Patrick X. Flaherty
Rank: First Lieutenant, United States Army
Role: Catholic Chaplain, Third Army
Entered service from: New Jersey
Died:
Biography
Patrick X. Flaherty was a member of the Clerics of St. Viator (CSV), a Roman Catholic religious order. Originally from South Boston, Massachusetts, he had been serving as the assistant pastor at Christ the King Church in Haddonfield, New Jersey, prior to entering the Army as a chaplain.
An expert swimmer, Father Flaherty was killed on July 19, 1943, from injuries suffered in a diving accident during maneuvers at Camp Polk in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. He dove into a stream and struck his head against a rock, breaking his back. The accident occurred on June 26, and he survived for several weeks before succumbing to his injuries. He was 33 years old. His death was reported in the July 21, 1943 edition of the Camden Courier-Post.
Father Flaherty's body was sent back to his home in South Boston, Massachusetts, for burial. His requiem mass was celebrated at Christ the King Church in Haddonfield by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph B. McIntyre, with curates Rev. John G. Flanagan and Peter S. Sprofera assisting.
Mass Will Be Sung for Lieut. Flaherty
Camden Courier-Post —
A solemn high requiem mass for First Lieut. Patrick X. Flaherty, CSV, former assistant pastor of Christ the King Church, Haddonfield, who died Monday at Camp Polk, La., from injuries received in a diving accident, will be celebrated at 8.30 a.m. Monday in the Haddonfield church.
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph B. McIntyre, pastor, will be celebrant. Curates of the parish, Rev. John G. Flanagan and Peter S. Sprofera, will assist.
Father Flaherty, an expert swimmer, was said to have broken his back when he dived into a stream while on maneuvers and struck his head against a rock. The accident occurred June 26.
Mobile Headquarters, Third Army, in which Father Flaherty was serving as Catholic chaplain, reported yesterday arrangements had been made to send his body back to his home in South Boston, Mass., for burial.