Thomas Winter Flaherty

After graduating, he worked various jobs, including Weyerhauser, N.T. Fox Lumber Company, eventually retiring after 25 years with the Maine State Dept. of Labor in 2001.

On May 17, 1969, Tom married Jacqueline Smith in Portland. In 2002, they “retired” to Cape Cod, residing in West Dennis. He operated Trotting Park Property Services until actually retiring in 2009. After that, he and his wife enjoyed several Southeastern road trips, although they never made it to Graceland or New Orleans.

Tom loved cars, especially the 1967 Corvette that was one of his first cars. He also liked woodworking, the outdoors and music—a love that he passed on to his children. Tom was well known for his dry sense of humor and quiet manner.

Despite a lifetime a spent living in New England, Tom was a diehard Yankees fan; he also rooted for Notre Dame.

After more than half a century as a heavy smoker, Tom quit this past fall and never looked back. He marveled at how much more time he had to spend with loved ones, how much better food tasted and, especially, how much more money he had in the bank.

Tom is survived by his wife Jackie, of 46 years; daughter Theresa Flaherty of Portland; son Russell Flaherty, his wife Dawn Leighton Flaherty and her son Matthew Leighton of Windham; sisters-in-law Patricia Smith and B. Joyce Vessey, and nephews Paul Young and Dale Young, all of Portland.

Friends and family are invited to a time of Visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 at Jones Rich & Hutchins, 199 Woodford Street Portland, Maine. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:30 at Jones Rich & Hutchins. Private burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

In lieu of flower, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Cheverus Fund 267 Ocean Ave. Portland, Maine 04103.