Arturo Flores, 75, of Los Banos went to be with the Lord and his late wife, Violet Flores, on September 20, 2023, after a private ten-month health battle.
Arturo, or Art as he was affectionately known to his close friends and family, was born on May 19, 1948, in San Jose, CA. He was the youngest of 12 children to parents Fernando Flores and Antonia Arrellano Flores.
Art went to elementary school in Cupertino before the family settled on 18th Street in San Jose. From there he attended Roosevelt Junior High and San Jose High School. While in high school, Arturo played football and wrestled for the Bulldogs.
After high school Arturo kept his competitive fire going by being a pioneer and long-time member of the Mexican-American Basketball Association (M.A.B.A.) in East San Jose. In addition to basketball, Arturo also was a member of the Paul Mason softball team, where he played first base for a number of years while he was employed at the winery.
Additionally, Arturo coached youth football for the East Side Youth Athletic Club (E.Y.A.C.) for a period of time in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Art and Violet settled in the small town of Los Banos in 2002, loved living there and being a part of the small-town community.
Arturo is preceded in death by 10 of his siblings: sisters Molly Leal, Helen Castillo, Nellie Pino, Dora Temple, Pauline Estrada, Marilyn Wright, Martha Wright and Rose Badillo, as well as, brothers Fernando Flores Jr. and Chris Flores. He is survived by one brother, Marcos “Mike” Flores.
Arturo is a Dad to sons, Larry and Sonny, and his daughter, Corrina. He is also a Grandpa to many grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as “Papa.” They include Eddie, Raelene, Divena, Andrew, Venessa, Katrina, Nico, Mayah, Serenity, Laylah, Sophia, Josiah, Gabriel and Mateo. He was a godfather to Saul Jr. and Nikki.
Art had an amazing sense of humor and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose.
