On the morning of April 2, 2023, Richard Allen Flannigan passed away at Hock Family Pavilion Hospice after an extended battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 79 years old. Richard was born to Helen and James Flannigan in Binghamton, NY. He grew up in a house at the corner of Chapin and North Street, only a few blocks from the Binghamton Central High School where he would spend the majority of his time as both a student and a teacher.

Richard graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1961 and received his Bachelor of Science from St. Bonaventure University in 1965. Richard returned to Marywood University to complete his Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology in 2003. He enjoyed studying the incorporation of technology into education and reveled in the opportunity to improve his skills as a teacher. As a long-term member of NYSCATE and a workshop instructor for BOCES, he spent many years assisting other teachers to incorporate the newly developed Apple computers, laser disc players and other exciting new technology into their instruction and classroom management.

Richard began teaching mathematics at MacArthur Junior High School in 1966, moving to Binghamton Central High School in 1972 and teaching there until 2001. Following his retirement from Binghamton City Schools, Richard moved on to preparing future teachers at SUNY Cortland and working with adult students returning to school at Keystone College (now Keystone University). In addition to his loving wife, Lynne Flannigan, his beloved son, Garth Flannigan, and cherished daughter-in-law, Jennifer Flannigan, Richard leaves behind thousands of students that he influenced, encouraged and taught both in high school and college.

Richard was a gifted musician who began studying guitar at the age of 14, learning to play his treasured Fender Stratocaster. Although he chose a career in teaching over the opportunity to become a professional guitarist, he continued to study and play for the next 65 years of his life. He practiced and performed with several amateur and community groups over his lifetime. Richard was also a music lover who delighted in listening to jazz and to Irish music.

Richard was an avid sportsman, particularly enjoying cycling, auto racing, and hockey. Though usually a spectator, Richard joined his son Garth in racing BMX, at one point winning the NY#1 in his age class. Richard also extended his love of racing into volunteering as a flagger at Watkins Glen International Raceway for a number of years. His love of hockey was gratified when he watched his son Garth work on the PNC Arena and was able to attend the opening game there, but his peak experience as a hockey fan was watching his Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup.

Family, friends and others whose lives Richard touched are invited to the Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, on Wednesday April 12 from 7 to 9 pm to reminisce, grieve, visit, and support each other. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.