Thomas J. Flynn Born: April 30, 1918
Died: January 7, 1995
Married: Ann Dworski
Children: Michael I. Flynn
Thomas J. Flynn was a former Navy man and World War II veteran who married Ann Dworski after her husband, Morris Dworski died. In retirement at 38 Church Street in Saranac Lake, Tom wrote a column for the Plattsburgh Press-Republican and maintained the Veterans Memorial across Church Street from his home for the Village Improvement Society.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, January 9, 1995
Thomas J. Flynn
SARANAC LAKE - Thomas J. Flynn, 76, of 38 Church Street died of cancer Saturday, Jan. 7, 1995 at his home.
Born April 30, 1918 in New York City, he was the son of Thomas and Loretta (Kendrick) Flynn.
A graduate of Boston English High School, Mr. Flynn supplemented his education with 30-odd correspondence courses and Navy and civilian schools.
In civilian life, he worked in construction, spent 14 years in advertising and newspaper work, was assistant manager for Metropolitan Life for three years and owned a restaurant and cocktail lounge in Tucson, Ariz.
He first enlisted in the Navy in 1935 and was active until 1941. He assisted in the hunt for Amelia Earhart and was involved in the Halifax 50-destroyeer swap in 1940. 1
During his second enlistment, April 1943 through January 1948, he served in the Pacific and shore duty. He was Rear Adm. R.E. Byrd's secretary during Operation Highjump in 1946-47 at the South Pole.
During, his third enlistment in the Navy Reserve from 1966 to 1978, he was on temporary active duty as a recruiter and spent five years at NAVCRUITCOM in Washington, D.C. he retired as a chief petty officer.
His 14 medals included the Army Commendation and Navy Achievement.
After retirement and extensive traveling, he settled in Saranac Lake about 15 years ago, having come from the Boston area. In 1976 he became columnist for the Press-Republican, writing "Street Scenes" until about one year ago when his health forced him to stop.
Mr. Flynn was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Flight Reserve, and many philatelic (stampcollecting) groups.
Survivors include his wife, the former Ann Mackweis Dworski of Saranac Lake; a son, Michael I. Flynn of New Orleans, La.; two grandchildren, Charlotte and Michael; and several cousins, including the members of the Kendrick family in Lake Placid.
Calling hours will be today from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. A time of remembrance will begin at 8 p.m., led by his close friends, Cliff Donaldson and Jack Kendrick.
Memorial donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice or to the Saranac Lake Free Library in care of the funeral home.
See also: Richard O'Donnell, last news clipping, for a sample of one of Tom's columns.
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Footnotes
1. On August 13, 1940, the United States agreed to supply Britain with 50 destroyers in exchange for 99-year leases on British territories in Newfoundland, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The territories were to be used to establish American military bases. Churchill agreeed to the proposal, but on the condition that the Newfoundland and Canadian governments also be consulted.
