David Flanagan Class of 1990 RIP

David James Jude Flanagan passed away on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at the young age of 52.  David was born in Portlaoise, Ireland on October 21st, 1972 to parents Una Flanagan (Delaney) and John Desmond Flanagan, joining older brother and sister, John and Helen (Bill and Hannah). He attended Rockwell between 1985 and 1990. David graduated from Trinity College in Dublin before moving to New York city in 1994 to pursue his dream of becoming a top restauranteur,  eventually working in the prestigious Bouley restaurant.  David worked tirelessly for decades in the hospitality industry helping restaurants improve their craft. He moved to Boston Massachusetts in 1996 where he was the driving force behind countless restaurants, including Foundry On Elm, Saloon and Olivia’s. His talent, passion and dedication were legendary.

Known to many in the US as Flanny, David was generous to a fault and wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a kind-hearted and generous soul, always giving to those in need. David’s love for his daughter (Eva Hurley Flanagan) was unwavering and unmatched. His daughter Eva and his loving partner Alexandra Byrne meant the world to him, and his loss in their lives will be felt forever.  He will be greatly missed by the many people he touched with his warmth, intelligence, wit, sarcasm and dry sense of humor.  Along with his immediate family, his best friends Dessy Rushe (Julie, Shane, Kevin), Kevin Power, the Byrne family who loved him as their own (Don, Jackie, Michaela, Jason, Quinlan and Maeve), and of course his beloved dog Freddy, will never forget how much love and joy he brought into their lives.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

David’s life was celebrated at a wake on Friday, January 24th from 2-5pm at the Story Chapel in Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts). His memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 10am at the same location. The service will be streamed online for family and friends in Ireland and anyone who is unable to attend.

Thanks to the team at Olivias Bistro in Newton, MA for the photo and tribute to David, may he rest in peace.