Kenneth Flynn - Obituary

ENNETH C. FLYNN January 20, 1930 - January 15, 2013 Navy Capt. (ret.) Kenneth C. Flynn died peacefully in Annapolis, Maryland, on January 15, 2013, days before his 83rd birthday, from complications of pneumonia. During his Naval career, Kenneth Flynn was an aviator assigned to several carriers as a Landing Signal Officer. The most significant tour of duty was on the USS Kitty Hawk. On June 6, 1964, LCDR Flynn performed an aerial mission to rescue the first POW shot down in the vicinity of Laos. Flynn was recommended for a Naval Air Medal, however, because of classified activities, it was 30 years before the honor was presented from President Clinton via Senator Benjamin Cardin’s office. Kenneth Flynn was active in U.S. Masters Swimming from 1977 to 2008, often a gold medalist. At age 69, he achieved the honor of U.S. Masters All American, setting a national record. After retiring from the Navy in 1975¬¬, Flynn’s profession was metal sculpture and fine art. His first recognized sculpture was “SEASIA,” the subject for whom the Air Medal was awarded. Flynn’s “lost-wood” bronze sculpting process was patented in 1994. He taught sculpting at Glen Echo Park during the mid 1970’s and was instrumental in converting the amusement park to an arts center. He was also a founding member of the group that formed the Torpedo Factory. From 1999, Flynn spent three years designing and hand-building a small aircraft, which he flew successfully. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, poet/playwright Grace Cavalieri; his four daughters, Cynthia Cavalieri, Colleen Flynn, Shelley Flynn, and Angela Phelan; a brother, Richard Sage; and four grandchildren, Rachel Price, Elizabeth Comitz, Sean Phelan and Joseph Phelan. He resided in Annapolis, MD. A Memorial Service will be held in the late Spring at the Ft. Myer Chapel with inurnment to follow at the Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium with full U.S. Navy honors.