James J. “Seamus” Flynn

With the deepest sadness we share the news of the loss of the beloved patriarch of our family, James Joachim Flynn. After a lengthy health battle, he passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was known by Seamus to his family and closest friends.

The son of Kathleen (Fleming) and Cornelius Flynn, Seamus was born in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland on August 15, 1942. Growing up, he was a celebrated Irish step and ballroom dancer, and also worked at various jobs including selling programs at the Fitzgerald Stadium and for a photographer taking tourist pictures at the Gap of Dunloe.

Seamus immigrated to America with his family in 1958 at the age of 16. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School in Worcester. He attended classes at Clark University and Holy Cross before taking a job as a produce manager at Whitman’s Grocery Store. He also worked as a butcher at Fairway Beef and was the head custodian for Westborough Public Schools before retiring in 2007. After retirement, he continued to serve as a union steward and president of the local chapter of AFSCME Union where he tirelessly advocated for the rights of union members. 

Being a voracious reader made Seamus a master of trivia and a whiz at “Jeopardy!” He was a diehard fan of all Boston sports teams and could quote the stats of any player on any team. He also enjoyed playing softball and golf, and once won the caddy tournament at Worcester Country Club. He was a longtime member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 where he loved playing pool and spending time with his friends.

Seamus is survived by the love of his life, Angela (Madonna) Flynn. They married in 1968 and enjoyed 56 years together. In Angela he found true devotion. She was a fierce advocate for his medical needs and lovingly attended to all of his needs during the last several years of his health struggles. “Nurse Nana” was a true angel on earth for him. Seamus leaves his deeply devoted and faithful son, Sean Patrick Flynn and his wife Jennifer of Holden, MA. He is also survived by his sisters Marie Menard of Virginia and Ellen Orczyk and her husband Paul of Rutland, MA, his sisters-in-law Shirley and Patricia Abbruzzese and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Bobby and Billy Abbruzzese and Al Menard.

Seamus was adored by his grandsons, Connor and Jack Flynn. They, along with Sean, were his best friends and the pride and joy of his life. Seamus had spent years coaching Sean, and he found new life in doing the same with his grandsons. He was an assistant coach for their teams in Holden baseball. He was their biggest fan, and a sideline and courtside regular, never missing an opportunity to cheer on the MVPs of his life.

In 2015 Seamus brought his family “home” to Ireland to see where he grew up. The proud Kerryman was reunited with his dear cousins and their families for a magical birthday celebration and tour of his beloved homeland.

Seamus would often say “That’s all that matters.” He just wanted everyone to be well and have a good time. He showed endless love and devotion to his family. He will be remembered always, missed deeply and loved forever and, truly, that’s all that matters.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Wednesday October 16th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home at 61 Myrtle St. in Worcester, MA. All are welcome to a funeral Mass at his home parish of St. John’s Catholic Church at 44 Temple St. in Worcester on Thursday October 17 at 11:00 AM.