Katherine Ann Flori

Katherine’s life was defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep-seated desire to lift others as she climbed. Her academic journey was a testament to her tenacity, beginning with an Associate’s in Secretarial Studies from Queensborough Community College. She went on to earn a B.S. in Business Education from Baruch College in 1992 (Magna Cum Laude), an M.S. in Instructional Technology from the NY Institute of Technology in 1996 (Graduated with Distinction), and a Post Masters Educational Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2002. She reached the pinnacle of her academic career in 2007, earning her Ph.D. in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Katherine’s career in the New York City school system spanned decades, beginning in 1992 at Grover Cleveland High School. She was a visionary in the classroom, initiating the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP) to bridge the gap between education and the professional world. Her crowning achievement, however, was her work at William Cullen Bryant High School as the faculty advisor for the MOUSE Squad (Making Opportunities for Upgrading Schools and Education). Under her mentorship, the squad was named the best in the nation for two separate terms and secured a prestigious second-place finish in the ThinkQuest NYC Web Site competition.

While her professional accolades were many, Katherine’s true masterpiece was her nearly six-decade marriage to her husband, Jerry. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion and shared values. Katherine was a prolific creator who found joy in the tactile—whether she was shaping ceramics, knitting and sewing for her loved ones, or meticulously crafting the Christmas ornaments that will hang on her family’s trees for generations to come. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and lessons, where her passion for baking and cooking was passed down to her children, ensuring her recipes and her spirit remain at the table. She was also a gifted gardener who surrounded her home with flowers that bloomed all year long.

Katherine is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry; her four children, Monica and her husband Jon, Paige and her husband Peter, Guy and his fiancée Richard, and Gennaro. She also leaves behind her grandson, Jonathan.

A memorial visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, located at 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY, 11358. The visitation will take place on February 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.