2015 -- H 6257

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LC002773

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL

WILLIAM SHERIDAN FLYNN

     Introduced By: Representatives Abney, Carson, Ajello, and Ruggiero

     Date Introduced: May 27, 2015

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Lieutenant General William Sheridan Flynn passed away on Memorial Day,

May 25, 2015, at his daughter Erin's home, with his wife and daughters by his side; and

     WHEREAS, General Flynn was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on November 17, 1936,

to the late John J. and Dorothy Flynn. He graduated from De La Salle Academy in 1953, and

Providence College in 1957, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He

was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduating from

college. He later attained a Master of Science degree in International Relations from George

Washington University; and

     WHEREAS, General Flynn began his distinguished military career serving in the Infantry

as a Second Lieutenant. Shortly thereafter, he received his regular Army commission as an

Ordinance Officer. During his career in the United States Army, he served in a variety of key

positions including as Commander, Division Support Command of the 4th Infantry Position, and

later became the only Ordinance Officer to ever serve as the Chief of Staff for the 4th Infantry

Division; and

     WHEREAS, General Flynn's military career culminated in being chosen to be the

Commanding General of the 21st Theater Army Area Command. During his exemplary military

career, he earned numerous awards and honors including, the German Army's Cross of Honor, the

Belgian Order of The Crown, and the Dutch Army's Cross of Honor for Merit. All three of these

medals are the highest awards given to foreign military officers; and

     WHEREAS, Upon his retirement from the United States Army, General Flynn served as

the Deputy Director of the "Big Dig" in Boston, Massachusetts. In this capacity, he was one of a

three-member management team that built the 3rd Harbor Tunnel and the Depressed Central

Artery; and

     WHEREAS, More important than all of the above accomplishments is the fact that

General William Sheridan Flynn was a loving husband and father who adored his wife and

children, as well as a beloved brother, uncle, grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. He will be

remembered on a personal level for his love of Irish songs, wild dances, for running the Flynn

Family Olympics, for discussions of current events over the family dinner table, and for being an

anchor of strength and character on which his entire family could rely on; and

     WHEREAS, General Flynn leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Lynn Egan Flynn, his five

daughters, Erin Flynn, Chyleene O'Connor and her husband, Jack, Keely Connery and her

husband, Paul, Deirdre Shope and her husband, Tim, and Tara Frates and her husband, Brian. He

is also survived by his brother John J. Flynn, Jr., and his wife, Mary. He is predeceased by his

Aunt Monica Fleming Owens and his Uncle, Francis J. Owens. He also leaves behind his beloved

grandchildren and great grandchildren, Kevin and Oliver Flynn Jantz, Meghan, Jay, Addie and

Jackson Ford, Cate and Kelsey O'Connor, Micaela, Cally and Keenan Connery, Maggie and

Monica Shope, and Owen Frates, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in law, and nieces and

nephews, and many good friends; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses its condolences on the passing of Lieutenant General

William Sheridan Flynn; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Lynn Egan Flynn and Family.

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