Kenneth Flynn

Kenneth Flynn Navy Capt. (ret.) Kenneth C. Flynn, of Annapolis, died peacefully in Annapolis January 15, 2013, days before his 83rd birthday, from complications of pneumonia. During his Naval career, Kenneth Flynn was an aviator assigned to several carriers as a Landing Signal Officer. One of his tours of duty was on the USS Kitty Hawk. On June 6, 1964, LCDR Flynn performed an aerial mission to rescue the first POW shot down in the vicinity of Laos. Flynn was recommended for a Naval Air Medal, however, because of classified activities, it was 30 years before the honor was presented from President Clinton via Senator Benjamin Cardin's office. Kenneth Flynn was active in U.S. Masters Swimming from 1977 to 2008, often a gold medalist. At age 69, he achieved the honor of U.S. Masters All American, setting a national record. After retiring from the Navy in 1975­­, Flynn's profession was metal sculpture and fine art. His first recognized sculpture was "SEASIA," the subject for whom the Air Medal was awarded. Flynn's "lost-wood" bronze sculpting process was patented in 1994. He taught sculpting at Glen Echo Park during the mid 1970's and assisted in converting the amusement park to an arts center. He was also a founding member of the group that formed the Torpedo Factory. From 1999, Flynn spent three years designing and hand-building a small aircraft, which he flew successfully. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, poet/playwright Grace Cavalieri; four daughters, Cynthia Cavalieri, Colleen Flynn, Shelley Flynn, and Angela Phelan; brother, Richard Sage; and four grandchildren, Rachel Price, Elizabeth Comitz, Sean Phelan and Joseph Phelan. A service is planned with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. For updated funeral information and to sign the family's online guestbook, visit www.kalasfuneralhomes.com