Gil Rivera Flores, Jr.

With a commanding presence that filled any room with energy and fun, Gil Rivera Flores, Jr., enjoyed himself most when surrounded by family and friends he loved like family. He fully gave his life as if it belonged to the community. A cherished husband, father, brother, and dear friend of many, Gil Rivera Flores, Jr., died on January 9, 2021, just two months short of his fiftieth birthday, in his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Born of Filipino immigrants, Gil and Pilar, on March 10, 1971, in Nashville, Tennessee, Gil inherited his father’s ambition and his mother’s servant heart. Middle child and only brother to Pamela and Debbie, Gil was fiercely loyal to his Papa and adored his Mama. Debbie remained his truest confidante throughout his life. The Floreses lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where Gil attended Fairfield Elementary, Brandon Junior High, and Green Run High Schools, and some of Gil’s life-long friendships were born in his growing-up days. Gil served the state’s largest graduating class, GRHS’s Class of 1989 (1000 graduates), as Senior Class President, just as he had led his junior high and freshman, sophomore, and junior classes before that. Until the end of his life, Gil served to unite his beloved Green Run Stallions. 

As a delegate of the Virginia Beach Leadership Workshop during his school years, Gil was honored to serve later on the Staff of the Workshop that shaped him. Gil attended Virginia Tech, where he was a devoted brother of the German Club, and once a Hokie, Gil was a life-long, passionate fan. For most of his working life, Gil, a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, served his clients with unsurpassed excellence and Gil’s trademark personal touch.

Gil’s proudest achievements were his roles as a husband to Ann Marie, whom he married on January 22, 2000, and father to “Little Gil,” their dearly loved son. In 2019, Ann Marie nearly lost her life when she suffered a fall, and Gil fully dedicated his life to caring for her through her coma and rehabilitation. Gil became “Little G’s” primary caretaker,  supervising all his online learning through COVID, coaching his soccer and baseball teams, and even serving his school as PTA President. As much as Gil gave to others, he somehow managed still to give Ann Marie and Little Gil the world.

Throughout his life, Gil nurtured deep friendships. Indeed, twelve men stood with Gil as groomsmen at his and Ann Marie’s wedding. Gil’s dearest friends enjoyed consistent communication with him despite the distance. Most recently, in the Floreses’ neighborhood and in Little Gil’s school community, Gil continued to grow and enjoy deep friendships. He enjoyed worshiping at Saint Raphael Catholic Church, and in many North Raleigh restaurants, stores, and businesses, Gil was considered a personal friend because of his genuine care for those he encountered. 

Gil is predeceased by his parents, Gil Rivera Flores, Sr., and Pilar Degracia Flores. He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie, and their son, Gil, of Raleigh; his older sister Pamela (Thomas) Fahs of Ellicott City, Maryland; and his younger sister Debbie (Jeff) Paras of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Roberto and Lydia Delostrino; sister-in-law, Annabelle; brother-in-law Robert (Cheryl), all of Virginia Beach; and brother-in-law, Randy (Lorinda). Gil is also survived by eighteen nieces and nephews and three godchildren, all of whom he adored and who adored him. Finally, Gil is survived by loving cousins, aunts and uncles, godparents and godsiblings, and friends who were truly family to him. 

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home at 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. In Virginia Beach, a public visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Kempsville Chapel, 1485 Kempsville Road. A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 1505 Kempsville Road.  Donations may be made in Gil’s memory to one of his favorite charities: American Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia, Brassfield Elementary School PTA, or any local SPCA or animal rescue.