Thomas F. Flanagan

LEOMINSTER/LUNENBURG – Thomas F. Flanagan, 81, of 12 Arrowhead Road, Leominster, died on Sunday, October 7, 2007, in UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth J. (Lynch) Flanagan; two daughters, Colleen E. Azzoto and her husband Dr. Carl Azzoto of Cicero, New York and Cathleen F. Flanagan of Fitchburg; a brother, John Flanagan and his wife Janet of Leominster; a sister, Cecelia Zola of Clinton; three grandchildren, Vanessa J. and Elizabeth A. Azzoto of Syracuse, New York and Alison F. Azzoto of Buffalo, New York; a great-grandson, Gabriel Hayes; nephews and nieces; and grandnephews and grandnieces. He was born in Clinton, raised in Sterling, son of Thomas F. and Lillian M. (Wiles) Flanagan, Jr. and lived 40 years in Lunenburg before moving to Leominster in 2005. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1944 and attended Dartmouth College.

Mr. Flanagan was a Test Pilot for the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He started his career in 1955 with American Airlines as a co-pilot retiring in 1986 after 30 years as a Captain. After his retirement and the suggestion from his family, he worked for several modeling agencies in the Boston area. He was a member of St. Boniface Church in Lunenburg. He enjoyed woodcarving and was a member of the Caricature Carvers of America.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 11th, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. The funeral for Mr. Flanagan will be held on Friday, October 12th, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Clinton Road (Rte. 62), Sterling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lunenburg Fire and Rescue Squad, 655 Mass Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com