Russell F. Flynn

Capt. Russell F. Flynn, USN Ret., 88, a resident of St. Michaels, MD since 1979, died Sunday, February 18, 2007, at his home due to complications of cancer. Capt. Flynn was born August 15, 1918, in Leesville, CT. He graduated from the United States Navel Academy, Annapolis, MD, class of 1942, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, he served his country during WWII in the South Pacific, where he participated in notable battles such as the Leyte Gulf invasion, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Linguyen Gulf (Philippines) invasion and the Okinawa invasion. He is also a veteran of the Korean War and served as Operational Communications and Planning Officer, CINCLANT/CINCLANTFLT, Norfolk, VA during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Capt. Flynn’s naval career included service aboard the USS Mississippi (BB41), USS Pennsylvania (BB38), USS Iowa (BB61), USS Gainard (DD706) and the USS Watts (DD567). He commanded the USS Harold J. Ellison (DD864) and USS Mount McKinley (AGC7). Finally, he served as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Communications Station Norfolk, VA until he retired from the Navy in July 1966. Russ commenced his civilian career, employed by Western Union Corp. in the Government Division in McLean, VA, until his retirement in August, 1978. Russ was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, St. Michaels Catholic Chapel, the Knights of Columbus, E. E. Streets Memorial Post 5118 V.F.W., American Legion Post 70, and since 1979 a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 04-05. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Belle, whom he married on April 11, 1942, and sister, Marge F. Banta. Surviving are his brother Henry (High) Peter Flynn of Montville, CT and sister Olive “Peaches” E. Flynn of New London, CT; six children, Patricia Warstler of Reston, VA, Russell F. Flynn Jr. of Norfolk, VA, Kathleen S. Hannigan of Towson, MD, Ellen C. Cooper of Easton, MD, John J.M. Flynn of Stephens City, VA, and Henry Peter Flynn of Breezy Point, MD; 12 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Michaels Mission Church-St. Michaels Catholic Chapel, St. Michaels, MD. Friends may on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Cordova, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD. 21601.