Thomas Flores, age 89, died on July 2, in his north Upland home surrounded by family. He was born on March 7, 1928 in Torreon, Mexico to his mother, Carlota Aguilera, and father, Jose Pilar Flores. He immigrated to the United States in 1968. He is survived by his devoted wife, Christine, with whom he had been married 45 years; daughter Christy and her husband, Carlos Tovares; daughter Karla and her husband, John Bettencourt; and 5 year-old granddaughter, Julia Noelle Bettencourt.
Thomas dedicated his life to helping others and as a native Spanish speaker, took a special interest in reaching out to the Latino community; he was Founder and Director of Bilingual Family Counseling Services in Ontario from 1975-1988. Later, he expanded his role as Social Service Practitioner by advocating on behalf of other community members, including children by working for Child Protective Services. After retirement in 1998 Thomas became a prolific poet, publishing numerous books that focus upon the theme of spirituality in everyday life. He was an intellectually curious man who enjoyed reading theological works, watching science fiction films, following current affairs, and playing piano, in addition to his true passion for writing poesia.
Known as a man of faith with a penchant for fatalistic humor, Thomas loved his family deeply and could often be found sitting quietly in his favorite seat at the kitchen table overlooking the family’s lovely yard full of fruit trees and bird baths, amid the soothing tones of back-porch wind chimes. His kindness, generosity, thoughtful wisdom, and attention to detail will be greatly missed.
A rosary will be offered in his honor at Stone Funeral Home at 355 E. 9th Street in Upland at 6pm on Wednesday, July 12th and the funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, July 13th at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church at 877 N. Campus Avenue in Upland at 11:30am. The family asks that prayers and masses be offered for their beloved, Thomas Flores.
Arrangements under the direction of Stone Funeral Home FD272, Upland, CA.
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