John L. Flanigan, Iii

John L. Flanigan, III, 57, of Pottsville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 20 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital, Melrose, MA. Born in Philadelphia on March 29, 1955 he was a son of Kathryn Schneider Flanigan, of Orwigsburg and the late Dr. John L. Flanigan, Jr., who was a former Pottsville surgeon. John attended Saint Patrick's school and graduated from Nativity BVM High School in 1973. He obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1977 from Mount Saint Mary's College, Emmitsburg, MD. He was the captain of the Mount Saint Mary's Rugby Team. He also traveled Europe playing rugby for an international team. From October, 1977 to November, 1978 he traveled and backpacked across Europe, Southeast Asia, visiting many countries. He was an avid skier. He lived and worked as a ski insrtuctor in Vail and Telluride, Colorado. He was on teh National Ski patrol on Sharp Mountain Ski resort. John loved tennis, golfing and reading. He was a tennis instructor in Maine. John worked in the health care industry for many years. He was a sports columnist for the Pottsville Republican. He hosted a sports radio talk show on the Phoenix 1450 AM. He owned the 'Ye Old Bookstore' in Downtown Pottsville in the early 1990's. He was instrumental in forming the semi-pro basketball team, 'The Stingers', along with Sonny Hill, a former professional basketball player and coach. He organized many local Pro Am golf tournaments for charities. He was a member of The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pottsville. John was a beloved Father , Son and Brother. In addition to his mother, John is survived by his son, John S. Flanigan, Pottsville; two brothers, Brian E. and James M. Flanigan, Ithica, NY; his two sisters, Katie Flanigan Fiske, wife of John, of Wakefield, MA and Suzanne Flanigan Fehr, wife of Randy, of Orwigsburg; his former wife, Donna Mazzuca Flanigan, of Pottsville; many cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration to honor John's Life will be held on Saturday morning, June 30, at 11:00 A.M. at Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., 6th & West Market Sts., Pottsville. Pastor William Orf will officiate. Family and friends may call on Saturday morning from 9:00 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Hillside, Pottsville. Online condolences for John's family may be sent bestlifetributes.com. Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.