Charles J. Flanagan

Charles J. Flanagan of Walpole passed peacefully on July 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 84.  Beloved son of the late Charles and Marguerite (Cofran) Flanagan.  Devoted father of Charles Flanagan and his wife Shoko of Honolulu, Hawaii, Helen Conley and her late husband Jeffrey of Dedham, and Karen Flanagan.  Cherished brother of Dorothea Sullivan and her late husband Joseph "Dukie"and the late Patricia Collins and her late husband Ralph.  Loving "Grand Pa" of 7 grandchildren and also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in laws, and friends.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday (8/6) from 11-1PM at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole, relatives and friends invited.  Interment will be private at families request.

Charlie was a true Bostonian, he had met J.F.K., back when he was a local politician.  He also met Bobby Orr, who was the star of the Bruins, during Charlie’s youth.

Charlie started his career in the automobile business at the young age of 12, helping his father with the family business Flanagan & Seaton Motor Car Co.  In 1966 he graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Business Administration.  In 1967, he started his professional career in automobile sales and worked for Libon Motors, achieving the position of General Manager.  In 1986, Charlie embarked on a new professional journey and began working for VW of North Attleboro, from which he retired from in 2013. 

Charlie was an automobile enthusiast and had extensive knowledge of what would now be called classic cars.  He enjoyed going to antique car shows and the Seekonk Speedway.  He greatly adored boating and fishing, especially blue fishing.  Charlie could be found almost every weekend on his boat with his friends and family: fishing, piloting to Pickering Wharf in Salem, MA, cruising Boston Harbor, and spending time on Peddock's Island.  After a long day on the Harbor, Charlie often ended the day BBQing on the dock.  Charlie named all 8 of his boats Abby and considered them to be part of his family.  Charlie also took pleasure in dining out, trying exotic foods, watching the Kentucky Derby, viewing Westerns (especially John Wayne and Clint Eastwood), basking in the sun and was well traveled, having visited Bermuda and Europe amongst other destinations.

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