Shrewsbury Resident Dennis Flynn Dies

Dennis J. Flynn, 76, died with his family by his side, on July 18.

Dennis was born at the family homestead in the "Flynnville" section of South Shrewsbury. The fifth of eight children to John F. and Margaret R. (Fleming) Flynn, Dennis is predeceased by his parents and brothers, John F. Jr., Leonard P., Bernard A., and George J.

He is survived by brothers' Dr. Daniel V. and his wife, Dr. Virginia of Charlottsville, VA, Joseph A. and his wife Eileen, of South Grafton, a sister, Ellen T. Ardiff of Shrewsbury and Florida, sister-in-law Dorothy Flynn of New Hampshire, and brother-in-law Richard Hutt of Wollaston.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosemary (Hutt) Flynn, his children, Dennis and wife Deanna of Oakland, ME, Paul and wife Kate of Albion ME, Rosemary (Buffy) Haseltine and husband Mike of Grafton, and David of Waterville, ME. Dennis is blessed with numerous grandchildren; Courtney , Hilary, and Audrey Flynn, Katie (Flynn) Wong and husband Rodger , Richard P. Flynn, John P. Flynn , Jane A. Bristol, Rosie and Maeve Haseltine, Jack and Brody Flynn, In addition, there are simply too many precious nieces, nephews and family to list.

Dennis was employed in numerous positions throughout his life, most involving his beloved pursuit of agriculture, cows and especially Standardbred Race Horses. His love of animals was fostered at the family farm in Shrewsbury with the Flynn Stables started by his late father John F. Flynn.

Dennis was educated at and graduated from in 1954. He was the co-captain of the Pioneer's football team his senior year and received the coveted Pioneer Award for his achievements. Dennis graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1956 with a degree in animal husbandry.

He worked in the dairy industry for Eastern A.I. while operating a small dairy farm in Shrewsbury. He worked for the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture as the director of fairs, and was instrumental in starting the Massachusetts Standardbred Sire Stakes Program in the 1970's. Dennis was pivotal in bringing the Tufts University Veterinary Center and School to Grafton on the grounds of the old Grafton State Hospital after its closure in 1973. He worked for Tufts University as the farm manager when it opened in 1980. He retired from state service after working as the superintendent of the Westborough District Court.

Dennis was always involved in his town of Grafton and served as a selectman, member of the Board of Health, and Sewer Commission. Along with Ray Lemay and Bob Roney, Dennis started the fledgling Grafton Youth Hockey Program in 1970. He was an officer in the Grafton Little League, serving as secretary. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in North Grafton.

Dennis will be sorely missed by all he came in contact with. With Dennis, you were a stranger but once. His Irish charm and caring concern for family and friends set him apart as a man among men.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in his name to organizations important to Dennis; The American Parkinsons Disease Assoc. 72 East Concord St., C3, Boston MA 02118 (www.apdama.org) or The Venerini Sisters, c/o Sister Hilda Ponte MVP, 23 Edward St. Worcester MA 01605.

Dennis' family asks that his life also be celebrated with the wearing of brightly colored clothing at his calling hours & Funeral Mass.

All are invited to calling hours at The Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, on Sunday July 22 from 4 to 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Dennis Monday July 23 at 10:30 am in his Parish Church of St. Mary, 17 Waterville St. N. Grafton. He will then be laid to rest in St. Philips Cemetery in Grafton.