It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Richard A. Flora, 73, a resident of South Wilkes-Barre. He is the loving husband of the former Barbara Gilbert Flora. Together, the couple recently celebrated fifty-four years of married life together. Richard passed from this life into the presence of Almighty God Tuesday evening while in the care of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born November 3, 1946 in Wilkes-Barre, he was one of three sons to the late Anthony and Josephine (Glowiak) Flora. Educated in the city schools, he was a member of the 1964 graduating class of the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre. Richard then attended the former Wilkes College for two years with studies in Psychology. Later in life, he continued his education by attending business courses at Elmira College in New York.
Until his retirement, Richard was employed as a district manager for forty-one and a half years with Commonwealth Telephone in Dallas. He again would broaden his intellect by taking many hours of continuing education courses toward his vocation over the years.
In his youth at the age of thirteen being musically-inclined, Richie became the drummer for “The Tones”. He enjoyed keeping the beat at many venues throughout the Wyoming Valley.
Devoted to his Catholic faith, he and his wife Barbara were active members of Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish, the church of Saint Aloysius, South Wilkes-Barre. There the couple served as members of the parish choir, assisted at various church functions and annual bazaars, where Rich enjoyed working at the potato pancake stand. Richard served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and server of parish funerals. Rich also shared his talents and knowledge of business with other local parishes. He was on the board for the Holy Rosary Parish Federal Credit Union, where he served as Treasurer for 25 years and instrumental in its merger with Corner Post F.C.U., Wilkes-Barre. He also served as a bookkeeper for Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Plains Township. Richard was an active member in the G.A.R. high school reunion committee and planned and attended all class reunions. In their spare time, he and Barbara enjoyed their social membership at the Wyoming Valley Country Club, Hanover Township.
Richard is remembered by those who knew and loved him as being a wonderful, devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle to his adoring family. His physical presence will be greatly missed by all those he touched in this life. May his soul rest now in the peace of the Risen Christ.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and by brother, Mr. Ronald T. Flora in 1999, his sister-in-law, Lucille Rentko Flora in 2019 and nephew, Jamie Flora. Also, beloved in-laws, Patrolman Anthony "Buddy" and Lillian Gilbert.
Left to cherish the wonderful years they shared with him in addition to his wife Barbara, at home, are the couple's daughters, Jacqueline (Jackie) Flora Cortazar and her husband Curtis of Wilkes-Barre and Janine Flora Soroken and her husband Ari of both Princeton, NJ and Woods Hole, MA; his beloved granddaughter, Lillian Soroken who will forever remember her "Daba". His “adopted” family; Michelle, Adam and Ryan Casey, Wilkes-Barre; brother, Mr. Gerald Flora and his wife Elaine, brothers-in-law Butch Gilbert and wife Kay, Damian Gilbert and his wife Susan, Greg Gilbert and his wife Linda and sister-in-law Maurietta Earls and husband Tim, beloved and dear cousin Albert Flora, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow parishioners, dear friends and neighbors.
Presently, funeral services for Richard will be private due to the current health crisis, a memorial funeral Mass will be announced in the future.
In lieu of floral tributes, Richards' family would be humbled if those wishing to send a monetary donation in his name, kindly give consideration to Prescription Plan Medical Oncology Associates, 382 Pierce Street, Kingston PA 18704 or St. Aloysius Building Fund, 143 Division Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702. May his memory be a blessing.
The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre are honored to care for our friend Mr. Flora and his family at this time.
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