Patrick Joseph Flynn

01/14/1952 – 05/09/2026

First, before you get too sad, you need to know Patrick went out like the legend he is. Sure, an aggressive form of Parkinson’s took on my dad , but in the end my dad made an epic comeback.

Patrick was at the house surrounded by loved ones when the nurses asked us to step outside for a minute. We all knew his time to transition was near, but still when the nurse came out telling us he had passed, it shocked us. Amanda, his daughter, was first there to see him, and then me, Ryan, his son. I started talking to him and holding him. April ran in and was in pure disbelief he was gone. “I didn’t feel you leave me Pat! I Don’t believe it!” She held him crying and recounting their love story. I heard him take a breath. I asked the nurses, “What was that?” They assured me, “sometimes there is one last breath”. However, I saw and felt him breath again and then again. I felt for his pulse and GOT ONE! My dad had been gone for two plus minutes but came back as April told him, “You are the only man I have ever loved”. I was holding him and saw it all, but it was so surreal I had to check with everyone there. “Did that really just happen?!! Did my dad, the undefeated wrestler, champion of a man, just beat death?!!” Yes, he did!! Who else could, but my dad. He made sure to show us one last time how powerful he can be. The air in the room changed from sadness and shock to love and celebration. Patrick J. Flynn came back for one more hour letting us tell him how much we love him. One final victory lap for the Champion before he said goodbye

Patrick was born in New Jersey. His parents were Patrick and Beatrice Flynn. Beatrice was a wild card known to have parties all night while blasting Sam Cook, sometimes even throwing the neighbors furniture in the pool as revenge for telling her to turn the music down. What I am saying is, Patrick came from legends. He grew up with sisters Jean, Karen, Collen, Erin, and brother Kevin. He always told stories of his childhood in New Jersey. He truly loved it so much and relived the memories of playing with his friends and family. Patrick also played sports. He was an amazing wrestler, famous for his bullock that helped him go undefeated. He also was a beast on the field as a football player and would later show me his newspaper clippings complete with stories of the game. He went onto Lehigh University to wrestle for college.

It was at age 19 Patrick met April Elizabeth Couch through his brother Kevin. Their first date was a horror movie, but that turned into a love story for both. Together they dreamed of raising a family in California, and since my dad had hitchhiked there before, he confirmed that is the best place for the Flynn Family to thrive!

Touchdown San Diego! Complete with three kids, Heather, Ryan and Amanda. Patrick and April raised a family full of love. They faced many many challenges. Head Injury, addiction, illness both physically and mentally. Through it all Patrick was a pillar of strength holding the family together. He truly is the most amazing father a kid could ever wish for. Partly because Pat thought he was still a kid and loved to play so much.

Patrick was originally a truck driver after, driving gas trucks for his dad, and then taking other loads. After an accident, he went for the desk job in insurance. It seems an unlikely place for such a boisterous man, but my dad’s spirit brought him much success. He valued human connection the most and these friendships he made with co workers and clients have lasted his lifetime. He became president of an insurance company and wanted it to feel like family. He did his best to treat people as such and looked after them always. It’s just how he is wired. He is my dad but lived his life as if he could be everyone’s.

Before Patrick entered this world, they must have programmed loyalty, integrity, compassion and strength into his software, because he would always be there for anyone. You could count on my dad’s word. He is an amazing example of how good a person can be. A powerful, kind, hard-working, dedicated, loving human being.

When I look at my dad’s life and think about what was important to him, it becomes crystal clear that if you knew him, you were important to him. He cared about you. He would tell stories about you and paint you in the best light. My father saw the best of those he met and believed even greater things were coming for you. His energy lifted me up so many times, and I know he did that for other people. He never put himself first, he lived for others, he had so much love to give and he did through his actions.

I ask you to please tell the story of my father to others, let him live a little longer. The world only gets a few this good and they set an example for the rest of us. I believe that was his path in life. To show how caring a human can be while also dominating the wrestling mat, the business world and the challenges he faced in life. Patrick helped his family overcome so so so much. It hurts that he got Parkinson's, he deserved better. So, our words, our stories, our memories shared can help Pat’s spirit live on.

Thank you for being a part of his life. I know he misses you. I know wherever he is, he is looking out for you. He was an angel in this life, so he must be president of the angels in the afterlife.

The Memorial Service The Reception (Dry but bar available)

Friday June 5th 1:30pm Following the service 2:30pm

Mission San Luis Rey Arrowood Golf Course

4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside CA 92057 5210 Village Dr, Oceanside CA, 92057