NEW GLOUCESTER – It is with profound emotion that Paul’s family announces his death in the early morning of Nov. 15, 2018, at the age of 95.

Paul was born on Aug. 31, 1923, to James and Catherine (Czachor) Flynn of Blakely, Pa. Though his formative years were shaped by his family’s extreme hardships through the Great Depression, Paul recalled memories of richness of experience and relationships, as well as the realities of the time. He graduated from Blakely High School in 1941. He went to work on the night shift as a machinist in Newark, N.J., before serving in the US Marines Corp, as a member of VMB611 in WW2 and was a Purple Heart recipient.

He graduated from the University of Scranton in 1949, and began his professional career in Washington, D.C., in the US Navy Department and then the National Archives. He yearned for work that was a better match, boldly moving his young family from the security of federal government work to becoming the town manager in Berwick in 1957. Finding a niche to professionally demonstrate his civic conscience, he also served as town manager in Mansfield, Mass. and Concord, Mass., retiring in 1978.

The highlight of his time in Washington was meeting the love of his life, Dorothy Kelly, “Kel,” with whom he shared a long, beautiful marriage. They adored each other and their relationship was one to behold; a true love story!

Paul was so fortunate to have had a long, successful life and was a fine gentleman by any measure. His life was fulfilled and enriched by a great marriage, love, family, a keen intelligence, honesty, integrity, fun and many true, wonderful friends. He had a talent for cultivating and regularly nurturing deep, life-long relationships. He truly enjoyed and respected many people of all ages and backgrounds, and listened with genuine interest. His counsel was sound and thoughtful, though he was savvy and sensitive enough to mostly offer advise when asked or required.

A long retirement was a gift of time and freedom with his beloved bride, family and friends. Together, Paul and Kelly traveled the “blue highways” many times across the country as well as their seasonal journeys between Maine and Florida; always visiting, exploring and savoring their time. Hikes over Gloucester Hill Road in Maine or Bok Tower Gardens in Florida were an important part of his daily rhythm, particularly enjoyed with a companion or two. He loved to walk and talk and delighted in story telling and the natural world around him. Retirement also afforded time to volunteer, read more and study topics of interest. Research about the Civil War led Paul to author “The Unnecessary War, A Fictional Redress,” in 2010.

Paul is survived by his children, James Flynn (Betty) of Bunnell, Fla., Loretta Blancato (John) of Canton, and Andrew Flynn of Winter Haven, Fla.; darling granddaughter, Celia Orff (Dylan); and great-grandson, Brayden of Wilton; step-grandchildren, Kimberly Chandler and David Chandler (Kris); two step-great-grandsons of Bunnell, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his sister, Mary Nalevanko; and many other dear ones.

Words cannot adequately express our family’s gratitude for the many neighbors, friends, professional caregivers and especially our Andy who took such thoughtful and loving care of Paul in his last years.

Per Paul’s request, there will not be a funeral. Burial in Lower Gloucester Cemetery in New Gloucester, and a celebration of Paul’s life will occur in the spring of 2019.

If desired, please consider a donation to one of these worthy organizations:

Cornerstone Hospice Foundation

2445 Lane Park Road

Tavares, Florida 32778

888-728-6234;

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard

Lake Wales, Florida 33853-3470

boktowergardens.org

May Paul’s loved ones always feel his arms around them!

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