Thomas Joseph Flanagan

Thomas Joseph Flanagan, age 86, passed into heaven on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at his home in Akron, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 29, 1930, in Akron, as the 9th of eleven children to parents, James P. and Dorathea B. Bader Flanagan. Growing up on the family farm instilled a strong work ethic, and he excelled as an athlete and a student in his youth. He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1949-1952 in Alaska and then as a Drill Sergeant at Camp Roberts, California. After the war, he spent the majority of his career with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company where he retired after 30 years of service. He then worked at General Tire where he retired as the SVP of Operations. He served on several civic boards and enriched the lives of many through music concerts he and his wife, Linda, performed in the Akron area. In addition to music, he enjoyed reading, RV traveling, and spending time with family He was admired and loved by many for his integrity, hard work, steadfastness, loyalty, warmth, and sense of humor. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father to his three children, and a loyal brother, friend, and neighbor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and will forever be in our hearts.
He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Linda (nee Peacock); children, Maureen L. (Michael) Vadis, Laura J. (Wayne L. Carpenter) Flanagan, and John K. Flanagan; his four grandchildren, Lauren E. and Ryan M. Flanagan (mother Kimberly B. Flanagan), Adam T. and Anne M. Carpenter. He also leaves behind man's best friend, their dog, Dutchess. He is survived by his siblings, Margaret A. (Gerry - deceased) Paumier, Daniel J. (Anne) Flanagan, and Stephen R. (Patricia) Flanagan; along with his first wife, Mary E. (nee Paolucci) Flanagan, with whom he raised his three children.
Other than his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Ellen Marquardt, Irene B. Batley, James L. Flanagan, Dora Mae Thompkins, William J. Flanagan, Paul E. Flanagan, and Donald V. Flanagan. He is now surrounded by their love in heaven.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, August 11th, at 10am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2580 Berne, Akron, 44312. Officiant, Father Michael Williamson will celebrate Tom's life. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, August 10th from 4 to 7 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron (330-784-3334). Interment at Holy Cross, 100 Waterloo Rd, Akron 44319. A private lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at www.pancreaticcancerfoundation.com
Special thanks to his supportive family members, friends, neighbors, and St. Matthew Parish. He touched the lives of many, and so many blessed him with their support and love in his final chapter with us here on earth.