Fernando Flores Jr

The family of Fernando Flores Jr. is saddened to announce his passing on March 9, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on August 4, 1950, in Albion, Michigan, Fernando was the beloved son of Fernando Flores and Petra (Guzman) Flores. Fernando lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a lifelong love of music.

Fernando shared 42 deeply cherished years with his beloved wife, Gloria Flores. Their love story began with a moment that felt like love at first sight. While Fernando was working at Head Start, he would often notice Gloria arriving at the school, gently pushing her children in a buggy as she walked them to school. It was in those quiet, everyday moments outside the Head Start building that she first caught his eye—and before long, she had captured his heart completely. From that day forward, their lives became beautifully intertwined. Together they built a home filled with love, devotion, and unwavering support, standing beside one another through life’s joys and challenges. Their partnership was rooted in deep care for one another and a commitment to family that remained strong throughout the many years they spent together.

Family was always the center of Fernando’s life. He was a proud father to Gloria (Shawn) Flores-Holthus, and he opened his heart just as fully as a devoted father in raising Venita Ana Rodriguez-Singh and Adrian Carlitos Rodriguez Jr. His fatherly guidance continued with Dolores (Steve) Parr, Juan (Lisa) Cantu, Deborah Lee (Baltazar) Vela, and John Sanders throughout life. Fernando’s love extended to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless pride, laughter, and joy. He treasured every moment spent with each person he brought under his wing and held each of them close to his heart.

Fernando was the second oldest of ten children and shared a close bond with his siblings. He is survived by Linda Vasquez, Robert (Marian) Flores, Michael Flores, and Diane Flores. He was preceded in death by his siblings Delores Flores, Ofelia Flores-Wofford, Mary Flores, Josephine Villa, and Theresa Perez.

From a young age, Fernando learned the value of hard work. As a boy he often helped his father deliver tortillas, Mexican produce, and spices throughout the community. Those early mornings and long days alongside his father helped shape the strong work ethic that defined him throughout his life.

Fernando was deeply proud of the hard work he accomplished throughout life. He dedicated 42 years of service to the Vista Nuevas / Matrix Human Services Head Start Program. He started as a teacher and later worked in the kitchen, preparing the meals each child needed. The impact he had on the lives of young children and their families was immense. Even as the years went on, he continued working for as long as he possibly could, committed to helping others and believing strongly in the importance of early education.

Music was another lifelong passion for Fernando. As a young adult, he and his friend Carlos would sit on the back porch talking and dreaming, sometimes improvising drums out of whatever they could find—including an ironing board and household items. When Carlos eventually bought a guitar, the dream of forming a band suddenly became real.

Over the years, “Fernie”, as his buddies knew him, grew as a musician alongside his friends Chuck, Carlos, Bill Rayes, Danny, Luis and later Sandy and Al. What started as a love of rock and roll eventually expanded into many styles of music. Fernando played drums in several bands throughout the years, including Spectrum, The Voyage, and Mas Rock. Band practice often took place in family basements or wherever space could be found. Fernie performed at many bars and venues throughout Detroit and the Downriver area, including serving as part of the house band near Northline and Fort Street. While the pay was often modest—and sometimes simply a good meal—Fernando never minded. He played because he loved music. Later in life he developed a special appreciation for jazz, enjoying the rhythm and creativity it allowed. Those who watched him play remember the joy he felt behind the drum set and how he had a way of striking the cymbals at just the right musical moment.

Outside of music, Fernando loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed landscaping, mowing grass, fishing, raking leaves, cutting the grass, and even shoveling snow in the winter. He truly appreciated the beauty of Michigan and its four changing seasons. Fernando often said you should never leave Michigan because it has “fresh water all around,” something he believed made the state special. Along with his love of the outdoors, Fernando took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the value of working hard and caring for what you have. Some of his happiest moments were spent with family in Albion, Michigan, sharing stories, laughter, and time together. He also shared a special bond with his Uncle Ace, a relationship he treasured throughout his life.

Fernando was also deeply committed to serving his community. He was a charter member of the Detroit Hispanic Lions Club, an organization founded in 1988 to support the hearing impaired and the blind while serving the Southwest Detroit community. As an active member of this hospitality and service organization, Fernando participated in many community events over the years, including food pantries, the Cinco de Mayo parade, neighborhood park cleanups, and numerous outreach efforts that helped support local families. Giving back and being part of the community meant a great deal to him.

He was also an avid Detroit sports fan and loved cheering on his hometown teams—the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Pistons. Whether watching a game on television, talking sports with friends and family, or proudly wearing his team gear, Fernando followed his teams with loyalty and enthusiasm. Game days were something he truly enjoyed, and he took pride in standing by his Detroit teams through both their victories and their tough seasons. For Fernando, cheering on Detroit was more than just watching sports—it was another way he felt connected to the community and the city he loved.

Fernando loved his family above all else. He had a generous spirit and a caring heart, often looking after others and welcoming many people into his life as if they were his own. His kindness, humor, and steady presence made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Fernando will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, dedicated teacher, talented drummer, and loyal friend. His rhythm, laughter, and love for family will echo in the hearts of those who knew him for many years to come.

In honor of Fernando, family welcomes guests to wear Detroit sports logo gear as a tribute to the teams he loved. Please take this opportunity to share your memories and condolences in the guestbook below.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Solosy Funeral Home, where a Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Detroit. Mr. Flores will lie in state at the church beginning at 9:30 AM, with Mass at 10:00 AM.

Burial will follow at Woodmere Cemetery.