Obituary: Thomas Flynn Jr., 40, Formerly of Medford

The following is from Morris, O’Connor & Blute Funeral Home.

Thomas J. Flynn Jr., 40, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 4. He was the beloved son of Thomas and Alice (Kelly) Flynn of West Yarmouth.

Born Dec. 19, Tommy’s arrival was a big event for the Flynn family, as he came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve and was greeted by three very excited older sisters. It was a Christmas gift that could never be topped.

Tommy spent his early school years in Hingham and graduated from Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, New Hampshire. He loved playing high school sports, skiing and hanging out with his friends, many of whom he kept in touch with his whole life. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a double major in psychology and communications. He enjoyed his many brothers in the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

For most of his career, Tommy worked as an IT Recruiter. He saw his role as something of a counselor and used his people skills to try to find the best match for employer and employee. Outside of work, there was nothing Tommy liked more than to have a fishing pole in his hand. He liked the thrill of the big catch and the taste of a fresh grilled filet, but mostly he enjoyed the time outdoors to contemplate about life, issues big and small. He was a self-taught guitarist, animal lover and big Patriots and Celtics fan.

Most of all, Tommy was a kind and gentle soul who cared deeply about his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Tommy is survived by his three sisters: Kathleen Kelley of Medford; Susan Flynn Leighton of Beverly; and Christine O’Brien of Manchester, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his brother-in-laws Paul Leighton and Ed O’Brien. He was a cherished uncle of Mary-Kate, Erin and Clare Kelley; Sarah and Elizabeth Leighton; and Joseph and Benjamin O’Brien. He is also survived by a special aunt and uncle, Eileen Smith and Thomas O’Connor, both of Whitman. He also relished his role as the youngest cousin in the extended Kelly and Sullivan families. And Tommy’s life was made richer by his lifelong friends Matt Thibeault and Kevin Adrien.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Morris, O’Connor & Blute Funeral Home, 58 Long Pond Drive, South Yarmouth. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Saint Pius X Church, Station Avenue, South Yarmouth. Burial will take place at Saint Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham, on Thursday at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers and to respect Tommy’s wishes to never force his beliefs on anyone else, donations can be made to a charity of people’s choosing.