Peter Flynn

Newport, RI: Peter C. Flynn of 11 Kay Blvd, died of natural causes at his home on May 31, 2025 at age 73. He had been suffering from diabetes for decades and Parkinson's disease in recent years. There will be a private funeral in Newport.

Peter was born in Stamford, CT on May 28, 1952. He spent the first sixteen years of his life in Darien, CT, attending public schools and living with his parents, Neil Pierson Flynn (born and raised in Newport) and Grace (nee Kennelly, NYC), and five siblings, Kathleen, Neil Jr., Timothy, Terence, and Gregory. He was a vivacious, adventurous youth in love with motorboats and rock music, playing electric guitar and piano.

In 1968 the family moved to Wilton, CT for his last two years of high school. There he befriended and played with several exceptionally talented musicians, including John Scofield and Chris Brubeck. He then attended Colby Junior College as one of the first male students, a privilege Peter enjoyed enormously.

After college, the Brubeck connection led him to take over Chris's role as touring electric bass player with the Addis & Crofut duo. He then worked as a tour manager and soundman for many artists including David Johansen, Jean-Luc Ponty, Edgar Winter, and later for the Dave Brubeck Quartet, including the 25th reunion tour in 1977, the last performances by saxophonist Paul Desmond.

Next, Peter moved away from music into his other youthful passion - motor boats - joining Yamaha's water sports division as a sales representative. This job involved several geographical moves. It also provided a pivotal opportunity to exploit his considerable managerial and marketing talents. He then joined the Maxxima corporation, an innovative maker of LED lighting, greatly expanding their use in vehicles and boats. He retired as Executive VP in 2020 after a successful career involving long hours and much air travel.

Peter and his first wife, Marsha (married 1984 to 2014) settled in Newport, a city he loved since childhood. During the 1950s and 1960s the Flynn family made annual trips from CT to join relatives in Newport. The family had been associated for generations with boatbuilding (e.g. the Newport Shipyard), the Navy and more. Peter's grandfather was Dr. David Flynn, a dentist and amateur violinist.

In 2019, five years after Marsha's death, Peter married Linda Field who created a warm, inviting, light-filled home surrounded by beautiful gardens and a haven for birds. Linda devoted the years of their marriage to Peter's care with love and endless patience. Peter was a kind and generous man with a lively sense of humor and an intense affection for animals. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Peter is survived by his wife, Linda; brother, Terence Flynn of Great Barrington, MA; nieces, Erin Kane of Darien, CT and Kristin Rogers of Newport, RI; nephews, Peirson Flynn of Juno Beach, FL and Sean Flynn of New London, CT; grand nieces, Sarah & Paige Baldwin of NYC, and Clare Lawson of Southampton, Bermuda. He was also survived by stepchildren, Joy E. Field of Laguna Beach, CA, Ryan M. Field of Burlington, VT, and grandson, Jude K. McSorley (Joy) of Laguna Beach.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boys and Girls Club of Newport.