Flora A. Finazzo

Flora A. Finazzo, age 87, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1938, Flora was a devoted mother to her three children: Joe, Teresa, and Patti, and an adoring grandmother to Justin and Anthony. She was married to her former husband, Tony Finazzo.

Flora was an intelligent, creative, tenacious, adventurous person, and a savvy business entrepreneur. Flora started her professional endeavors at 19 as a licensed cosmetologist, and owner of a Michigan hair salon. Her career extended over 35 years, where she owned hair salons and fitness studios, while also supporting her husband in his entrepreneurial ventures located in Satellite Beach and Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. In addition, she enjoyed various hobbies that included baking, sewing, painting, pottery, music, ballroom dancing, and travel in her spare time.

The daughter of Joseph and Catherine Maltese, Flora's family immigrated from Italy to the United States in pursuit of new opportunities in the automotive industry. Her parents settled in Detroit, Michigan, where Flora and her sister Adele were raised, attending St. Raymond’s and Nativity Catholic schools. Mr. and Mrs. Maltese later moved to Warren, Michigan and both enjoyed long careers with Chrysler Corporation.

Flora initially met her husband, Tony, while attending a church event in Michigan. The couple later married and were together for 25 years. Before they began their family, Tony and Flora relocated to Taranto, Italy where he accepted an exciting position to live and work for Chrysler Aerospace in Europe.

Flora loved to travel and was excited at the opportunity to live in Italy and visit other countries in Europe with her husband. Their adventurous and extensive travels took them to Rome to see the Vatican, the Colosseum, Florence, and Jerusalem to see the Holy Land. They also visited Paris, Denmark, Germany, and while in Egypt...they were brave enough to ride camels and explore the infamous pyramids.

Flora and Tony’s first child, Joe, was born in Rome and baptized in St. Peter’s Cathedral. Meeting Pope John XXIII that day during the baptism was a memorable highlight for them. Once Flora's husband's assignment in Italy ended, they returned to Detroit, Michigan, where their first daughter, Teresa, was born. Two years later, their second daughter, Patti, arrived while they were living in New Orleans.

Their journey ultimately led them to Florida, where Chrysler Aerospace transferred Tony to work on NASA projects at the Kennedy Space Center. They eventually purchased waterfront property on the Banana River in Indian Harbour Beach, where they built their dream home and raised their three children. Florida offered an ideal environment for their children to grow up enjoying the sunny beaches, boating, water skiing, fishing and Disney World.

Flora took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and their achievements. She valued her family, preserved Italian traditions, and was famous for her fabulous cooking and baking. Flora was an active member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, balanced a career as a business owner and prioritized a Catholic education for her children, sending them to the local Catholic schools, including Ascension, Holy Name of Jesus, and Melbourne Central Catholic. She participated in numerous church and school activities, including the HNJ Women’s Guild, fundraisers, and served as a homeroom mom for many years. She ensured her kids were enrolled in local community and school sports: her daughters were active in ballet, dance, cheerleading, tennis, basketball and racquetball. Her son participated in football, baseball, basketball, tennis and racquetball.

Flora is survived by her three children and their families—Joe Finazzo (son Anthony), Teresa (husband Jim Taylor, son Justin), and Patti (husband Mike Stinton)—all residing in Florida. She is also survived by her sister Adele Budnick (husband James) and their children Jerry (nephew), Kathy (niece) and Diana (niece), as well as many cousins in Michigan. Flora was predeceased by her former husband, Tony Finazzo in 2016.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11am on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic, Florida. The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers at St. Francis Hospice and the nurses at Viera Del Mar Health & Rehab for their compassionate care and dedicated service.

Flora will be buried at Dignity Florida Memorial Gardens with additional details that can be found at website link https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rockledge-fl/flora-finazzo-12718759