LIBERTY - One of Sullivan County's most dedicated public servants was eulogized on Friday for his devotion to God, country and family and for putting others before himself at every turn.

Robert J. Flynn Jr. died Tuesday, February 12 at his home in White Sulphur Springs surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years of age.

Born June 17, 1932 in Callicoon to Robert J. and Millicent C. Schadt Flynn Sr., Bob grew up in the close-knit hamlet of Roscoe.

And it was the Flynn family's Roscoe connection which was instrumental in bringing a New York State Police substation to Sullivan County's ‘last frontier,' Roscoe.

“He gave so much of himself to our country and to our county and he put his life on the line to preserve and protect us all,” the Rev. Edward Bader eulogized at Flynn's funeral mass at St. Peter's Church in Liberty on Friday morning. “How inspiring.

“Bob Flynn was about sacrifice and commitment,” Rev. Bader continued. “He would do anything for anybody.”

Following four years of service in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS Antietam Aircraft Carrier, Bob returned home and joined the New York State Police.

His NYSP career began in 1954 when he was assigned to Troop C, headquartered in Sidney.

He would later return to Troop F, which includes Sullivan County, and rise to the rank of Lt. as well as being appointed Zone Commander.

Following his 22-year State Police career, Bob would become Sullivan County Sheriff, a position he held from 1976-1982.

“So many others benefitted from his service,” Rev. Bader said. “He was willing to die so others may live.

“He did it for people he may never have known. This service comes from a deeper place, a place in his heart,” Rev. Bader said. “He committed his life to his wife and family and put his wife and family ahead of himself.”

Flynn's wife of 54 years, Beverly, passed away on April 27, 2014.

The couple has three children Patricia, Donna and Robert J. Flynn III.

They, in turn, were married and had children, growing the Flynn family tree to include eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

And, like his father and grandfather before him, Bob Flynn III would also become an officer of the law and is now a Capt. with the New York City Dept. of Environmental Protection, which protects the New York City watershed.

“And as the New York State Police motto says, ‘Excellence through Knowledge,' his knowledge of Christ brought Robert Flynn to a most excellent way of life,” the Rev. Bader said. “Amen.”