Flannery, Paul J.

Paul J. Flannery, 82, formerly of Iowa City, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, in Roseville, Calif., after a long illness.

Paul Joseph Flannery was born April 22, 1931, in Iowa City, the son of Ray and Rita (Belger) Flannery. He graduated from St. Mary's High School here in Iowa City, where he excelled on the basketball court, and later from the University of Iowa. On Nov. 6, 1950, he was united in marriage to Lila Makin. After three years in the Air Force, Paul and Lila settled in California and raised a large family. Paul loved the outdoors, family vacations and continued his love of sports as an avid fan.

Paul retired from Caltrans as a deputy director in the Stockton office and also as a major in the U.S. Air Force. In retirement Paul was an active member of Kiwanis and volunteered his time with The Salvation Army.

His family includes his wife, Lila; their children, Michael, Stephen, Daniel, Gerri Coffey, Kevin, Sean and Erin Allen; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Karen Alberts of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces, nephews and cousins in Iowa.

A Memorial Mass was held Aug. 28 at St. Clare's Catholic Church in Roseville, Calif. Interment services, with military honors, will be held at Unity Cemetery, rural Iowa City, at noon Thursday, Sept. 12, followed by a gathering time for family and friends at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church reception hall in Iowa City. (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for streets around the church.)

Memorial donations can be made in Paul's name to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Paul's family and his local arrangements.

Published Sept. 8, 2013 in The Gazette