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.