Former Driver & Owner Don Flynn Passes
Donald P. Flynn, a longtime resident of Suffield and devoted husband of Frances, passed away Thursday Morning, November 27th, after an extended series of illnesses. Born in Hartford and raised in Bloomfield, he was the second of four children of the late Paul and MarieAntoinette Flynn. Don was a truly self-made man, admired by his friends, feared by his adversaries, and respected by everyone, he built and owned a number of businesses beginning with Standard Auto Body, but was most well-known for his time owning and operating Bradley Air Parking in Windsor Locks, CT and later Executive Parking in Suffield.
Don was a man of many interests but his lifelong passion was cars which he collected, restored and raced for almost his entire life. Don had a significant racing career that ranged from short track modified racing throughout the northeast to major tracks through the Southeast; his home is still filled with trophies from many wins and championships both as a driver and later an owner. Don restored countless vintage cars and was always starting a new project with his loyal friends and former pit crew, especially Danny and Lindo and had a wide interest in collector cars ranging from Hot Rods and Sportscars to Vintage Race Cars. Don spent some of his best years after racing at his homes in Florida, Westbook, CT and Woodstock Vermont, enjoying many years there with friends and family. Don was a born worker, a perfectionist and always needed to keep busy. Although he enjoyed “vacationing” it was almost always a series of extensive projects that kept him busy wherever he was located, especially operating heavy equipment at his Vermont home. Don’s life cannot be summed up easily in a few paragraphs because he was truly larger than life to his family, friends and almost any one that knew him. Weather it was basketball, golf, boxing or taking up skiing in his late 60’s, throughout his life, Don was extremely competitive, and always up for a new challenge.
Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 34 years, Frances who was inseparable from him; six sons, Donny, Timothy and wife Angela, Peter and wife Lynn, David and wife Vanessa, and Dallas and Betsy; and his cherished daughter Annette who was by his side every day until his death, and her husband Jeff; sisters, Andrea and Maureen; grandchildren Erika, Alex, Jeff, Sam, Molly, Lucy, Gary, Shawn and Laura, and recently has been enjoying time with his special new Grandchild Deegan who will miss his Pa very much. Don was predeceased by his first wife, Bernadette, his daughter Jeannie, brother Patrick and sister Joan. Special thanks to Don’s trusted long time doctor, Dr. Stephen Yuan and more recently Dr. Sadaf Khorosani. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 2, at 9AM from The Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church at 10AM. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Poquonock. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, December 1 from 5-8PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 642, Suffield, CT 06078. For on-line condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
Sources: The Hartford Courant