Flanigan, William James

William James Flanagan, Major, USAF (Retired)
March 23, 1953 – September 26, 2016
William James Flanagan
March 23, 1953 – September 26, 2016
William J. Flanagan, 63, of Puyallup, WA passed on September 26, 2016. Survived and loved by his wife, Janet (Marciniak) and his two children, Luke, his wife Meredith and Casey. They will remember him for his love for family, fun and adventurous spirit, patience and integrity.
Born in Boston, MA on March 23, 1953, to William James Flanagan and Jeanne Marie Kelly, he was the oldest of seven siblings, all of whom he loved and enjoyed every minute with.
A graduate of Malden Catholic High School and the University of Notre Dame, he commissioned into the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He trained to become a helicopter pilot and his assignments in air rescue took him many places including Florida, where he met his wife of 38 years, and Zaragoza, Spain. There, he was awarded the Air Medal for rescuing survivors in the catastrophic fire at Hotel Corona de Aragon. Upon returning to the states, he continued with the Air Force as a Reservist and began a long career with the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon retirement from the military as Major, he continued with the FAA which brought him and his family to Minnesota, Texas and later New York. As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, He retired from the FAA as a member of the Senior Executive Service in 2012 and moved to Puyallup with his lovely wife. Bill will always guide us with his laughter, sound advice, optimism and love for God.
Those who have had the pleasure of knowing Bill, have said that they are better people for it. We’ll miss you. Go Irish!
A graveside service will be held, with full military honors on Monday, October 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Bill’s memory to PSP.org or AFTD.org.

~ GUEST BOOK ~
Monday, October 03, 2016
Janet, so sorry for your loss. Billy was an awesome cousin. My children remember Uncle Bill in Minnesota and the fun times with you all.
~
Beth Riley, Eugene, Oregon
Monday, October 03, 2016
Janet, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My prayers to you and your family during this very difficult time!
~
Rhonda Gikas, Valparsiso, Indiana
Sunday, October 02, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. Please accept our sincere condolences. We have many happy memories of your sweet family from your Texas years. May God’s love comfort you in this sad time.
~
Kevin and Annette Bush, Keller, Texas
Saturday, October 01, 2016
Sorry for the loss of Cousin Billy. As a young teenager I looked up to him. He would take the time on visits home for the service to visit our family, and would bring me pictures of the helicopters he flew. May he Rest in Eternal Peace!
~
Dan Kelly, Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Friday, September 30, 2016
Bill, it was great working on your team in the FAA Eastern Region, Airports. In particular I was blessed by your kindness and ability to connect on a personal level with us. Thanks for making FAA a better place.
~
Wayne Switzer, Lexington Park, Maryland
Integrity, Honor, and Respect
Some of the best things cannot be bought, they must be earned
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