Obituary of John Flynn

John “Jack” Flynn, a decorated World War II Veteran, passed away at his home in Burlington on Thursday morning, May 29, 2008 after a long illness. He was 83 years old. Jack was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York, the son of the late Frank and Catherine Flynn. After the death of his father when Jack was 11 years old, his mother and Jack moved to Somerville, Massachusetts. Jack graduated from Somerville High School in 1943. He served in the Army during WW II as a First Lieutenant. He received 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantry Badge, WW II Victory Medal, Army of the Occupation Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. One of Jack’s most memorable War Time memories was how he and his fellow soldiers arranged Christmas Celebration complete with presents for the children of war time refugees. He continued in the Army Reserves for 20 years following WW II. He retired a Lieutenant Colonel of the Yankee Division 328th Infantry, A company. He was extremely proud of his service to his country. He became life time friends with his military friends and continued to keep in touch at Army reunions. Jack returned from WW II and took advantage of the GI Bill to earn his Bachelors Degree from Boston University. He worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Information Officer for the Department of Elder Affairs from 1976 to 1992. Jack had a strong faith and was very active at Saint Malachy’s Church. He taught Religious Education, served at C.C.D. Director, a lectern, and a Eucharistic Minister. Because of Jack’s father’s death at a young age and he being a only child, Jack held his family as the most important part of his life. He was married to his wife Mary for 52 years. He always made time to visit his mother weekly and to attend to her needs. He loved his children and grandchildren. He truly appreciated the time he spent with them, whether it was sharing the love of the Red Sox or Patriots, a day at Nantasket Beach, or just joking around. He was happiest when he was around his family and in his final months his family gathered around him in to care and support him through the end stages of his illness. He will be lovingly remembered. Jack was the beloved husband of Mary (Mellone) Flynn. He was the loving father of John Flynn & his wife Donna of Ayer, Stephen Flynn & his wife Debra of Lowell, Anne Davison & her husband Ron of Burlington and David Flynn of Burlington. He was the devoted grandfather of Victoria Flynn, Meghan and Jared Davison. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, June 2 at 10 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to the St. Malachy’s Church Memorial Fund, 99 Bedford St., Burlington, MA 01803. For directions see www.saint-malachy.org