

Peace be with you, Bill….and to Cindy, Peter, David, Bill…and the entire Flaherty family
All our love,
Margie, Jerry, Michael and Julia Pizzuti

Bills steadfast calm presence helped me through many tough spots. Always constructive , always kind , always a gentle man.
I wish I took more time in our later years to get know both him and Cindy better. 
Thanks you for a beautiful service and thank you for being such good people band caring friends

Bill was a friend, mentor and role model to me.  As the Director of FC Child Support, I reported to Bill in his capacity as Deputy County Administrator. I remember his calm presence and even keel personality.   He treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, even when agency operations didn't always go as planned.  I will miss his spirit, and his reassuring smile.  

With deepest sympathy to his friends and family,

Susan A. Brown

Very sorry for your loss. My family has made a small donation to "Operation Smile" in Bill's name.

Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of William Flaherty.

Heavenly Sentiments Spray was purchased for the family of William Flaherty.

I met Bill and Cindy in the McGovern for President campaign of 1972. Like me, they traveled from state to state in the primaries as field organizers. The two of them competed to be the nicest one. We hit it off right away. 

We were all posted to Ohio for the general election where we worked closely with so many of the people who would become Bill's personal and professional network the rest of his career. I have no stories I remember from that intense fall, other than they were very good at field organizing, recruiting and leading volunteers and other staff. He and Cindy were an incredible, tireless team who took on increasing responsibilities as the campaign proceeded. But I do remember that after our defeat it was Bill and Cindy and one other friend I wanted to be with. I remember meeting them at his home in Kearny and the four of us spending several idyllic days in my family's cottage in the Berkshires. Sadly, that was the last time I spent a lot of time with them, although I was blessed to reconnect in the last several years. Rest in peace, my old friend.

Bill was kind, thoughtful, generous and a friend you could rely on. He didn’t need to say much about his values because they were visible in everything he said or did.  As a leader he exercised “pull” power, asking good questions and listening to the answers.  Throughout his illness, he and Cindy modeled a calm strength that was rare and inspiring.  We will always miss him….    Jill and Jerry Hultin

Bill was a WONDERFUL neighbor and friend to us for 20 years on Tremont Rd.  We missed he and Cindy tremendously when they moved, and will miss Bill's spirit, and friendly nature forever. Our heartfelt prayers to Cindy, Peter, David, and Bill.  

With love, Linda, Stu, Andy and Charlie Little

I didn't know him for many years but I remember that all the times I saw him he was smiling and he always had conversation, asking questions or sharing some stories about his Family. My biggest condolences to the whole family. He is now an Angel

Just beautiful. My thoughts and prayers to Cindy and family

Cindy, I just learned of Bill’s passing. You have my most heartfelt condolences! Kindness personifies both of you! Grieve and heal through your memories of your amazing life together!

Mary Lou Langenhop

BF and I were friends and co-workers for over 40 years. He was a beautiful man dedicated to family, friends and civility. When God made BF, he threw away the mold. There is not a human being in this world who could compare with his generosity and good will. He will be sorely missed by us all. Rest In Peace, BF. I Love You....dg

I know Willy from my school days at King's College through his closest friends Jiim and Leroy. He was a great King's Man and always exemplified what our faith and fellowship meant to his family, friends and country. We are all better to have Bill as an example of what we all strive to be.....positive, loving, sharing and "Will"ing to do the best for family and friends..God bless his soul.

May the Perpetual Light shine upon Bill Flaherty -- a good and kind man.

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of William Flaherty.

My condolences to the Flaherty family on their loss of William.

What a tremendous loss as Bill certainly was one of the good guys. Sending love and hugs to Cindy and family. May his memory be eternal.

Bill was such a kind person. He was always interested in mentoring the younger employees at the county, encouraging them to pursue their education and career paths. He always spoke of his pride and his love for Cindy and their children. I am sad to hear of his passing and regret that I had not seen him in recent years.

Bill was instrumental in my education on public service. As a young intern at Franklin County, Bill took me under his wing and encouraged and pushed me to do more and see things differently. His long record of service includes all the people like me he influenced and taught along the way - more than we will ever know. My thoughts are with his family, his pride and joy :heart:

Dear Cindy and family,  David and I were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  We first met Bill around the mid 70s and he was always so kind and so nice.  We hope you find comfort at this time surrounded by family and friends.  Sara and David Larson

I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill at the Corporation for Supportive Housing. He was so generous and kind to me and he was amazingly supportive to me as a new staff person, in another office, learning the organization. I really appreciated his warmth and caring. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm holding all of Bill's family in my heart as I remember him as a deeply caring person who worked for justice in the world.

Bill was the "real deal." His love for Cindy, the "boys" and their spouses, the grandchildren, and his extended family was tangible.  His integrity, commitment and intelligence made our communities, city and state better places to live. 
My sympathy and prayers are with you - Cindy, Pete, Dave, Bill and all your family. Thank you for sharing this extraordinary man with us, especially at Newman. He will be remembered and greatly missed.  

Kay Meyer

I knew Bill when he worked for Franklin County and I wrote for The Dispatch. He gave me a book one day that he thought I'd be interested in, and I thanked him and promised to return it. He said no, pass it on to someone else who'd like it. He said he and his wife decided that books aren't meant to sit on shelves, that they should be passed on and shared so others can enjoy them. I have followed that wisdom ever since! He was a kind man, a true public servant.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy and the family.  Bill was always such a pleasant person.  He was always calm under pressure and made me feel welcomed and valuable all the time we worked together.  My daughter, Erika always had a smile on her face when she spoke of Bill; and you too Cindy!  His smile and his chuckle will be missed.  Love to all and God Bless You.
Danni Palmore

For me you have always been “Bill and Cindy,” always partners. I can’t imagine how painful this parting must be, Cindy. I pray that Bill’s forever smile greets you often in the faces of family and friends, that his kindness haunts you gently through the years. He can’t be that far away, I believe his compassionate ear may hear us still.

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  I think what I remember most about Bill is his smile.  I don't think I ever saw him with one!  My thoughts and hugs to Cindy and all his his family.  He will be missed by so many.

My condolences to the Flaherty family. Bill was a positive influence on anyone that crossed his path. I truly admired him and always valued the time chatting during his visits to my office to discuss county projects and seeking assurances that they were on time and within budget. Rest In Peace my friend and you’ll always be a memory with me.

When Bill was the director of DAS, he hired me straight out of grad school.  Early on, he gave me some practical advice for getting things done inside government:  "Don't wait for the hierarchy.  Use any lateral connections you have to move a project forward."  Here was a man on the top of the org chart and a phone call away from the governor, and he was cautioning about inefficiencies of hierarchy.  I loved him for his humility and his kindness.  I am forever grateful to him for the opportunities he opened up for me.

Bill was a wonderful human being and a dedicated public servant. You can't ask for much more than that. Our thoughts are with his family.

Bill Shkurti

I am so saddened to hear of his passing. Always gracious, positive and a smile no matter what he was going through. It was an honor to meet you both. God bless your family. Nicole (The James)

What a lovely man!  So generous with his smile, positive nature, always inquiries about others and the well being of our children, George and Sarah.  His spirit will be missed.  And grateful he is finally at rest and at peace.  
So glad for Bill and Cindy in our lives and in our community.
Love, Ann Hughes

I will always remember Bill's Golden Heart that shown in his devotion to others. Bill always seemed to sense what others needed and strove to care for them. He was an inspiration for many. His smile and sense of humor were priceless. Working for Bill was a time filled with learning, challenges, and a shared love of grandchildren! I could always get a beaming smile from him whenever I asked about Maya and passwords.

Our deepest sympathies to Cindy and family for the loss of a most gentle, loving, and passionate man.

Maggie & Bob Snow

So sorry to hear about Bill. You were my favorite family to babysit. When you arrived home, Bill would pull out a bag of potato chips or a bowl of ice cream and just chat with me - I appreciated how he always treated me like a peer, not a kid, asking thoughtful questions. May his memory be for a blessing- Ann Rosenfield

I was shocked and saddened to hear of  Bill's passsing.  

Bill had a great sense of public service and duty.  Working with Bill was a joy.   His sense of humor was catagious and ujplifting in stressful times.   Condolences to Cindy and their sons and their love is eternal for Bill.   Prayers for Bill and his family.


Carol Pierce Mix

I don't regularly quote scripture (God knows) but in thinking about Bill and Cindy this morning this just keeps coming to mind.  

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Peace to you and your wonderful family Cindy.

Family and community were such an important part of Bill and Cindy's life. Bill's passing is so sad but especially at this time when hugs are needed but can only be delivered at a distance. Cindy and family you are in my thoughts. There is strength in family and that will get you through this difficult time.

Sharon Austin

Cindy,

I was so sorry to hear about Bill's passing.  I wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.  Bill was a wonderful man, husband and father.
He will be missed.

Fondly,

Sue Kirby

For those of us who’ve worked in state government, Bill defined “excellence in public service.” But, as you noted, Cindy, in his beautiful obit, Bill also knew “fun”. Will never forget our family’s impromptu meet-up some 30 years ago on the Cape’s Nauset Beach. His smile and laughter is what I’ll remember most. May his memory forever be a blessing.

Oh Cindy, I'm so sad.  Bill was ALWAYS such a sweetheart.   I wish I could give you hug.   All my love, Chip Santer

In 1989 after the death of my 19 year old son, Kort, I was practically housebound in grief. Bill invited me to lunch....I went only because it was Bill. He introduced me to Operation Smile and I  became a medical volunteer. It was te nudge I needed to start healing. Thank you Bill Flarety. Cindy my deepest sympathy to you and you children. Bill was one of the nicest men I have ever met. Sharon Pecko

What sad news this is. I first met Bill and Cindy during the Celeste for Lt. Governor campaign in 1974 and we worked together on many other political campaigns over the years. The three of us were Massachusetts natives who somehow ended up in Ohio. Sending my love to Cindy and to the boys and their families.

Bill was one of the finest men I've ever known. He was a "class act" in every way that matters. It was my honor and privelege to have known him. May God bless his soul and comfort his family and everyone else who loved him.
Rick Studer

OBITUARY

William Joseph Flaherty

14 August, 1948 – 12 July, 2020

Schoedinger Midtown

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