Apolonio "Nono" Flores

1940 - 2019

August 11, 1940 - January 26, 2019
Mr. Apolonio "Nono" Flores passed away on January 26, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. Born in Laredo, Texas, Nono was a long-time resident of San Antonio.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Henry Flores, sons Michael H. Flores, and Thomas J. Flores, brothers Antonio Flores (Elizabeth), Leo Flores (Patsy), Fernando Flores, and sister-in-law Linda (Daniel Flores, Jr.). Brothers-in-law James Henry (Nora) and Robert Henry (Leticia), plus many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Daniel and Alicia, sisters Margarita Nutt, Diamantina Peña, Delia Pennock and brother Daniel Flores, Jr.

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Nono served as auditor with the Office of Inspector General (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Supervisory Auditor with the Office of Inspector General (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), and a year as Special Assistant to the Inspector General as a participant of HUD's Executive Identification and Development Program.

As a Certified Public Accountant, Apolonio was a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Texas Society of CPAs, the San Antonio chapter of CPAs, and the American Association of Spanish Speaking CPAs.

Nono is known for his stewardship of the Housing Authority of the City of San Antonio, serving as its President and CEO from 1979 to 1997. During his tenure at the Housing Authority, Mr. Flores secured millions in federal grant money to preserve and increase affordable housing units for the residents of San Antonio, expanding the Housing Authority's inventory of affordable housing by more than 3,500 units through his pioneering use of non-profit corporations and innovative financing, transforming the authority into a model for housing authorities nationwide.

He was a forward-thinking leader. For instance, Flores formed a company for San Antonio public housing residents to manufacture cabinets, window screens, and steel doors. He also helped create resident-owned businesses that led to higher tenant incomes. He created a robust Family Self-Sufficiency program by requiring all entry-level positions be filled by public housing residents, as well as a Home-Ownership program. He strongly believed that providing safe, affordable housing to economically disadvantaged people was just part of the Housing Authority's mission. He was committed to giving the housing authority residents a path to economic stability and homeownership and he did this by championing strong community partnerships and resident involvement.

His expertise and passion for ensuring affordable housing was recognized both locally and nationally. His professional affiliations included the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), serving as President; the Housing and Development Law Institute; the Housing Research Foundation; the Texas Housing Finance Corporation; and the Housing Authority Television Network. Apolonio also received the highest award from both the Southwest Regional Council of NAHRO and Texas NAHRO and was the first member inducted into the Texas NAHRO Hall of Fame. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan appointed Mr. Flores to serve as a Member of the White House Conference for a Drug-Free America. In 2008, Mr. Flores was selected as NAHRO's recipient of the M. Justin Herman Memorial Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements and innovation in the housing and community field. He was often invited to speak at national and international conferences because of his expertise in public housing.

Apolonio Flores' commitment to public service was always evident. He served in various board positions, including chairman, for the Bexar County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center. He served on the PTA's of both his sons' schools, on the Public Administration Advisory Council at Our Lady of the Lake University, the Regional Human Resources Advisory Committee of the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Urban Affairs Committee, and Advisor to the San Antonio City Council Housing Task Force (to name a few).

After leaving the Housing Authority, Mr. Flores continued to work in the affordable housing sector, forming Flores Residential, LC, which provided consulting services to housing authorities, non-profit organizations, developers and others. Nono was one of the country's leading experts in Tax Credits for affordable housing. Upon learning of Flores' passing, one housing official commented that, "the housing industry has lost a giant and a true friend."

His passion for providing affordable housing was eclipsed only by his passion for his alma mater Texas A&M University. An avid Aggie football fan, he took his youngest son, Tommy, to all of the home games. Nono enjoyed spending time with his family, often having them join him on his business trips around the nation and world. A near constant in his life was dinner with his family and friends after Saturday mass. He will be missed by his family, as well as by a host of former colleagues, employees, and friends. Godspeed, Nono.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Anthony De Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz, San Antonio, Texas 78209.

ROSARY
SUNDAY,
FEBRUARY 3, 2019
6:00 P.M.
ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH
102 LORENZ, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209

MASS
MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 4, 2019
11:00 A.M.
ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH
102 LORENZ, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209

Father Kevin Shanahan, MSC will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in Apolonio Flores' name to:
The Arc of San Antonio
13430 West Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78216
www.arc-sa.org

OR

The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas (DSASTX) 1127 Patricia, San Antonio, Texas 78213
www.dsastx.org

You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with