Edward Joseph O’Flynn

Edward Joseph O’Flynn passed away peacefully at 6:30 a.m. on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 at his home in Sonoma, his family at his side. He was 87, lived a fulfilling life and was, himself, full of life. 
Ed was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. and 21-year resident of Sonoma. He was the loving husband of Mickey O’Flynn and the proud and loving father of Greg (Deborah), Brian, Mark (Rita) and Terry O’Flynn; he is also survived by their mother Kay Murphy-O’Flynn. He was the loving step-father of Christy, Terry (Natasha), Mike (Vicki) and Sheryl (Dan). He was the adored grandfather of 13 and greatgrandfather of 5.
Son of Francis Blake O’Flynn of Ballinlough, County Roscommon, Ireland and Margaret (Costello) O’Flynn of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland. His parents emigrated separately from Ireland in the first years of the 20th century while still teenagers and met, fell in love and married in New York City. He was raised in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn with his older sisters Kay (deceased) and Dot, who remained close-knit throughout their lives. A younger sister, Alice, died as a very young girl. Ed’s Irish family origins were a deep and important part of his core.
After the outbreak World War II Ed enlisted and became an aviator in the Air Force, piloting numerous anti-submarine patrol missions in both the North Atlantic and Caribbean flying B-24s. He also served as an instructor pilot qualified to fly every type of propeller aircraft. During the war he survived near-fatal crash landings on two occasions. At the close of the war he left the service holding the rank of Major.
He went on to study at the University of Miami graduating with a Law degree intending to practice law. Instead he was immediately recruited into a career as an FBI Special Agent in the San Francisco office. He worked on numerous interesting and complex cases during his 20-year career and always loved the challenges they presented. After his retirement at age 52 from the FBI, he earned his Masters Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University, and put it to use in various investments and real estate development projects.
Ed was a true renaissance man who kept very active with his varied interests and enjoyed a life-long love of learning. These interests included the stock market, wine, politics, history, economics, spirituality health and healing, and philosophy. Ed owned several boats on the San Francisco Bay over the years and loved being on the water. He was a 35-year resident of San Francisco and an active parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul church. Ed gave freely of his time in service of others – including mentoring young students in Sonoma – as well as sharing his considerable wisdom with friends and family alike. Ed’s lovely blue eyes would often light up with a mischievous twinkle accompanying his warm and welcoming smile. He took great delight in word play and witty intelligent conversation. 
Ed will be lovingly remembered as a warm, loving, intelligent and giving man with a keen sense of humor and great sense of fun. He was a great father and husband and was a wonderfully caring spirit for many. Friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, Third Street West and West Napa Street, Sonoma, on May 8 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Saint Francis Solano Catholic Church, 469 Third Street West, Sonoma, 95476, Jesuit Retreat Center, 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, Calif. 94022 or Hospice by the Bay, 190 West Napa Street, Sonoma 95476.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.