NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – John “Jack” Charles Flynn, 88, formerly of Newburyport, Mass., died peacefully on Monday morning at his home on Aug. 14, 2023. He fought a long battle with throat and lung cancer.

Jack was born in Jackson Heights, NYC on March 14, 1935. He grew up in Queens, N.Y. during the Great Depression but managed to adapt to the difficult times of the city in that era. During his childhood he lived in a modest apartment in Jackson Heights with his sister, Ellen, and mom and dad, Alma and Charles Flynn. Jack attended St. Joan of Arc school in Jackson Heights in the ’40s and early ’50s. Later on he attended Seton Hall Prep in New Jersey preparing himself for a dream of attending school at St. John University in Queens, N.Y.

Jack was a driven man. His first job out of college was in the mailroom at Ted Bates Advertising in Manhattan. Soon after he was promoted to a Media Buyer and it was from there that he found a passion in advertising and media. After his years with Ted Bates, he took a job with Peters, Griffin, Woodward (PGW) in New York and was promoted to Eastern Sales Manager. Quickly he earned a reputation for closing sales deals and being a personable guy. From all of this he was recognized by Paul Herron Sr., President and Owner of Herron Communications. Mr. Herron owned radio and TV stations in Philadelphia, Pa. and Utica, N.Y. and also owned WMTW TV 8 in Portland. Because of their business relationship, Mr. Herron hired Jack as their new Vice President and General Manager of the station in Portland from 1968-1981.

Many years passed as Jack worked in other media outlets but found in the late ’80s and early ’90s the fire in this industry was fading. Instead of continuing down this path, he decided to semi-retire, shift his focus and passion and enroll in the Swedish Institute for massage therapy. He freelanced many hours at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Boston, Mass. where he met and helped many people including celebrities overcome pain. Jason Alexander (George Costanza) of “Seinfeld” was one of his clients; Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones was another. Although he joked later he had no idea who Charlie was or the band he performed with. Jack also was a man with a quick wit and sense of humor. He loved the “Three Stooges”, the “Honeymooners” and “Seinfeld”. But when he wasn’t joking around and having a laugh, he also had a passion for reading. Mostly Jack’s interests were in non-fiction books however he was enamored with Charles Dicken’s novels – “A Christmas Carol” being one of his favorites. A film adaptation of this, Albert Finney’s Scrooge was one of Jack’s favorite holiday films. It became a family tradition to watch this musical gem every Christmas Eve for over 25 years.

One of Jack’s favorite memories was spending many summers with his wife Ingrid in their beautiful condo in the Old section of Quebec City. Jack was also an avid runner and in 2005 participated in the 10K race of the Quebec City Marathon with his daughter-in-law Marnie; together they finished in 55 minutes and Jack placed second overall in his age group.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ingrid; his daughter, Ellen Hutchinson, son, Matthew Flynn; five grandchildren Christopher Hutchinson, Sean Hutchinson, Kevin Hutchinson, Brendan Flynn and Abigael Flynn; four great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Glenn Hutchinson and daughter-in-law, Marnie Flynn.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be scheduled some time this year.

Should friends choose memorial, donations in his name they are welcome to send them to their local Cancer Research chapter