Dennis Flynn

Dennis Flynn, father of eight children, "Bumpa" to 26 grandchildren and friend to many, died Sunday, September 24, in Birmingham. He was surrounded by his loving family. Denny was 85.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, who passed in 2021. They were married for 60 years.
Denny, the fourth of eight children, was born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, to Hugh and Ella Flynn. A football scholarship took him to the University of Detroit, where he met Carolyn. They married in 1960. Denny graduated with a Bachelor of Science in economics and finance in 1961
Even in his final years, Denny was a family anchor with boundless generosity. He had a warm, confident energy that filled any room, paired with the most photogenic grin. Kind gestures, both big and small, led to a life full of joy and love. Fresh flowers – usually roses-became a staple in his home in recent years, and he was known to stash treats in his pockets for the neighborhood pups. Dapper hats were the finishing touch to all his outfits, whether he was heading to dinner or taking a package to the post office.
Denny had an unwavering work ethic. He began his career in the insurance and executive benefits industry in 1959 while he was still a student. His first job was as an agent with Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1966, Denny was appointed as one of the youngest General Agents in Mass Mutual's history. He was the general agent from 1966 until 1985 when he became an independent agent and founded Flynn & Company. He continued to flourish in the insurance and executive benefits arenas until his retirement in 2010.
After he and Carolyn raised their kids, they moved to Lake Angelus, which became "home" to their children and grandchildren. Denny enjoyed holidays, summer dinners, firework shows and boat rides with his family at the lakehouse. He and Carolyn welcomed loved ones of their children and grandchildren into their home and treated them as part of the family. On quiet days, Denny would often sit along the shoreline paging through a book or the newspaper.
Denny kept in touch with childhood friends and siblings, even organizing a luncheon of grade school pals during a trip to Washington, D.C., last year while he visited his brother, Dave.
He was an avid supporter of the sports and education that helped shape him and his children. Denny was one of the University of Detroit Mercy's biggest basketball fans and stayed up to date with Marian High School and Brother Rice High School. He also contributed to Loyola High School, March of Dimes, Angel's Place and Lighthouse of Pontiac.
He was preceded in death by Carolyn, his parents Hugh and Ella, and siblings Tim Flynn, Pat Flynn and Ginny Flynn.
Denny is survived by siblings Dave Flynn, John Flynn, Mary Flynn Meyers and Jeanne Flynn; eight children: Bridget Flynn (Dave Sarnacki), Betsy Flynn, Katie Heyward (John), Molly Lutz (Richard), Mike Flynn (Debby), Pat Flynn (Patsy), Jim Flynn and Megan Johnston (Chris); 26 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren
Denny was a man of strong faith and commitment. After Carolyn passed in 2021, he was comforted by his conviction that he would join his sweetheart soon. He kept a photo of her at his bedside and prayed to her each night.
Denny was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
His family will host a visitation on Thursday, September 28, from 2 p.m.- 8 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons (2600 Crooks Rd, Troy). Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 29, at 10 a.m., at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish in Bloomfield Hills with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the IHM Sisters or the University of Detroit Mercy.
IHM Development Office
610 West Elm Avenue
Monroe, MI 48162-7909
University of Detroit Mercy
Office of University Advancement
4001 W. McNichols Rd.
Detroit, MI 48221
313-993-1286