Father Flynn, who was a priest at Malvern Prep for decades and passed away this summer, left a profound hole in Malvern’s community; however, his faith and teachings remain at the forefront of the minds of all who knew and admired him. Known for his presence, eagerness to help, and compassion, Father Flynn was an integral part of the Malvern community. Whether stepping into ninth-grade classrooms with a chart of names (Father Flynn knew every student by name on campus) or showing up to football games, concerts, or cross-country meets, Father Flynn was there for any and everyone who needed him, no matter what.

Those who lived beside him did not just remember his devotion to faith, but also his little joys, like his love for ice cream. His role on campus was based on presence and being with people through their highs and lows, from weddings to funerals. He carried himself in a way that, even at your worst, you could feel his warmth and compassion. It could’ve been your first time meeting him, or your twentieth year knowing him; he lifted the mood of every room. 

Mr. Ronald Algeo, Associate Head of School, recalls his first personal encounter with Father Flynn. 

“In 2002, the first time I really got a chance to meet him, meet him, and I am not exaggerating when I sat down and talked to him, it was maybe 30 seconds before it felt like I’d known this guy for years. He just had that way of making you feel really comfortable and listened to and cared for,” Algeo said.

In just half a minute, any given person felt acquainted with Father Flynn. His gift for connection was just one hallmark of his presence, noted by not just Mr. Algeo but numerous others who had the privilege of knowing him. A common reminder of how he touched lives, not with his grandeur, but with the little things.

Father Bill Gabriel, Head of Mission & Ministry and a Friar at Malvern, as well as one of the few people who actually lived with Father Flynn, talks about one of his many memories with Father Flynn.

“He was always someone who was available… he would come into every ninth-grade homeroom with a chart of pictures, and he would try to get to know every single kid’s name… That was definitely a very vivid memory,” Father Bill said.

For Father Flynn, learning names was not just an act of formality but a gesture of friendship and recognition. This simple effort revealed his pastoral style, of not just making people feel seen, but known.

Father Flynn’s availability extended far beyond the classroom. This was exemplified every day by his presence at sporting events. No matter the level, sport, or location,  Father Flynn was there. The reason behind this wasn’t simply just a joy for sports, but he wanted every student to understand that they had his full support and that he was interested in them outside of a school classroom. 

Father Flynn’s generosity and passion went beyond the students, though. In every story shared by teachers about Father Flynn, there was one key similarity. That whenever you were talking to him or asking him a question, he made you feel like you or that conversation was the most important thing that he had to do that day. Whenever you needed something, it was never “come back later” or “can I talk to you then?” He simply dropped everything he was doing to help you with whatever you needed. 

Even in the smallest moments, his character was shown. He loved ice cream, he told jokes even though they were corny, and he had a playful side that brought joy and laughter to those around him. One thing that he was known for was being a sidler, anybody who watches Seinfeld understands what this is, but to sidle up to someone meant to sneak up on them silently and stand there until the person noticed you. For some odd reason, Father Flynn found so much joy in startling countless football players over the years using this method. Moments like this are what made Father Flynn so memorable and cherished by everyone who knew him. Beyond these lighter moments, there was also a deep sense of holiness, evident to anybody who experienced him.

Mrs. Kenworthey, an Upper School Theology Teacher of more than twenty years, shares a thought that one of her past students expressed to her.

“Sometimes when I talk to Father Flynn, there’s like a light,” Kenworthy said.

Although this wasn’t literal, he truly does light up any room that he is in. It was the way he laughed, cared, and listened. You could feel it in the little things, like his encouragement when you were down, the way he remembered all the little details about your life, and the little jokes he told to cheer you up. It made every conversation with him so unforgettable.

The truest reflection of Father Flynn is captured through three key words in his favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:38: “For the good.” This simple phrase embodies the faith and hope that he carried and shared with everybody around him, teaching by example that love and generosity make a difference. 

Father Flynn may no longer walk among us, but his warmth, humor, and devotion continue to make a lasting impact and shine in Malvern’s community. In every classroom, on every field, and in every heart he touched, his legacy endures, reminding us all to live For The Good.