Bernard Francis Flynn

Bernard “Bernie” Flynn, 76, of Barnet, Vermont and Cambridge, MA, passed away peacefully in his home on June 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who was known for his generosity of spirit and ability to connect with anyone he came across in a meaningful way.

Bernie was born on July 15, 1949, and raised in New Rochelle, New York as one of eight siblings. He worked as an auto mechanic in his early years before moving to Barnet, Vermont, to write and go “back to the land.” It was there that he discovered Shambhala Buddhism, and met his wife, Gail. Fueled by a voracious appetite for learning, Bernie opened a bookstore called Northern Lights along with his longtime friend Caroline DeMaio—a calling that would shape the rest of his life.

In 1984 Bernie and Gail moved to Newton, Massachusetts, where they raised two children, Michael and Courtney. That same year they opened Trident Booksellers and Cafe on Newbury Street in Boston, which remains a vibrant gathering place for readers, thinkers, neighbors, visitors, employees, and friends for over 40 years. The family business continues to be run by his daughter and daughter-in-law.

The Flynns spent considerable time in Barnet, where Bernie pursued his passions of reading, skiing, cycling, hiking, and the outdoors. He was at his most content when having a glass of wine on the porch with friends and family after a long day on his bike.

Bernie is survived by his wife Gail; his son Michael and daughter-in-law Kim; his daughter Courtney and son-in-law Alex; and his grandkids, Harper, Taylor, Ciel, and Julien. A memorial service is being planned for later this summer in Boston, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kingdom Trails in Vermont, a network of mountain biking trails that Bernie helped establish.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at CaledoniaLifeServices.com. Guibord-Pearsons & Sayles Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.