Alan F. Flynn, Jr.

Asheville - Alan F. Flynn Jr. of Asheville, NC passed away on August 30, 2017, with complications related to Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his wife, Emi Flynn, with whom he traveled the world until Parkinson's brought travel to an end. Alan is also survived by his son, Alan F. Flynn III, and wife, Jill Flynn, of Charlotte, N.C.; and daughter, Sarah Akemi Flynn, and husband, Dr. Hien Do, of San Jose, CA. Alan was proud of his five grandchildren: Jessica, Lindsay and Matthew Flynn; Meiko and Koji Flynn-Do. He was predeceased by his sister, Jane Blackmer Chance, and parents, Alan and Helen Flynn. On his maternal side, Alan was descended from several pilgrims aboard the Mayflower.

After boarding school at The Governor's Academy, Byfield, MA, Alan graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and Captain of the varsity soccer team. He earned his master's degree from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. He also studied at the University of Hawaii's East-West Center and the International Christian University in Tokyo.

In 1954, he joined the United States Marine Corps and retired as 1st Lieutenant in 1958. In the 1960s, Alan taught at the Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan where he met his wife and their children were born. Alan and Emi were married for 53 years.

Alan taught Japanese history and was Head of Kingswood-Oxford Middle School in West Hartford, CT. From 1975 to 1991, Alan was Headmaster of Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, RI. Nine years after his retirement The Alan F. Flynn Jr. Academic Center was built and dedicated in his honor. Also, Alan served as Headmaster of St. Michael's School Country Day School in Newport RI, from 1992 to 1998.

Alan was a member of Rotary Clubs of East Greenwich and Newport, RI. He served as president of the East Greenwich Rotary Club and was recognized with 7 Paul Harris Fellowships. He was a charter member of a special Rotary group, with members from Rotary Clubs in RI, MA, Asia and Europe, dedicated to bringing clean water, health, and literacy to Cambodia. Alan visited the Children's Hospital in Seam Reap, Cambodia founded to help children from rural villages with diseases and illnesses caused by polluted water.

Among Alan's passions was traveling in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and throughout Asia, South America, Australia and Africa. Alan loved the ocean and spent as much time as possible on Martha's Vineyard at the family cottage built by his parents. His children and grandchildren continue to enjoy the island every summer.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life at the St Giles Chapel, at Deerfield Retirement Community on Sept 4 at 10 a.m. Donations in Alan's name may be made to: First Congregational UCC, Homeless Ministries, P.O. Box 3211, Asheville, NC, 28801 or St. Giles Memorial Garden, 1617 Hendersonville Rd. Asheville NC 28803.

A memorial service in Rhode Island is planned at a later date to be determined.

An online memorial register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Sep. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Flynn

Sponsored by Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Services- Lake Julian.

16 Entries

Lee M.W. Chappell

August 26, 2023

I remember Alan Flynn as a transparently-decent, talented man whose set of particular skills benefitted the whole community beyond education. He played a major part in all three of my childrens' success in life, and I'll always be deeply grateful for having known him. Lee Matteson Waterbury Chappell, Wakefield, RI.

Linda Tanaka

September 9, 2017

Heartfelt condolences dear Emi and family. Al was a truly remarkable man and a pleasure to be with. He gave my Dad such pleasure with his total knowledge of ancient Japanese etiquette as they toasted and poured sake for each other during your last Toronto visit. I always considered your life with Al a true love story.

September 4, 2017

To the Flynn family my heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can being your family and friends comfort. EP Sun City, AZ

E. Tamsin Serjak

September 4, 2017

You will be missed. We will remember your easy smile, charm and inquisitive nature. Thank you for touching our lives in such a subtle but meaningful way. -Chris, Tamsin, Ana & Ethan Serjak

Elizabeth Welch

September 3, 2017

A man like Alan Flynn only comes around rarely in this life. He was the image that comes to my head when I think of when I combine words like: honest, principled, classy, understated and genuine. My brothers and I were so fortunate to meet him as he helped change the course of our lives. Alan Flynn made it possible for us to attend Rocky Hill even though we could not afford it. I was grateful back then and I still am now. Mr. Flynn was a wonderful headmaster. He taught the students of Rocky Hill to live a life with integrity. I feel so lucky to have had him in my life.
Fondly, Elizabeth Poppy Matteson Welch

Ron and Priscilla (Pete) Tougas

September 3, 2017

Al was our Best Man at our wedding in 1968 in Japan. We will never forget the many trips and great times we had together with him and Emi. He taught us about and how to travel in Japan in the years we both lived there.

Jeannie Shepard

September 3, 2017

I am deeply saddened by your loss. His beautiful spirit lives on in the many lives he touched. May you find comfort and healing from the love of your family. Rest in peace, Mr. Flynn, my CA history teacher first and then Al, my friend.

Scott Brown

September 2, 2017

You were a very inspirational person !

Elizabeth Colton

September 1, 2017

Alan was clearly such a noble & distinguished person always. It was a blessing to be in the courageous presence of both Alan & Emi. Sending deep sympathy & prayers to all your family at this very sad time -- with admiration & love from neighbor Marie Colton & all her family, including daughters Liz, Marie,& Sarah.

John Carney

September 1, 2017

Mr Flynn was my headmaster at RHS. He created a lasting memory with his enthusiast nature at our games. Even if we were losing he always cheered. If we were winning he wanted us to win the right way. He was a consistent presence for the Carney family and even though we were not his children, he did help raise us. I will never forget that man. We were losing a basketball game by 20 points and I made a basket late in the game that meant nothing and he was cheering like we won the gold medal. A memory burned in my mind forever. Thank you Mr Flynn. -John Carney

Jason Kelly

September 1, 2017

I will never forget the impact Mr. Flynn had on my life. He provided a level of support and guidance to me during an extremely hard time of my life that went above and beyond the expectations of the role of a headmaster.

My heart goes out to the Flynn family for their loss. Mr. Flynn was an incredibly kind and generous person.

David Crocker

September 1, 2017

Mr. Flynn was one of the finest men I have ever known. While I was attending Rocky Hill, he always made sure to make every student feel at home and welcomed, and always had a positive outlook with everything. He went out of his way with me in particular and I have never forgotten that. God bless the Flynn family, and may He bless them through their grief and hold them in His hands during this time.

Lee Matteson Waterbury

September 1, 2017

Alan Flynn was the kind of man that parents everywhere wish their sons to be: honorable, strong in character, kind but forthright. As a parent of children fortunate enough to attend Rocky Hill School, I want to pause and thank the heavens above that my sons were influenced by Flynn's leadership skills. My deepest condolences to his family and community--he will be missed.

Jessie Given

September 1, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the fynn family.mr flynn will always hold a special place in my heart with love jessie

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