Joseph Francis Flynn

Joseph Francis Flynn passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of family and profound service. He was a man of immense integrity, a grand sense of humor, and a lifelong devotion to family and friends, who truly personified the motto of “Duty, Honor, Country”.

Born on January 31, 1936, in Clymer PA to Joseph S and Marian (Williams) Flynn, their second of four children and their first son, Joe grew up in Pittsburgh PA and graduated from Central Catholic HS. It was here that he met and fell in love with his life-long soul mate, Lois Ann Stehle. After a short year at University of Pittsburgh, he received an appointment to the US Naval Academy to be part of the Class of 1959. As a midshipman, he studied engineering and was a varsity baseball player. Upon graduation and commissioning as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps, he married his sweetheart Lois at the Naval Academy Chapel on June 4th 1959.

Joe became Marine infantry officer and he and Lois lived the full military life, with frequent moves between duty stations on east and west coasts as well as overseas (Morrocco) and included having six children while in uniform. He served two tours in the Vietnam War and his actions under fire with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines earned him a Bronze Star as well as other awards for gallantry—a testament to his courage and leadership. His USMC service highlights included command of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton CA as well as teaching systems engineering and serving as military assistant to the academic dean at USNA. He dedicated his 1st career to defending and serving his country, ultimately retiring at the rank of Colonel.

After concluding his military service, he successfully transitioned to the business world, working in senior engineering and leadership roles at CSC, General Dynamics and finally retiring as Vice President of Engineering at Willcor Corp. Across his diverse roles in the Defense Industry, Joe continued his devotion to the principles of leadership homed in the Corps: Honesty, Integrity and Adaptability.

Throughout his life, Joe’s time at the Academy and in the Corps were monumental sources of pride, forging bonds that lasted a lifetime. Throughout his years, he remained deeply involved with his 1959 classmates and the USNA and USMC alumni communities, carrying the values he learned in service to his country to every chapter of his life.

Beyond his uniform and accolades, he believed that his truly greatest title was husband and father. He and Lois celebrated 66 anniversaries together, and together they raised six children, finding a way to balance a small paycheck, numerous PCS moves, multiple elementary and high schools, coaching, swim lessons, sports (and there were many!) practices, church events, camping vacations, volunteering and living through the culturally turbulent 60’s and 70’s to emerge with their family as the center of their web of love.

A man of many passions over the years, Joe was an avid Navy sports fan and absolutely loved going to events in the Yard and tailgating at home football games with the Class of '59. When he wasn't cheering on the Midshipmen, he thoroughly enjoyed competitive handball in his younger years, and playing golf and going fishing on the Severn River as he aged.

Ultimately settling in Annapolis, he and Lois became fixtures in the local community, and they could frequently be found at Chick and Ruth’s Deli in downtown, a place that truly felt like a second home. He ate there so often that the staff and patrons became like family to him. His permanent presence was honored with his and Lois’s picture proudly displayed on the wall, and his legacy there is forever cemented by a menu item named in his wife’s honor.

An avid traveler, his favorite place in the world was Aruba. He and Lois returned there often, not just for the beautiful beaches, but for the warm people. Over the years, he became fast friends with many on the island, as well as a dedicated supporter of the local Catholic school there, quietly giving back to a community that gave him so much joy.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Lois, as well as brother, John and sister, Lucinda. After losing his beloved Lois this past February, he missed her tremendously and all of his family takes comfort in knowing they are now reunited.

Joe’s legacy lives on through his large and vibrant family. He is survived by his beloved sister, Mary Louise Gorman of Richmond, Virginia, and his six children: Joseph S. Flynn, Timothy J. Flynn, Gerianne Holl, Mary Pat Suriano, Patrick M. Flynn, and Daniel L. Flynn. He was the adored grandfather of 15 grandchildren and the proud great-grandfather of 5 great-grandchildren.

His laughter, quick wit, and enduring service will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Husband, father, classmate, friend, warrior, patriot. Semper Fidelis.

A Memorial Mass will be held will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the United States Naval Academy Main Chapel, Annapolis, Maryland 21402. Inurnment will follow at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium. A Memorial Reception and celebration of life will follow from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm in The Seelos Hall at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Family and friends are invited to sign up for automated notifications regarding service dates, times, and locations by visiting his memorial page on the funeral home website at [Insert Funeral Home Website/Link].

Col Flynn’s dedication and generosity were foundational in the construction of the Naval Academy Columbarium which provides a place for thousands of alumni to choose their final resting place along College Creek overlooking the Yard. In Lieu of Flowers, In honor of Joseph's generous spirit, the Flynn Family request that donations be made the the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation for future columbarium expansion projects. Donations can be made at https://www.usna.com/give and selecting Columbarium Maintenance and Expansion Fund.