When John Hand and Nancy Flynn went into business together 42 years ago and set up Dorchester Door & Window, their first location was on Freeport Street, where, Flynn noted, their little shop had no windows – and not much of a door.

From that small site, they moved to Hallet Street in 1986 and built a “very successful” business that continues today with Hand and a dedicated staff, but without Flynn, who has retired.

At a lively time held at Port 305 in Quincy’s Marina Bay last Friday, the Dorchester Door & Window crew held a party to honor Flynn, a favorite with customers and staff.

Nancy Flynn, center, with longtime friends and customers, John and Ann O’Shea.

“I did pretty much everything, but they fired me from delivery,” joked Flynn. “I loved working with the customers. That’s what makes it so great to be working in a small business. It’s like family and Dorchester is a great community for sure.”

Hand and Flynn were married when they started the business. Though no longer a couple, Hand said it has been a great run working with Flynn, but that she deserves the time off.

For her part, Flynn will be enjoying “new adventures” with travel and other pursuits, she said.

“We started the business as partners and we were very good partners,” said Hand. “We made it through at least two recessions in the early 1980s and the 1990s, but we persevered and now are very successful. She did a lot of work with the books and was an amazing asset to the business.”

The Dorchester Door & Window staff gathered with Nancy Flynn on her retirement last Friday at Port 305 in Quincy’s Marina Bay. From left, Eric MacIver, Manny Rodriguez, co-founder John Hand, Flynn, and Jack Haines. Seth Daniel photos

Hand, who had worked as a contractor before they launched the sales business, said it “was the thing to do.” He recalls that they had no money after buying out a small operation on Freeport Street, but were extended credit by a man named “Sam,” who owned New England Millwork on Hilltop Street. That, he said, got them going and helped them get to where they are now. The company sells all varieties of doors, windows, skylights, custom millwork, doorknobs, and all kinds of hardware out of their store on Hallet Street.