John Flannery Obituary

March 17, 1941-February 24, 2008. John P. "Jack" Flannery, a Colorado Springs resident since 1978, died Sunday night, Feb. 24, 2008, surrounded by his loving family after a seven-year battle with melanoma. He was born in Springfield, MA, on March 17, 1941. Jack was among the last of a breed-a generation of strong men who believed that almost anything can be accomplished through hard work and that sticking to principles and contributing to a cause greater than oneself should guide one's life. These ideals led him to a successful Air Force career as a fighter pilot, squadron commander, Air Force Academy group commander, and assistant chief of staff for Air Force Space Command. After retiring as a colonel in 1986, he spent several years as an aerospace industry executive. He then turned his attention to developing space education and awareness as executive director of the U.S. Space Foundation and president of the National Space Science and Technology Institute. Jack also actively volunteered on several local nonprofits' boards, including the Chinese Cultural Institute and the Colorado Springs Children's Museum. When not working, Jack could usually be found on the golf course, traveling, enjoying his family and friends-or doing all three simultaneously. Born on St. Patrick's Day, he typically found that ideal parking spaces opened when he drove near, foul weather cleared for vacations, and unexpected obstacles worked out for the best. He never ceased to be amazed by-or to express gratitude for-the abundant blessings in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Natalie and Joseph Flannery of Springfield, MA. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his three children and their spouses, Kellee and Sean White, Michael and Kristin Flannery, and Stephen and Allison Flannery, all of Colorado Springs; his eleven grandchildren; and his two sisters, Mary Ann Lewis of San Jose, CA, and Joan (and her husband Al) Laude of Wells, ME, and his brother, Donald Flannery of Wilbraham, MA. Jack lived life fully, faced death bravely, and entered his eternal home with grace. He is deeply missed. A memorial mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m. A private inurnment will follow at St. Mary's Cathedral. Because of Jack's belief that education is the key to (progress, memorial contributions may be made to provide secondary school scholarships for children in Rwanda, Central Africa. Please send checks to International Anglican Church (memo line: Rwanda Secondary School Scholarships), 1095 Carlson Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919. One hundred percent of contributions will be applied to scholarships for impoverished students who otherwise could not afford to complete their education.