Richard Frances Flanagan

Richard Francis Flanagan, 86, of Fredericksburg, VA, died Tuesday June 7th at Mary Washington hospital with his family by his side. Born in East Orange, NJ, Richard spent most of his childhood in South Amboy before joining the US Army. During his enlistment he was stationed in North Carolina and served in the 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne); the predecessor to the Army's Green Berets. After his military service, Richard and his wife Penny spent many years living in Northvale, NJ, where he owned his own business, Richie's Fences, for years. He later worked as a wood shaper and machinist for John Langenbacher; a high-end architectural woodworking company in New York City. Richard later retired and moved to Stafford, VA with his wife to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and later grandchildren. Richard was a true outdoorsman and avid gardener. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing, camping, splitting wood, growing vegetables, playing the lottery, and cold beer. Additionally, Richard had a deep love of animals and knowledge of nature. In addition to his own pets throughout his life, he would routinely take care of and feed all the animals around his home. Richie or "Uncle Trick'' to some, had an avuncular nature which made him loved and very popular with children and young adults. Son of the late Cornelius and Evelyn Flanagan, he was also predeceased by his wife, Henrietta (Penny) Flanagan, his brothers, Charlie, Gerald, Neil and Stephen. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Colleen Zinck and Thomas Zinck, Sr, of Fredericksburg, VA, his grandchildren, Emma Zinck of Nashville, TN and Thomas Zinck, Jr, of Fredericksburg, VA, his brothers and sisters, Brian Flanagan of Barnegat, NJ, Gary Flanagan of Manasquan, NJ, Patricia Witkowski of Brick, NJ, Mary Jane Flanagan of Bangor, PA, and many nieces and nephews. On July 11th 2022, internment for both Richard and his wife Henrietta took place at Quantico National Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com for the Flanagan family.