Neil T. Flathers

Neil T. Flathers, of Hingham, formerly of Sudbury and Biddeford Pool, Maine, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 30, 2020. He was 91.

Born in Lawrence, he was the son of the late Charles H. and Margaret (Kelley) Flathers. Neil graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1946. He completed his undergraduate degree at Boston College and his master’s degree from Penn State University. Neil worked in sales in the chemical industry. He met many people during the course of his career, and it got to the point where he ran into someone he knew nearly everywhere he went. He enjoyed his career and the relationships he built throughout the years.

Neil was the beloved husband of the late Eleanor C. (Kearns) Flathers, who was the love of his life and who died in 2018. Until the end of her life, he was a most devoted husband, always by her side, making sure she was comfortable and happy. He was the devoted father of Jean Ricketts and her husband Scott of NJ, Mary Wood and her husband Bruce of VT and Karen Doyle of Scituate. Neil was the loving grandfather of Lindsay Ricketts, Andrew Ricketts, Kelly Wood, Glenn Doyle, Jr., Matthew Wood, Patrick Doyle and Colleen Doyle. He was preceded in death by his dear siblings Marguerite McEvoy, Eleanor Morris, Charles Flathers, Marie Martin and Patricia Taylor. Neil is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

In his spare time, Neil enjoyed woodworking. He made tables and cabinets for the houses in Sudbury and Biddeford Pool. When his grandchildren were born, they each spent their first weeks sleeping in a cradle that was handmade by Grandpa. As they grew older, he made toys for them. Neil loved spending time outside and liked to keep active. His favorite activities were swimming, skiing and playing golf and tennis. He was a member of the Sudbury Swim and Tennis Club as well as the Boston Rubber Group. He and his family enjoyed the annual ski trip that the Boston Rubber Group hosted at the Balsams in Dixville Notch, NH. The most important part of Neil’s life was spending time with his family and grandchildren. He loved it when his children and grandchildren came to visit in Maine, and they could go to the beach. The water was never too cold for him to take a swim! He was a big fan of the Boston Red Sox and rejoiced in seeing them finally win a World Series in 2004, and again in 2007 and 2018.

Neil was kind, patient, and very even-tempered. He knew how to put a smile on your face, whether it be with a kind gesture or one of his famous “dad jokes”, he always knew how to make things better. Neil was a rock for his family and the people in his life. He was ever-present, loving and honest. Neil will be missed by all the lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday, February 7th from 4 through 8 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9 AM on Saturday, February 8th prior to the Funeral Mass in Church of the Resurrection, Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Scituate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Neil may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.