John Bassett Lynch

John Bassett Lynch, Jr., age 84, passed away on January 30, 2026 in Berlin, Maryland. Born on September 23, 1941 in Salisbury, Maryland, he was the son of the late John B. Lynch, Sr. and Ruth Jones Lynch.

John graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Florida State University in 1963. While at Florida State, he played the trumpet in the Marching Chiefs band and was a member of the Flying High Circus where he learned to be a trapeze artist and clown. John was a brother of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he meet some of his closest friends. After graduating from FSU, John served in the United States Coast Guard. He enjoyed traveling the world hunting and fishing and was a distinguished member of Safari Club International and Ducks Unlimited.

John was best known as the owner of the Commander Hotel and was involved in many community organizations. He was a mason for over 50 years with Evergreen Lodge #153 in Berlin. John was a board member of Bank of Ocean City, OC Paramedics Foundation, Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, Furnace Town, Ocean City Golf Club, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean City Museum Society among others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years Linda A. Lynch, son John B. Lynch III, and sisters Suzanne and Linda.

He is survived his son William M. Lynch and wife Amanda. He was the proud grandfather of Jack B. Lynch and John W. Lynch. John is also survived by his sister Iva and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Makemie Presbyterian Church in Snow Hill, Maryland on Thursday February 5, 2026 at 2pm with a one hour visitation prior to the service. A graveside will be held at the conclusion of the service with a reception to follow inside the church.

In his memory, donations may be made to the Pocomoke River Ducks Unlimited c/o David Peterson, 8227 Sea Biscuit Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863. or the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home – Berlin, MD.