Gerald Flynn

Gerald D. Flynn, 65

GARDNER - Gerald D. Flynn, 65, of Gardner, formerly of Fitchburg, died on Saturday, February 15, 2014 after a long illness borne with courage and grace. Gerry was born in Fitchburg on March 20, 1948, the youngest child of the late James and Helen (Lendo) Flynn.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia (Pierce); his two daughters, Sarah Flynn Savoie and her husband Brian Savoie of Gardner and Jennifer Burnell and her husband Scott Burnell of Gardner; a son, Ryan Flynn and his companion Carolyn Naylor of Norwalk, CT; and four grandchildren, Zachary Savoie, Emilee Flynn, Benjamin Savoie and Carly Rayne Burnell all of Gardner. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas J. Flynn and his wife Mary of Naples, FL and Richard "Butch" J. Flynn and his wife Robyn Flynn of Ft. Myers, FL and Paul LeBlanc and his wife Frances of Leominster; two sisters, Diane Dolan and her husband David Dolan of Ayer and Kathleen H. Flynn of Lunenburg. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gerry will forever be remembered by his family as a kind, loving, caring and fun-loving man who always put their wishes and interest above his own. He was devoted to them in every way, proud of their accomplishments and always delighted to be in their presence. His favorite subject of conversation was always his family and the recitation of even the most mundane occurrence would bring a note of excitement to his voice and a smile to his face. He was truly a Hall of Fame son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. His family takes great comfort in the many wonderful memories they have of him.

His legion of friends from school, work and sports cherished his presence, his opinion and his warmth. His humility was genuine, his loyalty was unstinting and his kindness was unmatched. It was often said of Gerry that when he saw a friend he always said "There you are" rather than "Here I am". He was the glue that held many groups together and he will be forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.

While his occupation for 32 years was that as a Correctional Officer for the Worcester County Sheriff's Department, his vocation was the game of basketball where Gerry distinguished himself both as a player and as an official for over 50 years.

Gerry attended St. Bernard's High School, Leicester Jr. College and St. Anselm's. As a senior at St. Bernard's in 1966, Gerry was named the first recipient of the Kenny Mehan Award as the MVP of the North County. His city schoolboy scoring record of 1260 points was unbroken for 33 years. In 1983, he was the youngest of ten athletes inducted as Charter Members into the St. Bernard's Hall of Fame. In 1990, he was inducted into the Leicester Jr. College Hall of Fame. He was also inducted twice into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, first as a referee and again in 2012 as a player.

Gerry began officiating in 1976 where he became a model and mentor for youth who would learn respect and sportsmanship for the game. In 2008, he was awarded the John Nucatola Award for his long and distinguished career as one of the Nation's premier basketball referees.

As a member and longtime Rules Interpreter of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO), Board 44, Gerry's services were recognized in 2012 when he was made an IAABO Hall of Famer.

Gerry was long active in Gardner youth sports as a parent, coach and official. In recent years, he enjoyed working in the Pro Shop of the Westminster Country Club where he constantly made and met up with new and old friends.

Calling hours will be held from the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 from 1:00pm-4:00pm and from 6:00pm-9:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday February 20, 2014 at 10:00am in Sacred Heart Church 166 Cross St., Gardner. Following cremation, burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Fitchburg at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Gerry Flynn Scholarship Fund, c/o TD Bank, 90 Pearson Blvd., Gardner, MA 01440.

Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St. Gardner is directing arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit our website at:

www.mackfuneralhome.com