George A. Flynn, OFM

1905 – 1996

Br. George Flynn, OFM, was born Sept. 13, 1905, in Woodstown, County Waterford, Ireland. He always identified himself as a Cork man due to his later association with that city. After 1926, he emigrated to the United States.

He plied the trade of a painter of vehicles for the Manhattan and Bronx Transit Authority. During World War II, Br. George served as Navy Aviation Metalsmith Third Class from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, he married his wife, Elizabeth. They had a daughter, Margaret Helen. After the death of his wife, George began assisting Fr. Patrick Morris, OFM, in youth ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City. In 1968, Br. George entered the Secular Franciscans. In 1973, when Fr. Patrick became pastor of St. Stephen of Hungary Parish in New York City, George continued to offer him assistance.

In 1977, George received permission to wear the habit of the First Order of St. Francis and to live with the Franciscan community as a Perpetual Tertiary. He was professed on Dec. 8, 1978. Over the years, George, through his ministry as porter for the parish church and rectory, was a source of hope and joy to thousands of people who came to receive the services of the parish.

Br. George, a perpetual tertiary of Holy Name Province for 17 years, died the rectory of St. Stephen of Hungary on May 14, 1996, at the age of 90.