Ted was born April 3, 1924 in West Roxbury, Massachusetts (during the great depression) and later worked in the shipyards and at a local horse farm (across the street from his childhood home) to help his family survive. During this time, he developed a love of animals and become an avid horse racing fan. Growing into a young adult, Ted also found a passion for reading, crossword puzzles, music and participating in other team sports.
At the age of 17, he enlisted into the United States Army and later transferred to the Unites States Air Force (when this armed service branch was formed). During his 11 years serving our country he learned cryptography advancing to “top” national security clearance helping to “code and decode” enemy messages. Ted fought on the frontlines of World War II in the South Pacific and later served during the Korean War.
After the war he was stationed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at Tinker Air Force Base and met the love of his life, Rosemary (went to be with the Lord in 2019). The couple were blessed with two sons: Stephen and James and were married 68 wonderful years.
After leaving the military, Ted moved to Arizona where he accepted the position of Regional Food and Beverage Manager for Sport Services International and later became a Vice President of Food and Beverage for Southwest Recreation of Phoenix, Arizona. He was a devout, practicing Catholic ushering for numerous years at the cathedral in Phoenix. Ted’s name officially changed to GG (Great Grandpa) once the great grandchildren began arriving.
G.G. always loved a challenge. As the last male in the Flynn line, he knew it was his obligation and honor to ensure the name lived on. The following attests to the fact that he “answered this challenge.” He is survived by sons; Stephen (Terri) and Jim (Angela), four grandsons; Stephen Jr. (Amanda), Christopher (Antonia), James II, and Zachary (Mallory), six great grandsons; Andrew, Nicholas, William, Brady, Ashton and Rhys with number seven grandchild due in April 2022; his sister, Virginia Crimmins of Canton, Massachusetts and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and other extended family in Arizona, Oklahoma and Massachusetts.
G.G. was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan and instilled his love and passion for the team into his five sisters, his sons, grandsons and great grandsons. He felt so blessed to live his long life which enabled him to see many happy family life events including the Red Sox winning the World Series in 2004, 2007,2013 and 2018.
GO RED SOX
At a later date he and his wife will be placed together at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
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