Hugh Joseph Flanagan is a man who lived for the people he loved. Those who know him, realize that Hugh is a man best understood through his sharp mind and sharper wit, his willingness to help with his hands and his heart, and his deep well of generosity.

Searching for words to define a person like Hugh is a challenge better left to poets, but Hugh detested most poetry. So, what we are left with are memories, but for those who did not know Hugh well, they should know this, some people define themselves with the materials of life: possessions, trifles, land; still others shroud themselves in badges of office, profession, and accomplishment, but Hugh lived his life on his own terms with the unbending courage of a man who knows himself, unconcerned with earthly value, only with the transcendent values of love, friendship, and human experience.

Hugh began life in Framingham, Massachusetts, the son of Mary Farrahar Hines and Hugh L. Flanagan. He made an impression at a young age, showing uncanny aptitude for all things technological, a skill that he would parlay into a career about two decades later.

His best and first friend was his beloved brother Tim Flanagan. They rode out life’s adventure together, relying on each other in challenging times, laughing and teasing like the closest of friends all along the way. The only sibling rivalry between the two of them was to be funnier than the other, a title for which Hugh was quick to declare himself champion.

Hugh attended the Beaver Country Day School from grades 6 to 12 where he was known school-wide for his logic and technical prowess. Everyone from students and teachers, to coaches and art directors would approach him to troubleshoot computers, rig lighting, or design any number of other complex systems. He became particularly popular among certain nerdy students and infamous to the technology department for cracking the school’s security measures and hosting local video game parties in the school. He was always ahead of his time... Above all else though, he was respected among students and faculty for his kindness and humor. He was able to bring laughter to any situation, and countless people will remember Hugh for bringing them cheer and comfort when they were feeling down.

Learning differences brought Hugh to Landmark College where he received an Associate Degree. While there he became the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Hugh attended the honor society national convention discussing his journey to embrace his learning style . As president of his class he continued his role as funny guy and made more lasting friendships.

Hugh went on to attend Skidmore College, where he graduated with a degree in Business with distinction in 2006. He was also an instant success on the Varsity Crew team, where he was known as “Huge” for his muscular frame, and he woke up early many mornings to row the Skidmore team to victory. Yup, more great friendships here! Following college, Hugh plunged into the field of computer technology, and provided support to a list of eminent law firms over the years.

Hugh also found the time to volunteer on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. He devoted over two months applying his tech knowhow to serve nonprofits rebuilding the stricken city of Biloxi. In particular he rebuilt and modernized a database of storm victims to streamline housing services for the city’s most vulnerable residents. Also an accomplished handyman, Hugh never missed a chance to volunteer his construction skills, and led crews of volunteers doing everything from siding to roofing for storm damaged homes.

Hugh’s most recent work was with the France-based logistical contractor Trace One. In his role as Systems Engineer he oversaw logistical technology management for national retail chains such as Michaels Arts and Crafts. His work brought him to England and France, where he coordinated product rollouts with a team of international colleagues. He was lauded for his teammates there as a details driven professional who always wanted to see things done right the first time.

If Hugh can be defined by three words, the first would be loyalty. Loyalty to family and friends lay at the core of his life and his actions, nothing ever stood in the way of him helping those he cared for. The second would be generosity. Everything he owned he was willing to give, and if it were in his power to make someone feel better, he would give of himself. The third would be humor. He was a master of making people laugh and easing the burdens that life lays upon us. He will be missed as the most generous, loyal, and hilarious brother, friend, and son we know.

Hugh, on June 10th, 2015, at the age of 34, joined his life’s final adventure after a courageous battle with cancer. He is the beloved son of Mary Farrahar Hines and her husband Thomas Hines of Medford, and Hugh L. Flanagan and his wife Anahit of Waltham. He is the cherished brother of Timothy Flanagan and his fiancé Jenna Pariseau of Burlington, VT. He is the dear nephew of Janet Colbert of VT, James Flanagan of TX, Paul Flanagan of Norwood, Paul Farrahar of N. Reading, and Joanne Payson of Rhode Island. He is survived by many other wonderful and supportive friends and relatives who have been lucky enough to be part of the joy he brought to this world.

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Visiting Hours from the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St., Rt. 60 (adjacent to St. Agnes Church) ARLINGTON on Friday from 4-8pm. A Prayer Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Saturday at 10am. Burial to follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Relatives and friends invited. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hugh’s memory may be made to Targeting a Cure for Lung Cancer Fund, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1300, Boston, MA 02114. For a complete obituary, directions or to send a condolence visit www.keefefuneralhome.com