Brendan John Flynn, 89, died on October 26, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.
A memorial visitation was held Saturday, Oct. 30, at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village.
He was the loving husband of Jane (Murray), wonderful father to Jenny Scanlon (husband Pete) and John (wife Nicole Schmitt) and grandfather to Sean and Riley Scanlon and Larkin and Eden Flynn, brother-in-law to Louise (Murray) and Dave Struble, favorite teacher and respected coach to many.
Born May 23, 1932 in Litchfield, Brendan was the first in his family of eight brothers and two sisters to attend college, graduating from Western Illinois State College (now University) in 1955, where he played football and baseball. After serving our country in the Army for two years, including being stationed in Germany, he began his five-decade teaching career in Vandalia, Illinois in 1957.
At Vandalia High School, he taught math and coached football, basketball, and baseball alongside Donald Schnake, who became his best friend and coaching partner for the rest of their careers. In 1959, he entered Jane Murray’s classroom and asked her to the Illinois-Purdue football game for a double-date with the Schnakes. Despite preferring books to sports, she agreed. Jane and Brendan married in 1962 while pursuing their masters’ degrees in education at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. They moved “north” and he taught at Arlington High School.
Elk Grove High School opened in 1966. Brendan joined the math department and coaching staff in 1968 and contributed to the creation of many EGHS traditions that continue today. He displayed a work ethic known for excellence in the classroom and on the football field.
In 1996, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, recognizing him for “his ability to inspire his athletes to the highest in discipline and spirit. His professionalism has shown in his dedication to the game, school and community.” Many coaches, teachers and students sought him out for advice.
He was a lifelong learner and an advocate of physical fitness, running until he was in his 80s. He loved golf, the St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame and Michigan football, and watching most other sports. He enjoyed music and travel, but most of all, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family with Jane, the love of his life, by his side.
He is also survived by his sister, Sr. Mary Flynn and brother Dan Flynn (wife Luisa).
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to americanbrainfoundation.org.
