Brendan A. Flynn of Oceanport, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully May 27, 2023, at the age of 87. He is survived by Julia H. Flynn, his wife of 57 years; his brothers, Michael Flynn, Eugene Flynn and wife Nancy, and Regis Flynn and wife Ellen; his nephew Andrew and wife Mary; his son Michael and wife Danielle; his daughter Julie and husband Nigel and five grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as “Gramps.” Brendan was predeceased by his sisters Rita and Mary and her husband David.
Brendan grew up on Staten Island. After high school he attended Villanova University and then went on to serve in the Marines (Semper Fidelis). After an Honorable Discharge, Brendan taught at St. Peters High School and then pursued a career in sales.
How do you sum up a great man in a few words? With Brendan, those who knew him know that you can’t. He will forever be remembered for his numerous nicknames, his contagious laugh, zingy one-liners, love of sweets and fondness for sports and horse racing. He never met a bartender or ice cream server he didn’t like. He was a fixture (loud and wildly gesticulating) on his children’s sidelines growing up and later in life was often found lying on the floor playing games, talking sports, having dance parties and, of course, eating ice cream or dessert with his grandchildren.
Age was just a number to Brendan – he was young at heart and lived life fully – eating ice cream, having a drink and dancing up until the end.
Born during the Great Depression, Brendan lived his life with such zeal and energy. Despite losing his father in early adulthood he never stopped smiling and looking for the good in all. He taught his children to work hard, appreciate everything they were given, and always find laughter. Leaving a table, Brendan was sure to have cleared his plate and instilled happiness in those who joined him. He was a gregarious guy who regularly met up with his Marine buddies to play poker, was the “czar” of his Monday Night Football crew, made yearly pilgrimages to Saratoga with his brother Gene, volunteered at his local church and was known to all as “BF.”
His passion for adventure and life was infectious; Brendan could be found touring the country with his children to attend Triple Crown races, World Series games, exploring California, attending festivals in Beantown and meeting up in Canada to sample local fares.
He would not want tears but instead would ask all to raise a glass and celebrate his life and continue on with yours with God and love in your heart.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial gathering from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 23, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank.
One of Brendan’s great loves was reading. He had a voracious appetite for learning which he pursued right up until his death. He volunteered numerous hours at the Sea Bright Public Library and every holiday he bestowed books to his grandchildren and was often found reading to or with them. In his memory we ask that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation in his name to your local library branch so his love of reading can live on through future generations. Also, if you happen to be near a racetrack this season or anytime in the future, place an exacta bet in honor of Brendan, but make sure to wheel your favorite.
The article originally appeared in the June 8 – 14, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
