Andrew M. Flanagan

Andrew Michael Flanagan, 95, passed away surrounded by his family on February 5, 2025. He was born at 112 Granby Rd, South Hadley, the home of his parents, the late Joseph P. Flanagan and Margaret (Quirk). Both of his parents emigrated from Ireland. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Flanigan), whom he met on a blind date while serving in the Air Force at Deep Creek, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, WA.

Andrew will be deeply missed by his six children: Maryanne (Michael Baker, 1976; Philip, 2014; Marc Guenther) Stefanelli, Margie (Scott Conway, 1999; Billy Methot), Kelly (Frank) LaBombard, Maureen (Mark) Dulude of South Hadley, Andrew (Ruth Dansereau) of Holyoke, and Michael (Anne) Flanagan of Springfield. He was also predeceased by his siblings and their spouses: A. Esther (John) Thompson, John (Mary) Flanagan, Margaret (Al) Daviau, M. Louise (Gerald) Corriveau, and his grandson, Thomas P. Flanagan (Angela), 2016.

After serving four years in the Air Force, Andrew worked for William F. Spilker and Sons as a union carpenter in Spokane. He and his family moved to South Hadley in 1971, where he joined the Carpenters Local 108 and continued to work for many companies until his retirement as a Superintendent for A.R. Green and Son. He was very proud of his 66 years as a member of the Carpenters Union.

Andrew was a charismatic, lovable, and very social man who entertained all with the many stories of his life. He loved the home he built on the Connecticut River and enjoyed seeing his family—including 23 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren—enjoy the river through fishing, skiing, swimming, and sitting on his deck. More than anything, he loved being known as Papa. He was everybody's Papa, to strangers and family alike. He enjoyed his beer and “only drank when someone visited,” and “someone was always visiting.”

Calling hours will be Monday, February 17, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 18, at St. Patrick’s Church, Main St., South Hadley, at 10:00 a.m., with burial at St. Rose Cemetery, South Hadley.  Friends and family are welcome to gather at the funeral home at 8:45am for a funeral procession.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice or performing a random act of kindness in Papa Flanagan's honor.