Edward Joseph O'Flynn

Edward Joseph O'Flynn Age 87, passed away peacefully in the early morning on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 at his home in Sonoma. Ed was the loving husband of Mickey O'Flynn and the proud and loving father of Greg (Deborah), Brian, Mark (Rita) and Terry O'Flynn; he is also survived by their mother Kay Murphy-O'Flynn. He was the loving step-father of Christy, Terry (Natasha), Mike (Vicki) and Sheryl (Dan). He was the adored grandfather of 13 and great grandfather of five. Ed was a native of Brooklyn, New York City, and a 21 year resident of Sonoma. Son of Francis Blake O'Flynn of Ballinlough, County Roscommon, Ireland and Margaret (Costello) O'Flynn of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. His parents emigrated separately from Ireland in the first years of the 20th century while teenagers. They met, fell in love, and married in NYC. He grew up in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn along with his older sisters Kay (deceased) and Dot (Middleton, CT) and they remained close knit throughout their lives. His younger sister, Alice, died as a very young girl. Ed's Irish roots were always a deep and important part of his core. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II, Ed enlisted and became an aviator in the Air Force piloting B-24 aircraft on numerous anti-submarine patrol missions in both the North Atlantic and Caribbean. He was also an instructor pilot capable of flying just about every type of airplane. During the war he survived near-fatal crash landings on two separate occasions. At the close of the war he left the service holding the rank of Major. After the war Ed earned his law degree from the University of Miami where he was one of the founders of the Bar and Gavel Society and served as Chief Justice at the law school's Supreme Court. Recruited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he became a Special Agent stationed in San Francisco. During his career Ed worked on numerous interesting and complex cases and loved the unique challenges each new case presented. After retiring from the FBI, he earned a Masters Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University and stayed busy putting his considerable talents to work in various entrepreneurial projects and investments. Before moving to Sonoma, Ed was a resident of San Francisco for 35 years and an active parishioner of St Vincent de Paul Church. Ed was a true Renaissance man. A life-long scholar with an insatiable love of learning and thinking, he was disciplined and hard working, yet kept balance in the rhythm of his life. He loved his home and his wide variety of interests included travel, the stock market, cooking, California wines, politics, history, economics, health and healing, spirituality, and philosophy. Ed loved to boat on San Francisco Bay and being on the water. He gave freely of his time in service of others - such as mentoring young students in Sonoma - and was always concerned with the well being of others. He was always happy to share his considerable wisdom and experience with family and friends alike. Ed's blue eyes would often light up with a mischievous twinkle accompanying his warm and welcoming smile. He took great delight in word play and the art of witty smart conversation. Ed will be lovingly remembered as a warm, intelligent and generous man with a keen sense of humor and tremendous sense of fun. Ed was a great father and husband and a wonderfully caring spirit for many. He lived a fulfilling life and was himself, always full of life. Friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, 3rd Street West and West Napa St., Sonoma, on May 8, 2009 at 11:00 AM. All are invited to attend a casual afternoon reception celebrating Ed's life with wine, coffee and desert at the Grand Café Rulli, 2300 Chestnut Street (corner of Scott), San Francisco on Sat., May 9, 2009 between the hours of 3:00-5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to Saint Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 3rd Street West, Sonoma, 95476; or Jesuit Retreat Center, 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA. 94022; or Hospice by the Bay, 190 West Napa Street, Sonoma 95476 .