Robert W. Flaherty of Cutchogue died on Aug. 17, 2025, at home. He was 88 years old.
Born on March 19, 1937, in New York City to Mary M. (Hack) and Anthony J. Flaherty, he was one of four children. He graduated from Power Memorial Academy High School in New York City and later attended Saint Francis College in Brooklyn, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably during the Korean Conflict from 1954 to 1958 and attaining the rank of airman second class. On Nov. 5, 1960, he married Kathleen M. Barry in Woodside. They had four children and eventually settled in Cutchogue. He worked as a news executive for News Election Service in New York City for 30 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck and Saint Christopher R.C. Church in Hobe Sound, Florida.
He is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen; daughter Patricia Anne Finnegan; companion Cynthia Rybinski; brother Anthony Flaherty; and sister Kathryn Flaherty. He is survived by his children Dennis (Mary) of Salinas, California, Matthew (Deborah) of Rockville Centre, and Robert Jr. of Bethpage, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and and sister Mary Flaherty.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The liturgy of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, officiated by Father Michael Bartholomew. The rite of committal will be private.
