Longtime Mahoning Valley Auto Dealer, David Flynn has died at the age of 81 on Thursday, Nov. 25 with his wife and children by his side.

According to Flynn's obituary, he passed away from COVID-19.

Flynn began his auto sales career in Columbus at Winders Chevrolet and was later employed as District Manager for the Buick Motors Division.

In 1974, Flynn approached the owners of Columbiana Buick Oldsmobile about purchasing the dealership. This would be the first of many dealerships Flynn would operate.

From there, Flynn added Cadillac and Chevrolet franchises to Columbiana Buick Olds, Purchased Donnell Ford in Boardman in 1982, the Honda Store of Boardman in 1991, Power Chevrolet Buick GMC of Calcutta in 2003, Donnell Ford Lincoln of Salem in 2006, as well as Suzuki/Yugo of Youngstown, Performance Trucks, Team Chevrolet and Wide Track Pontiac.

In 1992, Flynn married Janet DeLucia of Columbiana. Together, they began their dream of helping establish the Flynn Spray Neuter Clinic at Angels for Animals in Canfield.

Due to COVID-19, memorial services will be held at a later date. Flynn's family has requested that any donations be directed to Angels for Animals (4750 W. South Range Rd. Canfield).