President of Fry’s is mourned in Valley
Jon Flora remembered for local philanthropy
The Cincinnati-based owner of Fry’s Food Stores of Arizona confirmed Saturday that division President Jon Flora died Friday at age 58.
JoEllen Lynn, a Fry’s spokeswoman, said the cause of death was unknown, but a statement from the Kroger Co., Fry’s parent company, said it was unexpected.
According to the company, Flora started working for Kroger’s Dillons stores in 1971 as a clerk and “bottle boy,” cleaning glass soda bottles that customers returned to the store to be recycled.
He eventually rose to several positions of leadership, including vice president of the company’s Southwest division and president of its Michigan and Great Lakes divisions.
In 2007, Flora was named president of Fry’s Food Stores of Arizona.
He eventually became a familiar face with the public, featured prominently in the company’s marketing.
Lynn said Flora had a remarkable connection with his employees and was well-liked.
“He was loved,” she said. “He was a hugger. He was out there all the time, and they knew he cared and it was genuine.
“He truly (was) a remarkable man who cared so deeply for our employees, our customers and the community,” she said.
Kroger Chairman and CEO Dave Dillon released a written statement Saturday saying, “We are deeply saddened to lose Jon, our dear friend and extraordinary leader.
“Jon leaves a legacy of enthusiasm and passion for doing what’s right for our customers, our neighbors and our associates,” he said. “He touched the lives of countless people in our company as well as throughout our industry and community. ... Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
The company and leaders at several charitable organizations lauded Flora on Saturday for his volunteerism, particularly with organizations geared toward ending hunger.
Jerry Brown, a spokesman for the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, called Flora a “giant” in efforts to end hunger.
Under Flora’s leadership, Fry’s Food Stores became more involved in such charities, Brown said, and the food bank was just one that benefited.
For example, Brown said, Fry’s and its customers raised nearly 700 tons of food during a food drive in 2012 — nearly seven times the original goal.
Flora even donned a Santa Claus hat one Christmas and helped hand out food boxes to families, Brown said.
Brown said Flora was known for presenting big, cardboard checks, which represented monetary donations from the company.
Hewasn’t the kind of guy who would disappear into the crowd afterward, Brown said. Flora liked to linger, shake hands and interact with volunteers.
“It wasn’t just a persona,” Brown said. “It was really who he was.”
Brown said he was stunned when he heard about Flora’s death, particularly given his relatively young age.
Amy Gibbons, president and executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, called Flora “a pillar of kindness in the Valley” in a written statement.
“Jon put the community at the center of Fry’s culture at every level of the organization,” she said. “Our kids in need could always count on a turkey from Fry’s at the holidays.”
Jeffrey Levinson, chairman of the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs, said the group honored Flora for his charitable efforts at a March fundraiser called Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars.
Levinson said he was struck by Flora’s kindness and generosity.
The organization was trying to raise $2 million at the dinner and silent auction. Levinson had said he wasn’t sure they were going to reach the goal.
“We were backstage,” he said. “He sort of grabbed me by the elbow and said, ‘ Look, if you’re short of your $2 million goal, I’ll make up the difference.’ ”
Levinson said he, too, was shocked by Flora’s death, which he said was “unexpected and way too early.”
“I felt terrible about it,” he said. “He was a terrific guy, and he was a great asset to the community, and he was way too young to have passed away.”
Steve Zabilski, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, said Flora was “an extraordinarily kind man who ... I really do think was beloved by every single person who knew (him).”
Zabilski said he had accompanied Flora to several Fry’s stores and was always struck by his strong bond with his employees.
“This was a man who was genuinely interested in the lives of the people who worked for him,” he said. “Whenever I was with Jon, I said to myself, ‘I need to be more like Jon Flora.’ ”