Obituary of Leo F. Flynn

Leo F. Flynn, 69, OFG, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a long courageous battle with cancer.  He was born in Albany NY, September 23, 1954, to the late Raymond Flynn and Helen (Blanchfield) Flynn. He was an inspiration, a role model, a mentor, a coach, a true leader, a great family man and a great friend to so many. 

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his cousin Daniel Flynn, and his close family friend, who was like a son, Brian Buell, and his beloved dogs Barney and Otis. 

He married Marybeth Davis-Flynn on August 25, 1990, and they provided a loving home to their four children; Jake Davis-Barron (Tabitha), Christopher Flynn, Lindsey Sawtelle (Alex) and Jason Flynn, all of Greenwich, as well as many other local kids that showed up on their doorstep over the years.  Some of his fondest memories were in Old Orchard Beach ME, where he vacationed every summer for almost 40 years with his family. 

He is also survived by his grandchildren who were the lights of his life - Jake Davis-Barron Jr., Zethra Davis-Barron, Helen Flynn and her sister Bella Huff, Molly Sawtelle, Griffin Sawtelle, Nash Sawtelle; sister Lisa Gillis (Bill) and his very close cousins Margaret (Sissy) Kinyon and Debbie Brophy (Pete); sister-in-law Beth Charron (Ken); all of Greenwich, and brother-in-law Rae Davis Jr. (Leitha) of South Glens Falls; nieces and nephews – Brian Davis, who he thought of more as a son (Stephanie), their children Noah, Olivia and Dillan; Kaitlin Akin (Jeff) and her children Casey, McKenzie and Bradley; Jonathan Davis (Brianna) and his children Asher, Jaxon  and McKenna; Jesse Lamb, Tyler Lamb and his children Ava and Callihan, all of Greenwich and Chelsea Charron of Greenfield NY.

He LOVED sports, especially his NY Giants and the NY Mets.  His mind was literally a sports encyclopedia, and he was the envy of many sports trivia enthusiasts. 

He was a 1972 graduate of Greenwich Central School where he played football. After graduating ACC in 1975, he began working for the Greenwich Department of Public Works and became Superintendent in 1982; where he was still employed on a part-time basis. 

Leo was a member of BPOE Elks 2223 for 40+ years, the Sons of American Legion 515, and VFW Auxiliary Post 7291.  He was a lifetime member and past Assistant Chief of the Greenwich Fire Department for over 40 years, joining at the age of 17. 

His true passion was coaching football and baseball, for local youths for almost 50 years.  He coached the GFD Little League baseball team for many years and assisted his cousin Dan Flynn with the local Sandy Koufax and Mickey Mantle baseball teams, for many years.  Leo’s fondest coaching memories came from his time spent with the Greenwich High School football team where he coached the offensive line for over 32 years. He enjoyed coaching alongside some of his mentors like John Pemrick, Bob Kuba and Bud Kenyon as well as Brandon Linnett.  He was so proud of each and every, young man that crossed his path over the years.  He loved hearing “Hey Coach” when he would meet one around town. He truly enjoyed his conversations with them as they became parents and coaches themselves.  He was also an advisor to the group that started the Greenwich Youth Football League in 1992. 

To expand on his love of football, he became a football official for the Adirondack chapter and was recognized in October 2023 for his 40 years of service to the A.C.C.F.O.  He officiated high school and semi-pro games over the years. His high school officiating included numerous sectional games, eight regional, four semifinal and one state championship games. His semipro officiating included seven final games. He served as the President and the co-assignor of officials.  Leo’s excellence was recognized by the Capital District Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame with the Outstanding Official Award in 2019.  He was inducted into the Capital Region Football Hall of Fame in August 2023 as an Official. 

Leo was elected Town of Greenwich Justice in 2021. 

The Family would like to thank Leo’s DPW crew Mike Smith, Ken Charron, John Hogan, Nick Casey, Al Gutasy and Mark Rogers for their unwavering support over the past 16 months, Drs. Edward Liebers, Martazza Singapore Walla, Rubenstein and Ying and their staffs for their wonderful care throughout Leo’s illness, especially his infusion nurse Maggie; and Jenna Brophy for her compassion and expertise in helping Leo deal with his illnesses. 

A funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich.  Following the mass, family and friends are invited to the Greenwich Elks Lodge #2223, 130 Bulson Rd, Greenwich, NY, 12834 for a reception. 

Family and friends may call from 4 – 7 pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St, Greenwich, NY, 12834. 

Spring burial will be held in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Greenwich, NY.

Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com.