David Flaherty

Cary, NC – David Thomas Flaherty, SR, 92, passed away from natural causes on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at his residence. Born December 9, 1928 in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Patrick Thomas Flaherty and the late Mabel Margorie Seely Flaherty. The love of his life and his biggest supporter, Nancy Hamill Flaherty, was married to him for more than 66 years before passing in March 2019.
He leaves his loving sister, Margaret (Dolly) Flaherty of Hanover, MA; his son, David Jr; grandchildren Alex, David III; son, Steve; daughter, Debbie(Jeff); son, Jon(Jenny); granddaughters, Ashley Burke(Ryan); Hannah Oliver(Evan); son, Bobby(Karen); grandson, Robert; great grandchildren, Mickey, Preston, Molly, and Ivy.
He was a notable figure in NC Republican Party politics since the late 1960s. He graduated from high school in 1946 and then took an assembly job in a camera factory; served in the Army 1949-52; attended Boston University 1952-55, graduating in two and one-half years with a degree in business administration; joined Broyhill Industries in 1955, relocated to Lenoir, North Carolina later that year; was an active community volunteer; began his involvement in local Republican Party politics; served two terms in the NC Senate 1969-70 and 1971-72; was Secretary of the NC Dept. of Human Resources under Gov. Jim Holshouser 1973-77; ran unsuccessfully as the GOP nominee for governor in 1976; served as NC GOP party chair 1981-85; was Secretary of the state Employment Security Commission 1985-87 and of the Dept. of Human Resources 1987-92 under Gov. Jim Martin. He wrapped-up his professional career as County Manager for Caldwell County.
Raised Catholic, he became a devoted Methodist church member when he relocated to NC. He was heavily involved in community service, where he volunteered as a scout leader, a baseball coach, and many other volunteer positions. While he constantly thrived in the business and civil services sectors, he was a deeply committed family man. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather (known as Poppie), and great grandfather. He was truly a special person and will be greatly missed.
The family will plan a celebration of his life at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Transitions Life Care (Hospice) of Wake County.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Flaherty family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555 .

















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