Obituary of William Joseph Flynn Jr.
It is with such heavy hearts that we must announce the loss of William “Billy” Flynn, who passed away after a brief battle with a serious illness on September 18th, 2023.
Billy was born in January of 1947 to William and Rhoda Flynn in Paterson, New Jersey. He was raised in the Totowa area and then on Kanouse Streat in Boonton, alongside his 3 siblings. After high school he went on to pursue a higher education at Montclair State University where he majored in Literature with a little bit of German to broaden his horizons. He continued to chase those horizons after college when he took backpacking trips all over the U.S and Europe. He travelled to many different states and countries, including Yugoslavia and Ireland. The memories he made there gave him a perspective on the world that not many had, and he used it to forge so many new friendships along the way. He was a gifted storyteller and he had the ability to hear a person’s name and know exactly where they came from, sparking many conversations with individuals he otherwise would not have crossed paths with. Billy also had a passion for found treasure; always searching through estate sales and flea markets for a rare find. He even ventured to open his own business, the Wizard of Odd, so that he could share his treasure with others.
In 1990, Billy would finally find home. His home was wherever Jennifer was. His love for his wife, Jennifer, was endless, and the pair brought two beautiful daughters into the world together. They met as two teachers in the Parsippany School District, where Billy taught for 40 years. In his free time, Billy enjoyed fishing, both salt and fresh water, playing the guitar, and reading. You could often find him with his morning coffee, nose stuck in the New York Times crossword. If he had the crossword in his hand, there was no disturbing him until he finished every last letter.
Though his passing brings us sorrow, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace. He now joins the loved ones who have passed before him; his parents, William Flynn, Sr. and Rhoda Wardlow, and his baby brother, John Flynn, who is now catching up with Billy after too many years apart. We look now to those he leaves behind to carry on his legacy of kindness and friendship. His family members include his beloved wife, Jennifer Flynn, his daughters, Emma Galvao (Nicholas), Grace Flynn (Thomas), his grandson, Liam Flynn O’Connor, his siblings, Robert J. Flynn (Mary), Eileen M. Beysel (Bill), many treasured nieces and nephews, and a wealth of extended family, friends, and neighbors who will remember him fondly.
A Memorial Visitation for Billy is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26th, from 4 to 8 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of this wonderful man. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the William J Flynn Jr Scholarship Fund for students of Central Middle School (GoFundMe), which will also be donating a bench to the school in Billy’s honor. Or in the spirit of Billy’s love for all things, please donate to any foundation of your choice in his name and honor. Please leave a condolence, share your favorite memory of Billy, or light a candle to continue to let his light shine!
