Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Flynn Obituary
July 31, 1942 - October 15, 2011
USAF Ret. Maj. John Denis Flynn, Jr., 69, of Modesto, California while surrounded by his family, died October 15, 2011 from his brief battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. John was born in New York, NY July 31, 1942. He graduated from Manhattan College and received a degree in Business Administration in 1965. John was married to Fran Bonfiglio on October 23, 1971 and they were to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this year.
John's passions were his family and his service to his country. He was an Air Force veteran, having served as a navigator in the Vietnam Conflict, and had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. During his military career, John specialized in Search and Rescue Operations, which led to his post Air Force retirement careers with Comarco and Magavox. John continued his service to country as a civilian with the Department of the Air Force in the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, living and working under the motto, "These things we do, so that others may live."
Lovingly known by his family and close friends as the "Compulsive Gadgeteer," John loved technology and the possibilities it brought. He made it his life's work utilizing technology to locate and rescue soldiers that culminated in projects that have saved numerous lives.
John is preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Ellen Flynn and is survived by his wife, Francesca J. Flynn, daughter, Mary Josephine Flynn son, John Denis Flynn, III and sister, Kathleen Douglass of Cranford, NJ and leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 3:30pm until 7pm with a rosary being held at 4:30pm both held at Franklin and Downs Colonial Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Modesto, CA on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 10:30 AM, Father Ignatius Haran will be the officiant. His final resting place will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 9:30am. Flowers and memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior's Project www.woundedwarriors.org, one of J.D.'s favorite charities, are both welcome.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Flynn
6 Entries
Ann Petrino
October 16, 2023
We can´t believe J.D. has been gone 12 years! Henry & I have such fond memories especially when we broke bread with him and the interesting political conversations we´ve had! He is so missed.
Remembering you all with love,
Henry & Ann Petrino
Sandy Woodward
October 24, 2011
So sorry to hear of John's passing.... praying that the Lord will give peace and comfort to you and your family ~ sending hugs to you all... Jon and Sandy ( Woodward )
Mary Lou Banahan
October 22, 2011
What a wonderful picture that truly captures John - his wit and loving spirit. I have so many wonderful memories from when Fran brought him over to announce their engagement to "door open" with the girls on our visit to DC. Eimile will always honor him as her hero - the man who didn't eat vegetables! He will be missed yet I am grateful for the memories. Love, Mary Lou and Eimile
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
October 22, 2011
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Dan Aliotti
October 21, 2011
Dear Cousins, we are all very saddened by Johns devastating health deterioration and passing. We will always remember him for the wonderful person he was, and fondly recall his energy, humor, wit, and loving spirit. He has blessed us all with so much in his time in this world, and has certainly left his mark behind. Love, Danny & Kathy Aliotti and family.
October 21, 2011
Flynn Family: God bless you and keep you. Your husband, father, brother was a wonderful man, an American hero who will be missed more than words can say. Thank you for letting us be a part of his and you lives. Surrounding you with love and prayers, Henry and Ann Petrino.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in John Flynn's name
Memorial Events
for John Flynn
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Flynn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
