Richard S. Flynn

Richard S. “Dick” Flynn, 78, a lifelong Worcester resident, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, after a period of declining health, which was spent surrounded by the family he loved.

Dick was born in Worcester, the son of Irish immigrants, Christopher and Emma (McMahon) Flynn. After graduating from Worcester Boys Trade, he joined the U.S. Army. He served proudly during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge and return home, he married the “Love of his Life” Catherine “Cathy” Ann Taylor, in June of 1969. They settled in the Quinsigamond Village area of Worcester to raise their large family with faith, love, and devotion. Having learned the trade of plumbing in school, Dick worked for various plumbing companies before accepting a position with the City of Worcester School department. He worked for the city for the next 33 years before retiring as Senior Tradesman in 2002.

Dick is survived by Cathy, his wife and partner of 53 years; their eight children whom he cherished and was so proud of: Sean-Patrick M. Flynn and his wife Lucia of Frisco, TX; Cathryn E. “Catie” Flynn and her partner Thilo Stompler of Sausalito, CA; Kerri-Anne Sulminski and her husband Ben of Shrewsbury; Jodi-Marie Flynn and her partner Eric Bodenstein of Virginia Beach, VA; Stephen S. Flynn and his wife Michelle of Shrewsbury; Erin-Anne L. Gachuma and her husband George of Jefferson; Paul E. Flynn and his wife, Belén of Andover; James R. Flynn and his wife Cherry of Worcester; fourteen grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends, including June Sulminski. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved siblings Eileen Rafferty and her husband Arthur, Tina Lemay and her husband Hervey, Ed Flynn and his wife Pat, and Paul Flynn.

Dick was a faith-filled man, who dedicated his life to his family, his church, and his country. He was a member and integral part of Sacred Heart-St Catherine of Sweden Parish. Dick was a eucharistic minister, CCD teacher, baptism coordinator, engaged couple to couple minister, parish council member, church maintenance volunteer, food pantry volunteer, member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a member of the Cursillo movement, and was on team for Marriage Encounter.  He delivered flowers and provided companionship to the homebound members of his parish and was a Boy Scout troop assistant. Dick and Cathy loved to bring their family on summer vacations to Cape Cod and Georgia. Dick cherished the holidays, special occasions, and any moments he could be with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Thursday, March 23rd from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Friday, March 24th from the funeral home with a procession beginning at 10:30 am to Sacred Heart-St Catherine of Sweden Parish, 596 Cambridge St., Worcester, where a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am. Burial with military honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St Anthony’s Food Pantry at Sacred Heart-St Catherine of Sweden Parish, 596 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01610.