John Robert DeFlora
John Robert DeFlora, age 78, passed away on Monday, April 1st, 2024 in Houston, Texas. John was born January 27, 1946 to Joseph and Angelina (Cipriano) DeFlora in Brooklyn, New York. 16 years later, he met his wife Bridget (Myers) DeFlora in high school at a Halloween party after which they remained devoted to each other throughout a loving marriage of 57 years.
John proudly joined the Navy in 1965, where he had the opportunity to travel and explore the world including stationing in the Mediterranean. Upon returning stateside, he worked for Northrop Grumman, moving his family to Houston in 1990, and continued working in the aerospace industry for 42 years, eventually retiring from the company.
John cherished being a wonderful husband and dedicated father above all else, even more than his Brooklyn Dodgers. He also highly valued giving back to his community and was an active member of his church, St. Clare of Assisi in Houston, where he served many years as a eucharistic minister and held a leadership position with the Knights of Columbus, helping to raise funds for many local charities. He and Bridget were also a Big Couple with Big Brothers Big Sisters on Long Island, New York for many years.
John is survived by his wife Bridget, and his children: daughter Christina (DeFlora) Thompson and her husband Adilehg and granddaughter Mia; son Joseph and his wife Melissa and granddaughter Lydia; and son Sean. John is also survived by his younger sister Doreen (DeFlora) Myzczchenko and husband Alex, and many beloved loved nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd starting at 6 pm at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster, Texas, with a vigil beginning at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be on Friday, April 5th at 10 am at St. Clare of Assisi church. Friends and family are invited to a reception immediately following in the church hall where we can share stories about John and enjoy some Italian food in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the many charities he supported in his life, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Knights of Columbus.
Dear DeFlora family,
I’m so sorry to hear the sad news. I know he was a loving husband, father and humanitarian. Bridget, please know I am here for you.
Love, your long time art friend,
Jackie Liddell
Dear Bridget and family,
Joe and I were sadden to hear of John’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of you both. We were so blessed when G-d put you in our lives.not just our friendship but you both had a profound affect on our daughter, Niki. Know that we are holding you In our hearts and prayers. May Johns name be for a memory to cherish and May those memories help you during this difficult time. Love and shalom, Joe and Sandie
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Cherish every moment with your loved ones because no one knows when the last moment is.
Bridget and Family;
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Tim and Linda Landers
So very sorry for your loss. We will definitely keep all of you in our prayers.
There was nobody funnier or more quick-witted than John DeFlora. He was a force of nature who never failed to surprise people with his sharp one-liners and his teasing sense of humour. The first few years I knew him I wasn’t sure he even liked me. So I just asked him one day. Do you like me? He said yeah you’re all right. I like you, but what difference does it make I am stuck with you. My father in law was also also incredibly warm and kind. He helped a lot of people and shared his faith through service to others. He loved his grand daughters and went above and beyond to do the little things for them. Like buying dancing robots at Christmas. Always being there to pick up lydia, letting Lydia pretty much be there whenever she wanted. His advice and kindness is something that I am going to miss a lot. So to everyone present just know he did love me. I loved him very much.
Bridget and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that John was a fine man, husband and father. I wish I had met him. May God comfort you as only HE can.
Bridget, I am sending my love and prayers. I am here for you.
Dear Bridget,
I am very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. my prayers are with you. Annie
Grossmann
Bridget,
I had no idea you and your family were going through this most unpleasant time but because we believe in Our Father, we know that he is not suffering and is very happy being with all those who have gone before him. Please take care of yourself and if you need anything or a shoulder, I will be available for you. Please know I will pray for his soul.
Liz Guyer
Webster Presbyterian Church
Office Administrator