Robert J. "Charby" Flynn

HOLYOKE

Robert J. Flynn passed away peacefully on December 28, 2020 after a brave battle with COVID-19. He was the husband of Sharon (Donah) Flynn, and together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Charby was born in Holyoke on June 23, 1938 to the late Charles and Helen (Rys) Flynn. He was predeceased by his brother Charles in 2004. Charby grew up in the Flats and attended Our Lady of the Rosary grammar and high school, and graduated from Holyoke Community College. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served with a special unit of the 6th Marines. He was forever the “Marine.” He was a Respiratory Therapist for more than 35 years, retiring from Baystate Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. His years of experience caring for infants led to the best job he ever had. Following his retirement, he helped take care of his grandchildren, being rewarded with hugs and kisses, watching the pride on their faces when they discovered something new. He loved getting together with old friends from the Flats for breakfast every month. Charby especially enjoyed the B&B dinners where he was always ready with a (long-winded) joke. He said it made him feel good to make people laugh. Charby was very proud of his Irish heritage and served for many years as Secretary/Treasurer for Irish Northern Aid, raising money for families of political prisoners. He was a lifetime member of the Sons of Erin and volunteer at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. Charby also leaves his son Kevin (Rebecca) Flynn and their children, Lily, Henry, and Teddy; and his daughter Kelly (David) Halpin and their children, Molly, Sean, and Brendan. He will also be missed by his special relatives, the Moussette family, as well as many longtime friends. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Leo Stemp and the staff at the Holyoke Medical Center Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate care which was evident throughout his stay. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial for Charby on Monday, January 4th at 9:30 am in Our Lady of The Cross Church, Holy Cross Avenue. Calling hours will be held at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, on Sunday, January 3rd from 2 to 5 pm. Please note that masks and social distancing are required for all services, and that the church and funeral home capacities have been reduced to 25%. Committal with military honors will be held privately at the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Cross Parish. Charby had a great devotion to Our Lady of Knock and would ask you to say a prayer to her in his memory.

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