Terry was passionate about outdoor sports and recreation, a passion he shared with Cynthia and his sons. He knew all the trails at Mendon Ponds Park and all the portages of the Adirondacks. Hiking in the White Mountains and staying in the Appalachian Mountain Club huts was an adventure for the whole family.
Terry was a great listener and problem solver. His family remembers his ability to listen to problems big and small, and help find ways to approach solutions. He did this with thoughtfulness, insight, and a good dose of humor.
He enjoyed traveling with Cynthia to new places around the world. Swimming and snorkeling in Maui and the Virgin Islands, hiking the Milford Track in New Zealand and a solo hike to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon are among highlights. Hiking with Paul in the Swiss Alps for his 60th birthday was another good memory for Terry and Paul.
In later years, Terry and Justin spent a week every Fall season hiking and canoeing all over New York and New England. Canoeing, kite flying, sledding, and doing photography at Mendon Ponds Park with grandchildren Théïa and Kyran were wonderful times too.
Terry loved all kinds of music. His own experiences as a chorus member were a beginning to years of active listening to concerts and live performances. Concerts at Eastman in Rochester NY, were shared by the whole family, and that experience continued with music at home.
His son Justin became a professional saxophonist and musician, and Terry loved to hear him play jazz and other musical genres whenever he could. This took him around the Northeast for concerts and around the world on the internet. These performances were always accompanied by lively discussions about the music and the players. Many musicians around the world know both Terry and Cynthia as fans and friends.
Later in life, each Spring found Terry and Cynthia with Justin and Jenny in Brooklyn, to see the seasonal cherry blossoms and flowers, soak up the visual arts, eat the food of the world, and hear more music. We hope to continue that tradition in his memory, as we carry his spirit forward with us.
Drawing on his engineering background, Terry could fix anything. He shared this knowledge with his sons and his grandchildren. Terry was patient but serious, and the lessons learned became useful templates far beyond the hand and power tools.
Terry loved languages, birding, books, wine, food, and his family, with whom he shared all these things. Dinners at home with friends and family were a source of fun, and lively discussions. He also enjoyed early morning conversations over breakfast with old friends from his days at Xerox.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Terry can be made to:
Appalachian Mountain Club
10 City Square Boston MA 02129
or via their website: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts
If you are walking the trails at Mendon Ponds Park, remember Terry.
Calling Hours are November 10th from 3-6pm at The Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd, Fairport.
Comments
10 responses to “Flynn, James Terrence “Terry””
Cynthia,
Please know that my thoughts are with you. I knew that you and I had many similar interests through the MAG and friendships, but I never realized that there was the Notre Dame one as well! We will have much more to share with each other. Warmly,
Mary Crowe
Dear Cynthia – on behalf of all former and current members of the ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY we send our condolences to you and your family for the loss of dear Terry. Terry and you were both such dedicated members of ROS with Terry singing tenor and you singing alto and singing with us for over ten years. May Terry now rest in peace.
My condolences. I will always be grateful to Terry for being such a good friend to my father. Terry was a good soul.
My condolences. I will always be grateful to Terry for being such a good friend to my father. Terry was a good soul.
Dear Cynthia,
Don and I were saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. We recall those precious moments we spent with you and Terry during MAG related activities. Don also enjoyed discussions with Terry about their experiences at the Xerox Corporation. We shall Terry greatly.
Warm regards,
Barbara Flynn
Dear Cynthia,
We shall MISS Terry greatly.
Barbara Flynn
You all have my deepest condolences. I loved Terry. He was “all time” for me. I have the very best memories of him (always with camera in hand) coming to hear the Jazz Prophets. He was always in great spirits and so kind. I loved chatting with him about anything – birds, photography, life, and of course music. He was a man who really listened. I always admired him for his ability to make people feel heard – and seen. My love to the whole family. I’m a better man to have known him.
On behalf of the East Coast family, please accept our condolences to you and your family.
Cynthia and Family, Sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. Terry’s strife is over, his battle is won, now to fly with the Angels. Blessings to you.
( DeLaney of the McCarthy Family)
Dear Cynthia and Family
Our common denominator are the Elmira New York McCarthy sisters, Frances Flynn and Sally DeLaney. Approximately 15 years between theses sisters, a span of years offered a cousinship extending far, deep and wide, Lots of Irish DNA.. Such a lovely obituary of Terry Flynn. A remarkable success story. A person who seems not to have measured life upon ones accomplishments, as much as, his practice for his zest for life. His kind, gentle and humble spirit carries on. Memories of Aunt Fran and her family although vague are cherished. Peace of Christ be with you. Molly (DeLaney) Radez aka Mrs. Peter A. Radez, Horseheads N.Y.