Obituary of Paul R. Flaherty

Paul R. Flaherty BATH – Paul R. Flaherty, 80, a lifelong resident of Bath, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 23, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Bath July 3, 1932, the son of Andrew C. Flaherty and Margaret M. Cummings Flaherty. He graduated from Morse High School in the Class of 1950. He enlisted in the Navy and served in Asia, Trinidad and the continental United States. On June 8, 1957, he married Johanna Theresa Donnelly of Philadelphia, and in 1958 he graduated from the Hartford Institute of Accounting as President of his class. Following graduation, he returned to Bath and began a banking career at First National Bank, which later became Maine National Bank. Paul was a true son of Bath. He lived 70 of his 80 years on Front Street, exploring the shores and enjoying the views of the Kennebec River. He cared deeply about his hometown and its citizens. He was a Treasurer of Bath Public Health Nursing Association and a Corporator of Bath Memorial Hospital. He was a former Chairman of the local Heart Fund and Arthritis Foundation fundraisers, a member of the Selective Service Commission and a Director of Bath Area Chamber of Commerce. Paul was a Commander and Finance Officer of the American Legion, Smith-Tobey Post 21, and a Treasurer and Trustee of Bath Lodge of Elks. He was a life member of both organizations. Paul was elected Sagadahoc County Commissioner in 1966 and served 10 years in the post. He later was employed in the construction and real estate industries and retired from his own real estate agency in 2001. Paul enjoyed gardening and coin collecting, but his greatest joy was playing games of all kinds with his family, especially cards. Paul initiated all his grandchildren to the pleasure of card playing (and the agony of defeat) from a very early age. In his later years, he enjoyed Front Street neighborhood block parties, and he would search for months to provide the prizes for the children’s raffle. Paul was predeceased by his wife Johanna on April 30, 2013, and his son Patrick on January 26, 1993. He was also predeceased by his sister Frances Perry and his brothers Andrew, John, and Mark. He is survived by his six children: Margaret Carpenter and husband Rob of Topsham; Kathy Helming and husband Jim of Portland; Elizabeth Clapp and husband Tom of Fort Washington, MD; Michael Flaherty and wife Faith of Wiscasset; Mary McDonald and husband Frank of Georgetown; and Johanna Massé and husband Tim of Williston, VT. He delighted in being grandfather to Sarah Caron, Jessica Marr, Lexi Helming, Meg Helming, Michael P. Flaherty, Genna Herbert, Malissa Flaherty, Allison McDonald, Molly McDonald, Nathan Massé and Kevin Massé, and great-grandfather to Desiree, Cali, Rebekah, Caleb, and Andrew. Paul is also survived by his brother Thomas and wife Alba of Arlington, MA, and many nieces and nephews. Paul enjoyed visits with his comrades at the American Legion. Card playing wasn’t limited to his home life; he spent many happy hours playing pinochle with his brothers at the Elks. His long-held belief was that education is comparable to a trump suit, in that the more you have of it, the more likely you will succeed in your endeavors. Therefore, it was his wish that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be directed to the Morse High School Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1030, Bath, ME 04530. Please join Paul and Johanna’s children for a dual celebration of their lives and their life together at an Open House at the Winter Street Center, 880 Washington Street, Bath, on Saturday, June 15, from 1-4 p.m. Arrangements by Direct Cremation of Belfast, ME.