SHREWSBURY - Donald F. Flanagan, 79, of Shrewsbury, died peacefully, Monday, December 27, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife, Catherine (Loeser) Flanagan; her daughters, Gina Vigliatura of Shrewsbury, Kara Vigliatura of Holden and their daughter, Susan C. Flanagan of Shrewsbury; two brothers, Paul Flanagan of Shrewsbury and Robert Flanagan and his wife, Marie of Leominster; his two sons, Stephen F. Flanagan of Grafton, Daniel P. and his wife, Gail A. Flanagan of Holden; daughter Diane E. Carr and Anthony M. Carra of North Grafton, his daughter Maureen A. and her husband Robert Sweet of N. Grafton; ten grandchildren, Daniel, David, Stephen, Colleen, Michael, Laura, Jessica, Donald, Jennifer, and Katie, his aunts, Ginger Rinaldi of Worcester and Janet Anderson of Shrewsbury, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his most beloved pet, Riley.
Donald was born in Worcester, the son of Francis E. and Phyllis R. (Rinaldi) Flanagan. He was a graduate of St. Stephen’s High, where he was All City athlete in basketball and baseball, graduated from Becker College and continued his education at Clark University. He lived in Holden, Grafton, and resided in Shrewsbury for the past 22 years.
Donald worked as a CPA at Tupper, Moore & Company, and then in his own accounting practice in Worcester for 20 years. Together with his loyal partners, he founded the Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in 1969 and Shrewsbury Medical Center in 1970. He acquired Salisbury Nursing Home in 1979, and built Southgate at Shrewsbury, a retirement community in 1989. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Commerce Bank for many years.
Donald and his wife Cathy also enjoyed breeding and racing thoroughbreds, a major highlight being when Greeley’s Legacy ran in the 2006 Preakness. Donald enjoyed traveling and vacationed often in Cape Cod, Delray Beach, the White Mountains, Saratoga Springs, and always loved being near the water. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church and active in the Shrewsbury community.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, Thursday, December 30th, in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. His funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 31st, at 9:30 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. At the request of the family burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at 912 Killian Hill Road SW-Suite 202C, Lilburn, Ga. 30047 or contribute online at www.LBDA.org.