Patricia Flynn

as Pat—dedicated her life to family and the service of others.

She was the devoted wife of John T. Flynn for 63 years, a partnership defined by love, loyalty, and commitment.

Pat spent her formative years on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, growing up near Gracie Mansion, and graduated from Cathedral High School in June 1954. She and John married on November 14, 1959, and over the next seven years, they welcomed five children, filling their lives with joy—and plenty of activity. They raised their family in Suffolk County, Long Island—living in Commack for a short time and then settling in Smithtown, where they made their home for most of their lives. After retiring, Pat and John moved to Florida, where she enjoyed her time for the past 25 years.

A loving mother, Pat found her greatest joy in nurturing her children. She prioritized her family, offering them her wisdom, comfort, and unconditional love. Pat was the matriarch of the Flynn family—the backbone who held generations together with love, steadiness, and guidance. She also carried a classic Irish resolve, a quiet tenacity that those close to her knew and cherished. After John’s passing, she missed him dearly, and his absence was felt deeply in her daily life.

Guided by compassion throughout her life, Pat pursued a career in nursing, becoming a registered nurse after earning her Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Suffolk Community College. For over 30 years, she served the community at St. Charles Hospital, earning a cherished reputation for her kindness, resilience, and generous spirit. Through her husband’s work as a defense contractor, Pat was able to travel the world, with memorable journeys to Egypt, Japan, and Australia—experiences she treasured and often reflected upon.

Pat was an avid reader with a special love for biographies. She shared her passion for books with friends and family, encouraging others to explore new stories and ideas. Pat also enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends in The Villages.

Whether comforting a patient, supporting her children, or brightening a stranger’s day, Pat’s life was rooted in kindness. Known for her warm smile and quick, dry wit, she had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel loved. She adored her grandchildren and carried lofty expectations for each of them—believing deeply in their potential and encouraging them to always do their best.

Pat was predeceased by her beloved husband, John T. Flynn; her daughter, Marybeth Collins (Joseph); her brother, Joseph Dunn, and his wife, Theresa; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne and Buddy Breslin; her sister-in-law, Florence Distelhurst; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Flynn.

She leaves behind a loving family: her children John D. Flynn (Mona), Thomas Flynn (Joann), Patricia Flynn (Michael), and Michael Flynn (Julie); her sister-in-law Claire Flynn; her sister Marilyn Croake (Donald); and her grandchildren Chris, Kelly, Rachel, Jack Collins, Joey, Jack Flynn, Matthew, Ryan, and Alex. Her extended family and many friends will forever cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. https://www.komen.org

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 23rd at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wildwood Florida. A Celebration of Life and reception will follow at Dignity Memorial Life Celebration Center. You may share condolences and memories through the online guestbook at http://dignitymemorialwildwood.com/.