Obituary of Joseph William Edward Flynn

Joseph William Edward Flynn (Joe) passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on April 4, 2024 surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family, after a brief illness.

“Big Joe” was born on November 22, 1940 in Chatham, N.B. He is survived by his wife June (nee Ross) of 56 years and his 3 sons, Dr. Carl (Michelle), Gregory (Mary-Eileen), and Joseph Jr (Amy). He had 7 grandchildren - Dr. Duncan Joseph (Meredith), Adam, Jillian (Sedona), Katelyn (Dawson), Jack (Allie), Hannah and Samuel.

He is also survived by step grandchildren Kate Flanagan, Ryan Flanagan, Jack Flanagan, Abby Ayotte, Alec Ayotte, and Adam Ayotte.

He is survived by his brother William (Emily), predeceased by his sisters Alice Gaudet and Mary Clark, and his parents Carl and Alice Flynn.

He is also survived by several in-laws, including a special sister-in-law Judy Beaudin, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He will be missed by his favorite pet, and driving buddy Peanut.

He was a lifelong member of Saint Rose Catholic Church, serving in various capacities, including Parish Council Chairman. He was a honourary member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Chairman of Riley Manor at the time of his death.

Joe attended St. Malachys High School before starting employment at the Dever Road box factory, which changed names over the years – Wilson Boxes, Bathurst Container, Consolidated Bathurst, McMillan Bathurst, and Maritime Paper. Over his 30 plus year career he worked his way up through the ranks to become the Production Manager of the facility.

In 1989 he moved on to Weyerhaeuser Paper in Westbrook, Maine as a senior Sales Consultant for 5 years, MBI for 2 years, and ended his career at Master Packaging where he worked for 16 years.

Joe was a community builder and an avid sports fan. His accomplishments included 2008 Saint John Sports Hall of Fame induction, 1983 Saint John Sportsperson of the Year, 1966 Founding Member of Lancaster Centennial Hockey League, 4 years as Lancaster Minor Hockey President, 12 years as Lancaster Little League President, 1983 Tournament Director of the Canadian Little League Championships, 1985 Assistant Venue Manager of the Canada Games, Chairperson Venue Saint John Major Tournaments Committee, member of the Saint John Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, member of the Canada Games Foundation, Founding Member of Harbour Station Commission 1993-98, member of Saint Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, member of the Catholic Diocesan Cemeteries for Saint John, President of Saint Rose After School Program, Founding Member of Skate to Care, and Westfield Golf and Country Board of Directors member.

He started his coaching career in the late 1960s and continued into the 1990s with his most cherished memories being the Bantam A Christmas Tournament Championship in 1970-71, and the Midget A Provincial Championship in 1986. His crowning achievement in baseball was the 1981 nationally televised championship game between Lancaster Little League and Trail BC, played in Vancouver. He was a driving force behind so many infrastructure projects in Saint John including Harbour Station. Joe believed that sport saved kids from mischief and created strong future citizens. His impact on the youth of Saint John directly and indirectly is immeasurable. “We weren’t politicians and we had no desire to be politicians, but we probably did more political work than the politicians did” to further sports development in Saint John. He believed volunteers are the backbone of any community.

He played a big role in bringing CFL and NBA exhibition games to Saint John. He was also involved in bringing the AHL – Saint John Flames and the QMJHL – Saint John Sea Dogs to town.

He valued the many friendships resulting from his involvement in sport and community. The late Mayor/MP Elsie Wayne and Joe created a “can do” atmosphere for sporting events in Saint John.

In his later life he became an avid golfer at Westfield Golf and Country Club and was happy to serve in any capacity to improve the golf course, including on the board of directors. He was fortunate enough to get a hole in one on 3 different occasions during his golfing career. He enjoyed so many great golfing stories with all of his golfing buddies, time he really cherished.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Samantha Gray and Dr. John Desmond for their kind care.

 The arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506 634 1701). A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Castle Funeral Home, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Holy Spirit Worship Center (St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church) at 11:00am. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow at Castle Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www. Castlefh.ca