HINGHAM, MA — Neil T. Flathers, of Hingham, formerly of Sudbury, Mass. and Biddeford Pool, Maine, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. He was 91.
Born April 26, 1928 in Lawrence, Mass. he was the son of the late Charles H. and Margaret (Kelley) Flathers. 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 loving 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 N.J., Mary Wood and her husband Bruce of West Newbury, Vt. (formerly of Etna) and Karen Doyle of Scituate, Mass. Neil was the doting 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.
Neil graduated from Boston College in 1950 and earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Penn State University in 1953. Neil spent his career as a sales representative in the chemical industry. He enjoyed his career and the relationships he built throughout the years. Everywhere he went, he’d run into someone he knew.
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, and later played with the toys he made for them. Neil loved spending time outside and liked to keep active. Swimming, skiing and playing golf and tennis were among his favorite activities. The most important part of Neil’s life was spending time with his family. He enjoyed nothing more than a big family reunion on the beach in Maine, where the water was seldom 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 with a wonderful sense of humor. He was always curious and enjoyed discussing a wide variety of topics. He knew how to put a smile on your face, whether it be with a kind gesture or one of his corny “Dad jokes.” Neil was authentic, loving and honest. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Arrangements are by the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Neil may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, Mass., 02452.