“No. 1 Mike” Flynn was 84

Riverdalian and former Commanding Officer of the Bronx-Manhattan Robbery Squad, Michael John Flynn, died on June 16. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Flynn was born in Bloomfield, Sligo, Ireland on September 23, 1927. He immigrated to the Bronx with a cardboard suitcase, a country farmer’s jacket, and $20 from County Roscommon Ireland in 1951.

He proudly served his adopted country as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War, according to family members.

Returning to New York, he met and fell in love with Briddie Deane of Mayo who would be his wife for the next 49 years. He joined the NYPD and served the city and its people with distinction, gathering many honors and rising through its ranks, according to family members.

He was known as “#1 Mike” to his friends and comrades and was a member of the NYPD Honor Legion. He served as Commanding Officer of the elite Bronx-Manhattan Robbery Squad. He retired in 1989 to travel with his wife and spent time coaching, guiding and tutoring his 10 grandchildren: Crystal, Michael John, Nicholas, Sean, Tara, Kristin, Ryan, Mary, James and Michael. 

After the loss of his wife, he joined his children in Rockland, N.Y. It brought him joy to be involved in all aspects of his grandchildren’s lives and he indulged and fostered them generously, said his family.

“His love of life, devilish humor and indomitable spirit will continue on in our memories, thoughts, and deeds forever,” wrote his family.

Mr. Flynn is survived by sons James and his wife Noreen; Michael and his wife Alexis; Sean and his wife Antoinette; daughter Patricia; brothers Jerry, Thomas and Brian.

He is pre-deceased by his daughter Mary, his wife Briddie and brother Joe.

A celebration of his life will be held at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, N.Y. on Thursday, June 21, from 4 to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Nanuet, N.Y. on Friday, June 22, at 11:30am. A private cremation will follow. In Lieu of flowers, please remember Mike through a donation to Rockland Hospice at 11 Stokum Lane, New City, New York 10956 or on-line at www.hospiceofrocklnd.org or a charity of your choice.

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