Age 87. Native of Co. Sligo, Ireland. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (nee Ryan). Devoted father of Annie Flatley, Michael Jr., (Niamh) Flatley, Patrick (Jennifer) Flatley, Liza (Michael Zabrinas) Callahan, and Thomasina (Steve) Griffin. Proud grandpa of Asia, Devin, Michael St. James, Brandy, Tara, Patrick, Ashley, late Rory, Michael, Hailey, Kaila, and Marina. Adored great-grandpa of Cayden and Kiera. Dear son of the late Thomas and Mary Ann Flatley. Loving brother of the late Henry Joe, Maureen (Sam) Eccles, Lillian (James Mehan) and Thomas Flatley. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday 4-9 p.m. at the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL. Mass of the Resurrection to be held in Ireland. Interment St. Mullins Cemetery, Co. Carlow, Ireland.======================================================================I'M FREE Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,I'm following the path God laid for me.I took His hand when I heard His call,I turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life was full; I savored much, Good friends, good times, and also A loved one's special touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undo grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now...He set me free.======================================================================"I Welcome You"Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight,Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon & night.That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,God picked me up & hugged me & He said, "I welcome you."It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do,Foremost on the list, was to watch & care for you.When you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.God & I are closest to you, in the middle of the night.When you think of my life on earth, & all those loving years,Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.Remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned,But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.One thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.There are many rocky roads ahead of you & many hills to climb,Together we can do it by taking one day at a time.It was always my philosophy & I'd like it for you too.That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.If you can help somebody who's in sorrow & pain,Then you can say to God at night, "My day was not in vain."And now I am contented that my life has been worthwhile,Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.So if you meet somebody who is sad & feeling low,Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.When you're walking down the street, with me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.When it's time for you to go, from that body to be free,Remember you're not going, you're coming here to me.======================================================================Heaven's Gate A brief moment of darknessWas all that I knew,Before Heaven's GateCame into my view.Loved ones and friendsI had missed for many yearsWelcomed me with open armsAnd many happy tears.All the hurt, fear and painThat I have ever known,Is gone from my life,I am finally home.I gazed upon the Lord'sSweet smiling face,For the first time in my lifeI knew and felt His grace.I know that you'll miss me,But please dry your eyes.I will always be watching And loving you from my Home in the sky.A cool breeze on your face,A touch of light rain,I will send as a reminderThat we will be reunited again.Life on earth is but oneBrief moment in time,I'm finally home,Eternity is mine.