Richard Edward Flannigan, 78, died peacefully in his home in Holmes Beach, FL, on Jan. 16, 2026. Born in Syracuse to Robert and Edna Flannigan, Dick grew up in Skaneateles and spent most of his life in Cazenovia. He graduated from the University of Detroit in 1972 with a degree in civil and environm ental engineering. His professional legacy includes designing the Morrisville fire station and the infrastructure for a university in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, as well as mentoring many younger engineers and construction workers. Dick founded Interface Services, a firm specializing in the environmental aspects of petroleum distribution. After the company was acquired by CDM Construction, he served as a key manager of the Syracuse division until his retirement in 2013. He held many leadership positions in his lifetime, including president of his high school student council and captain of the football and basketball teams, president of the Chi Epsilon honor society for engineers, Cazenovia Country Club Board of Directors, the NYS Water Pollution Control Association and City of Syracuse licensing board. Dick was thoughtful, funny and a great storyteller. His favorite pastime was playing golf with his buddies at Cazenovia Country Club. A lover of the natural world, he built a fortress of a garden and never passed by a flowering plant without commenting on its beauty. He met his wife, Debbie, in their high school biology class in 1964 and said it was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was well loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Debbie Moore; his sister, Marie Irving (Paul Irving); his children, RJ Flannigan, Clay Flannigan (Sylvie), and Meg Flannigan (Matt Egan); grandchildren, Ali Evans (David West) and Lucas Flannigan (Chessie); and great-grandchildren, Nola and Sophia West. He was predeceased by his brother, Bob Flannigan (Linda) and his daughter-in-law, Carrie Flannigan. In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Those who wish to honor Dick’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to the local food pantry, Caz Cares or Cazenovia Public Library. ...read more read less