Obituary for Henry Francis "Steve" Flynn
Henry “Steve” Flynn, age 83, a longtime resident of North Chelmsford passed away peacefully on August 7, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Eileen (Wilcox) Flynn with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Together they built a wonderful life. She was his best friend and he was devoted to making her happy each day.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 1, 1937, the son of the late Henry and Margaret (Salmon) Flynn of County Mayo and County Galway, Ireland. Steve loved to share that he was the son of Irish immigrants and his parents instilled in him the value of family. Growing up in the Mission Hill area of Boston, he was a proud graduate of Mission High Class of 1955. During those years he built many strong relationships that lasted over 5 decades, including his closest friends Eddie Burke and Tom Mahoney.
Steve honorably served in the United States Army from 1955-1961, stationed in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division Artillery, earning the Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the Military, he started his career with Raytheon and then joined Goodyear Tire Company, where he would spend the next 27 years. During those years he held many titles, beginning as manager of the Lowell Store and ending as the New England Regional Tire Sales Engineer. Prior to retiring, he worked in the Massachusetts State House as a Special Assistant to the late Senator Susan Fargo, focusing on advocating for senior citizens issues. Throughout his career, he developed lifelong friendships which he maintained and deeply cherished.
Steve was active in the Chelmsford community serving in many roles including coaching, volunteering, and serving as a long time Chelmsford Town Meeting Representative. In his retirement years, Steve was an active member of the Chelmsford Senior Center.
Steve was a champion for all of his children and they were his proudest accomplishments. Education was something he valued and ensured he provided each of his children. He was fortunate to be able to travel, spend time and build a strong relationship with each one of them from childhood into their adult life. Steve also deeply loved his two daughters-in-law and his son-in-law.
Regardless of what name you called him, Henry, Steve, Brother, Junior, Jelly, Uncle, Dad, Papa, or Friend, you always received the same love, compassion, and affection. He always wanted you to succeed, looked at the positive in everything and was someone you could call knowing he could lift you up or make you laugh. Of the many friendships he cherished during his life Joseph Hynes and Greg Wadleigh held a special place in his heart.
His grandchildren were his world. Attending their events, games and family parties brought him so much joy. He enjoyed sharing his Papa’s Treasures and treating each one as his favorite.
He is survived by his son Steven Flynn and his wife Christina of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Robert Flynn and his wife Nicole of Groton, MA, Karen (Flynn) Balestrieri and her husband Glen of Hollis, NH, and beloved grandchildren Regan Flynn, Taylor Flynn, Abigail Flynn, Alexandra Flynn, Robert Flynn Jr., Shaun Flynn, Jack Flynn, Henry Balestrieri, and Isabella Balestrieri. He was the youngest brother of Mary Findlen of Bourne, MA.
Steve leaves behind his sister in-law Barbara Keefe and her husband John of Harwich, MA, and his sister in law Nancy Dowling of Solon, OH. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
Steve was predeceased by his brother Jack Flynn of Racine, WI, sister in-law Lynn Flynn of Chelmsford, MA and brother in-law Joseph Findlen of Bourne, MA.
Due to capacity restrictions at the Church, the Funeral will be private. You are invited to watch the Funeral Mass live, Thursday, August 13th, 11:00 am at chelmsfordcatholic.org, St. John the Evangelist “Liveview”. Those wishing to attend the Burial Ceremony, complete with Military Honors, are welcome to join the family on Thursday at the Fairview Cemetery 28 Main St, North Chelmsford, MA 01863. For the safety of all, social distancing measures will be in place during the ceremony. Please arrive at 12:30.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 12, from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. For the safety of all, social distancing measures will be in place and face coverings are required. In lieu of flowers for those wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family prefers donations to be made in Steve’s honor to Steve Flynn Fund c/o Chelmsford Senior Center 75 Groton Road, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 1, 1937, the son of the late Henry and Margaret (Salmon) Flynn of County Mayo and County Galway, Ireland. Steve loved to share that he was the son of Irish immigrants and his parents instilled in him the value of family. Growing up in the Mission Hill area of Boston, he was a proud graduate of Mission High Class of 1955. During those years he built many strong relationships that lasted over 5 decades, including his closest friends Eddie Burke and Tom Mahoney.
Steve honorably served in the United States Army from 1955-1961, stationed in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division Artillery, earning the Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the Military, he started his career with Raytheon and then joined Goodyear Tire Company, where he would spend the next 27 years. During those years he held many titles, beginning as manager of the Lowell Store and ending as the New England Regional Tire Sales Engineer. Prior to retiring, he worked in the Massachusetts State House as a Special Assistant to the late Senator Susan Fargo, focusing on advocating for senior citizens issues. Throughout his career, he developed lifelong friendships which he maintained and deeply cherished.
Steve was active in the Chelmsford community serving in many roles including coaching, volunteering, and serving as a long time Chelmsford Town Meeting Representative. In his retirement years, Steve was an active member of the Chelmsford Senior Center.
Steve was a champion for all of his children and they were his proudest accomplishments. Education was something he valued and ensured he provided each of his children. He was fortunate to be able to travel, spend time and build a strong relationship with each one of them from childhood into their adult life. Steve also deeply loved his two daughters-in-law and his son-in-law.
Regardless of what name you called him, Henry, Steve, Brother, Junior, Jelly, Uncle, Dad, Papa, or Friend, you always received the same love, compassion, and affection. He always wanted you to succeed, looked at the positive in everything and was someone you could call knowing he could lift you up or make you laugh. Of the many friendships he cherished during his life Joseph Hynes and Greg Wadleigh held a special place in his heart.
His grandchildren were his world. Attending their events, games and family parties brought him so much joy. He enjoyed sharing his Papa’s Treasures and treating each one as his favorite.
He is survived by his son Steven Flynn and his wife Christina of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Robert Flynn and his wife Nicole of Groton, MA, Karen (Flynn) Balestrieri and her husband Glen of Hollis, NH, and beloved grandchildren Regan Flynn, Taylor Flynn, Abigail Flynn, Alexandra Flynn, Robert Flynn Jr., Shaun Flynn, Jack Flynn, Henry Balestrieri, and Isabella Balestrieri. He was the youngest brother of Mary Findlen of Bourne, MA.
Steve leaves behind his sister in-law Barbara Keefe and her husband John of Harwich, MA, and his sister in law Nancy Dowling of Solon, OH. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
Steve was predeceased by his brother Jack Flynn of Racine, WI, sister in-law Lynn Flynn of Chelmsford, MA and brother in-law Joseph Findlen of Bourne, MA.
Due to capacity restrictions at the Church, the Funeral will be private. You are invited to watch the Funeral Mass live, Thursday, August 13th, 11:00 am at chelmsfordcatholic.org, St. John the Evangelist “Liveview”. Those wishing to attend the Burial Ceremony, complete with Military Honors, are welcome to join the family on Thursday at the Fairview Cemetery 28 Main St, North Chelmsford, MA 01863. For the safety of all, social distancing measures will be in place during the ceremony. Please arrive at 12:30.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 12, from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. For the safety of all, social distancing measures will be in place and face coverings are required. In lieu of flowers for those wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family prefers donations to be made in Steve’s honor to Steve Flynn Fund c/o Chelmsford Senior Center 75 Groton Road, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863.