Dr. Dennis K. Flaherty
Dr. Dennis K. Flaherty was born on January 25, 1944 and recently passed from this world on June 23, 2026. He was the eldest of four children of Irma and Leo Flaherty of Wheeling, West Virginia.
Dennis was a long-standing accomplished scientist holding an undergraduate degree from West Liberty State University and masters and doctoral degrees from West Virginia University in Microbiology and Immunology. While at WVU, his academic research focused on pneumoconiosis commonly known as “black lung.”
He was born and raised in Wheeling West Virginia where he attended Blessed Trinity Elementary School and Central Catholic High School. After completing high school Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was ultimately accepted into Officer Candidate School before choosing to complete his undergraduate education at West Liberty State University.
After completing his advanced degrees, Dennis embarked on a higher education teaching career and held faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Washington University, University of Missouri at St Louis, St Louis University, Lamar University and the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy. While teaching at the University of Charleston, he was twice awarded the Golden Apple award by the pharmacy students there – identifying him as their best teacher.
His areas of academic research while teaching included a variety of pulmonary-related diseases affecting farmers in the dairy industry in Wisconsin and company-wide occupational pulmonary issues at the Monsanto Corporation. Eventually Dennis left the academic world and was employed by Monsanto at their World Health Lab in St Louis where he was awarded their prestigious position of Science Fellow, held by fewer than 100 of their 31,000 employees.
Dennis’ academic and corporate work resulted in over 60 publications in peer reviewed journals. In addition, he holds eight technological patents and has authored, co-authored or edited four reference books including a textbook entitled Immunology for Pharmacy that is widely used by faculty and students in classrooms today. He also published a textbook focused on immunotoxicology, a field in which he was considered an expert. He has delivered seminars on that topic all over the world. Most recently he co-authored and self published a book describing the Toxicity of Appalachian Medicinal Plants.
In 1999 Dennis was inducted to the West Liberty State University Wall of Fame.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol Shuba Flaherty and his sweet cat Daisy. Dennis and Carol shared a lifetime of interesting adventures – traveling the world, fishing many a good stream including bone fishing many times in the Bahamas, camping and RVing throughout the United States, raising a whole series of delightful dogs and definitely spoiling their nieces and nephews. Throughout their marriage Dennis and Carol lived in Morgantown WV, Madison WI, St Louis MO, Beaumont TX and Charleston WV.
Dennis is also survived by a brother Thomas Flaherty and his wife Paula Flaherty, and sister Ruthie Flaherty McWhorter and her husband Glenn McWhorter. He is pre-deceased by his sister Kathleen Flaherty. In addition Dennis has many nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews all of whom hold him in the highest regard.
Affectionately known as Uncle Denny to these nieces and nephews, Dennis was a larger than life character within the Flaherty clan – not because of his physical stature or a boisterous nature, but because of his great wit, tall tales, baffling magic tricks, science experiments and his true interest in each and every one of his beloved nieces and nephews. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all of them – John Ethan Johnson, Jessica and Andy Neyer, Ian Flaherty and Joan Vollero, Colin and Elizabeth Flaherty, Amanda McWhorter and Jillian and Jon Bruening as well as his great nieces and nephews – Addison, Brenna, Francesca, Kieran, Jackson, Emerson, Jack and Reed.
A private family memorial celebration will be held at a later date. A donation may be made in Dennis’ memory to Little Victories Animal Rescue, PO Box 247, Barboursville, WV 25504.
Online condolences and memories maybe shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Dennis was a genuine person. I worked with him at UC school of pharmacy. He was a good friend and a good shoulder to lean on. When my parents passed away, he would call and see how I was coping. My condolences to Carol and the whole family.
I taught with Dennis at UC from 2006 to 2014. He was a supportive coworker and provided endless entertainment to all of us. He lifted spirits in trying times for many of us. My daughter had just come home to me when we moved there. I was a new mom with no network of family or friends. He was always kind to my daughter and made her laugh. She was very young when we were there but my daughter remembers him fondly. My deepest sympathies to Carol and his family and friends.
Dr. Flaherty was one of my favorite professors at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy. He was always eager to help students and went above and beyond to help students. The knowledge I gained from him helped me become a pharmacist. His family will be in my prayers.
I also worked with Dennis at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy and spent many hours working with him on many projects and committees. Dennis was a true professional and a kind soul. He always wanted the best for his students and colleagues. He was a leader among the faculty since he was one of the few of us who had prior experience working in academia. My deepest condolences to Carol and his family
Dennis and Carole are the type of people in my salon, that truly turn ‘clients’ into friends and even family. They not only have been kind and affectionate towards my husband and I, they always treated our dog Scout like he was their own. Every month bringing treats and a new toy. The names ‘Uncle Dennis and Aunt Carole’ causes the tail to wag in triple speed.
The two of them are a pair I will always cherish. We mourn with Carole at the loss of her best friend, and a good friend of ours.
We love and miss you Denny.
Dennis was such an amazing and supportive colleague. He was so respected by his students. I always appreciated his jokes, except perhaps the ones about my beloved Buckeyes. We were able to capture some great graduation/hooding pictures because of Dennis’ sentiment about the Buckeyes. Dennis always looked out for everyone else’s interests. He made me feel welcome in my new job, in a new city, from day one. Thank you for being there for me!!! Carol- thank you so much for sharing Dennis !!! Virtual hugs!
Dear Tommy & Ruthie, so sorry to hear about Dennys passing. I remember when my dad shorted our yard & put a basketball hoop up. Denny use to come over & shoot hoops. He told me what ever I can do with my right hand learn how to do with my left hand and I did. I instructed my sons to do the same. a joyful memory! My sincere condolences to you both & your families.
What a fabulous life he led and what a deep loss for his family and loved ones. My condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Ann Temple