Papa Bean,
I am so incredibly grateful for the zoo trips, Dollywood days, and nature explorations that we did together. You truly made my summers in Tennessee meaningful. The fireflies at night, the drives through the smokies, the glistening caverns- these are all memories that I will cling to. I would give anything to go back and hug you one more time. Your presence in my life is something that won’t change; I know you’re watching over me. I can’t fully capture in words the incredibly positive impact you’ve had on my life. You have made a beautiful trail on this planet and I am so lucky to have been a part of it. We all are. 
Love you lots, 
Olivia (Livs) 
Your granddaughter

Gene,
In September 1963, you left 55 Knoll Street in Waterbury, Connecticut, as your younger brother and sister cried, “Why do you have to leave?” That day, you were headed to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to board the merchant ship HMS Whangaroa, bound for Brisbane, Australia. As the years passed, we came to understand what was already true then—that you carried a deep, inner calling to explore, to travel, and to learn.
Upon returning to the United States, you found work in North Carolina, where you fell in love and began building your family with Judy and your children. Through life’s challenges, you remained drawn to the warmth and beauty of the Southeast, and later found a new love with Sandra of Tennessee. Over the years, we treasured the time we spent together—getting to know your families and sharing this special region of our country.
Yet we always knew, firsthand, the depth of your love for your Connecticut family. You were a champion of staying connected—frequently visiting the Northeast and faithfully making time for weekly calls to check in and see how we were doing. Please know that you never truly left us. You will be dearly missed and always lovingly remembered.
May you now rest in the eternal peace of God, embraced by His love, reunited with mom, dad, your sister Ann, first cousin, Flinter Cowper, and your aunts and uncles.
Your Brother Paul

You'll be missed Papa Gene.  Sending love to all of the friends and family feeling your loss.

To Gene’s family, I want to express my most sincere condolences. Gene was an exceptional man and I enjoyed knowing him. I am wishing you all peace and comfort and many happy memories. With love, Kim Cressell

To Sandra and all of Gene’s family,

I am so sorry for your loss , and so moved by all of the beautiful appreciations and memories already shared about this amazing man who lived life to the fullest. As one of Gene’s cousins growing up in waterbury,  he was the older cousin  already embarking  on his  very exciting and unusual life! Australia!!!!  computers!!! imagine! His interests knew no bounds.  Truly a man of the world and ahead of his time. And so deeply loved by his family, as each of these tributes so beautifully and uniquely express.  We send our deepest sympathy.     Margaret Flinter and Paul Freundlich

Uncle Gene, your laugh will forever resonate with me. I can still hear it when I close my eyes—especially the way you used to say, “Come on, Em.”

You were a man filled with knowledge and endless stories, and every conversation with you felt like a journey through history and experience. When I was younger, we would always receive the most mysterious gifts from your travels, and I’m pretty sure I still have many of them today.

I’ll never forget our two-hour conversation during Covid, when you told me all about Yale, its history, the Illuminati, and how you were a Mason. One of my favorite memories of visiting you was the day I jumped off the high dive at the University of Tennessee—your encouragement and pride are moments I’ll always carry with me.

My boys still carry the two-dollar bills you sent them for their birthdays. Just the other day, they told me they remembered getting them from you, and that meant more to me than I can put into words.

I wish I could be there to celebrate your life, because it truly was incredible. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you—until we meet again.

Oh geeze, Papa Gene. You have really done it to me. Words can not truly express how much that i will miss you. You are such a profound figure and role model in my life. From teaching me how to fish at various ponds and lakes or rivers through out Tennessee. The long drives through the mountains. To playing in your yard or on the big hill up to your house. Various old outdoor games and card games in your sun room. To learning how to grow herbs and vegetables, which i love so much. The night you brought out your telescope to show Adrien and I Jupiter! "Jupter, Jupiter, I wana see, i wana see!" That sparked my love for astronomy, Papa. And ohhh boy, did you have a thing with the ladies, haha! Man, I'm gonna miss you. So many memories that I will cherish and keep dear to my heart. You taught us so much in such little time, and I would love to spend any day of my life just talking with you again, Papa Gene. I think I have inherited your goofiness, and hopefully Iris will too. Rest easy, Papa. I Love You. 
Your Grandson, Tristan

You will me missed. Glade I got to know you and am thankful for the beutiful daughter of yours, that is my wonderful wife. RIP Gene.

Papa gene you were the only grandfather I knew. I’ll always cherish my child hood memories spent adventuring with you. You were always there to check up on me as the years went on and that meant a lot to me.  I gave Jasper your middle name in light of you. Until we meet again -Ade

Dear Father, thank you for inspiring me through your love of books, the appreciation of fresh fruit and vegetables, your love of travel, culture, volunteerism, hiking and writing. Most precious to me were our adventures as a family in nature, our mutual love of the cosmos and discussions on spirituality. 

You were a truth seeker and mystic who lived your life out loud. I will find you in the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, in the waves of the ocean and in gazing at stars in the night sky. 

I love you dearly now and forever and know your light will continue to shine bright.

Your daughter,
Candi

I will always be grateful for our cherished moments at the orchestra symphonies, our love of classical music and always the discussion of metaphysics . You were ahead of your time dear father and  I will always always love you and miss you dearly . Shine on my beautiful father . There’s a bright star with your name on it . 

Love your daughter ,

Tracy

Dad, 
Thank you for allowing us to think for ourselves, for showing us the beauty that nature has to offer, and the joy you brought to our lives. I will cherish the memories when you created joyous laughter amongst the family with your unique traits and personality. And I am so thankful that you now resting in peace. Love you and miss you~Your son~Jeff Flinter

Papa Bean, I can’t wait to play Rummikub with you again in your sunroom. Please save a seat for me up there❤️ Love you so much. 
Olivia (Livs)

Eugene Ambrose Flinter (Dad),  May Heaven open its gates to welcome you home. You will be missed beyond words by so many, yet your love and memories will remain with us always. Until we meet again. Love you. Rest in peace.
Your Son -In Law 
Giovanni Pellegrino

OBITUARY

Eugene Ambrose Flinter Jr.

June 13, 1939 – January 4, 2026

Berry Funeral Home

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