Obituary of Paul Arthur Flaherty

Paul Arthur Flaherty

May 4, 1932 – Kiowa, Colorado

July 10, 2021 – Littleton, Colorado

Paul was a proud native of Colorado. He was born in the small town of Kiowa, lived in various Colorado locations, including Denver, and most recently Littleton for 47 years.

He met and married the love of his life, Mary Joyce “Jo” Blair of Denver, Colorado. They were married on September 11, 1954 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Denver and were best friends and partners in life for nearly 67 years. Together they raised 7 children and lovingly “assisted” in raising 11 of their 13 grandchildren. Paul dearly and deeply loved his family and was always there to lend a helping hand, share wisdom, and “have your back” whenever you needed him!

Paul was in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Los Angeles 135, a heavy cruiser ship. He was a Korean War veteran. After his four-year stint in the Navy was completed, he served in the Active Naval Reserves for an additional two years.

Paul retired from Lockheed Martin/Martin Marietta Aerospace Division where he worked for his entire professional career (33+years). He was very proud of his long and storied career and treasured his long-lasting business relationships and friendships.

As a native Coloradoan, he loved the outdoors and developed that same love in his children and grandchildren. Camping trips, that included some fishing and lots of exploring, are a part of everyone’s memories. When he retired from Lockheed Martin, a 5th wheel trailer was purchased and together with Jo, his ever-faithful co-pilot, he traveled the US and Canada. They made many special friends along the way in each of their stops. They also generously took wonderful summer trips with many of their grandchildren introducing them to many historical locations, taking them to churches and shrines, instilling pride for being both American and Catholic, and providing them with many adventures and memories that will last a lifetime. He was also a proud Bronco fan in the South Stands and held season tickets for over 50 years. He and Jo also built a beautiful log cabin in South Park Colorado where many wonderful memories have been created over the past 40+ years.

Paul was a convert to the Catholic faith in 1954. He loved God and lived his faith through his service and devotion to the Lord Jesus, Mary, and many saints. He spent many years actively involved in various ministries at St. Francis de Sales, St. Mary’s of Littleton, and most recently All Souls Catholic Church for the past 26 years. He had a special kindness in his heart for the less fortunate and lived the Beatitudes. He and Jo spent many years working in food banks and also the soup kitchen at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Denver. They also provided service to the schools and churches where they were active members. Paul was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and introduced many of his grandsons to service through that organization.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph A. Flaherty, Martha J. Swanguen and his son John J. Flaherty, as well as his beloved in-laws, many other well-loved family members and friends.

He is survived by: his loving wife Mary J. “Jo” Flaherty. His children: Beth (Bill) Daniel, Becky (Ron) Hearn, Sharon (Joel) Fisher, Sheila (Craig) Forsythe, Mike Flaherty, Katie Dougherty. His grandchildren: Nick

(Annie), Zack (Christine), Jay (Natalie) Daniel; Jim Hearn, Meg (Jerry) McFarland; Andrew (Rose) Forsythe, Christine (Alex Hunsaker) Forsythe; Ashley Tormoehlen, Kay (Owen) Saggus, Molly Flaherty, and Joshua Dougherty. His seven great-grandchildren: Abby Daniel, Myles Daniel, Kelci Hearn, Alicia and Trey McFarland, Hazel Hunsaker, Liam Saggus. His sister-in-law Jonna L. Allen, nephew and niece Chris and Shena Allen.

Paul never met a stranger! He is survived by many, many close friends, former co-workers, prayer partners, and others who became cherished fellow travelers throughout his lifetime! He has left behind a true legacy of life, love, faith, friendship, kindness, and service. We celebrate his life and all of those who knew and loved him will miss him forever!

Rosary, Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life: 

September 10, 2021 Rosary at All Souls Catholic Church 7:00 pm

4950 S. Logan St.

Englewood Colorado 80113

September 11, 2021 Funeral at All Souls Catholic Church 11:00am

Reception in Jaeger Hall immediately following

Internment will be conducted in a private family ceremony.

Per the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following in Paul’s name:

All Soul’s Catholic Church Food Bank: 4950 S. Logan St. Englewood CO 80113

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: PO Box 50 Memphis TN 38101-9929