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Jon Flora Obituary

Jon Flora, who has served as president of Fry's Food Stores of Arizona since August 2007, died Friday, according to several sources.

Flora's warmth was conveyed to store customers through frequent radio and TV ads and in-store promotions. As a longtime company employee who rose through the ranks, he also was held in high regard by many of his employees.

Tolleson-based Fry's employs 18,000 employees in Arizona.

Fry's is a division of the Kroger Co., and Flora served in several leadership positions with Kroger during a career spanning more than 40 years.

He guided several Kroger divisions as a senior vice president and also served as the president of the company's Great Lakes division, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. He began his career in 1971 with the company's Dillon stores.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Sep. 13 to Sep. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon Flora

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285 Entries

I will always miss your kindness

Lorri Soal

October 12, 2017

Valenda Newell

November 8, 2016

To my friend John flora growing up in Kansas was tough high school stuff you are always outstanding know you're always gave me spirit I'm sorry to see you go I know we'll be together again on the basketball court go Jayhawks right miss you love you always Mike

Mike Beck

September 14, 2015

We miss you in the store. When we come to a question we still say, "What would Jon do?" It's difficult without you but we are striving to keep your vision alive.

February 11, 2014

My heart is beyond saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Flora. He was the ultimate leader with a compassionate heart. He believed in people and his actions showed it. The world has lost a good man. I was blessed to have work with you in Dallas. Rest in peace Mr. Flora.

Kenna Parker

February 10, 2014

Debbie Fry's employee

November 6, 2013

I was a customer at Fry's at 59th Ave. and Beardsley. Several months ago I saw him in the store. I mentioned to one of the employees that I liked his commercials on TV, because he looked and sounded so down to earth. She brought me over to him and introduced me to him. He was so kind to me, and I was so impressed with him. I will never forget this man. God bless him, and I know he will be in good hands now.

October 28, 2013

Jon, you will truly be missed... You were kind, respectful, and fair... You were a true gentleman, and a joy to work for! I am glad, and proud to have worked for you!

Lynnette Landry

October 20, 2013

Saw him @ Thomas St. Fry's a year or so ago. My wife and I went over to him & shook his hand, telling him that they were beating the competition soundly in the heat of the local TV campaign. He smiled broadly & politely thanked us for the feedback & for stopping by. He had a positive screen presence and is surely missed by many.

Ron Gag

October 3, 2013

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jon Flora. The world will miss a very special man. May the God of comfort help the Flora Family.

P Terry

October 2, 2013

it is so sad to see Jon Flora go i remember seeing him alot when i was shopping with my family over at Myeres Jon Flora loved his customers that are the best to him i remember seeing him when i was 2 or 3 years old not so too sure Jon Flora will be missed and i will never forget his smiles and his hugs he is the best person i know Jon Flora will be missed

Audra Bloomfield

September 28, 2013

I'm so saddened by Jon Flora's passing. May he rest in peace. Praying for the family.

Mariann Luna

September 27, 2013

R.I.P. To a good man. You will be missed.

t. hilliker

September 27, 2013

Mr Flora, you will and are missed. It has been a pleasure meeting and knowing you while in the store on Shea. RIP sir, and thank you for being here

Jay Leavitt

September 27, 2013

God needed another good angel.

Nikki Magnussen

September 27, 2013

Brother-in-Law, Uncle, Godfather and friend. Gone way too soon!
We Love and miss you!

The Goss Family Dale, Nancy, Morgan & Lindsey

September 26, 2013

You were a awesome president you will be miss ! You did so much for us ! You will be miss . Prayer off you family !

Nicole Dunham

September 26, 2013

It was my greatest joy to work for Fry's the last 6 years under Jon's leadership, I have just celebrated my 20 anniversary with Fry's. The change Jon brought to our Company is what made it the Fry's family. Jon has left very large shoes to fill, and I pray for our new President to emulate Jon's vision of the future of Fry's and his love of his employees and
customers which he considered friends. You will never be forgotten Jon, thank you for showing me how to be a better employee and human being.

Michelle Aniol

September 26, 2013

I was sorry to hear about Jon Flora my daughter works for the frys on 43rd and cactus she told me the last time that jon went to her store he would give all the employees a hug she said he was very nice to her and told her you look pretty today. I never got the chance to meet him but he seemed like to me that he was a genuine man and had a good heart. he set an an example and it should be carried on. may he rest in peace no one will fill his shoes. god bless your family and friends. thank you for all you did while here on earth.

diane Galaviz

September 26, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

diane Galaviz

September 26, 2013

jon flora make his ads and people, he worked with so important. he will be missed. may he rest in peace.

September 25, 2013

I would like to pass my condolences to the Family of Jon Flora. I had the great pleasure of meeting Jon at work and was always so happy when he came to the store for a visit. He always had a hug and always kind words of encouragment to all. He was always smiling and happy to be doing what he did best, just being Jon always caring & giving. You will truley be missed. May you rest in peace and Gods loving comfort be among all who you have touched in their life.

Vicki Whitfield, Frys #669

September 25, 2013

Jon always appreciated the hard work the employees at Fry's did every day. That's all he would ever talk about in his free time. He loved all the affection the employees showed him. It was the one place he could go and get a hug when he needed it. He needed you employees and friends, BTW, that's what he considered his employees, friends, more than you will ever know. My wife and I visited many stores with Jon over the last 6 yrs, and were treated just like part of Jon's family. We would like to thank you for being his friend when we weren't there. Jon will be missed. He was our best friend and a great man.

The Hutton/Jones family

September 25, 2013

RIP Jon. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. May God bless and comfort the family.

cheryl karp

September 25, 2013

RIP. My prayers go out to family, friends and loved ones. He will not be forgotten. Beverly Mobley #136, Glendale, Az

September 25, 2013

You are such a good role model and leader to us, I am very glad and proud to work in your company. May you rest in peace. Gone but never ever forgotten.

Juliet Violette

September 24, 2013

RIP . you will be missed ! My thoughts an prayers are with your family

September 24, 2013

Just walked into a store to do my shopping, and saw your photo there with flowers, and started to cry. I thought you were such a nice guy, and when you asked me last year, what improvements you could have made, and as a feisty Italian from N.Y.,I told you. A few weeks later I saw those improvements, and was so happy that you had listened. I'm so saddened for all of Fry's family, and especially your immediate. God bless you Jon. R.I.P.

Michele pass

September 24, 2013

Can't believe your gone such an awesome man who did so much for so many you will be deeply missed

nicole

September 24, 2013

Jon was such a friendly lovely man with a great smile and wonderful personality.I am so sad that such a fantastic person had to leave us so soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Shari Zee

September 24, 2013

Jon Flora was a wonderful leader loved by all! He will be truly missed! R.I.P.

Nattely Sulich

September 24, 2013

A great man i had the pleasure of meeting,great smile and personality. We all love you from Store 90, prayers and condolences To his family and may all the great memories heal you at this difficult time.

krystan vergason

September 24, 2013

Very sad about your passing Jon. You will be missed. It was always a pleasure seeing you in our store in Sierra Vista..You did so much for so many people. God bless you and your family.

Michael Levin

September 24, 2013

You will forever be missed my friend. It was an honor to have met you.

Sharon Bishop

September 24, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jon's family and friends. Fry's will not be the same without you. you were loved by many. RIP JON!

September 24, 2013

What an amazing man! He brought lots of light to many souls. His gracious words and time he gave to many people at Cortney's Place will never be forgotton. Even though he did not have a disabled adult child, he still made all the students feel special.We will miss you dearly. Arizona won't be the same....
Brenda Star, Peoria, Arisona

September 24, 2013

Having worked for Smittys there was always a family feeling in the air. Then, the company began to change hands. We were bought and sold so many times we felt like orphans. When Jon became our President things began to feel different. He brought us together again and made us a family. He was a 'hands on' president and knew many employees by name! What a remarkable man! He lead us down the road of many changes as well as success. You were "ONE OF A KIND". We will miss you tremendously. No one can ever fill your shoes. We feel like orphans again.

Jackie Ideson

September 24, 2013

RIP from a long time Kroger (MI) shopper.
<3

L Bell

September 24, 2013

He was a generous soul. His kindness for Cortney's Place, a day program for young disabled adults, will never be forgotten. He will be missed.

Starr Williams

September 24, 2013

Very sad about your passing Jon. You will be missed. It was always a pleasure seeing you in our store in Sierra Vista..You did so much for so many people. God bless.

Michael Levin

September 24, 2013

Jon Flora has done a lot for the local charities as. President of Fry's Food and Drug Stores of AZ, Inc. And his impact will always be remembered. God Bless You. And, Rest in Peace.

John Burke

September 24, 2013

As a direct support provider for disabled adults at Cortneys Place I have experienced first hand Jon's compassion for them. It was a special thing among special people. We would do good to keep that spirit with us.

Scott Chamberlain

September 23, 2013

Jon Flora was an amazing man taken from this earth too soon. A pillar to the community, Jon showed good character in all he did. The disabled adults of Cortney's Place will forever be grateful for all Jon's work and commitment towards their education and life skills. God Bless, Chasidy Gray

Chasidy Gray

September 23, 2013

Jon, you'll be dearly missed. I worked for Fry's the last 5 years. Never met you but always heard/saw all the great things you did for our stores. Thank you so much.

Pat M

September 23, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

September 23, 2013

God has received an Angel from us. God Bless and prayers to your family. It was a pleasure knowing you.

therese

September 21, 2013

I met you briefly at the grand opening of Cortney's place. I am so impressed at how giving you were of your time and your money. The community is going to sorely miss you. I am sure, the man that you were, God welcomed you open arms!

Mary Adame

September 21, 2013

Although I never met you in person, you had an effect on my life. Thank you for being the caring person you were. Please accept my deepest sympathy to your family. You will be missed.

Judy

September 21, 2013

Matt 11:28: ~Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest~

MONALISA VALLEJOS

September 21, 2013

~You meant so much to all of us
you were special~

ALICIA MARTINEZ

September 21, 2013

You will be missed....

John Van Houten

September 21, 2013

Jon, you will be sorely missed.. I always loved talking to you, the respect you showed for all associates was so genuine. Your leadership was beyond compare.. Thank you. I will miss you Jon. God bless and watch over your family, and I am sure you will be as well..

John Van Houten

September 21, 2013

A wonderful warm generous man. Godspeed sir!

greg

September 20, 2013

Thanks for treating one and all with respect! We will miss being able to air our concerns with you. Best president ever! Thanks for caring about us. Rest in peace Jon , you will be missed.

Laura Vanatta

September 20, 2013

This is a sad time for everyone whose life Jon touched in one way or another. As a leader he was a genuine example of one who is truly concerned with his employees best interests. Condolences to his family. Jon, you will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace..

Leilani Foisy

September 20, 2013

Miss you Jon! You were a perfect example of what a leader should be. Hugs to your family, RIP

Laurie Barr

September 20, 2013

You will truly be missed... You have made such a difference in our Fry's World and the communities we all live in. Thank you for all the hugs, smiles, respect & your big heart!! May you RIP. God bless you and your family. May all The Flora family,friends & Kroger family find peace.....Thank You for being YOU!!!

Denise

September 20, 2013

You were such a kind and generous man. May you rest in peace in God's loving arms.

susan riggs

September 20, 2013

As an employee of Fry's you always knew that you were appreciated when Jon came in the store. i will forever miss your smile, your laugh, and the hugs! R.I.P
Debi- phx az

September 20, 2013

The Phoenix community is mourning the loss of a family member. Jon Flora was a familiar face. If you looked up words like leadership and integrity in a dictionary there would be a picture of Jon Flora. I hope his family can find comfort in knowing how much Jon was respected and admired.

Jodi Finnesy

September 19, 2013

My sincere sympathy goes out to Christy, his family, his furry kids and his Fry's family. I was lucky enough to have known Jon by taking care of his dogs. He was a very down to earth, mellow individual. My daughter called him Uncle Jon. I will never forget when he asked her what her favorite store was, and she responded, "Circle K!" You should've seen the look on his face! Priceless! He will be missed dearly by this community!

Allison Hill

September 19, 2013

Such a loss to so many, I will miss seeing Jon come in the store for a visit, his smile, his hug... he touched each of our hearts.

Linda King

September 19, 2013

I worked with Jon at the Main Street Dillons store in Garden Cit, Kansas in 1972. I was a checker and he was in dairy. He was a great guy in high school and went on to big things. It has been inspirational to hear all the great things he has done. GCHS Buffaloes Proud!

Julie Drevnick Ford

September 19, 2013

Keep the memories of Jon going on as he is deeply missed. He was remarkable in every way possible. I hope we still hear the voice of Mr. Flora about the famous chicken we sell. Thank you for all you have done

STORE 38

September 19, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Flora family. Jon was a great man to work for during my tenure with the Fry's family. Always smiling, listening, and giving the warmest hugs; He will be missed. RIP Jon and thank you for leadership, guidance, and friendship.

Respectfully,

Rico Fragoso
Former ASM of #79 and #89
Poulsbo, WA

September 19, 2013

I had the unique privilege of meeting Jon once while he was in Yuma. Such a warm person. We chatted for a long while, as we had many similarities in our background. Although Jon was just an acquaintance after that meeting, he didn't feel like one. Since that day, I felt he was more than that, a friend. Although we didn't ever talk again after that brief encounter, I am struck with sadness at the news of his passing. The world has lost a truly great man.

Andrew P

September 19, 2013

What a wonderful Boss and friend you have been. Your HUGS will be missed

Wendy Erickson

September 19, 2013

We at Cortney's Place are very sad by the loss of our special friend, Jon. He changed the lives of so many disabled adults with his warm smile, kindness and generosity. He will truly be missed!
Benee Hilton-Spiegel,
Chairman of the Board, Cortney's Place

Benee Hilton-Spiegel

September 19, 2013

Thanks Jon for being such a positive influence and wonderful role model in Arizona, wish there were more like you. You will be truly missed.

Tina Rankin

September 19, 2013

I am terribly sorry for your loss. Mr. Flora was a genuine man. He was kind and had a huge heart. He will be missed.

Heather

September 19, 2013

Thank you Jon for being a great man! You will be missed by many!

September 19, 2013

Hello: My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Flora's family,I know your loss and feel your pain. Even though I did not know Mr.Flora personally I did know and appreciate him by reputation. We shopped at Fry's and long before that with our good friend Clyde Smith,Smitty's and have lived in Arizona since November 1955.

Mr.Flora you have served your community of friends far beyond any expectation and now you its your turn to sit back and rest awhile knowing full well that you were and are loved and appreciated to your years of service to all of us through your work at Fry's and within our community. Rest in peace our friend.

With sincere Love and Appreciation.

In memory of Lois M. Adams March 3,1927-November 18,2009,a loyal customer forever.

L.Hiram(Larry) Adams

September 19, 2013

Jon was an amazing friend,president,and wonderful man. He touched so many hearts and lives while he was our leader. He changed our stores in so many ways. My favorite was everyone was treated with respect. I have worked with Fry's for 30 years and have seen remarkable changes all for the best. Rest in peace! Thank you for everything you were.YOU MADE a DIFFERENCE in so many lives.

Ronda

September 19, 2013

My prayers go out to everyone during this sad loss of a WONDERFUL MAN. He was a great President with feelings for everyone. Jon will be missed by so many, his smile along with his handshake. He taught us how to treat our customers and employees. He has done so much for Frys and he will be deeply missed and he will always be remembered. So sudden and so sad, but thank God we have so many memories of what he accomplished. God be with you

Mary

September 18, 2013

Loispurvance loved jon flora i worked for frys for 6great. Years i did not say goodby to jonflora love loispurvance

lois Purvance

September 18, 2013

Jon had a wonderful way to make you feel you were a friend of his with out saying a word. He had a warm smile and a huge big heart for people. He did everything he could to make the employees have a much more normal family life. He spent hours talking over issues and problems with anyone who wrote him. He will be missed by all who were around him. Peace and Love to his family at this very sad time.

Patti Zelechowski

September 18, 2013

I am so touch with this lost . THIS man was a father figured and a lovely man . HE was very much intuned with the need and helped those whom was in despair at times. I will miss him so . I am happy to have known of him and will be glad to see him again in heaven..

Bless Alcantar

September 18, 2013

My thought and prayers go out to the Flora family

Cheryl Portnoy

September 18, 2013

Mr Jon Flora was an amazing sole.my sincere sympathy to the flora family.
Cheryl ostin-addy Casa Grande 669

cheryl ostin-addy

September 18, 2013

The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association send our thoughts and prayers to the Flora family and employees of Fry's. Mr. Flora made our community a better place to live. He will be missed.

United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association

September 18, 2013

Thank you!! RIP

September 18, 2013

My sincere prayers to out to your family. May they find solace in remembering this fine man...He is at peace with the angels

Rita M. Clark

September 18, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Flora family. Just want to say that I'll always remember Jon's smile when he came into our store. It was contagious and always made others smile. Jon was one of he best bosses I've ever had. I'll miss you Mr. Flora. RIP

Lea Travis

September 18, 2013

You will be missed! Gob bless your family and friends,and your sole in heaven.Your friends from fry's Delors Belevich and Wendy Cavaliere

Wendy Cavaliere

September 18, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

m b

September 18, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

G. Freeman

September 18, 2013

I'm so sorry for your're loss. May the God of Peace be with you and your family in this time of need. Psalm 29:11

Denise

September 18, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cynthia

September 18, 2013

PEACE,to your Family and Friends from SVdP-Olmc Tempe, AZ

Julian Natividad

September 18, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortune enough to work with Mr. Flora in Columnus, Ohio. He was a great man. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Martha Jarrett

September 18, 2013

Sympathies to the Flora family at this time of loss. Jon was a well-loved man and there are many fond memories of him. May the God of comfort ease your pain during these difficult moments and strengthen you to endure and carry the happy memories with you.

A.D.

September 18, 2013

Jon Flora was a very good man i will always remember meeting him he was very very sweet and he will always remembered to be greatest guy that i have ever seen RIP to Jon Flora he will be missed i will always remember that every time i see him with a smile on his face he always gives me hugs i will never forget that to regret that thank you Jon god bless you

Audra Bloomfield

September 18, 2013

Our Leadership Kansas Class will miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.l

Lloyd J. Parker, Ph.D. Anthem, Arizona

September 17, 2013

Thoughts and prayers go out to Jon's family and friends and the whole Fry's family.

TH

September 17, 2013

Prayers to the family!!!

Chanel Herrmann

September 17, 2013

To a great president and leader your smiling face and enthusiasm will truly be missed by my husband and I two of your dedicated employes from 129 & 680 prayers go out to the Flora family

Dave & Daphne Palmer

September 17, 2013

God bless

sandy marrinez

September 17, 2013

What a wonderful, respectful man..I am honored to have known him. He made Fry's a wonderful place to work.... god bless the family... Rest in peace..

sandy martinez

September 17, 2013

Jon was a great leader and I will always remember his smile and his "can do" attitude. RIP old friend. My condolences to his family.

Tom Taylor

September 17, 2013

My thoughts are with the Flora family, I met him in the store in Sierra Vista. He was a charming and gracious man. He will be missed. - Sandra

September 17, 2013

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