MJ Flannery needs your Help

MJ Flannery has served our community for decades, and now he needs our help. There are probably thousands of stories about our friend MJ. Those of you who know him are probably thinking of one now. Maybe it's a funny story, maybe it's a sad story, or maybe it’s a story not to be repeated to protect the guilty. Whatever the case, and however personal, these stories share a common thread: Heart. A good man who has spent his life in service to others. If you follow this thread, you will find it woven throughout our town, strung through every walk of life, and tied together by MJ, a true pillar of our community.

These stories are kept and shared by men and women, young and old, from Youth Ministries to Boy Scouts, from First Responders, Medics, Firefighters, Police, from local Business Owners, to just a friend who had fallen on hard times, MJ’s willingness to help, to envision a better Ambridge, has shaped our little town for the better. 20 years as a Councilman may show his ambition, a commitment to community, but nowhere can his Heart be felt more, than in his service to those who have lost a Loved One. That pain, that ache and uncertainty, made just a little easier because you knew you were in good hands. You knew that MJ was there, and that he really cared.

I write these things, not just because they are true, but because they need to be heard, and MJ is far too humble to say them himself. Even letting this be written is probably a struggle for him, but it must be done. Now I will recount what he has said in his own words.

“The pandemic uprooted and changed many of our lives, some of them forever. During this time, the funeral industry was also going through many changes. I’ve been involved in this work for more than 30 years, from a young teen raking leaves to a Certified Crematory Operator, and almost everything in between. In all that time, I’ve never faced such drastic challenges that the present times have presented. My responsibilities in the industry were gradually reduced, then all but phased out, my services no longer required.

Despite this, I’ve maintained several part-time jobs, but my health has been in decline. As many of you know, I have suffered two strokes in the past, but more recently, continuing cardiovascular complications have led to two heart attacks in less than a year. This has resulted in multiple hospitalizations, struggles with bills, housing, and transportation. I’m working to better my health through medications, exercise, and diet, but still struggle with strength, standing/walking long periods, severe GI issues, and the general malaise and stress that comes from this situation, and from amiditing that I need help.”

Our friend MJ needs our help. As many of you know, it can take a lot of courage to admit when we need help, especially for those who help others. He is hurting financially, in just about every way you’d expect from someone struggling with ongoing health concerns, mounting bills, and with being pushed out of an industry he has dedicated his life to. I know many of you can remember a time when you were hurting too, and MJ was there for you. Won’t you be there for him now? Let’s rally around our friend, and show how much he means to us.

MJ has recently moved and currently has stable housing while he works to find his feet again. Please help, and give whatever you think you can give. No amounts are too small, and even a kind word or act can go a long way. Which is why this fund exists. Please give to a man who has given so much to us. Please help MJ in his time of need.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this, for those who can give,

Nathan Suttles