John T. Flynn 83 years of Brockton died Tuesday morning at his home under the care of hospice. He was the husband for 56 years of N. Patricia (Sullivan) Flynn. Mr. Flynn was born in Brockton a son of the late John H. and Dora B. (Sullivan) Flynn and remained a lifelong resident of the city. Following his graduation from Brockton High School in 1942 he attended Boston University and then entered the Army Air Corps. He served in the China Burma India Theatre and flew over 50 missions. He was awarded three air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for rescuing downed airmen behind enemy lines.
John served on the Brockton Police Department from 1947 to 1985 and retired as a lieutenant. During that time he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stonehill College and master’s degree from Anna Maria College. John was an avid golfer and had been a member of White Pines Golf Course in Brockton. He enjoyed oil painting, bowling, music, and was a member of a local barbershop quartet society. John also loved fishing and boating and was the proud owner of the “Fighting Irish”. He relished the fact that he was able to attend all four Red Sox games of the 1967 World Series with his son John. He was most proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was the beloved father of Mary Flynn of Berkley; Lt. John Flynn, BPD of Carver; Brendan Flynn of Brockton; Stephen Flynn of Fall River; Joseph Flynn of Brockton; Arthur Flynn of Thomasville, NC; Noreen Burgess of Harwich; Jane Kearns of Brockton and the late Daniel and Patrick Flynn. He leaves 29 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and was the brother of Dorothy Pawlowski of W. Bridgewater; Elaine Shurtleff of Brockton and the late Joseph and Arthur Flynn. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (Rte 123) Brockton Saturday at 8 am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Ann Church W. Bridgewater at 9 am. Visiting hours will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in John’s name may be made to Hospice of Greater Brockton 500 Belmont St, Brockton, MA 02301 or Alzheimer’s Association 311 Arsenal Street Watertown, MA 02472.