Richard "Flash" Flaherty Sr. 72, of Ashland passed away Sat. May 6th at his home with his family by his side. He was the husband of Judy (Player) Flaherty for 48 years. Richard worked as a sheet metal worker for over 40 years and was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 17. An avid sports fan he volunteered as an Ashland Youth Football coach for many years. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Atlantic City and Mohegan Sun.

Mr. Flaherty served his country honorably with the US Air Force from 1963-1966. He was a past commander and past treasurer of the American Legion James O' Carey Post 77 in Ashland.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Richard Flaherty Jr and his wife Stacie of Ashland, and Sean Flaherty and his wife Katherine of West Boylston, MA, and six grandchildren, Alison, Jack, Erin, Brendan, Kaitlin, and Meaghan. Richard was the last of nine siblings; he was the brother of the late Raymond, Regina Lewis, Paul, Leo, David, Gerald, Mary English, and Joseph Flaherty.

A funeral service will be held Friday May 12th at 11:00am in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ashland Ambulance Fund, 70 Cedar St. Ashland, MA 01721