Jerome "Jerry" Patrick Flynn, of Edison, NJ, passed away peacefully after a short battle with glioblastoma on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 72.

Jerry was born in Lorain, Ohio, but grew up in the small town of Henry, Illinois with his younger brother Tom and parents, Clarence "Clancy" and Elaine "Dee" (Wolfe) Flynn. He attended Henry Senachwine High School, lettering in Basketball and Track. He was scouted by Coach Lefty Driesell of the University of Maryland and still holds the Marshall County record in Shotput.

He later moved to the Cleveland, OH area where he lived with his family earning his bachelor's degree and later his Executive Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University. He started his career as a young man with IBM in sales, marketing, and consulting across Fortune 500 companies, concluding his time there as an executive for the company.

After a successful career in sales, Jerry decided to pursue his passion for education and moved to Blacksburg, VA, earning his PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). After completing his PhD, Jerry embarked on a second career in academia at Rutgers University, NJ, living in Edison, NJ for the last 8 years. As an Assistant Professor of Practice in Management & Global Business, he integrated his professional experience into his teaching and research with a focus on leadership. Jerry was a member of the Academy of Management, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and the Shevchenko Scientific Society (NTSH).

Jerry was kind and warm and loved by all, young and old.  He saw goodness in all people and was passionate about supporting the "underdog" and often took extra effort to help those who might be struggling. He mostly loved mentoring his students, whether they were freshman or doctoral students. He wanted them all to succeed in life. He loved his family dearly and took the time to listen to their needs and counsel them as a father and as a friend.

Jerry Flynn was predeceased by his beloved parents, Clarence and Elaine Flynn. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 29 years, Maria (Kvit) Flynn, his children Kerry Flynn (Matt), Jack Flynn (Rachel), and Katie Dyer (Aaron), and their mother Beth Egan, step-son Mark Steinhagen (Dora), step-daughter Larissa Toth (Zoltan), grandchildren, Nathan, Isaiah, A.J., Keely, Milan, Vitali, and Emma, his brother Dr. Tom Flynn (Peggy), nieces Pennilane and Caleigh, aunt Kathy (Flynn) Bergel, his brother-in-law Ihor Kwit, the Egan family, and cousins, Duane, Patricia, and Diane Flynn, Mike, John and Mary Bergel.

Jerry was a member of the Ukrainian Assumption Parish, located at 684 Alta Vista Place in Perth Amboy, NJ. https://assumptioncatholicchurch.net/.  A funeral Mass will be held there on Saturday February 28th, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light lunch in the church hall where guests will be able to share memories of Jerry and visit with his family.

Private cremation arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Flynn and Son /Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave. Metuchen NJ 08840.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Jerry Flynn's memory to: (UNWLA) Ukrainian National Women's League of America, "Keep Ukraine Warm" initiative:  https://unwla.org/donate/, or to the Glioblastoma Research Organization .