After 36 years, Matthew Robert Flanagan has dipped out of this world. Born on August 24, 1989, Matt grew up in Concord and lived the entirety of his life in NH. Although Matt’s time on this planet was short, he was full of big things.

As the son of September Flanagan and brother of Jessica Flanagan, Matthew was raised in a family of strong, vociferous women. Dragged through the parking lot of life’s lessons, Matt was drawn to the wonder of big, loud things — from the excitement of NYC to the pride in the reversal of the Red Sox curse; from the rhymes of the Wu-Tang Clan to the chants of fans at a Bruins game. It was his fascination with the sounds and size of fire engines from an early age that sparked a lifelong passion for firefighting.

Matt was full of a range of big feelings, behaviors, and traits. He was a natural prankster and full of mischief; joyful and exasperated squawks of “Matthew Robert Flanagan!” (substitute “Fie,” “Honey Man,” “Fat Boy,” “Flanders,” or any one of his many sobriquets) could be heard as Matthew fled with astonishing speed from whatever shenanigan he had just perpetrated. He was full of Irish blarney. His charm and wit often made one accept whatever malarkey or bluster he was trying to push; he could be so full of “it,” but his broad smile was one of the most disarming and endearing things in the world. His laugh ranged from screams of “HA!” to the girlish giggles of Julie (his more feminine, red‑earring‑wearing alter ego). He was filled with kindness toward animals and exhibited a gentler side of his personality with his furry family members. He was always hungry and loved all food — especially popcorn, spicy treats, and anything with a “faint smell of curry” that reminded him of his grandmother’s kitchen. Matt loved big and hard. His hugs filled you with comforting solidity while also crushing your bones.

Above everything else, Matt was full of potential. He was always inquisitive — as a kid he would spend hours studying bugs and asking endless questions during almost weekly visits to firehouses. He was smart and quick to learn new skills. During his rebellious youth, he questioned authority and the status quo, yet his deep interest in firefighting endured. He once declared, “Fire Apparatus Journal is the porn for my heart and soul.” As he matured, he focused his energy on this lifelong passion. He helped grow the Explorer program in Northwood and worked as a volunteer firefighter in that community. Toward the end of his life, Matt realized his dream by completing the Firefighter I & II Program at the NH Fire Academy and serving as a first responder for the New Hampton Fire Department. In his final act of service, he was an organ donor, giving three people the chance to live their lives to their full potential.

Matt was predeceased by his mother, who is surely giving him an earful in the afterlife. He is survived by his sister, his niece Alice, and a motley crew of aunts and uncles. He will be remembered and loved by his many friends and his family of firefighters. If you wish to honor Matt, please “pour one out” for him and give thanks for a life that is more full because he was part of it.