Hobby Veteran Don Flanagan Dies

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Posted By: leon

It's always sad to hear of another collector and hobbyist passing away. My condolences to the family....here is an obit....



Donald J. Flanagan
beloved husband, father, and grandfather
July 7, 2008

MORRISTOWN -- Donald Joseph Flanagan of Morristown passed away with grace and dignity on Saturday, July 5, 2008, after a valiant 3-year battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, Donald was in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was 66.


Donald was born in Newark, N.J. on Jan. 21, 1942, to Donald P. and Jeanne d'arc (Frappier) Flanagan.

He was raised in Bellville and graduated from St. Benedicts Preparatory School in 1959.

He attended and graduated from Seton Hall College ('63) and Seton Hall Law School ('66).

He then spent a year clerking for the Hon J.D. Collins before joining the Morris County Prosecutor's office in 1967 as assistant prosecutor.

In addition to practicing law for over two decades, Donald was an avid collector and was regarded as one of the country's leading valuation authorities in the Sports Memorabilia industry having worked for Christie's Auction House in New York for much of the 1990's.

He also founded a number of small collectibles companies including Random Treasures, Perfect Game, and Collectors' Dreams.

Donald had recently completed a book intended to be the singular industry resource regarding the appraisal and authentication of collectable ticket stubs when he passed. In his honor, family and friends intend to have it published posthumously.

He is survived by his loving wife, Denise; his sons, Don and Jon; and his three daughters, Ann Marie Manahan, Margaret DeFazio, and Tara Flanagan.

He is also survived by six loving grandchildren, Michael, Quinn, Shayla, Madeleine, David, and Jack Ryan.

The family will receive friends and relatives at Doyle's Funeral Home at 106 Maple Ave in Morristown, on Tuesday, July 8, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Services will be held at Assumption Church at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9.

Interment will follow at the Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to a cause very close to Donald's heart - St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Information can be found and donations may be made at www.stjo.org. (605) 234-3300.