(Flag) Dennis M. Lynch, 74, of Naushon Rd., Pawtucket, died Sunday,November 18, 2007 at the Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Irene M. (MacIsaac) Lynch.
He was a graduate of St. Raphael Academy, Providence College, and attended Boston College Law school.
Mr. Lynch was born in Pawtucket, the son of the late William J. and Anna (Collins) Lynch. He became a partner in William J. Lynch and Sons, a Pawtucket real-estate and insurance company, started by his father in 1921.
He was elected to five terms as Mayor of Pawtucket, serving from 1973-1981. He then left elective office to assume the position of Director in the Division of Purchasing for the State of Rhode Island. He served the State of Rhode Island until his retirement in 2003.
Mr. Lynch was involved with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Delaney 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus, The Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket, The Pawtucket Tricentennial Committee, and the Rhode Island Heart Fund. He also served on the boards of state and regional real-estate groups. The City of Pawtucket named its ice skating rink after him.
Mr. Lynch served in the United States Coast Guard.
Besides his wife, he leaves three sons, William J. Lynch, Chairman of the State of Rhode Island Democratic Party, and his wife Lynn of Pawtucket, John C. Lynch and his wife Mary-Kathryn of Rumford, Rhode Island Attorney General, Patrick C. Lynch of Rumford , three daughters, Ann L. Dugan and her husband Richard of North Providence, Linda I.Lynch of Lincoln, and Margaret Lynch-Gadaleta, City Solicitor for the City of Pawtucket and Patricia Ann Lynch-Gadaleta of Pawtucket, his daughter-in-law, Laura A. Lynch of Pawtucket, three brothers, William J. Lynch Jr. of Narragansett, Rev. Cornelius B. Lynch of Pawtucket, and John P. Lynch of Greenville, seventeen grandchildren, Jarred C. and Blair I. Lynch, Tara R., Casey N., and Devin A. Dugan, Blaine K., and Elizabeth A. Lynch-Gadaleta, Dylan Lynch, Katlyn Ann and Jonathan Dallas Duquenoy, Keenan Dennis, Owen, Teresa Ann, Daniel P., and Liole Lynch, Kelsey Susan and Graham Dennis Lynch. He was the father of the late Dennis M. Lynch Jr.
The funeral for Mr. Lynch will be Wednesday at 9:30 am from the MANNING-HEFFERN FUNERAL HOME, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph"s Church, Walcott St., Pawtucket, at 11:00am. Burial will be in Mt. St. Mary"s Cemetery, Pawtucket. The calling hours will be Tuesday 4-8pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dennis M. Lynch, Jr. Memorial Fund, St. Raphael Academy, 123 Walcott St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. For directions and guest book signatures please visit manningheffern.com.