The education community is mourning the sudden and unexpected death of Chris Flanagan, a beloved principal of Madeira Elementary School in Ohio. Flanagan passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Jewish Hospital. The cause of death is unknown, but some reports suggest that he may have died of a natural cause. He was 50 years old.
A Passionate and Dedicated Educator
Flanagan was a passionate and dedicated educator who spent half of his life serving local students. He began his career as a teacher at Finneytown Local School District in 1998, according to his LinkedIn page. He then moved to Forest Hills Local School District, where he worked as an assistant principal at Mercer Elementary and later as a principal at Ayer Elementary. He joined Madeira City Schools in 2016 as the principal of Madeira Elementary.
Flanagan was well-known for his enthusiasm, charisma, and kindness. He was always looking for ways to inspire and empower his students and staff. He was also involved in various community activities and events. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and had a New England accent.
Some of his memorable achievements include spending a night on the roof of Ayer Elementary in 2013 to celebrate his students’ fundraising efforts of $31,000 for the school, according to WLWT. He also jumped into action in 2019 after a twin-engine plane crashed into a house near his school. He took the bus home with Madeira students to make sure they felt safe, according to The Enquirer.
A Huge Impact and a Lasting Legacy
Flanagan’s death has left a huge impact and a lasting legacy on the education community and beyond. Many people have expressed their grief and condolences on social media and other platforms. His family, friends, colleagues, and students have shared their memories and tributes of him.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that all public buildings in Madeira City fly their flags at half-staff on Monday, May 1, 2023, the day of Flanagan’s funeral, according to Madeira City’s social media post. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Crossroads Church in Oakley. A Mass will be held on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish in Montgomery. Live streaming will be available on the Good Shepherd website.
A GoFundMe page has also been created to support Flanagan’s family during this difficult time. The fundraiser has raised more than $126,000 as of Friday, April 28. Flanagan is survived by his wife Danielle; his four children, Jack, Maggie, Emma, and Molly; his parents Jerry and Judy Flanagan; his sisters Katie and Megan and brothers Patrick and Michael; and many nieces and nephews.
Flanagan will be remembered as a bright light in the room, a loving husband, father, friend, and colleague, and an educator like no other.
