Avon Obituary: Eugene Flynn, 88

Eugene W. Flynn, 88, of West Simsbury, beloved husband of the late Marion (Lane) Flynn, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 14, 2016.

Son of the late John and Mary (Perry) Flynn, he was born in New Milford, the 11th of 12 children. He was raised in New Milford and also Pleasant Valley, NY. Eugene and Marion first moved to Avon in 1951 where he worked at Dave's Grocery as a meat cutter and he remained in this trade for the rest of his life. Gene and his family later moved to West Simsbury in 1955 to the home he built and lived in until his passing.

Gene and Marion were active members of the West Avon Congregational Church for over 60 years. He served as a deacon for many years. In the earlier years he was known for his special men's fellowship breakfasts and over this past year, for bringing beauty to the gardens around the church patio in loving memory of his beloved Marion.

Eugene was a sergeant in the US Army, proudly serving his country during WWII. He was in active service from 1945 through 1948. His overseas service was in Germany in the 68th Armored Field Artillery. He was a member of the VFW Guildo Consolini Post #3782 in Avon.

Being the loving family man that he was, he would take the family camping every summer and on weekends; always to a new place but they often ended at Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod. On a whim, Marion and Gene bought a 24' sailboat without knowing how to sail, but together with their children they learned the art of sailing. This became Gene's passion for the next 30 years.

Gene loved to garden and he knew this was a special gift that he had. He always said he felt just a little closer to God when he was working in his gardens.

To 13 special people he was lovingly known as "Poppa." He loved being a grandfather & great-grandfather and this is a role he cherished most of all. When any of them were around, he would become a child again and there was always room on his lap and time for a cuddle. To this day these special times, as well as so many others, have created lasting memories for his family and to so many others who knew and loved him.

He leaves his daughter Marnie Flynn of West Simsbury, and three sons, Paul Flynn (Priscilla) of West Simsbury, Daniel Flynn (Linda) of Ormand Beach, FL, and Sean Flynn (Kim Rusling) of Carlisle, MA; grandchildren Jennifer (Chris), Elizabeth (Mike), James, Brian (Robin), Timothy, Daniel, Emily, Sam, and Abby; great grandchildren Aiden, Owen, Jimmy, and Sophie; and many nieces and nephews. Also, he leaves behind special friends Juni Kish, Patricia & Bruce Holcomb and family, Marta & Ray Williard and family. Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by all of his siblings and by dear friends Terry and Les Williard.

The Flynn family would like to extend their greatest appreciation and thanks to the wonderful Hospice team at McLeans Hospice. You are truly Angels here on Earth.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, Avon. The Reverend Dr. Brian C. Hardee will preside.

The Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center of Avon is caring for the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the West Avon Congregational Church or Campaign for the National Museum of the U.S. Army, PO Box 96281, Washington, DC 20090-6281.

See more at www.carmonfuneralhome.com.