Jack Ribas Received 2008 Flynn Award

John J. Ribas

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Photo by Fred Ortoli

The award is named for the late Mr. Flynn, who was, at the time of his death, editor of The Evening Sentinel, a daily newspaper that was the main source of community information in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. Mr. Flynn had also been one of the founders of the Valley United Fund. He had been president of the Ansonia Community Chest. In 1968, he led that organization into a merger with the Derby-Shelton Community Chest and the Seymour United Fund which resulted in the formation of what is now known as the Valley United Way. 

A native of Derby, he was an Ansonia resident most of his life and a long time Sentinel employee. He had an abiding interest in the Valley community and served it in myriad ways. At the time of his death he was first vice-president of the Valley United Fund; president of Catholic Family Services; president of the Ansonia Board of Assessors; director of the Ansonia Public Library and director of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Chapter, American Red Cross. 

Following his death in 1969, this award was established because of his life long dedicated service to the entire Valley. The award was presented for the first time in 1971 to Alice Russ Cochran of Shelton.  Thirty-eight individuals have been named to this list of distinguished Valley citizens. It is restricted to living persons whose service has been to the Valley community. That service must encompass more than one town and more than one organization. The award is for a single individual.

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Valley United Way can be reached by E-Mail at valleyunitedway@valleyunitedway.org