Frederick "Fred" Flaherty

VENTURA, CA -- Frederick "Fred" Flaherty, 81, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2012 to be with his wife, "Kitty" for Christmas.

This past year he resident in Ventura, CA with his sister, Bea. He was visited by his sister, Donna, and the many friends he made while living in California.

He was born in Lowell, MA to James Flaherty and Beatrice Martin. He attended schools in Saugus, MA. He played football.

While on a senior trip to Washington, D.C., he met "Kitty" Ross, who was a cheerleader for Stephens High School in Rumford. Their friendship blossomed.

After high school, he went into the Air Force as a 1st class airman and Kitty attended nursing school. He served time in the Korean War. Those years were spent corresponding beautiful letter and cards to each other.

They married on June 3, 1954 and they resided in Revere, MA. They later moved to Rumford to raise their four children. Fred was employed by Oxford Paper Company for more than 20 years. He then left the mill to own and operate Flaherty Heating and Plumbing for 25 years.

Fred enjoyed summers "upta" camp at Roxbury Pond, a night at the horse races and many, many conversations with family and friends over a cup of coffee. He was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He rarely missed the grandchildren's games to proudly cheer them on. He was especially fond of his first grandson, Steven, whom he shared a birthday with. They spent many afternoons throwing the pigskin.

Fred is survived by daughter, Patricia Flaherty, and companion, Stephen Lizotte; two sons, John and wife, Andrea, and Tim, all of Rumford; grandchildren, Sara Lizotte and husband, Ryan Dayon, Steven Lizotte, Jessica Voter of husband, Norman, Chris Flaherty, Karen Flaherty, Tisheena, Tia and Timmy Flaherty; great-grandchildren, Alanna Voter, and Preston, Abby and Isaac Garland; sisters, Beatrice Combe of Ventura, CA, Donna Chapman and husband, Sid of Little Rock, CA; a brother, Robert and wife, Lucille of Long Island, NY.

He was predeceased by his wife, Kitty in 2010; a son, James; his parents; and a sister, Mary.

Services will be held at noon on Saturday at the Holy Savior Church in Rumford.