Elisha Floro

Elisha Leroy "Chug" Floro, 86, of Mansfield, went home to the Lord just before midnight on Thursday, December 25, 2014 surrounded by his loving family in his home. He was born January 13, 1928, in Mansfield to the late Elmer and Isabella (Cameron) Floro.

Chug graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1945 and was a catcher for the baseball team. He, along with his teammates, brought back baseball to the school after a long absence, and did it in a big way by winning the District Championship in 1945. His baseball career continued to blossom and he spent three years in the farm system of the Chicago Cubs until an injury ended his lifelong passion. While in the farm system, he was selected to the All Rookie Team, hitting an average of .335 and was voted Most Popular Player. He was also a member of the Mansfield Senior basketball team, although he said he wasn't very good at it. His exceptional athleticism was recognized recently when he was inducted into the Mansfield City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2015, during a special ceremony held early due to his illness. It was a poignant and uplifting ceremony for Chug and his family and friends. Baseball remained an integral part of his life and Chug taught baseball fundamentals to many area children. He was an encyclopedia of baseball facts and trivia. Whether Chug was playing, watching or teaching, his love for the game was absolute.

Chug was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 and graduated from Officer Candidate School and Infantry School. He served his country during the Korean War as a weapons instructor based in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He remained in the Reserves until 1965. He continued to provide support for the military through his many patriotic and Veteran's Day programs. Chug was an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Richland County Chapter 51. He received three Freedom Foundation Awards for his programs and dedication.

He worked for 50 years with Taylor Metal Products. Chug was a lifelong, active member of St. John's United Church of Christ. In his spare time, he was an avid photographer, enjoying a wide variety of subjects. His love of sports did not stop at baseball and basketball. He enjoyed taking photos at the Mansfield Mehock Relays and Riverfront Stadium. Paul Brown was a good friend and he admired his knowledge and success of coaching at all levels.

Chug met his wife, Marjorie in Sunday school and they married in 1950. They shared 64 wonderful years in each other's company and his loss will be felt by all of those who loved him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Steve (Katie) Floro; daughters, Sandra (Horst) Boehm and Lori Floro; three grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) Niedermier, Emily (Alex) Henson and Weston Floro Hageman; a great-grandson, James Niedermier due February 2. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Alexander Floro; and two sisters, Helen Jamison and Alberta Cordrey.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 5-7 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2014, in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Jared Ruark will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in St. John's United Church of Christ. Military honors will be presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44903 or St. John's United Church of Christ, 68 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH 44902.

Chug loved his family, church and country and his friends were extra special to him. Chug and his family enjoyed all the visits, phone calls and cards wishing him well.