William F. Florich II, 91, of South St. Louis County, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at home after a short illness. He was born June 17, 1935, in New York City to William and Madeleine (Masson) Florich. He married Mary Holzum from Leopold, Missouri on May 29, 1957, in Lubbock, Texas.
He was a Major in the US Air Force, serving as a pilot with the Strategic Air Command during the Cold and Vietnam wars. He flew B-47, B-52, and FB-111 aircrafts, and was stationed at bases throughout the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia.
After retiring from the USAF in 1975, Mr. Florich and his family settled in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. After earning an economics degree in 1976 from Southeast Missouri State University, he began a second career as a stockbroker for the brokerage firm Reinholdt and Gardener. In 1980, he moved to St. Louis, working in banking and finance at St. Louis Union Trust, United Missouri Bank, Mercantile Bank, and Burns Pauli firm.
After retiring from a successful financial career, Mr. Florich served as the Executive Director of the Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation (JBHF). Under his leadership, funds were raised to remodel the historic JBHF building and create a tribute wall to veterans from all branches. He was instrumental in finalizing transfer of the building from state and federal control to the Foundation.
His interest in the history of Jefferson Barracks fueled the creation of a widely circulated JBHF comprehensive brochure, chronicling the 200-year history of the Jefferson Barracks military base in South St. Louis County.
He had a lifelong interest in flying and promoting aviation. In 2002, Charles Lindbergh’s grandson flew a specially designed aircraft to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Following the historic flight, the aircraft was nearly lost to time and neglect. Mr. Florich was instrumental in saving the aircraft and making it air-worthy again. The plane is now used for education and to generate interest in aviation.
He supported Wings of Hope, flying and delivering aircrafts to South America and the Caribbean that were used to transport patients from remote areas for medical services, that otherwise could not be accessed.
Survivors include four children: Patricia (Brian) O’Shea, William (Mary Anne) Florich, Cathy Villhard, and Jennifer Florich; one brother Richard (Mary) Florich; nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, and brother Larry Florich.
SERVICES: Visitation will be from 1 – 7 pm, with a time of remembrance at 4:00 pm Sunday, August 23, at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, in South St. Louis County. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Monday, August 24, at Assumption-Mattese Catholic Church, 4725 Mattis Road, South St. Louis County.
Interment will be at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
So sorry to hear about your father’s passing Jen.
I enjoyed reading this about your father. He sounds like he was an amazing man and had many talents and great experiences.
Prayers for you and your family.
Dave
Thank you!
So sorry, Cathy, for your great loss….you took after him….he and my dad were both pilots. My father flew in WWII. May the Good Lord comfort you and your family during this very hard time.
Sincerely,
Elsie Allen-Farrow
Thanks, Elsie!
Bill, I had the honor of working for your Dad at his condo a couple times. He was a great man of character and strength. We need more good patriots like him today. I had no idea that he worked so hard to preserve the heritage of Jefferson Barracks. The barracks were my play ground when I was a kid. I’m sure he collaborated with Marc Kollbaum in preserving the rich history of the park and I m very grateful for his efforts for generations to come. May God bless your father and I will continue to keep him in my prayers.
I agree. Since his passing, we also are learning more about work and service Dad did tha he didn’t talk about. We are grateful to hear the stories.
Pat -Bill’s daughter
Bill was a great guy and a consummate aviator. I only knew Bill as a pilot after his retirement, and know that his many contributions to both military and civilian aviation are greatly appreciated and admired, and he will be sorely missed by his many friends and acquittances in the world of aviation.
Thank you!
Pat, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing from labor to rest. However, I hope you all can take comfort in his amazing life and the legacy he leaves behind. Also we know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May He comfort like only He can.
Thank you, Corliss!
Bill….sorry for your loss…your dad had a tremendous life…
Thank you for your message.
Thank you Chuck that means so much!
So sorry about your dad. We were neighbors with your mother across the hill. We talked after church any Sunday they were visiting.
Marilyn,
It is so good to hear from you! Mom and you have known each other since you were kids. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of you and your children over the years.
Dear Pat and family,
I’m so sorry to hear that your dad has passed. He was well loved in the aviation community in the St. Louis area. He was a great ambassador for Wings of Hope and an inspiration to many of the staff and volunteers. He will be missed.
Thanks, Steve! So good to hear from you.
Dear Pat and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I was very fortunate to have worked for and with him on the Parx Foundation theme park project and beyond. Bill had a powerful impact on my life from the minute I met him that continues to this day. He was one of the finest, true men I have ever been blessed to know.
Sean, Thank you for your thoughtful note.
Dear Pat,
I am so moved by the care and support you gave to your Dad this past year. May the peace of God be close to you and your family, especially at this difficult time.
Christine, Thank you for your kind note. We are very grateful we were able to care for Dad. God’s peace has been close.
Hello, Pat and family. This is John Bowlin reaching out to you. It has been a long time since we visited, but always remember you fondly and enjoyed our time at Southeast Missouri State University, old SEMO. Our old friend, Tom Clayton, informed me of your dear Dad’s passing to our Lord’s heavenly kingdom. You shall see him again. I remember meeting your Mom and Dad back in the 1980’s. They were living in an apartment near Grand Ave., in St. Louis city, at the time. I, too share a love of aviation, as your Dad did. I grew up in an American Airlines family. Your Dad had a wonderful life on this good earth. Was amazed that he knew a grandson of Charles Lindbergh. You and your family our in my prayers. Call if you would like, my number is 314-609-3690. Peace and God bless.
John, Thank you so much for your kind note and reaching out. It has been great to hear people, such as yourself, reminisce and share stories about Dad. Thank you for your prayers. They are much appreciated.
I am so glad that I had a chance to get to know Bill… Even a little. I so enjoyed his company when he came to visit here and when I visited him during his recovery at McKnight Place. Anne and I are so sorry we will not be able to come to his remembrance service. He was a genuine inspiration to me.
Thank you so much for your note and for visiting him. We are learning now how he inspired many people
We are sending love and light to you all during this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for your note and being at the funeral.