Richard “Red” J. Flaherty, 85, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at University Hospital. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, he was a graduate of Solvay High School. Richard was an Army veteran and retired from Allied Chemical. He served as the steward for the Camillus Elks Lodge and retired (again) as a school bus driver for the West Genesee Central School District. Richard was a devout Catholic and communicant of Holy Family Church and a recent member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a proud 100 Club member and Past Exalted Ruler with the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367 and also served on the Town of Camillus Planning Board. He enjoyed bowling, coin collecting, watching SU sports, Yankees Baseball and old war movies. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he would never miss an opportunity to attend their many musicals, concerts, competitions and sporting events.
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Jane, in 2016; parents, Thomas and Frances; sisters, Mary Seelig, Elizabeth Elia and Frances Lingle; and brothers, Raymond, Thomas, William, James, Edward and Michael.
Surviving are his sons, Timothy (Kimberly) and Jeffrey (Caroline); daughter, Gwynne (Sean) Conway; grandchildren, Matthew, Emma Kate, Quinlan, Mairead and Daniel; sister, Joan Kish; brother, Robert; many in-laws; and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends may call Monday, April 19 from 4 to 7 pm. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Face coverings are required.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Richard will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Mausoleum, DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367, 6117 Newport Rd., Camillus, NY 13031.