DEAN L. "PETE" FLAHARTY, age 84 years, passed away in his home on Friday, September 28, 2012 in Delta, PA with his wife and family at his side. He was the husband of Jane E. (Manifold) Flaharty.

Born on March 5, 1928 in Woodbine, PA, he was a son of the late James Edward and Flora Belle (Stokes) Flaharty. A 1945 graduate of the former Lower Chanceford High School, he worked at American Chain (Wright-Manley Division) and Jos Deller Excavating before starting his own business. Known as Dean L. Flaharty Excavating, he operated the business for over 60 years. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church of Delta.

Pete enjoyed the outdoors and his many friends. He was fond of listening to country music, playing billiards and spending time with his kids. Being a true "River Rat" raised on the Susquehanna Tidewater Canal between Lock 12 & 13, he could tell you most anything about the area surrounding the Holtwood Dam. Pete could repair or fix just about anything, believed in being fair and honest with everyone. He had a very keen sense of humor and will be sorely missed by his family, neighbors and the community.

He is survived by:

His wife of 66 years, Jane

Five children-

Edward and his wife, Diane of Yoe

Deanna and her husband, C. Thomas Johnson of Airville

John and his wife, Dawn of Landisville

Janet and her husband, Paul Wiley of Delta

Jacqueline and her husband, Joseph Matesich of Airville

Twelve grandchildren- Melissa (Missy) Weitkamp, Eric Flaharty, Jessica Pinto, Michele Hubbard, Clinton Johnson, Elizabeth Trimble, Keith Flaharty, Michael Wiley, Matthew Wiley, Joshua Sheffer, Janelle Matesich and Julia Matesich. A step granddaughter, Heather Bohner.

Eight great grandchildren-Dylan and Destiny Weitkamp, Haley Pinto, Logan and Casey Hubbard, Andrew Johnson, Sean and Brooke Wiley. Three step great grandchildren-Katelyn and William Trimble, Arielle Stigelman.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Edward Dale Flaharty, a brother, Ralph " Bud" Flaharty and a great grandson, Gabriel Daniels.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta.

A second visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, the 4th at Salem United Methodist Church, 5042 Delta, Road, Delta, where the funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. His nephew, Reverend Donald Seiple will officiate.

Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. Grandsons serving as pallbearers will be Eric Flaharty, Clinton Johnson, Keith Flaharty, Michael Wiley, Matthew Wiley and Joshua Sheffer.

In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Salem U.M. Church Memorial Fund, C/O Mr. Robert Hess, 473 Slab Road, Delta, PA 17314.