Obituary of Walter Flynn

Walter S. "Walt" Flynn, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, accomplished musician, avid reader Walter S. Flynn, Jr., 79, formerly of 3887 West Branch Road in Allegany, passed away Friday (Aug. 13, 2010) at Olean General Hospital. Born June 4, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the only son of the late Walter, Sr. and Irene (Bain) Flynn. On September 21, 1957 in South Boston, Massachusetts, he married Dorothea Foran, who survives. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church and an avid reader. Mr. Flynn graduated in 1948 from English High School in Boston, Massachusetts, and later attended Harvard University and Berklee College of Music. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and pursued MBA studies with finance and accounting focus from California State University, and ultimately achieved his CPA certification. He was employed at National Shawmut Bank in Boston for ten years before moving to California where he worked for Los Angeles Citizens National Bank. After many successful years in California, Mr. Flynn eventually moved his family back east where he worked at the former St. Francis Hospital in Olean and was later employed at Fenton Park Nursing home in Jamestown, NY before retiring. Mr. Flynn was an accomplished musician and had a passion for playing the trombone, including the classic slide trombone, the bass trombone, the alto trombone, and the unconventional valve trombone. His musical talent led him to the Massachusetts National Guard, where he played trombone for the 26th infantry division for nine years. In addition, he played first trombone with the Boston Civic Symphony and the Quincy Symphony in Massachusetts and later played trombone for the Beverly Hills Symphony and the South Bay Symphony in California. In 1960, Mr. Flynn was awarded first prize by the California Music Teachers Association for his original piano suite composition. He also founded, directed, and played trombone in "The Swingin' Bones," a Los Angeles-based jazz band. Mr. Flynn also established and managed with his dedicated wife Dorothea (Dottie) the music and entertainment club, "Bonesville," which served as the primary venue for his jazz band. Walter will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and for his extraordinary sense of humor. Surviving besides his wife of 53 years are his daughter Kathleen (Robert) Kirby of Las Vegas, NV; son Walter Stephen (Lynn) Flynn III of West Chester, PA; daughter Maureen Flynn-Bretzin of Olean; son Michael Flynn of Olean; daughter Colleen Flynn of New Canaan, CT; daughter Kelly (Nathan) Van Patten of Allegany; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Patrick Michael Flynn, in 2007. There will be no visitation. Friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Thursday (August 19, 2010) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany. Father Richard Husted will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure Church, 95 East Main Street, Allegany, NY 14706, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under direction of Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.