John Robert DeFlora

John Robert DeFlora, age 78, passed away on Monday, April 1, 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 3 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 5 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.