Alan Flink, 96

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Alan Sumner Flink, of Providence, died peacefully on Jan. 4, 2024, with his three sons by his side. Alan was born on March 1, 1927, to Sadye and Philip Flink and was raised with his sister, Ruth, in Providence.

He served in the Navy during World War II. Alan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and a Juris Doctor degree cum laude from Boston University Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review. Shortly after law school, Alan married Renee Lampert, of New Bedford, Massachusetts. They were married for 68 years. Renee passed away in June 2020.

Alan is survived by his and Renee’s three children: Marc and his wife, Margaret; Philip and his wife, Anne; and Peter. Alan is also survived by his grandchildren: Andrew and his wife, Anna; Sarah; Hannah and her fiancé, Andrew Priester, and his daughter, Paige; Philip and his wife, Rylie Anderson; Leanne; Trevor; and by his great-grandchildren, Zoe and Charlie. Alan was predeceased by his grandchild Madison Flink and his sister, Ruth Ades.

Alan was a staunch advocate for the principles of democracy and judicial merit selection. He was a director of Common Cause of Rhode Island beginning in 1999 and the recipient in 2021 of Common Cause’s recognition as a John Gardner Fellow. Alan was extensively involved in other community activities, including Jewish Federation of RI, Planned Parenthood of RI (former director), John Hope Settlement House (former president), the United Way (chair, Lawyer’s Division), Rhode Island Supreme Court Ethics Reform Commission, and Justice Assistance (director).

Alan was a tenacious and principled advocate for his clients and a highly respected attorney admitted to practice in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He began his legal career with Letts Quinn & Licht and became a partner and legal ethicist with the law firm then known as Edwards & Angell. Alan had many professional affiliations, including president of the Rhode Island Bar Association (1991-1992), various other executive positions with the RI Bar Association (1987-1992), commissioner on the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission (1995-1999), and Editor-in-Chief of the RI Bar Journal (1971-1973). He frequently expressed views in letters to the editor and op-ed pieces published by the Providence Journal.

Alan’s greatest love was for Renee, his immediate and extended family, and his many friends. He will be remembered for his intellect, integrity and principled beliefs, and for the close bonds he was able to forge and maintain with so many people throughout his life.

Donations can be sent to Common Cause of RI, Planned Parenthood of RI or a charity of your choice.