Longtime state Rep. and Boston judge Michael Flaherty Sr. passed away Monday at the age of 89.
Flaherty was a force on Beacon Hill for nearly a quarter century, representing South Boston in the House of Representatives from 1967-1991, chairing several committees, including the Judiciary Committee — a position that he was “most proud of” out of his accomplishments, according to his obituary.
After stepping away from the Legislature, Flaherty moved on to the courthouse. In 2001, he was appointed to Boston Municipal Court as an associate justice by then-Gov. Jane Swift, serving until his retirement in 2006.
Flaherty’s son is former Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty Jr., who served from 2000 to 2009 and again from 2014 to 2024.
Flaherty’s obituary also notes the pride the lawmaker took in not only his own sobriety, but also helping those struggling with alcoholism and substance use disorders.
“He personally helped many hundreds gain access to treatment programs, often driving them and counseling family members. His work in the legislature raised public awareness and amplified the need for systemic government intervention decades before mainstream recognition of the crisis,” Flaherty’s obituary reads.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the O’Brien Funeral Home in South Boston, followed by a funeral mass St. Brigid of Kildare Church, also in South Boston, on Monday at 11 a.m.
Flaherty will be interred in a private ceremony restricted to friends and family.
Flaherty was survived by his daughter and two sons, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family members ask those wishing to send flowers to instead make a donation in Flaherty’s honor to the Michael F. and Margaret J. Flaherty Memorial Scholarship at Boston College High School, which supports students from South Boston.
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