John Flanagan, 87, passed away at his home in Mansfield NJ on July 20, 2024 surrounded by his family. John was born on March 10th, 1937 in Bayside NY to the late Herbert & Theresa Flanagan.

After attending Bayside High School, John enlisted in the US Navy where he was trained as an electronics technician. He was then stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where his interest in flying, and specifically the Albatross aircraft, resulted in being selected as a crewman on an air sea rescue crew team based in the Caribbean. He was responsible for electronics maintenance as well as radio & radar operations.

After his honorable discharge from the US Navy, John began his 40-year career as a field engineering technician for Honeywell, GE and ultimately Merck & Co., Inc. where, during his 34-year tenure, he was responsible for a team of engineers installing and maintaining process automation systems in manufacturing facilities around the world.

John was passionate about music. He played several instruments and was one of the founding members of Flanagan’s Lousy Band. This passion, shared with Eileen, resulted in developing many lifelong friendships through music sessions – including with their dear friends The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.
John was an avid golfer, a member of The Links at Union Vale and a member of The Gaelic Golf Club.

John is survived by his beloved wife, partner, and best friend of 61 years, Eileen (Kehoe) Flanagan. Three children: Eileen Flanagan, John Flanagan and his wife Kathy, and Colleen Flanagan. His 4 grandchildren: Ryan Fahey, Brendan Flanagan, Kaleigh Flanagan and Johnny Fahey. His brother Bill Flanagan and his wife Joyce – and many nieces and nephews. His lifelong friends, whom he considered brothers: Ben Hickey and his wife Margaret, and Bill Simpson and his wife Loretta. John was predeceased by his brother Jim and his wife Eileen.

Johns Life Celebration will include a memorial on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 2-7 PM at Maguire Memorial Home located at 124 High St. in Hackettstown NJ. A mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church located at 375 Main Street in Chester NJ on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately by the family.