James “Emmett” Flaherty 8-8-39 ~ 1.29.23

Born August 8, 1939 to John and Catherine Flaherty in Bronx, NY. Emmett was an only child. Emmett attended Manhattan Aviation High School and after high school he served in the US Army from 1958-1961. He had many close friends who is still friends with to this day and unfortunately lost some along the way. He worked at Multi Metal in NY. He met the love of his life Joanna through family in the summer of 1968, got engaged in April of 1969, and married his soulmate Joanna on May 9, 1970 in Haverstraw, NY.

They had their first son, Kevin in 1972 and moved to Phoenix, AZ later that year. They had their second son, Christopher in 1974 and they completed their family with their daughter Tara in 1978. Emmett worked at the Phoenix Gazette then The Arizona Republic for nearly 30 years and made countless friends along the way.

Emmett had the privilege of having 3 additional children who married his sons and daughter. Michelle to Kevin, Claudia to Christopher and Jeremiah to Tara. Emmett has 7 beautiful grandchildren, Alexis (23), Cody (18), Rylan (16), Kadie (16), Lauren (14), Keegan (13) and Bryce (13).

He lived a life full of love, dogs, travel, loyalty, laughter and he was surrounded by family and friends in his final days. Emmett was a true Irishman and fighter through and through, kept his wit along the way while flirting with the doctors and nurses taking care of him while battling many health issues in most recent years and ultimately succumbing to cancer. He is survived by the love of his life Joanna of over 53 years, their children, their grandchildren and their beloved dog Frankie.

He was 83. He will be missed unequivocally. Rest easy Emmett…

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the National Association of Letter Carriers located at 3720 W Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85053

Donations in Emmett’s name can be made to one of the following organizations:

Tunnel to Towers

St. Jude

Hospice of the Valley (Arizona)

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