Donald “Doc” Joseph Flanigan
It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved “Doc,” Donald Joseph Flanigan, MD. With profound gratitude we hold in our hearts a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, and physician. Don passed following complications from heart valve surgery on November 16, 2025. We grieve with all who loved him and whose lives were touched by his gentle and generous heart.
Don was born on December 31, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA, along with his identical twin, Richard John Flanigan, MD. Born to Edward and Regina Flanigan, Don was the fourth child in a hardworking, devoted Philadelphia family. The twins were lovingly guided and inspired by their older siblings, Ted (Father Edward MM ), Maureen (Sister Regina, IHM), and Eleanor, who exemplified faithfulness to family.
Don attended Saint Joseph’s University, graduating in 1960, and went on to pursue graduate studies in chemistry at Villanova University. He then attended Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his internship and residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, respectively. Don’s growing curiosity and interest in diagnostics led him to the University of Colorado, where he completed specialty training in radiology. He ultimately settled in Santa Barbara, CA, where he opened his private medical practice, Diagnostic Medical Imaging. For close to 40 years, Don served thousands of patients and established lifelong relationships with cherished employees and esteemed colleagues.
Don joined the United States Navy (1969–1972), where he graduated from the School of Aerospace Medicine. Don was assigned as a flight surgeon to the Blue Angels in Pensacola, FL. It was within this aircrew that Don was playfully referred to as “Doc Flanigan,” a nickname that remained with him and reflected both his easy nature and his love of camaraderie. Serving with this team was one of Don’s greatest honors, and he took enormous pride in serving his country in this mission of excellence with the nation’s premier aviators.
An avid competitor he was especially devoted to rowing, cycling, and golf. In his early life, Don was a member of Saint Joseph’s University’s inaugural varsity rowing team in 1959. Don won the 1960 national championship with Vesper Boat Club in an eight oared shell and captured another US title in 1962 in a pair with his twin brother, Richard. He represented the United States at the 1962 World Championships in Lucerne, Switzerland, and the 1963 Pan American Games in São Paulo, Brazil. In an illustrious rowing career, he represented the United States rowing team as a three-time national champion, captured the winning title of 46 World Masters championships, won 21 United States Masters championships, and was inducted into Saint Joseph’s University’s Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1989, he initiated a cycling event known as the Monday Night Time Trial (MNTT) which just finished its 36th year. In cycling, a time trial is a race against the clock where cyclists ride solo over a set distance, starting at intervals, to achieve the fastest time. Additional in 2006, 2007 & 2008 he competed in the Race Across America (RAAM), a rigorous, transcontinental, non stop 3000 mile bike race with several of his team mates being a part of the WLPA cycling group. In 2007 they broke the finishing record with 7 days and 7 hours and maintained that record for 15 years. But perhaps for Don, he treasured his WLPA cycling group and its Saturday breakfast and ride the most, where he formed deep friendships and enjoyed countless miles of riding, coffee and conversation for more than 35 years.
Beyond the bike, his contributions to the greater Santa Barbara community were exemplary and his spirit of service, humility and athleticism touched so many lives. Don was also a long time member of La Cumbre Club, where he enjoyed many tournaments, celebrated 8 holes in one. and after retirement joined Los Campaneros, a group of very accomplished golfers who met every other Thursday to play golf and socialize.
Dr. Don “Doc” Flanigan was truly one of a kind as he brought humor, warmth, and sincerity to every moment. He was deeply proud of his family and taught by example, offering guidance, encouragement, and steadfast love.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Dianne Flanigan, whom he loved and adored with every breath. He is also survived by his loving children: Jennifer Flanigan and her wife, Leah, Melissa Flanigan, Casey Flanigan and his wife, Ashley, Nicole Paterson and her husband, Guthrie. and Shaw Talley. He is additionally survived by his grandchildren, Seamus Flanigan, Lila and Phoebe Paterson, Murphy and Mack Flanigan, and Sierra and Skyler Flanigan. He is survived by his twin brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara Flanigan, his sisters, Sister Maureen Flanigan and Eleanor Flanigan and he is held in loving memory by many nieces, nephews, and the entire Flanigan clan including his former wife, Barbara Flanigan. Don was preceded in death by his brother, Father Edward Flanigan
Services for Don will be held February 21st, 2026 at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara, CA. at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow at La Cumbre Country Club from 2-5.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, in Don’s honor.
