Obituary of Msgr George B. Flinn

The Rev. Monsignor George B. Flinn, VG, 69, of St. John Gualbert Cathedral, Johnstown, died Sunday at Garvey Manor after an extended illness. He was born in Washington, Pa., son of the late George B. and Cecile (Ruane) Flinn, Sr. He is survived by brothers: Edward J. Flinn in New York and John R. Flinn of Altoona; sisters: Sheila Stone in Virginia, Mary Beth Montgomery in Delaware, Peggy Tromm of Altoona and Jean Nagle of Altoona; nieces: Megan Hollingshead, Lisa Buchanan, Michele Frick, Jessica Bernhardt, Nicole Bartley and Trisha Nagle; nephews: John Blair Stone, George Montgomery and Andrew Nagle; great-nephews: John, Luke and Peter Frick; and a great-niece, Allison Frick. Msgr. Flinn graduated from Cresson Joint High School in 1959; from St. Francis University, Loretto, with a Bachelor of Arts degree; St. Francis Seminary; and from Gregorian University, Rome, with a license in sacred theology. Msgr. Flinn was ordained Dec. 17, 1966, at St. Peter Basilica, Vatican City, by Bishop Francis Reh, D.D. In 1982, he was elevated to the rank of Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Prelate of Honor. Msgr. Flinn served as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart and St. Rose of Lima, Altoona; Pastor at St. Monica, Chest Springs; Holy Rosary, Juniata and St. Rose of Lima, Altoona; and as Rector of St. John Gualbert Cathedral, Johnstown. Msgr. Flinn served as Vicar General, Chancellor and Chair of the Priest Personnel Board for the Altoona Johnstown Diocese. He also served for more than 22 years as the Bishop's personal representative to the PA Catholic Conference. On April 20, 2005, Msgr. Flinn gave the Invocation to the United States Congress. Msgr. Flinn served on the board of directors at Garvey Manor and was the recipient of the Prince Gallitzin Cross. Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at St. John Gualbert Cathedral, Johnstown, where a funeral Mass will be held at 5 p.m. by the Rev. Most Joseph V. Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown. Friends will also be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona by the Rev. Most Joseph V. Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown. Committal at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona. Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona. The family requests that contributions be made to: St. John Gualbertt Cathedral, P.O. Box 807, Johnstown, PA 15907 in Msgr. Flinn's memory.