Joe Flynn Jr., president of the Flynn Tire Group in Hermitage, Pa., died unexpectedly on Saturday. He had just returned from the International Tire Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., two days earlier.
Flynn, 60, presided over one of the largest independent tire store chains in the country. Flynn Tire Group, dba Flynn's Tire & Automotive Service, is a 21-store retail/wholesale/commercial chain with outlets in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The company also has a retread plant.
Flynn served in the United States Air Force from 1960-64 and was a recipient of the Airman of the Year Award. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Church in Sharon, Pa., serving as an altar boy in his youth and an usher as an adult.
For the last four years, Flynn and his wife, Irena, have been foster parents for Mercer County Children and Youth Services. He also had been affiliated with the Bair Foundation in New Wilmington, Pa.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his daughter, Tania, and her husband, Joe Warminski; his son, Joe III; four siblings; and one grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin de Porres, 254 E. 15th St., Homestead, PA 15120; St. Joseph School, 760 E. State St., Sharon PA 16146; or the Salvation Army, 660 Fisher Hill, Sharon, PA 16146.
