Gerald (Jerry) Flahive

Hi, my name is Hillary Ready Flahive. My husband Matthew and his brother Brian lost their father Jerry this past April 21, 2023, after a two-year battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It's been a long journey for the family as we've helped support Jerry during his fight with cancer.

On February 28, 2021, Jerry suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) - mini-stroke. This was shortly followed by surgery on an almost fully blocked carotid artery on March 13, 2021. By May/June, he had lost a lot of weight, was extremely weak and something felt off with his recovery from the stroke and surgery. He ended up in the hospital just before Father's Day where they discovered he had Hodgkins Lymphoma. He had battled the same type of cancer 20 years prior and had been in remission until then.

There were many ups and downs during the past two years for Jerry. Two stints in an acute care facility, two times in assisted care, 10+ hospital stays and finally hospice care. He had been in remission twice but also had some real lows where we weren't sure if he'd pull through. He always did pull through until cancer spread to his lungs. We got the news we were out of treatment options on April 14, 2023, and a week later he left this earth.

Jerry was a fighter until the end. He loved his family, his friends, and his community fiercely. He was the type of guy that always showed interest in others and truly cared for them. After losing my dad, Jerry had been my father figure for the past 12 years. I will always appreciate how much he loved me like I was his daughter and helped me at a pivotal time in my young adult life trying to navigate grief. He was always there to listen, cook up a delicious meal, blast good music and enjoy life despite losing his wife and the mother of his children.

Though we are sad Jerry is no longer with us, we find peace in knowing he's no longer suffering. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Donna, in Heaven. We miss him terribly, especially at me and Matt's wedding this past September. We know he was dancing in celebration from above. We carry his spirit on within us.

I am starting this GoFundMe to ask for help with coordinating a celebration of life memorial service. Matt and Brian spent thousands of dollars helping to get Jerry the best care they could find. These two men spent many hours driving Jerry to doctor's appointments, handling the family financials and doing whatever they could to help give Jerry a chance to beat cancer. We’d love to honor him the best we can and celebrate the amazing person he was.

Please join us on Saturday November 11, 2023, at 12 PM PST at Union Market, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA as we celebrate Jerry. Lunch will be provided by La Siesta. All are encouraged to wear bright colors or Hawaiian themed attire. We will hold an open forum for anyone who wishes to say a few words.

We appreciate any help you can give during this time. Gerald 'Jerry' Eugene Flahive may you rest in paradise. Until we meet again... We love you!