Obituary of Eugene Flaherty

Eugene "Gene" Flaherty, was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 1, 2023 at the age of 76 at his home in Wesley Chapel, Florida.  Gene was born on July 31, 1946, in Newark New Jersey, and was the middle child of seven children. 

After graduating from Rutherford High School in 1964, he went onto college and obtained his Bachelor in Chemical Engineering in 1968, and Master of Science in 1971 at Newark College of Engineering.  During that time, he met Theresa "Terri" at his older brother's wedding in 1968.  Terri was the maid of honor and Gene was a groomsman.  They enjoyed a five-year courtship and ultimately married in 1973.  They had two daughters, Colleen in 1975 and Catherine “Katie” in 1979.  This September would have marked their 50th Anniversary. 

Professionally, Gene joined Proctor & Gamble after completing college and began his career in Ivory Soap manufacturing in Staten Island New York.  He swiftly climbed the ranks and transitioned into management.  He spent his entire career with P&G, and after 34 years he retired in 2002. 

Gene was an avid sports fan, with a particular love for golf and baseball.  His all-time favorite team was the Dodgers and followed them religiously since childhood.  He had a love for animals and enjoyed spending time in his yard and garden.  He also enjoyed all types of music and movies. 

Gene is survived by his wife, their two daughters, his four grandchildren: Tyler, Lexie, Natalie, and Lucas, and his six siblings: Tim, Donald, Mike, Dina, Patty, and Charlie.   

A funeral viewing will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 9:30am, with a funeral mass immediately following at 10:30am.  Both will be held at St. Mark's the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 9724 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647.  

For those attending services, the family welcomes everyone to wear a hint of green in honor of Gene’s memory, as it was his favorite color.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation in Gene’s name.  Donations can be made online at https://www.parkinson.org/ or by mail to Parkinson's Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018. 

Gene will be laid to rest at Trinity Memorial Gardens, located at 12609 Memorial Dr, Trinity, FL 34655.