The late Bob Flynn, head men’s basketball coach for McDaniel College and former athletic director and head basketball coach for Cardinal Gibbons High School, liked to keep it simple and liked to keep it real.
As evidenced by the recent outpouring of support during the week of Jan. 14, after the 49-year-old Flynn’s unexpected death Jan. 12, it was easy to like Bob Flynn. There was no pretense; there was no hype.
Mourners gathered at a funeral home in Catonsville on Jan. 16 and 17 to pay their respects. They traded stories and talked about Coach Flynn’s love for young people, love for his family and friends, and love for the game of basketball. It was stated repeatedly that Bob Flynn was a man of integrity and gained the respect of those whose lives he touched, both young and old.
The funeral itself, held on Jan. 18 at St. Mark Church, Catonsville, was overwhelmingly well-attended. His McDaniel College ballplayers served as pall bearers, while all who were coached or attended basketball camps and clinics by Flynn over his 30-plus year career lined the walkway in his honor.
A foundation has been established to support the education of Bob Flynn’s three children.
For those wishing to contribute to the educational foundation, checks can be made payable to F. Michael Grace Trustee, 300 Frederick Road, Suite 100, Catonsville, MD, 21228.