William Richard Flannery, age 84, longtime resident of Bethpage, beloved husband of Anne Rooney Flannery of 59 years, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023 while surrounded by his loving family. Born in Queens, NY on December 24,1938, the son of the late Marion and William Flannery. Later moving to East Meadow, NY where he had many friends, played sports and loved his cars. He served his country in the US Army and later graduated from Hofstra University. Bill was a very proud member of the Nassau County Police Department where he served as a policeman and later as a detective for 33 years working in Burglary squad, Major Case and Headquarters. After retirement, Bill and his wife, Anne, also enjoyed traveling to new places and spending time visiting their grandchildren. Bill was a big proponent of education for his children. He worked two jobs to put his five children through 12 years of Catholic school and then college. One of his favorite past times was watching his children and grandchildren’s many sports, plays and music performances. No matter how far he had to go to see them he would always be there cheering them on. Another love Bill had was the home he built for his family at Blueberry Lake in upstate NY. It was his place of sanctuary and was enjoyed by his children and grandchildren.

Bill led a life full of love, compassion, hard work and laughter. He was selfless and cared deeply about those around him. He enjoyed giving his time to the elderly in the community and volunteering at St. Martin of Tours. He could often be seen biking or walking through Bethpage engaging in conversation with whomever he met. Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was the heart of his family, always joking, dancing, lending a caring ear, and always interested in hearing what his family and friends had going on in their lives. His legacy will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. In addition to his loving wife, Anne, he will be greatly missed by his five beloved children, Bill Flannery and his wife Lillian of Mooresville, NC, Colleen Kelly and her husband Chris of Ashburn, VA, Brian Flannery and his wife Kristine of East Williston, NY, Dawnmarie Gitman and her husband Jason of Fairfield, CT, Tara Rutigliano and her husband Joey of Pelham Manor, NY. Adored by his 17 grandchildren with whom he loved spending time and laughing with and was affectionately known to them as Pa. Benjamin, Collin, Olivia and Sarah Flannery; Meghan, Liam and Erin Kelly; Jack, Patrick(deceased), Sean and Kara Flannery; Connor, Gavin, Nolan and Declan Gitman; Ava, Caitlin and Joseph Rutigliano. Bill is also survived by his loving sister Debra Gucciardo and husband Carmine and brother Kevin Flannery and wife Margaret along with his nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors on Monday, October 9th from 4-8PM at Chapey and Son’s Funeral Home, 20 Hicksville Road, Bethpage, NY. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:15AM at St. Martin of Tours Church in Bethpage. Interment following at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 16 Powells Lane, Old Westbury, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Lewy Body Dementia Association.