Walter J. Flaherty, 88, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2017 in the Heart of Florida Medical Center in Davenport, Florida after a brief illness. He was born in Worcester, the son of Charles L. and Catherine (Brown) Flaherty and had lived in Holden for over 50 years before moving to Rutland 9 years ago.

His loving wife of 57 years, Sally (Rennicks) Flaherty, passed away in 2008. He leaves three sons, Thomas R. Flaherty and his wife, Cynthia of Holden; Kenneth R. Flaherty and his wife, Geraldine of Worcester and Steven C. Flaherty and his fiancée, Carol R. Merchant of Worcester; his daughter, Dawn E. Auger and her husband, Wayne of Rutland; a niece, Jane Crabtree, her husband, Larry and their children, Lisa and Wendy all of Orange, CA; a sister, Ellen Alicandro and her husband, Vinnie of Worcester; seven grandchildren, Sam, Ryan, Anne, Christopher, Matthew, Patrick, and Jessica and her husband, Andrew Doughty; eight great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his grandson, Timothy Auger.

Walter was a graduate of North High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948. He served aboard the USS Des Moines (CA134) during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country, Walter worked as a printer at Gothic House Printing in Ashland for over thirty years before retiring. Devoted to his family, he enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling with his family.

A memorial service for Mr. Flaherty will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November, 27th in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veteran’s Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.