Obituary: Retired Master Sgt. Dennis Martin Flaherty
Retired Master Sgt. Dennis Martin Flaherty
GARDNERVILLE, Nev. – Retired U.S. Marine Corps, Master Sgt. Dennis Martin Flaherty, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 86, in Gardnerville, Nev., surrounded by his loving wife of 56 years and his children.
Dennis was born on Aug. 12, 1939, in Portland, Maine, the son of Martin and Arlene Flaherty. He grew up on Fall Brook Street in North Deering and attended St. Joseph’s School and Cheverus High School.
After graduating from Cheverus, Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his 23-year military career, Dennis served two tours in Vietnam in 1965 and 1968. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for his acts of heroism and valor in combat, an honor that reflected his courage, leadership, and steadfast devotion to the Marine Corps and his country.
As a Marine, Dennis traveled the world, but Maine was always home. It was his favorite place in the world and the place he always wanted to return to. While recovering in Maine during a medical evacuation from the Marine Corps, he met Carole, the love of his life. They married in August 1970 and together raised three children, Shawn, Kelly, and Meeghan.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Dennis returned to Maine with Carole, where they settled in Durham and raised their family. He worked side by side with his father-in-law, Retired U.S. Coast Guard, Capt. Roger F. Erdmann, at Seven Maple Farm. He later joined the United States Postal Service in Bath where he served as a mail carrier for 20 years before retiring.
Dennis was outgoing, social, and welcoming to everyone he met. Whether he had known someone for years or had just met them, he was always eager to share a story, a laugh, and often a pint or two. He was a member of several veterans’ service organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS, and deeply valued the camaraderie, support, and service they provided to veterans, their families, and the broader community. He was also a proud member of the Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and, as a devoted Catholic, the Knights of Columbus Council 1947 in Brunswick.
In retirement, Dennis enjoyed playing golf and visiting his children in Lake Tahoe during the winter months. He was a loving and devoted husband to Carole, the center of his life for over 56 years. Together they shared many wonderful adventures and built a life rooted in love, family, and home. Carole cared for Dennis with unwavering devotion until the very end, always by his side.
Dennis loved his children dearly, and everything he did was for his family. With a generous heart and humble spirit, Dennis had a way of making others feel welcome and cared for; his kindness and warmth were evident to everyone who knew him. He never took anything for granted, and his children cherished the simple blessing of talking with him every day. His wonderful sense of humor and quiet strength carried him through life. The toughest man his family knew, Dennis carried his strength with gentleness, gratitude, and love.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Carole; and their children, son, Chief Engineer Shawn Martin Flaherty, USMM, and his wife, Veronica Flaherty, daughter, Kelly Flaherty and her husband, Douglas Wilson, and daughter Meeghan Flaherty and her husband, Eddie Henry. He is also survived by his sister, Terry Bergson, and her husband, David; sisters-in-law Patricia Flaherty and Therese Flaherty, brother-in-law, Gregory Erdmann and his wife, Patricia, sisters-in-law Barbara Inman and her husband, Mike, and Paula Erdmann-Purdy and her husband, Kirk; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers John R. Flaherty and Timmy Flaherty, and his sister, Donna Hasson.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland, on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. Immediately following the Mass, family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at Portland Elks Lodge #188, 1945 Congress St.
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