Stephen B. Flaherty

     Stephen B. Flaherty, 78, of Magnolia, Delaware passed away unexpectedly at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Delaware on Friday, October 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 9, 1947. 

     Steve was the son of the late Mary Flaherty (Forest) and late Henry Flaherty of East Hartford, CT. Known by most as Steve, he attended East Hartford High School in East Hartford, Connecticut. He enlisted in the United States Navy, and after serving 3 years, transferred to the United States Air Force, where he served his country honorably for 26 years. His military journey took him from Texas to England, Spain to Korea, and many places in between, eventually bringing him to Dover, Delaware, where he retired in 1991. Steve started his military career as a welder; however, he ended his career as a First Sergeant. His heart of helping and serving his troops was truly evident in this role. Additionally, Steve was an adjunct professor at Wilmington University. Throughout his military career, Steve focused on his education, obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wilmington University in Community Counseling. He also had multiple degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

     Following his military retirement in 1991, Steve worked for the State of Delaware Department of Labor, where he spent his time continuing to serve veterans. His enduring commitment to veterans remained a guiding focus throughout his life. He was a proud lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Steve was also a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Harrington, Delaware.

     Steve loved woodworking and crafting and was always making something for his family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening. He was proud of his Irish heritage, as evidenced by the names of his children. He never knew a stranger, and that was one of the most beautiful things about him. He will be dearly missed.

     Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beth (Mawson). Beth was Steve’s faithful, loving, and supportive wife, who was always eager for his new assignment to travel the world. Steve loved the saying “All Because Two People Fell in Love,” and that love brought 5 beautiful children into the world, Shawn Flaherty (Candice), of Escondido, CA; Shannon Flaherty of Apex, NC; Ryan Flaherty (Jessica) of Camden-Wyoming, DE; Brendan Flaherty (Erin) of Clayton, NC; and Katie Phillips (Christopher) of Lugoff, SC. Steve truly loved his family.

     Steve is also survived by his 13 beautiful grandchildren and loved each one as much as a grandparent could. Known to his grandchildren as Grandpa or Gramps they each had something special they remember about him: from spending Christmas with him and the family (Liam); all the ways he helped people (Ian); Dad Jokes and our time at the casino (Trey); walking on the beach collecting seashells together (Ethan); his random knowledge of everything (Seth); that he gave the best hugs and funny jokes (Fiona); playing mahjong on his iPad (Madison); hearing his stories that he shared with me (Aidan); all his stories (Lilly); spending Christmas together in SC (Hudson); drinking a soda with him & hearing snug as bug in a rug (Kieran); watching Fox News (Madelyn); and talks about Gettysburg and the military (Finnegan). The grandchildren will miss their yearly birthday calls from Grandpa singing Happy Birthday.

     In addition to his children, Steve is survived by his loving sister, Maureen Flaherty of Manchester, CT, who lovingly referred to him as her best friend; his cherished sisters-in-law, Stacie Mawson of Manchester, CT, and Suzanne McDougal of South Windsor, CT, and her husband, Bill; his beloved nieces, Kara and Kelle; nephews, Nathan, Michael, and Brian; and a host of cousins and dear friends who were like family.

     A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5:00–7:00 P.M. at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 West Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934. A  Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church, 109 Dixon Street, Harrington, DE 19952. Burial with full military honors will take place immediately afterward at Odd Fellows Cemetery, 35 Rising Sun Road, Camden, DE.

     A celebratory reception honoring Steve’s life will be held following the burial at the Columbian Home Hall, 219 Vepco Boulevard, Camden, Delaware. All are welcome to join Steve’s family in celebrating his remarkable life and legacy.

     Donations in honor of Steve may be made to the Fisher House Foundation’s “Families of the Fallen” House at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Mail: 116 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, DE 19902. Online: Visit fisherhouse.org and select the Dover, DE-location to ensure your gift goes directly to this house.  Dover AFB, DE Location. Online  condolence may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.

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