John D. Flagg,

John D. Flagg, Sr. Athol – John D. Flagg, Sr., 78, of Linden Park Street, died Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the Athol Hospital.      John was born in North Dana, MA the son of Ava B. and Rachel E. (Allen) Flagg, Sr.  He grew up in Athol where he attended schools and lived many years.  He later moved to Phillipston for many years, returning to Athol 15 years ago.      John owned and operated John’s Sandblasting with his son John, Jr. for 22 years. He had previously worked at Stanley’s Oldsmobile, Fredette Ford, Gardner Creamery and Simmonds Saw and Steel in Fitchburg.  John was one who enjoyed working and also spending time with his family      He leaves his son John D. Flagg, Jr. and his wife April of New Salem; a daughter, Tammy Stevenson of Athol; five grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, Shane Michael and Sarah; five brothers, Ava B. Flagg of Solina, OK, William A. Flagg of Camby, OR, Ira M. Flagg of Gaston, NC, Marshall B. Flagg of Aurora, OR and David W. Flagg of Royalston; four sisters, Edna A. Beyette Oja of Petersham, Mary L. Floran of Athol, Carol A. Rowell of Auburndale and Laurel J. Keefe of Panama City, FL.  He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by His first wife, Theresa A. (Gauthier) Flagg in 1994 and his second wife Shirley (West) Flagg in 2004 and several brothers and sisters.       Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol with the Rev. Stephanie Flynn pastor of the Phillipston Congregational Church officiating.  Burial will follow at Doe Valley Cemetery and there will be a calling hour Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.   In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in John’s name to the Quabbin Valley Healthcare, “Activities Fund”  821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol, MA  01331.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.      $(document).ready(function(){ });