Obituary of Robert John Flynn

Robert John Flynn, of Darien Connecticut passed away on the morning of February 20, 2015. Born on August 6, 1952, to Sally and Robert Flynn, he grew up in Bridgeport, CT. Bob graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1970 where he met his wife Roseanne Flynn of 37 years. After high school, Bob attended the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. He held a B.S. degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, after which he served as a Commissioned Officer with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1974-1979. One of his crowning achievements during his service in the Coast Guard was to be selected as Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Cape Strait. He joined the commercial shipbroker, Mallory, Jones, Lynch, and Associates, in 1979 shortly after the firm's inception, and became a shareholder in 1988, and named partner in 1991. He was serving as the President of MJLF and Associates at the time of his death. He was a member of The American Bureau of Shipping, the Society of Maritime Arbitrators and previously served as the Non-Executive Chairman of Omega Navigation Enterprises. Bob was one of the most esteemed members of the international shipping community. He served as President of the Association of Shipbrokers and Agents and was instrumental in establishing the ASBA Tanker Broker Panel in 1993 and served as its' initial Manager. He was well-respected by the firm's clients and competitors alike. After he graduated in 1974, Bob remained devoted to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout his life. At the time of his death, Bob served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Coast Guard Foundation and had been an active member of the Board since 2002. Prior to becoming the Chairman, Bob served as vice chairman for several years. Bob was a familiar face at the Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard, the New York City awards dinner. Bob was a man of many hobbies and talents. His interests ranged from attending the New York Metropolitan Opera, sporting clays, riding his Harley Davidson (especially his recent trip across the country on US 50), years of croquet and a lifelong fascination with fine cars. Bob sought out new interests that would bring new experiences and add zest to his life. One of Bob's greatest passions was bespoke clothing. He was widely known for his impeccable style and sophistication. He was always the best-dressed man in the room and took pride of his appearance. Bob was a resident of Darien, CT for 29 years and with his wife Roseanne built a beautiful life, home and circle of friends. They spent summers at their home in South Kingstown, RI. Bob loved listening to New York Yankees games on the radio at Green Hill Beach in RI and hosting gatherings with his family. Bob was a member of the Country Club of Darien (Darien, CT), the Union League Club (New York, NY), the Weston Gun Club (Weston, CT) and the Green Hill Beach Club (Charlestown, RI). Bob was a true lover of people, and an enthusiastic builder and fosterer of family. Through his own immediate with Rosanne, Christine and Joseph, his large and loving extended families, his many close friends and his MJLF and professional families, Bob pulled everyone he cared for closer. It was one of his many gifts as an individual and a gift he generously shared with those he loved and respected. Bob was known for his keen intellect, curiosity, generous spirit, and loyalty to his family and friends. Bob approached each of his endeavors with absolute passion. One of Bob's most admired qualities was his sharp, witty sense of humor. His love of laughter, pranks and jokes were infectious to all around him. Bob was predeceased by his wife Roseanne in 2011, and was survived by his daughter Christine Devine and son-in-law Joseph Devine. Bob was incredibly happy and proud to become a grandfather with his first grandchild to be born this July. Bob was survived by his mother Sally Flynn, brothers Bill Flynn (Sharon Lo-Flynn), David Flynn, Michael Flynn (Tracy) and Brian Flynn (Kerry Foley) as well as many beloved members of the Flynn, Albanesi and Posillico families. Bob leaves behind a wide circle of close friends and his companion of the past 2 years Ana Cristina Farqui. Bob was also known to adore the family dogs, Sophie and Mia, who were happiest while sitting by Bob's side. Above all, Bob's family was the most important part of his life. His greatest joy was raising his daughter Christine with his wife Roseanne and watching her grow to become an accomplished, confident, intelligent, and compassionate woman. Bob cherished Christine's time rowing for the Brown Women's Crew team and with Roseanne was a passionate supporter of the program and never missed a race. When asked how we wanted to be remembered, Bob wanted to be known as a good father. Indeed he was, and without question, he would have been the greatest grandfather. Friends may call on Wednesday, February 25 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home at 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT. The Funeral Mass will be held at ten thirty in the morning of Thursday, February 26th at St. Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob's memory be made to the Coast Guard Foundation: www.coastguardfoundation.org Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820