Mr. John J. Flannery

Jack, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in the Bronx, NY on Dec. 2, 1925; where he attended St. Angela Merici Grammar School and met his best friend and future wife of 60 years, Loretta Burke. Shortly after graduating from Cardinal Hayes H.S. in the Bronx, he enlisted in the Navy in Oct.1943 where he served as Signalman First Class during WWII.

He earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Manhattan College in June, 1951. And later obtained his license to practice Civil Engineering from the University of the State of NY, where he met his future business partner and life-long friend, Paul Tone.

In May, 1958, Jack went into the sheet metal business with Paul and formed J.J. Flannery Inc., which became one of the largest sheet metal contracting firms in NYC. Jack, a well respected, honest and straight-forward man was proud of the many projects they worked on during their 35 years in business, including Trump Tower, the AT&T Building, and the renovations of the Statue of Liberty, Carnegie Hall; Avery Fisher Hall, Wollman Skating Rink, Radio City Music Hall, and Federal Reserve Bank of NY. He designed and installed the fire-damper protection system for One and Two World Trade Center buildings. Jack helped pioneer the technology of stairwell pressurization that is currently used in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers throughout the building industry.

His many accomplishments include: seven years as President of The Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Assn of NYC.; Chairman of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No.28 Joint Apprentice Committee and Trust; was recognized in 1988 for his outstanding participation in the Israel Bond Program which helped strengthen the economy of the State of Israel; and in 2006, was inducted into the SMACNA College of Fellows. An avid golfer, he was a member of Forest Hill Field Club in Belleville, NJ for over 25 years and served as President from 1984-1988.

Jack had accomplished much in his 84 years, but he would be the first to say that his greatest accomplishment of all was raising his 12 children with his wife Loretta in their Upper Montclair, NJ home. As a devoted family man and member of the community for over 35 years, he was involved in many local and church activities. In 1990, they relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, Fl, where they became active members of the Ballen Isles Country Club and St. Patrick’s Church.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta; his children, Michael, Jack, Eileen, Mary, Loretta, Fr. Patrick, Mark, Stephen, Rita, Maureen, Matthew and Andrew; 18 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; his brother Daniel and sister-in-law, Lillian; and many extended family and friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 16 at the Howard-Price Funeral Home, from 2pm - 4pm and 7pm - 9pm. Mass will take place on Wednesday, February 17 at St. Patrick’s Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens FL at 10am. He will receive a full military burial at the VA Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to Hospice of the Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.