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, 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.