Obituary: Michael F. Flynn Jr., President of John Flynn and Sons Leather Tanner

Obituary from Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home.

Michael F. Flynn Jr. 81, of Peabody formerly of Beverly, beloved husband of Joyce (Daley) Flynn, died Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the Lahey Clinic North in Peabody surrounded by his family.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Michael F. Sr., and Florence (Hollingsworth)Flynn. He was raised and educated in Peabody. Michael attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, graduating as a member of the Class of 1950. He matriculated to Georgetown University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the School of Foreign Service in 1954. Michael was also a collegiate golfer and member of the Varsity Golf team while at Georgetown.

An honorbaly discharged veteran, Mr. Flynn served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard.

A prolific and world renowned business man, Mr. Flynn was the President of John Flynn and Sons leather tannery of Salem. Michael was responsible for the purchasing of Raw Materials for the six tanneries that encompassed Flynn Tan Worldwide of Europe and Salem. He was known throughout professional circles for his expertise and attention to detail. His quick mind and knowledge of his industry propelled the company to many years of success. He retired in 1985 following thirty years of business.

A longtime resident of the North Shore, Michael and his wife were world travelers throughout their life. They visited over 13 countries and traveled extensively throughout Europe and the South Pacific. Their trips often included playing on some of the world’s most renowned golf courses. As an avid golfer over the course of his life, he made 3 holes in one and was the winner of the Member/Guest 4 Ball Tournament at his home course, Salem Country Club in Peabody, many times.

Mr. Flynn donated much of his time to many worthwhile organizations, including the Salem Children’s Friends Foundation and Catholic Charities North, both of which he was board member. He was a director of the Naumkeag Trust Company/Eastern Bank and Trust Company in Salem and a Board Member of the Leather Industries of America.

He was an avid sports fan and used his retirement years to stay connected to the sports world by being associated with the McVann Ice Arena and the Meadows Golf Course both of Peabody as well as the Beverly Golf and Tennis Club. Sporting events were a true passion of his. Yet above all else his wife and children were the light of his life. He will be remembered for his dedication to his professional craft of leather tanning, his love of the game of golf, his charitable works and his devotion to his beloved wife.

In addition to his loving wife of 60 years Joyce (Daley) Flynn of Peabody, Michael is survived by his daughters, Cynthia E. Flynn of Alexandria, VA and Suzanne Flynn-Perrotta and her husband Steven of Dracut, his sons, Michael F. Flynn III and his wife Sherry of Milford, N.H. and Richard B. Flynn of Salem, his granddaughter, CatherineFlynn of Milford, N.H., his sister Florence Flynn of Boston, his brother John Flynn of Middleton and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Patrick HenryFlynn, and the grandfather of the late Erin Elyse Flynn.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Friday, Nov. 14th at 7:15 P.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours prior to the service from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Michael’s memory to Gateways Community Services, 144 Canal Street, Nashua NH 03064. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com