Father Frederick R. Flaherty, M.S., 95, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. He was born January 2, 1930 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts the son of Timothy and Agnes (Serguson) Flaherty. He attended grammar school and his first years of high school in Fitchburg and completed high school at La Salette Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. Father entered the La Salette Novitiate in Bloomfield, CT in 1948. He pronounced his First Vows on July 2, 1949 and his Perpetual Vows on July 2, 1952. On May 11, 1957, Father was ordained to the priesthood at the La Salette Seminary Church in Ipswich, MA.

He received a Master's Degree in History from Boston College in 1960 and spent his first years of ministry as a teacher at the Hartford Seminary, Director of Students, Professor of English and continued on as Prefect of Studies at the Altamont Seminary in New York. In 1964, he was appointed as Second Provincial Councilor and Monitor and served on several education and formation committees for the Province.

In 1969 he was appointed Superior of the Ipswich La Salette community and Dean of Theology. In 1973, Father Flaherty was appointed Provincial Superior by the Superior General. As Provincial Superior, he traveled to Burma and Argentina to visit his La Salette confreres. In 1976, Father was elected for a second term as Provincial Superior and traveled to Burma, England and Argentina. From 1979 to 2000, Father ministered as Associate Pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Holyoke, MA; and as Pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Fairburn, Georgia; Our Lady of La Salette in Rainham, England; and Annunciation Parish in Havelock, North Carolina. In 2000, he was appointed to residence at Hartford House in Hartford, CT where he lived and ministered until his death.

Father was held in esteem and respect by his community members and served as a friend and mentor to many in community and ministry. He was also the go-to person when there were any questions on the history of our Province.

In addition to his La Salette Community, Father Flaherty, M.S., is survived by his nieces; Sandy Dubvick of Lincroft, New Jersey and Sue Mantia of Burlington,

Massachusetts; and his nephews; Tim Flaherty of Centerville, Massachusetts and John Dignam of Putnam, Connecticut. He was predeceased by two brothers Paul and John Flaherty; and two sisters Mary Dignam and Elizabeth McMullen.

Calling hours will be at Hartford House on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 9:15 am to 10:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Hartford House Chapel at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT.

Contributions in his memory may be made to: Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 331370, West Hartford, CT 06133.