Isidro "Rene" C. Flores' Obituary
Isidro Cruz Flores, known to his family and friends as Rene, was born in the Philippines on May 15, 1944 to Serafin and Matilda Flores. He was the second of 6 siblings.
Rene joined the US Coast Guard in 1962, and he spent most of his career in the Coast Guard Cutters on Icebreaker ships. These duties enabled him to travel to Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean.
In 1976, he met Emma Rivera, and in 1977, they married. Rene spent his remaining years in the Coast Guard on shore duties, in Kodiak, Alaska; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; and Mackinaw City, Michigan. He retired from the Coast Guard in 1988 as a Chief Petty Officer after 26 years of service, and he settled with his family in Gainesville, Florida.
Rene and Emma raised two sons, Francis and Glen, who went on to earn an MBA and a PhD, respectively, from the University of Florida, and found success in both careers and having families of their own.
Rene was a devoted husband and father, which was his greatest achievement in life.
Rene is survived by his loving wife, Emma, of 46 years, his sons Francis (Lissa) and Glen (Katie) and 4 grandchildren: Rafael, Leo, Gianna, and Jude. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Munoz of Baltimore, Maryland.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the caring staff of the VA Hospitals in Gainesville and Lake City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Ave. with Fr. Alberto Esposito as celebrant. A reception will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities, https://cmmb.org/.
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