Bob, longtime community of Watervliet public servant and Pearl Harbor survivor left this earth peacefully in the early morning hours of March 17, St. Patrick's Day, at Bronson Commons in Mattawan where he had resided since August, 2010. He is survived by his 6 children, Jim (Patricia) Flaherty, Oswego, IL, Barbara (Dan) Schofield, Watervliet, John (Marilyn) Flaherty, Bainbridge Twp. David Flaherty, Pam Loyd, Nancy (Jimmie) Paskel, all from Watervliet; 10 grandchildren; Kim (Kevin) Fahnholz, Shawn (Tara) Flaherty, Kelly (Brad) Banks, Kelly (Aaron) Carambula, Ben (Sarah) DeVoes, Bryant Flaherty, Allison Flaherty, Erik Loyd and Morgan and Taylor Paskel; 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Peg in 2003, parents William and Ruth Flaherty, three siblings, Bette Christman, Bill Flaherty and Patricia Lytell and a granddaughter, Jen Hollomon.

Funeral services with military rites will be held on Monday, March 28, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's UCC, 1650 Bainbridge Center Rd in Watervliet. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Bob was best known around town as the #l Michigan Wolverines fan. In recognition of this, the family will wear Michigan attire and encourages other "Big Blue" fans to join in. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to St. Pauls UCC or VFW post 6803. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is in charge of arrangements.