Richard Kenneth Flatley

Richard Kenneth "Richie" Flatley was born on March 11, 1961, in Downey, California, and passed away on August 3, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Richie lived a life marked by hard work, service to his country, and a spirit of adventure.

Raised in Lakewood, California, Richie attended Aloha Elementary School, Killingsworth Junior High School, and Artesia High School. During his school years, he excelled as an athlete, playing varsity soccer and demonstrating exceptional talent on the baseball field. His competitive spirit, determination, and love of sports remained with him throughout his life.

Following his graduation from high school, Richie proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Puget Sound in Gaeta, Italy, where he served his country with honor and formed lifelong memories during his time overseas.

After completing his military service, Richie attended Cerritos College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He began a successful career with McDonnell Douglas as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Inspector, contributing to the aerospace industry for many years. Continuing his commitment to serving his country, Richie later enlisted in the United States Army, where he faithfully served for four years. His military service in both the Navy and the Army reflected his deep sense of duty and patriotism.

Following his Army service, Richie returned to the aerospace industry, once again working as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Inspector. His attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of his colleagues throughout his career. Later in life, Richie decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a professional truck driver. After earning his Commercial Driver's License (CDL), he spent the final eleven years of his career as a long-haul truck driver. The open road brought him a sense of freedom, purpose, and fulfillment, and those who knew him often said it was the happiest chapter of his life.

Richie was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Charlotte Ann Flatley and Richard Thomas Flatley.

He is lovingly remembered by his brothers and sisters: William Joseph Flatley; Michael Andrew Flatley and his wife, Lisa Flatley; Elizabeth Ann Flatley; and Mary Kathleen Flatley and her husband, Sebastian Morelli.

He was a cherished uncle to Robert Flatley and his wife, Colleen; Kirsten Flatley; Dannielle Bruning and her husband, Calvin; Blake Jennings; Christopher Medina and his wife, Tawny; Donald G. Webb III and his wife, Teresa; Justin Webb and his wife, Savannah; and Avi Morelli.

He also leaves behind his beloved great-nieces and great-nephews: Delainey Flatley, Misti Walker, Jonathan Walker, Ryan Bruning, Grayson Bruning, Scarlett Bruning, Lacey Medina, Kira Medina, Kayla Webb, Daniel Webb, Tristan Webb, Avery Webb, Lucas Metzger, and Callie Metzger, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Richie will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, and adventurous spirit. Whether serving his country in two branches of the Armed Forces, contributing to the aerospace industry, or traveling America's highways, he approached every chapter of his life with dedication, integrity, and pride. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He was always the life of the party and the comic relief we never knew we needed, and he will be dearly missed.

May he rest in eternal peace.