With a life spanning nearly a century, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Richard "Dick" Francis Flanagan, who passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, in Hilton Head, SC, at the age of 97.

Born on March 2, 1928, to Walter B. Flanagan and Mary Grace "May" Smith Flanagan in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, Richard was the oldest of four siblings, preceded in death by his brother Walter Flanagan and survived by his sister, Patricia Shebell of NJ and brother, Michael (Kathy) Flanagan of NJ.

 Upon graduating from Asbury Park High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving with distinction for two years. After his service, he attended Manhattan College, becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college. In 1956, he married Nancy Anne Then, beginning a loving 68-year partnership defined by an inseparable bond, and the joy of raising five children together, though their son Richard passed away in infancy. They were incredibly close, sharing everything—dreams and challenges—with trust that made them a great team. The couple settled in Little Silver, NJ, before moving to Sarasota, FL in 1977. A passionate boater, Richard owned several boats and served as Commodore of the Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC). His favorite vacations were boating adventures with close friends from the SYC, a tradition that brought them great happiness. The couple retired to Bluffton, SC, where they cherished lifelong friendships.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, and businessman whose warm spirit and dedication to family left a lasting legacy. A fun person, he loved to laugh, tell jokes, and embodied the spirited independence of Frank Sinatra’s "My Way."

Richard is survived by his children Eileen (John) Lawson of Hilton Head, SC; Michele (Scott) Gilman of Lyons, CO; Anne (John) Classe of Orlando, FL; Greg (Kendall) Flanagan of Nashville, TN; and John (Stacey) Flanagan of Ft. Myers, FL. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his sister-in-law Betsy (Pat) Lee of Palm City, FL.

The family will hold a funeral mass at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, South Carolina, on December 19, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church.