Danbury resident Rick Flannery Jr., 65, coach, Buddy Ball founder, has died

Frederick W. Flannery Jr., 65, of Danbury, husband of Caryn (Kangos) Flannery, died on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at Danbury Hospital surrounded by his wife and children.

Affectionately known as "Rick", he was born in Teaneck, NJ at Holy Name Hospital, on November 10, 1955, to Frederick W. Sr. and Virginia (Rhode) Flannery. He attended Glen School & Ben Franklin Middle School and graduated from Ridgewood High School with the Class of 1973. He later attended Ramapo College & Western Connecticut State University.

A resident of Danbury since 1988 coming from Ridgewood, NJ, Rick worked at IBM for 15 years. He later owned and operated his own collectible store in Brookfield, CT, and most recently an eBay store. In addition to his wife of 32 years, Rick is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Flannery and her boyfriend, William Rangel, and one son, Frederick “Ricky” Flannery III, and his girlfriend Lauren Vetter. He is also survived by two sisters, Sharon Flannery Waagner and husband Lou and Virginia Flannery Curbelo. Also, by his best friend and best man, Lawrence Remo, along with numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends, old and new.

Rick will be dearly missed by so many. Heavily involved in Danbury Youth Baseball and PAL Softball for many years as a coach and commissioner, Rick loved coaching his two children and all of his players. In 2009, Rick started “Buddy Ball” in Danbury, a league for mentally and physically challenged children. He fought hard to share his joy of baseball with every child he connected with. Rick was very family-oriented and built so many cherished relationships in each community he touched.

He loved his family’s annual trips to Block Island – as he said he was “Born to Block!” Rick had a true passion and love for music, all sports, history, beach vacations, bird watching, and everything chocolate! The Rite of Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at 11 A..M. at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Rd., Danbury (by invitation only) due to COVID restrictions and protocols.

All are invited join the family at the Interment services at 11:45 a.m. in St. Peter Cemetery, Section 23, Danbury. Social distancing and facial covering must be observed at all times. A celebration of Rick’s life will take place later in the year, when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Rd/. Danbury 06811 or to the Danbury Youth Baseball. www.danburyyouthbaseball.com