Michael Joseph Flynn, Sr.

Michael Joseph Flynn Sr. passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina on August 6, 2024, surrounded by his family and his dog, Annie. His fierce loyalty and fun-loving zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him. 

Born on August 4th, 1957, Michael was born to loving parents Jeannette and John “JJ” Flynn in Wayne, Pennsylvania, where he would live for the majority of his life. The middle of five children, Michael’s childhood home was full and bustling. And like other kids of the 1960s and 1970s, Michael was no stranger to childhood shenanigans. Family vacations down the shore and to the Florida Keys would remain some of his fondest childhood memories.

Michael grew up to be a bit of a hippie, with his long hair and bell bottom jeans. After taking a few classes at Villanova University, Michael decided to forge his own path. Enlisting the help of his two younger brothers, he decided to found a wire company, Allied Wire & Cable, out of his parents’ basement. From there they ordered materials, spooled wire, and sold that wire to various clients. Allied quickly outgrew that basement, and the company kept moving and outgrowing various venues while the company grew.

As the company expanded, so too did Michael’s family. In 1991, Michael and his first wife welcomed a baby boy, Michael Joseph Jr. Soon after, in 1993, they welcomed daughter Samantha Grace. Michael was everything they could want in a dad. As a father, he exemplified unconditional love. It was also important to Michael that he show his kids how to live. He treasured experiences and adventure, and took the kids across four continents. But Michael also demonstrated a devotion to faith—he was a devout Catholic who attended mass regularly. Faith and family, those were what he built his life around. Michael loved people and was loyal to a fault. 

He was a jokester who took everything with humor—he’d always tell his kids to loosen up. He had a big sweet tooth and would never turn down a slice of key lime pie or a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream. His perfect day would probably include being on a boat, listening to Jimmy Buffet while smoking a cigar, especially a Montecristo No. 2. He loved Philadelphia sports teams and never missed an Eagles game. His daughter Samantha has a recent favorite memory together: screaming ecstatically on the phone together after the Eagles won the Superbowl. 

Unfortunately, health issues forced Michael into an early retirement. A series of transient ischemic attacks in 2012 impaired his vision, and a series of strokes left him blind in 2015. Even then he joked and laughed a lot. But recent years have taken a further toll on his health, being diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. 

Michael is predeceased by his parents John “JJ” Flynn and Jeannette Mary Flynn (née Worthington), and his sister Kathleen Ann Flynn. He is survived by son, Michael Flynn, Jr. and his fiancé Sabrina; daughter Samantha Flynn Widejko and her husband Ryan; grandchildren Michael (Trey), Sarah, and Sullivan; sister Barbara Flynn; and brothers Timothy (Annette) and Daniel (Sheila); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and Friends are invited to Michael’s Viewing Friday August 16th 9:00 - 9:50 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. 50 W. Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087. Interment: Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery Springfield, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family will be soliciting donations for the Northern Wake Fire Auxiliary. Donations can be sent to PO Box 605, Wake Forest, NC 27588 with a memo of “Memorial Contribution for Mike Flynn.”