Timothy J. Flaherty

Timothy J. Flaherty, 63, of Yarmouth, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and best friend to many passed away on August 30, 2011 after fighting a courageous battle with myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow disorder, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on July 12, 1948 in Portland Maine, the son of Martin Flaherty and Arlene Smith Flaherty. He grew up in Portland and attended Portland High School, where he met his high school sweet heart and love of his life, Therese Rotolo. They were married on July 19, 1969 at St Peters Catholic Church and recently celebrated 42 years of marriage.

He graduated from Portland High School and then attended SMVTI where he studied culinary arts and then later worked for a family owned restaurant. On October 15, 1972 he joined the Portland Fire Dept where he served for 27 years as a lieutenant and retired from Engine 11 on February 28, 2005. At the same time, he had a part time painting business that continued to grow after his retirement from the Portland Fire Department.

He loved spending time with his family and mostly his grandchildren who were the joy of his life. He was always there to attend their activities, usually low key, on the sidelines, but Papa was always there. It may be a soccer game, concert, or simply stopping by for the school bus with donut holes in hand. He would love to come home to the “home cooked meals” and his “woman”.

He was a jack of all trades and a master of many. His enthusiasm of the outdoors led him to many activities such as hunting, fishing, clamming and gardening all of which he loved which he shared with his best buddies. Many of his friends could depend on him fixing anything, from a simple lawnmower to a car engine. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He got so much enjoyment from his vegetable garden in the summer, always challenging his daughter to keep up with his unmatched green thumb. For a man that led a fulltime job in the fire department and a part time job on the side, it was amazing how much he would squeeze in between….allowing many of us lucky enough to share him. To see him pull his truck in at home, or “just drop in” to your driveway was priceless. He was a man who made each day count, living it to the fullest. His wit was refreshing, his advice based on common sense, and he said little but at the same time said a lot. We are sure that, all would agree, the phrase “salt of the earth” was made for him.

He was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Arlene and Martin, his sister, Donna Hasson and father-in-law, Philip S. Rotolo. He is survived by his loving wife, Therese (Terry), son Mark of New York and daughter, Melissa McNaboe and her husband Michael of Yarmouth and their children, his grandchildren Benjamin, Morgan, Brayden and Oliva (Olive); “the recent apple of his eye”. He is also survived by his brother Jackie Flaherty and wife Patricia of Portland, Dennis Flaherty and wife Carol of Durham, Terry Bergson and her husband David of Portland. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Philip Rotolo and his wife Cindy of Portland, sister-in-law, Anne Marie Smyth of Orono, mother-in-law Antoinette Rotolo and many nieces and nephews.

There are truly no words to sum up the life of Timothy J Flaherty, he will fondly be remembered for his kindness, simple and sweet nature, and a smile if you were lucky to see it once, you had it for a life time.

We would like to give a special thanks to the incredible people at IV Therapy in Scarborough, Dr. Lauren Michalakes of Maine Medical and Southern Maine Hospice who’s compassion and love was the best medicine he had.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 2nd from 4pm – 8pm at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street Portland. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 3rd at 10am at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Cross cemetery in Yarmouth.

In lieu of flowers please send your donations to the Timothy J Flaherty Myelofibrosis Fund: P.O. Box 83 Portland, Maine 04112. Since Tim was transfusion dependent, we would like to encourage those that are able, to give blood. To find out where you can donate, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.redcrossblood.org/ or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733 2767).

Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.