Michael “Mike” Francis Flannery, 67, peacefully passed away on September 13, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 3, 1958, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Mike lived a life marked by generosity, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family, career, and beloved Penn State.
Mike graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School in 1976 where his nickname was “Flash” because he ran so fast during track and field events. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and Teaching – Math from Pennsylvania State University in 1980. While at Penn State, he was a Division I Varsity S Track and Field athlete, competing in a hurdle event with the same energy and determination that would define his life. He later earned a Master of Education degree from Cabrini College in 1985.
Mike began his professional journey as a math teacher at Marple Newtown School District. His classroom was never ordinary as he was known for climbing atop desks and using humor to engage students. His passion for teaching left a lasting impression on many young minds. In 1986, Mike applied his love of math and teaching to his new found career in healthcare information technology—a field where he would spend the next 39 years making significant contributions. He retired as a Lead Technology Architect from Oracle Health in June 2025.
As a loving father, Mike was deeply devoted to his children and their many extracurriculars. He enjoyed coaching and refereeing youth field hockey and had an eagerness to volunteer for the local high school theatre department. You could always count on Mike to be present in the stands, loudly cheering. Mike was heavily involved in Boy Scouts of America throughout his life and as a teenager, he earned the highest level of Eagle Scout in 1973.
Mike’s love for Penn State was truly legendary. Whether tailgating or cheering from the stands, he embodied the spirit of Nittany Lion pride. His tailgates and shotski were open to all—strangers quickly became friends under his welcoming 10x20 canopy where they created long-lasting memories and life-long friendships. Mike’s Penn State influence was extraordinary and inspired two of his children, Sean (2016) and Loren (2016), to attend Penn State.
Mike had a love for adventure and he recently traveled to Ireland to explore his Irish heritage while celebrating his retirement and birthday. He enjoyed listening to local music, having a pint in multiple historic pubs of Ireland, and seeing the beautiful scenery. Mike treasured cruising with his wife Kristy where he always started the trip with a Frog Island Ice Tea drink. Michael had visited all 50 states and had great hopes to visit many National Parks. He also had a deep appreciation for tasting and collecting wines and fine whiskeys from around the world. Other passions included wood working, collecting Penn State memorabilia, and camping with family and friends.
Those who knew Mike will remember his big smile and even bigger bear hugs. He had an endless supply of dad jokes that elicited both hearty laughs and affectionate eye rolls. Selfless to the core, Mike gave freely of himself until his final moments.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Kristy, and their beloved dog Rosie; his children Katelyn (Uriah) Kuehl, Sean (Samantha) Flannery, and Loren (Jonathan) Huynh; his sister Kelly (Tim) Fitzpatrick; nephews Jefferey (Maria) Fitzpatrick, Brandon (Summer) Fitzpatrick, and Robert Fitzpatrick; nieces Jessica Hawkins, Erica (Joseph) Quinn, and Shannon Rossi; great-nephews and nieces Rylee, Brody, Noah, Marsyn, and little Lorenzo on the way; and his Penn State family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Helen (Seymour) Flannery; maternal grandparents Arthur Seymour and Opal (Ralph) O’Coin; and paternal grandparents Robert Flannery and Violet Seltzer.
May Mike’s memory bring comfort to those who loved him and continue to inspire kindness, joy, and a love for Penn State. An Irish style Wake will be held on September 19, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mike and Kristy’s home in Wake Forest, NC. We will celebrate Mike by sharing stories, eating and drinking Mike's favorites, and playing good music! Let’s raise a glass for Mike, WE ARE…
For additional information or for service details, please reach out to the family directly.
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