William John Flaherty

William J. Flaherty

PORTLAND - William John Flaherty passed away on October 12, 2026, after a long illness, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Bill was born on April 25, 1949, in Bangor, the son of John and Margaret Flaherty. He graduated from Bangor High School and went on to attend Maine Maritime Academy, the University of Southern Maine (USM), where he earned a degree in finance, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), where he earned his teaching degree.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of petty officer third class. Following his military service, he returned to Bangor and worked as vice president of Colonial Industrial Bank alongside his father. He later worked at the Consumer Credit Counseling Center, where he used his "Money Bunny" puppet to teach children the value of money. He went on to teach high school finance, sharing his knowledge and helping students build important life skills.

Always one for a unique venture, Bill also spent a year running "A Bar of Soap," a combination laundromat and sports bar in Portland's Old Port. After retiring from teaching, he worked as a construction flagger and later as a clerk at Shaw's.

Bill enjoyed watching all kinds of sports, but he also had a special fondness for MeTV, where he could often be found watching his favorite old Westerns. He seemed to know every episode by heart.

Bill is survived by his son, Chris; daughter-in-law, Carrie; and his two beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Megan, all of Henniker, New Hampshire, whom he adored. He also leaves behind his "bestest" sister, Mary Matarazzo, his "other brother," Alan Knowlton, both of Hermon, Maine, nieces Lisa and Tracy, nephews Bill and Michael, as well as his faithful feline companion, Lucy. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved cat, "Kitty."

Bill will be greatly missed by his special friends, including Rich Alley, Charlie Nichols, Jane Taylor, and Tom Lawless, along with all those whose lives he touched throughout the years.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff at Mercy Hospital, Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, and Bill's aides from Cornerstone for their care and compassion.

Bill leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved him dearly, and a legacy of humor, kindness, and the many ways he made life a little more memorable for those around him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am. Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ohio St., Bangor, followed by the Rite of committal at Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery.

The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St .Bangor, following the services.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.