William M. Flynn

Mr. William M. Flynn, age 56, of Pittsfield, died Friday, January 1st at Hillcrest Commons.

Born in Pittsfield, July 26, 1964, he was a twin son of Marjorie M. Sottung Flynn and the late Attorney William R. Flynn. A 1982 graduate of Pittsfield High School, he was the Varsity Hockey Team Captain and was named to the All Berkshire hockey team, two honors that were very special to him. Billy also kept in shape and refined his skills as a member of the PHS Boys Soccer team and was proudly named “Boy of the Year” in 1982, by the Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield. Continuing his education, he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from St. Anselm College in 1987.

 After graduation, Billy returned to Pittsfield, and worked at the Hillcrest educational center and then served as the Program Manager at the Catholic Youth Center for the next 15 years. There, he used his pleasant demeanor, infectious smile and athletic abilities as a means to teach and develop the skills of all who entered the building on Melville St. Upon leaving the CYC, He then worked for the Berkshire County Sheriffs at Their Community Corrections Cente , once again keeping his constant theme of helping and connecting with individuals that the center serviced. Most recently, he was employed as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional at Taconic High School. When asked, Billy would tell you his work at the CYC and connecting with the students of Taconic were the highlights of his professional life.

 Billy continued his love of sports and working with young people when he was named the Taconic High School Girls Soccer Coach in 1988 and later the Boys Hockey Coach at PHS. In 2012,  he returned to help his twin brother, John, coach the Taconic Women’s Soccer Team as the Asst. Coach. His 25 plus years coaching career was an extension of his personality while both teaching and developing the life skills of young people.

 A huge music fan, Billy was a “Parrot Head” and traveled to many of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts encouraged by the music he loved, he embarked on numerous “fact finding tours” to Key West, a place he truly loved. Indicative of his love of adventures, he also attended countless Springsteen concerts and made many trips to visit the Cape.

 Billy continued his love of hockey and participated in Men’s Hockey Leagues and tournaments   well into his forties. He loved physical fitness and continued running and working out to keep in shape. Billy was an avid reader, especially fond of the works of John McDonald and Carl Hiaasen. Along with his Key travels, his working out and love for reading and working with kids, Billy loved dogs especially Cocker spaniels; his favorite cocker spaniel Spenser was a constant fixture at the CYC and CYC summer camp.

In addition to his mother, Marjorie, of Pittsfield he is survived by his twin brother, John P. Flynn of Pittsfield, his brother Kevin M. Flynn of New York City, his sisters, Kathleen M. Flynn and Mary Ellen Flynn, both of Cape Cod, MA, and his nieces and nephews, Liam Tierney, Sean Sinclair, Caitlin Guindeira, Travis Kupiec, Michael Flynn and Mai Flynn. Billy also leaves a large group of close friends who were truly like a family to him.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, Shaun Flynn, who died in 1957 and Michael L. Flynn who died in 1996 and his sister, Patricia A. Flynn, who died in 2017.

 Bill Flynn made a difference in the lives of countless young people and his memory will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him!

A Liturgy of Christian Burial for family and close friends will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 7th at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church with the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor emeritus,  as chief celebrant, and the Rev. Dr. John F. Tuohey, administrator, as concelebrant. Please be aware that given the current restrictions in place by the Commonwealth, there is a 25% capacity limit in place within the church and masks will be required for entrance. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Youth Hockey Program at the Boys & Girls Club in care of the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME, 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201

For anyone who is unable to attend Billy's funeral mass in person, a recording of the service can be found below.

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Graveside services will be held MONDAY, July 26th at 1PM at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Rev. A. Peter Gregory. The Flynn family lot is located in St. Jude Section, which is to the left of the Cross in the upper portion of the Cemetery.