Obituary of Terence J. Flanagan

Terence James Flanagan, age 90, of Madison, NJ and formerly of Phillipsburg, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 9, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose warmth, wit, and generous spirit touched all who knew him.

Terence is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carmel Flanagan (née O’Donohoe); one son, Thomas Flanagan and his wife Asami (Tokyo, Japan); two daughters, Fiona Matthews and her husband Steve (Madison, NJ) & Moira Greto and her husband Andrew (Northampton, MA); six cherished grandchildren, Lucy Greto, Owen Matthews, Thomas Greto, Aidan Matthews, Minori Flanagan and Aika Flanagan; one brother, Sean T. Flanagan (Florham Park, NJ); numerous nieces and nephews, and many extended family members. In addition to his parents, Terence was predeceased by his sister, Maureen Dempsey; and his brother, Patrick Flanagan.

Terence was born in Dublin, Ireland, on June 5, 1935 to the late Thomas and Ann Flanagan. As a young man, Terence met his beloved Carmel in Dublin. They were engaged after just two weeks and married soon after, embarking on a life together that would take them across the Atlantic to the United States. They settled in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where they raised their son and two daughters.

Terence was a sharp, quick-witted man with a natural talent for writing. He founded Flanagan Associates in Phillipsburg, editing technical manuals for various specialized trades. In addition to his technical work, Terence was a gifted satirist who wrote a local newspaper column for five years and contributed Op-Ed pieces to the New York Times. In 1970 he was awarded First Place Best Columns Contest, for his piece “New York City 1970” by the New Jersey Press Association. He loved historical literature, 19^th century poetry, Shakespeare, and Guinness. Not necessarily in that order.

Terence and Carmel journeyed extensively throughout the world, which enriched their lives. At home he enjoyed golf with his friends and son, and playing pool in the basement with his grandkids. He was a remarkable father and husband, and a proud grandfather who delighted in cracking everyone up. His knack for remembering long joke lines brought hilarity to many gatherings.

Terence’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and the letters that he wrote. His kindness, wit, and enduring love for family and friends will be cherished by all who were lucky enough to know him. May he Rest in Peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road in Madison prior to a Mass of Christian Burial that will begin at 11:00 a.m. For those who cannot attend in person, the mass will be available virtually at www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a charitable contribution in Terence’s memory the charity of your choice.