Joseph Christopher Flaherty AKA “Flash” passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the age of 81. He was born March 29, 1939 in Philadelphia. He is survived by his wife Rita Flaherty (Mappone), as well as his loving children, Lisa Mullings, Sean Flaherty (Mary) and Delia Abrahamsen (Rich), cherished grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, Rhiannon, Dalton, Cullen, Avianna, Gianni and his great grandchildren Colin and Riley and his dear friend Viola Shire. He is predeceased by his daughter Colleen. He was also beloved Uncle to many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Joe was the youngest of four boys born to Irish immigrants Delia and Christopher Flaherty. He was the last of the Flaherty four. He took great pride in his Irish heritage and wouldn’t hesitate to break out in Irish fight songs at any given moment no matter where he was. Everyone who talked with him knew within minutes that he went to St Tommy Moore and West Catholic High and how honored he was to be an alumni. Forever Moore was one of his favorite sayings. He had great love and respect for his 3 big brothers and would always refer to his oldest one “Reds” as his hero and his second father, and he felt each of their losses greatly. 

After serving 2 years in the Army Joe worked in customer service for Conrail Railroad and continued to work at 30th street station after it became Amtrak up until he retired. He was well known and loved by all who worked there and even his customers would ask for him after meeting him only once if they came back to Philly in their travels again. 

He never had a bad word to say about anyone and loved everyone he met. As soon as he met someone he considered them family. Everyone would joke that he never met a stranger. Every time you went anywhere with Joe you left with at least 2 new friends who would tell you how great he was and how much they enjoyed his company. Anyone who met him, even briefly, wouldn’t hesitate to cross the room to greet him with a hug as soon as he’d come in. He was such a good man everyone who met him loved him. 

He was such a joker and was best known for his wonderful sense of humor. He loved teasing people and the only thing that would make him laugh more than that would be if you teased him back. He had the absolute best laugh in the world, it would fill up an entire room it was so loud. It was so infectious that if he was laughing at something, you didn’t even have to know why and you’d be laughing with him with no clue why. 

Next to being a proud Irish man his other great love was his grandchildren. He’d tell everyone around about their accomplishments in sports and school and, of course, how they got those talents from him because of his skills when he was in school. He’d be the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines for the games and competitions and would tell everyone who’s grandfather he was. 

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

-May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. 

Joe’s service and military honors will be held at a later date after Covid restrictions are lifted and we can do so in a proper Irish fashion. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in his name would be greatly appreciated.

To record a brief video tribute, condolence or cherished memory to be shared privately with the family, please click this link: Send Hugs for Joseph Christopher Flaherty