Michael Flannery

Michael passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, after along and courageous battle with cancer. He faced his final chapter with the same perseverance, humour and connection that defined his life. He was predeceased by his parents, George and May Flannery, and his dear sister, Patricia Morris. Mike leaves behind his adored and loving wife, Josie (nee Biondi), their son Ryan Flannery and his daughters with former wife Lynn, Shannon Moise (Rocky), Kelly Taylor and Patricia Flannery. Also left to celebrate his legacy are his grandchildren Georgia, Hailey, Michael, Noah, Liam, Tommy, and great grandson Cooper. Mike will be dearly missed by his niece Dawn (Jean Pearson)and nephew Paul Morris, by his sister-in-law Brunella and brother-in-law Giordano Pellegrini, and many dear friends across Canada, Italy, the U.S., and Mexico. Born in Hamilton on April 23, 1943, Mike grew up in the city's north end. Sports and music were big with the Flannerys. Mike's grandfather, Ed Flannery, is in the Hamilton Football Hall of Fame. His dad, George, was a credit to the rowing tradition in Canada as coach to many fine oarsmen across the nation and the Commonwealth. His mom c harmed all with her wise words and beautiful singing voice. Mike's was a family steeped in sports and Irish traditions. At nine years of age, he was the youngest coxswain in Canada at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. In 1962, Mike took gold in the doubles international rowing competition at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and coached winning doubles crews, following his dad's tradition. He had a great admiration for the sport and the efforts of those involved. For most of his adult years, he raised funds for and managed the Old Timers Annual Celebrity Dinner at the Leander for retired athletes of all sports. In 1976, after a career as a journeyman typesetter, Mike established Flannery Marketing from his home in Burlington, later moving to the downtown location on Brant Street. It was a family business, with his daughters taking turns working in sales. If you asked, he would tell you the best part of his business day was spending time with his customers, many of whom became dear friends. Mike's active participation in the business community led him to join the Rotary Club of Central Burlington where his commitment to giving back earned him the Paul Harris Fellow designation from Rotary International. An avid sailor and past member of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Mike enjoyed entertaining family and friends on his sailboat, the races, the sail pasts and just cruising on the bay. He was a member of the Hamilton Thistle Club where he played racquetball and squash and expanded his social circle over a beer or two. As a member of the Beverly Golf and Country Club for over 35years, Mike enjoyed the game and his foursomes tremendously, especially the 19th hole. Everyone loved Mike. He made the time spent on the course fun and relaxing. Mike was blessed to enjoy several decades-long friendships during his life, with those friends standing by him until the very end. Above all, Mike treasured his family. He loved them deeply, supported their efforts in life, rejoiced in their successes and was ever a place of comfort, humour, perspective and welcome. During his journey with the illness, Mike was cared for by the exceptional and compassionate professionals at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital. In his final months at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, the doctors, nurses, PSWs, all the staff and volunteers provided Mike with outstanding care, respect and compassion. They offered comfort to his family and happily tolerated his endless train of visitors. We are profoundly grateful. As per Mike's wishes, a private family interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Ancaster. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date to honour and remember Mike and to provide an opportunity for family and friends to pay their respects. As an expression of sympathy, please consider a donation to The Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.affordableburialandcremation.ca and at the www.thespec.com.