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William Flynn Obituary
William J., 78, of Pompton Plains, passed away at home on June 12, 2012.
Bill was born in Paterson to James and Nellie Flynn. He was a member of the Passaic County Young Democrats, where he met Anna Mae Cancro. The couple married in 1961 and lived in Paterson, Clifton and Totowa before settling in Pompton Plains. He attended Seton Hall University where he graduated with a Master's degree in Education. He first worked as a teacher in Teaneck and East Orange and served as an Alderman in Paterson in the late 1950's and early 1960's. In 1966 he started his career as a field representative for the New Jersey Education Association and worked in the Wayne Regional Office until his retirement in 1996. He was also the past president of both the United Staff Association Union and the Pompton Plains Democratic Club.
Bill is survived by his sons, Kevin, Bryan, Michael and his wife Melissa, and Robert; his daughter, Maureen Flynn Guerrero and her husband Alex; his sister, Sr. Dorothy Flynn, RSM; his brother, James Flynn; and his grandchildren, Liam and Joseph Flynn and Sofia Rose and Paulo Guerrero. He was predeceased by his wife, Anna Mae, in 2008.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Monday, June 18 at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, Pequannock. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, June 16 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pequannock Township Library in Bill's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Flynn
Theresa Regan-Geraci
June 21, 2012
Dear Flynn Family, I am a resident of Pompton Plains and would see Bill around town. But it was my work as an educator in Little Falls that enabled me to know him. His knowledge, keen wit and compassion were remarkable. I can still see him in front of the BOE giving them a verbal discourse that was amazing. He was my mentor in negotiations and supported me through some difficult times. His ability to retrieve and quote information from the incredible file cabinet in his head was astounding. He died on my silver wedding anniversary. The irony of this was the BOE and superintendent were giving me a hard time about taking the time off. I remember Bill saying he would get me the time off if he had to parade me down Main Street in my wedding gown. I got the time off. He was an incredible man; one of a kind. He will be missed but he will remain in my mind the symbol of all that is best about the NJEA.
Carol Offermann
June 19, 2012
Dear Kevin, Brian, Maureen, Michael, Robert and all the Flynn family members,
Please accept my condolences at the passing of your father. Your dad was my first "boss" at the NJEA back in 1968 and although we both went on to work in other offices around the state, our paths continued to cross and we would share memories of the "old days." His knowledge of school law was impressive and his wit dry and appreciated ...but his devotion to the Yankees was something he knew I never shared.
After my retirement in 1993, I recall our frequent meetings in Shop Rite where we would "catch up" on what "the children" were up to. He was always so proud of you all! He was a truly caring person who didn't always want you to know his softer side. Your mom was a wonderful mate they were a devoted couple. I know he truly missed her these last few years. You are his legacy and you do him proud!
He shall be missed, he was one of a kind.
Carol Petrucelli Offermann
Lincoln Park NJ
Frank & Georgia Spizzirri
June 19, 2012
Dear Flynn Family;
I was deeply saddened by the news today that Bill passed on to be with God. Bill and I went to ST Joe's in Paterson he was the year ahead of me , he was known as KNOBBY because of his Knobby knees. Bill was involved with me on the revamp of the town's garbage contract and had a lot of input. I thought he was a very knowledgeable person and had a strong will to prove a point. I will miss him and will pray for you all he will not need any prayers because I'm sure he went straight to the bargening table with all the angels. God be with you and remember the good time with Bill I know I will. Frank
June 19, 2012
Dear Flynn Family
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. We frequently met with our dogs at Mountainside Park having many conversations over the years. He was a wise and caring man who truely loved and cared for others, especially his family. It was a pleasure to have known him, he touched many lives.
My deepest sympathies to each of you
Ken Harrison
Pompton Plains, NJ
Susan Rutkowski
June 18, 2012
Maureen, Alex & Flynn family,
Mr Flynn (as he was always called in my house!) was a kind and friendly neighbor - Steve, me and the kids always looked forward to sharing conversations with him either as he walked one of his dogs & stopped to greet our Smokey or on Halloween visits when he would astound the kids by "guessing" what grade they were in or any other time he would see us! He always had a kind word or humorous observation...he will be missed. Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
Susan, Scott, Stef & Sara
June 16, 2012
Bryan our deepest sympathy goes out to you, your brothers and sister. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Bob,Kathleen, Ryan, Kayla and Maeve
Kathleen Ryan Peterson
June 16, 2012
I first came to know Bill in the early 70's as a teacher and teacher advocate in Vernon. He and Tom Ziccardi were my heroes and remain so till this day. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your sorrow and your father in his peace.
Bill Slootmaker
June 15, 2012
Dear Mike, Rob, & Flynn family,
I am very sorry to learn about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
June 15, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I knew him from the Socrates Cafe group at St Mary's. He was a good man whose contributions to our discussions were always insightful and relevant. To his family - it was a pleasure to know him and he will be missed.
Carol Sorce
Pompton Lakes, NJ
martha dodd
June 14, 2012
We had many a conversation at the "dog" park, so very early in the morning. I am truly going to miss you...so glad we were able to keep in touch. May you "RIP" with AnnaMae & Fido.. xoxo
June 14, 2012
Great memories growing up on Forest Drive. So sorry for your loss
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