Frieda Teresa Flocchini

Our dearest mother, our family's angel and saint, Alfrieda Teresa Flocchini, passed away peacefully at her family home of over 55 years in San Jose, in her husband's loving arms, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Alfrieda ("Mom") is survived by her adoring and devoted husband, Larry Flocchini; her two sons, Stephen Flocchini, wife Priscilla Moss, sons Tyler and Conner Moss; and Michael Flocchini, wife Lydia (Mendoza) Flocchini, son Aidan and daughter Francesca Flocchini. She is also survived by her living siblings, who always affectionately called her "Sissy";

brother Joey Girotti and sister Arleen (Girotti) Hardenstein and her husband Scott Hardenstein, sons William and Michael Hardenstein.

Mom was born November 26, 1946, in beautiful Monterey, to proud, hardworking italian parents, Eloise and Evaristo Girotti. As the eldest of three children, she quickly developed the devotion to family we all knew so well-always guiding, advising, and lovingly telling us what to do (Thank God). From her parents she inherited a deep love of Italian culture, family traditions, and an unwavering work ethic.

After graduating from O'Connor School of Nursing in 1967 as a Registered Nurse, Mom dedicated more than forty years of her life to caring for others. Her career spanned hospital work and the private sector, including leadership roles managing a highly successful plastic surgery and endoscopy practice. Whether tending to patients, supporting physicians, or mentoring staff, she brought compassion, competence and kindness to everyone she served.

To her family, it came as no surprise that Mom carried that same devotion home. Her family story began long before her own generation. Both the Flocchini and Girotti families were close family friends in Italy before emigrating to America at the turn of the 20th century.

From small towns in northern Italy, both families settled in California as farmers, raising dairy cattle and pigs. As fate would have it, Mom and Dad first met as children during large family celebrations hosted by the Girotti family.

Fast forward to the 1960's: Dad's aunt insisted he pick up Mom for his high school graduation in 1965. No sparks flew then. But a little more than a year later, the two would reconnect, beginning the love story that continued for the rest of their lives, 58 years of marriage and the beautiful family they created together.

Family was Mom's crown jewel, and her grandchildren were the center stones. Nothing was more precious to her than her "kids" and her "Daddy" - husband and father...family was her everything.

Mom was the megaphone literally and figuratively (and we are laughing as we write this and you should too) at the kids' many years of games...you could hear her cheering even in the crowds. She was the host of the party - even when the party wasn't hers to host. And she was the one in charge...of whatever it was we were doing, even when we didn't think we needed directing. Of course, we did and she knew it, even when we didn't. That was how she always took care of us... her love and devotion.

To no surprise, Mom was always on the move-always interested in others and their stories...always welcoming everyone. Of her many years volunteering with the Italian Catholic Federation, proudly serving the San Jose branch, they lovingly described her best: "(When) she walked into a room, you thought the sky opened up because she brought the most sunshine." We don't think we could have said it any better than that.

In honoring Mom's last wishes, private service for immediate family will be held at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.