John G. Flanigan

John G. Flanigan - October 27, 1950 - November 26, 2017

Affectionately referred to as "Big John" and in racing circles known as "Flying John."

John G. Flanigan, 67, of Cromwell, CT passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017 after a brave battle against lung cancer. Left to cherish his memories are his beautiful, devoted wife of 47 years, Linda Flanigan; his three loving children, Michael Flanigan, Keith Flanigan and Ashley Olsen; son-in-law David Olsen and daughter-in-law Stacy Flanigan; and his five grandchildren who filled his heart with immeasurable love and pride-Cannon, Wynn, Dylan, Case and Berkeley. John is also survived by his mother, Irma Allen, sisters Noanie Astoreca and Karen Weslar and brothers Joe Flanigan and Raymond Flanigan.

Born in Bronx, NY in 1950, John was very proud to be the son of a B-17 fighter pilot in WWII. John attended the University of Hartford and earned a degree in business. He married his high school sweetheart and quickly hustled to make a living. A natural-born entrepreneur with a strong work ethic, John started his first company, Abacus, out of the back of his station wagon selling typewriters. He started Abacus with a friend and the business subsequently grew to 100 employees. John sold Abacus after 25 years in 1997. In 2000, he opened Lightning Bay Performance Marine in St. Petersburg, FL with his son. Three years later, John successfully built another office equipment company, Docusource. While John took pride in his professional achievements, he found true happiness in giving to others.

John was a family man and a loyal friend. He invested his life in his children, took joy in attending their sporting events and rarely missed a game. John was a huge Patriots and Hartford Whalers fan and loved a good tailgate at a UCONN football game. He cherished making memories on the slopes in Vermont. John was the life of every party and never turned down a karaoke mic. John lived life in the fast lane - loved his sports cars, Harleys and speed boats. One of his greatest accomplishments was becoming World Champion in off-shore boat racing in a boat fittingly named "Gone Banana's." John lived on the edge and certainly enjoyed the ride.

A celebration of John's life for family & friends will be held at Maneeley's in South Windsor at 65 Rye Street, South Windsor, CT on Saturday, December 9th at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions made in his memory may be made to The American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.

John's signature song was "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. May he keep singing and rest in peace.

I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each every highway
And more, much more than this....I did it my way! - Frank Sinatra

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmettofh.com

The family of Mr. Flanigan is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC.

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