Robert Florez

Obituary - Robert Richard Florez June 1, 1950 – October 26, 2020 Robert Richard Florez was just one person, but he was the world to many. Born on June 1, 1950, in Exeter, CA. to Florentino and Mary Florez. Robert was the sixth of nine children. He was born a gentle and kind spirit, who used his heart and hands to do many great things in life. He was a talented wrestler and in 1969, was named Redwood High School’s most valuable player – an honor still commemorated on the blanket inside the schools gymnasium. After earning his California contractor license in 1975, he founded Florez Construction, which in the last 40 years, built countless homes in Central California and beyond. He sacrificed daily to help raise and support his family of three and proudly watched his children establish their careers – Gloria became a Registered Nurse, Richard joined the U.S Army Reserve and started his own business, Richards Towing, and Laura became a journalist and public relations professional. He was a proud and doting grandfather, often traveling weekly to the Central Coast to attend gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and football games for his grandchildren. When he could no longer walk onto sports fields, he went by wheelchair or parked his car close to the field and cheered. He was not a man of many words, but he was a man of much laughter. Many will miss his brilliant smile, his hearty laugh, and his sense of humor. Most of all, Robert helped people – those he knew and those he did not. Someone once described Robert as a person who would give anyone who needed it, the shirt off his back. He was a popular man because of his kind and gentle ways. Almost every errand he made with family was interrupted with an encounter with someone he knew. In those rare instances where he did not know someone, he would make a new friend. Robert gave this world what he wanted in return. Robert is survived by his children: Gloria Florez of Grover Beach, Richard Florez of Visalia and Laura McCusker of Visalia. Grandchildren: Marina and Roman Florez; Kevin, Asa Robert and Rory McCusker. Robert is also survived by his Mother: Mary M. Flores of Visalia, Siblings: Florentino J. Florez of Creston, Gabriel R. Florez of Half Moon Bay, Arthur F. Florez of Reedley, Christine M. Florez of Visalia, Ralph Marquez, Leonard Marquez, Christina Miles-Marquez, Catherine Vigil and Helen Florez. Robert is survived by nephews, nieces, and godchildren, too many to name. Robert was preceded in death by: his father Florentino G. Florez, step-mother Mary Helen Florez, step-father Remigio F. Florez, Brothers Manuel John Florez and Mario Pete Florez. In-laws: Mario and Herminia Salinas and sister-in-law Myra Garcia. Open Casket viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel, 1700 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA 93277