Carlin F. Lynch, 84, of Westport passed away peacefully at home on Monday January 14, 2019.
He shared sixty-one beautiful years of marriage with his cherished wife Frances M. (Savasta) and was the loving father to James and his wife Diane (DeAngelis), Carline Lynch, Elizabeth Lynch and her husband Michael Paul, Mary Lynch-Delaney and her husband Michael Delaney, Anne Lynch Goodman and her husband Andrew Goodman. His beloved son John Lynch predeceased him. He was also the proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren; Elizabeth Truman, Frances Chedid, Elenora Watson, Arthur Lynch, Sophia Lynch, Carlin Lynch, Tom Lynch, James Goodman, Leo Goodman, Alice Goodman, Lia Delaney, Veronica Delaney, John Delaney, and Violeta Paul, and great grandfather to Anthony, William, Forrest and Floriane.
Carlin was born at home in the Somerset Village, the son of James and Gertrude (Dewhurst) Lynch. In 1945, his older brothers Lt. James L. Lynch and Pvt. John E. Lynch were killed in World War II and he became the sole surviving son in his family.
A 1952 graduate of Monsignor Coyle High School, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross. In 1956, upon graduation from Holy Cross he married the love of his life, Frances and together they embarked upon a journey of love, adventure and shared purpose.
Carlin’s professional career began in Pueblo, Colorado coaching football, baseball and teaching English at Pueblo Catholic High School. He returned to his native Massachusetts and continued his football coaching career and years of dedicated service at Somerset High School, Bishop Stang High School, College of the Holy Cross and Dartmouth High School. In 1969 he obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Assumption College in Worcester, which further advanced his career as a guidance counselor, athletic director and administrator.
In his retirement he continued his service to the community on the Board of Directors at St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River, and as a volunteer with Wreath’s Across America in Somerset.
Throughout life he touched everyone he encountered with his wise counsel and kindness. Central to his philosophy was that football was a metaphor for life. Often he would say “When life knocks you down, you get up” and that in “sports and in life we must work to get better each day”.
A man of great faith he embodied the words of St Francis:
“Preach the Gospel at all times and If Necessary Use Words”.
He imparted this message to each of his children and grandchildren.
He lived his life with gratitude, humility, and generosity of spirit. The joy he derived from nature, pumpkins, Christmas and chopping wood, was surpassed only by his love of family.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 19, 2019 at 9:30 AM at St. John the Baptist Church, Westport. His private burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Somerset. Visiting hours will be on Friday January 18, 2019 from 3-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Vincent's Home, 2425 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.