James S. Flannigan

J. Steven (Steve) Flannigan was born April 6, 1946 in El Paso, Texas to James and Marie Flannigan and passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on May 16, 2022 from ALS. Being an Army brat, he moved frequently in his youth, including a three-year stay in Japan. Steve went to high school in East Gary, Indiana and, in 1968, earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rose Polytechnic Institute. Following graduation, he earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ while simultaneously working for Bell Labs. Steve then worked for Texas Instruments until 1982 when he joined the start up team for Compaq Computer Corporation as Employee #10. He enjoyed a long and successful career at Compaq until his retirement in 2005. 

Steve made the most of his retirement years. He and his wife, best friend and last love Georgia traveled extensively, both to spend time with family and to see the world. They took advantage of every opportunity to travel, believing one should do so while they can. Steve especially loved cruising, and took 15 of them, visiting Europe, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, and points in between. Each trip was a glorious adventure. In between their travels, Steve and Georgia retreated to their beloved Santa Fe, NM home, which offered a peaceful sanctuary from the ills of the world. Many evenings were spent sitting on the patio, watching the sun set over the mountains. This was truly a treasured time for him. 

Steve loved his family immensely, especially his four grandchildren. He was one proud grandpa! He was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his sons. He was a kind and generous person; he loved good friends, good food and good wine. He was steadfastly loyal to friends and family. Steve was a life-long learner, which included going back to an old hobby, ham radio. This pursuit helped to renew old friendships and develop new ones as well. He read voraciously, mostly mysteries. In his younger years, Steve played several musical instruments, including the organ, and his love of music never went away. One of his favorite pastimes was to stand in line with Georgia at Cafe Pasqual’s for breakfast (and his beloved mocha drink) on a Saturday morning, where he would visit with tourists and share his love for Santa Fe with them. This was a favorite tradition of Steve’s for twenty years, one that he never tired of. 

Steve will be missed immensely. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. Go with God, dear one, until we meet again. 

Steve is survived by his wife Georgia Flannigan, son Shawn (Lisa) Flannigan, stepdaughter Beth Ann (Gavin) House, stepson CJ (Lindsey) Menge, daughter-in-law Janine Flannigan, grandchildren Connor, Colton, Chloe, and Jacob, sister Kathy (Doug) King, and many extended family members and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, son Patrick Flannigan, and former wife Nancy Flannigan, mother of Shawn and Patrick.

A memorial service will be held in Santa Fe, NM, at on June 18, 2022, 10:30AM, at the Rivera Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity, or the the ALS Association of Texas, www.alstexas.org/donate/  which helped Steve to navigate this insidious disease.