Obituary of Joseph Flannery

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Flannery - courageous defender of our country, devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, community pillar, philanthropist, and lifelong learner. As a U.S. Marine (E-5 Sergeant, 3 years of service) and U.S. Army Specialist (SP4, 3 years of service), Joe faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War. He built a distinguished military career, and the discipline forged through his service shaped the close-knit family he raised. Drawing on the lessons of his arduous training, he taught his children to be tough as nails and resilient in the face of life's challenges. Joe dedicated eight years to the Boys & Girls Club of Cumberland County, where he mentored children and teens into confident, thriving young adults. His diligence and generosity with the Boys & Girls Club earned him the title of "Hometown Hero" for Cumberland County in 2019. One of his most meaningful success stories came through mentoring his bonus son, Ian, who grew up to become one of his closest friends. Community outreach was the heart of the Flannery household. Joe and his wife routinely welcomed those in need into their home, helping them regain stability and hope. Through his generosity, he lived as Christ taught — loving thy neighbor as thyself. Joe was also a consummate entrepreneur. Beginning humbly as a local mechanic, he expanded his creative energy by co-owning a trucking company with his trusted son-in-law, Vito. Never one to rest on his laurels, he went on to found a Warranty trucking company that met a niche need within the trucking industry. His ingenuity as a businessman was unparalleled. Later in life, his thirst for self-improvement never waned. Believing deeply in the power of education, he and his wife returned to college together. Despite having a limited educational background, Joe proudly earned his associate's degree in liberal arts. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Valentina; his children Jorge (Divina), Valerie (Vito), Catherine (Ray), Joseph (Janet), and Elizabeth (Christopher); and his faithful chocolate Labrador, Star. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A funeral home visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 5pm to 7pm at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ and at the church on Monday morning from 10:15am to 11:15am followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 am from Our Lady Of The Blessed Sacrament - Church Of St. Michael, 504 West Avenue, Minotola. A military burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, E. Broad St., Millville, NJ 08332. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joseph Flannery's name to the Boys & Girls Club of Cumberland County (bgccumberland.org). To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com