ANDOVER - Jack Flynn built grandfather clocks and custom cradles; he fixed machines, appliances, broken doors and busted stairs; he made futures for his children and remade the world of possibility for kids looking for an education and a fair chance in Lawrence; he wrote history books and solved puzzles; he partnered with Alice in a loving and lasting marriage of 62 years.

On December 17, 2025, at 88, Jack completed his masterwork — a gorgeously constructed, perfectly preserved life of accomplishment and decency, invention and devotion, selflessness and laughter. Rural Connecticut boy; Yalie '59; engineer; ludophile; golfer and squash devotee; beloved father to Judy (Dave), Beth (Joe) and Bill, grandfather to Nathan, Abraham, Rowan and Flynn; brother to Betsy, Peg, Kay, Jimmy and Jane; cherished uncle to many Flynns and Woods; author; research and development honcho at Gillette; Air National Guardsman; lover of Irish pubs and music and teller of puns and bad dad jokes.

He went as he'd lived - peacefully, in the company of loved ones, with a twinkle behind his closed eyes, and a sly smile ready to bloom at St. Peter's gate.

Jack, in his retirement, volunteered to impart his love of learning to students at the Community Day Charter School in Lawrence, MA, and he encouraged area private schools to take a chance on these kids. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jack's honor to Phillips Academy so they can assist Lawrence students in need:

Memorial gifts via check, made out to The Trustees of Phillips Academy, Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810 in support of students from Lawrence, MA.

A mass will be held at Saint Joseph's Church in Andover, on May 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. Burial and luncheon will follow.