LTC (Retired) Richard J. Flynn

LTC (Retired) Richard J. Flynn, 63, of Acushnet, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at home. He was the husband of Jane (Barry) Flynn with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. Born in Boston, a son of the late James M. and Kathryn (Morgan) Flynn, he had resided in Acushnet for the past 18 years.

LTC Flynn was a graduate of The Boston Latin School, class of 1964 and the United States Military Academy at West Point, class of 1968. He also received a Master’s Degree in English from Indiana University.

He retired from the United States Army after 25 years of service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was the proudest of his Combat Infantry Badge. He always considered it his honor and privilege to be a platoon leader in Vietnam. A 22 year old, 1st Lieutenant, he led his men, most of who were 17 and 19 years old, to the best of his ability. His platoon suffered only one casualty, Private Dyer, under his command. He forever kept in touch with Private Dyer’s family. He leaves his boyhood friends, Cav, Bobby, Joey, Jimmy, Stevie and Sully. He leaves his friends of the Long Grey Line: Jeff House, Jeff Rogers, John Cullen, Joe Durken, Steve Donahue, John Parker and Dick Steiner. His special friends, Connie and Michael Perelson of Connecticut.

LTC Flynn taught at USMA in the English Department which he considered to be an honor. He later went on to be a teacher of Latin, Poetry and Advanced Placement English at Bishop Stang High School since 1992.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Patrick M.B. Flynn of Boston and Miles E.B. Flynn of Acushnet; a daughter, Teresa C.A. Flynn of San Francisco; two brothers, Charles Flynn and wife Anna of Taunton and Thomas Flynn and wife Joan of Pennsylvania; his sister, Marilyn E. Flynn of Philadelphia; a sister-in-law, his heroine, Valerie Flynn of Montauk, NY and Palm Beach, FL; his mother-in-law, Virginia Barry of Woodstock, CT; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late James M. Flynn, his hero.

His funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 11am in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. Visiting hours on Monday from 4-8pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. Flowers are welcome. Burial will be held in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point Cemetery at a later date. ANIMA CHRISITI. For online tributes and facility directions please visit: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.com

Well done- be though at peace.