Anthony Tony FLORA

21 JAN 1950 - 18 DEC 2020

• BIRTH: 21 JAN 1950, Brooklyn, New York
• DEATH: 18 DEC 2020, Loyola University Medical Center, Hines, Illinois

• MARRIAGE: 17 MAY 1974, St Joseph County, IN

INDEX

[N26750] Anthony “Tony” Flora
Jan. 21, 1950 - Dec. 18, 2020

SOUTH BEND, IN - Anthony “Tony” Flora, beloved father, brother, son-in-law, and partner died at Loyola University Medical Center December 18, 2020 of complications from a stem cell transplant. He was born January 21, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York to Anthony and Lucille Flora who preceded him in death. He was raised on the Long Island suburb of Massapequa where he played on the lacrosse team at Berner High School. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1971 which he attended on the James Casey full scholarship. On May 17, 1974 he married Kristina Ann Lackman. They enjoyed many travel adventures and raised two sons before her death in 2011. He is survived by his sons, Matthew and Mark Flora, both of South Bend, Indiana. Anthony is also survived by his sisters, Lucille (Mella) Flora of Massapequa, New York, and Barbara O'Reilly of Kennewick, Washington and her children, Meghann, Scott, Tim, and Christian. He remained a close member of the Lackman family and was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Lackman. He is survived by his mother-in-law, Audrey Lackman, who always appreciated his visits and lively conversation. He will be greatly missed at the holiday and family celebrations hosted by his sister-in-law, Jennifer (Drew) Lackman-Chuppe and their daughters, Lara and Amelia of South Bend. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Michael (Judy) Lackman of South Bend and Jeffrey Lackman of Naperville, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In recent years he shared his life with Diana Hess of South Bend, who remained lovingly at his side throughout his 14-month battle with cancer. Tony was a tireless fighter for justice, fairness, and protecting the rights of all workers, particularly their right to organize. He was often at the center of local actions: fighting for raising the minimum wage, immigration rights, and women's reproductive rights were among the issues which he so eloquently raised his voice to support. Tony remained actively involved with Branch 330 of the National Association Letter Carriers where, over his many years as a letter carrier, he served as a Steward and as Branch President. He also served as President of the Indiana State Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 330 delegate to the Indiana AFL-CIO, and was currently serving as an NALC Legislative Liaison. Tony was most passionate about his NALC work and mentored many new carriers throughout the years. Tony continued to serve as the Chapter Chair of the North Central Indiana AFL-CIO Council as well as on the board of the Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation. He was frequently tapped by local journalists to discuss labor and other social justice issues because, as he said, he always provided them with a good sound bite. Tony continued to serve on the boards of the United Way of St. Joseph County and the Northern Indiana Workforce Investment Board, where he represented the voice of labor. He was very involved with the Notre Dame Higgins Labor program, where he was a regular participant in the Labor Cafes and other events. He also worked closely with Professor Dan Graff and students from his Labor classes. In 2017, the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area presented him with the Making Democracy Work award. He was also an active and supportive member of the League. For many years Tony worked closely with Professor Elizabeth Bennion, director of the IU South Bend American Democracy Project, on election politics. He also worked actively within the Democratic Party serving as a precinct chairman and spent hundreds of hours working on the campaigns of numerous local, state, and national candidates. In 2016, he proudly represented Indiana at the National Democratic Party Convention. Due to COVID 19, a private family service will be held at this time. A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Bloomsday, June 16, 2021, at which time Diana and his family will welcome the many friends and people who were impacted by his tireless work. Details will be posted at a future date. Memorial contributions in Anthony's honor may be made to Lymphoma Foundation of America, 1100 N. Main Street Suite 110, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, www.lymphomahelp.org; or The United Way of St Joseph County, 3517 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615. Palmer Funeral Home - River Park Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 22, 2020