Obituary of Francisco Javier Flores

Francisco Javier Flores, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 69. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in Durango, Javier carried the warmth of his heritage wherever he went. In 1978, Javier moved to Elmira, NY, with his wife, Cristina, and their two young sons. He built a life centered on family, hard work, and an unwavering love for his community. A skilled jeweler, he worked with Dozacks for many years before transitioning to Toshiba alongside his wife. However, his true passion lay in the restaurant business. He dedicated himself to his family’s restaurant, Los Panchos, from 1978 to 1994, later taking ownership and reopening it on Water Street in 2005. It was there that he became a fixture of the neighborhood—greeting customers with a warm smile, a whistle, and a welcoming spirit.

Javier was a man of many passions. He was an avid Yankees fan, a lover of basketball games at Town Hall Park and the YMCA, and the life of every family gathering, especially during Christmas Eve celebrations, where he joyfully mixed margaritas and filled his home with laughter. His love for music was evident from a young age, playing the accordion in a local music group, dancing to cumbia, ranchera, and norteña whenever he had the chance, and enjoying 80s soft rock and adult contemporary hits. His love for music, especially the songs of Vicente Fernández and Juan Gabriel, was only matched by his deep affection for his family, whom he cherished endlessly. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, each given a special nickname as a token of his love.

Javier is survived by his devoted wife, María Cristina Flores; his children, Juan (Roberta) Flores of Ashland, MA, Francisco “Cisco” Flores Jr. of Elmira, NY, Carlos (Kristina) Flores of Austin, TX, and Sonya (Abraham Agosto) Flores of Elmira, NY; and his grandchildren, Anthony Agosto, Michael Taylor, MariArelis Flores, Enrique Flores, Aleida Agosto, Colin Flores, Michaela Flores, and Sean Flores. Predeceased by his grandparents Arturo Alvarado and Rosa Atilano of Durango, Mexico and his father Teodoro Flores of Albuquerque, NM, he also leaves behind his mother, Esperanza Stein and stepfather, John Stein of Elmira, NY, his sisters, Blanca (John) Siuda and María del Carmen (Joseph) Mase, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Javier had a special place in his heart for animals, providing a loving home to his dogs, Tara, Diamond, Bree, Onyx, and many grand-doggies and great-grand-doggies over the years.

Javier’s kindness, generosity, and love for life will be dearly missed but forever cherished by all who knew him. His legacy of joy, music, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Javier’s life on Monday, March 24, 2025 at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira.  Viewing hours will occur between 3:00pm and 5:45pm and a memorial service will commence at 6:00pm. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 9:30am. Those wishing may remember Javier with a donation to the Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place, Elmira, NY 14901.

Francisco Javier Flores
3 de diciembre de 1955 – 19 de marzo de 2025

Francisco Javier Flores, querido esposo, padre, abuelo y amigo, falleció el 19 de marzo de 2025 a la edad de 69 años. Nacido en Chihuahua, México, y criado en Durango, Javier llevó consigo la calidez de su herencia a dondequiera que iba. En 1978, Javier se mudó a Elmira, NY, con su esposa, Cristina, y sus dos hijos pequeños. Construyó una vida centrada en la familia, con trabajo y es fuerzo un amor inquebrantable por su comunidad. Como joyero talentoso, trabajó con Dozacks durante muchos años antes de pasar a Toshiba junto a su esposa. Sin embargo, su verdadera pasión estaba en el negocio de los restaurantes. Se dedicó al restaurante familiar, Los Panchos, desde 1978 hasta 1994, y más tarde tomó el mando y lo reabrió en Water Street en 2005. Allí se convirtió en una figura querida del vecindario, recibiendo a los clientes con una sonrisa cálida, un silbido y un espíritu acogedor.

Javier era un hombre de muchas pasiones. Era un ferviente fanático de los Yankees, disfrutaba los juegos de baloncesto en Town Hall Park y la YMCA, y era el alma de cada reunión familiar, especialmente durante las celebraciones de Nochebuena, donde preparaba margaritas con alegría y llenaba su hogar de risas. Su amor por la música se manifestó desde temprana edad, tocando el acordeón en un grupo musical local, bailando cumbia, ranchera y norteña siempre que tenía la oportunidad, y disfrutando la música de 80s soft rock y adult contemporary.

 Su amor por la música, especialmente las canciones de Vicente Fernández y Juan Gabriel, solo era superado por su profundo cariño hacia su familia, a quienes amaba incondicionalmente. Sus nietos eran su mayor orgullo, y a cada uno le dio un apodo especial como muestra de su amor.

Javier deja atrás a su amada esposa, María Cristina Flores; sus hijos, Juan (Roberta) Flores de Ashland, MA, Francisco "Cisco" Flores Jr. de Elmira, NY, Carlos (Kristina) Flores de Austin, TX, y Sonya (Abraham Agosto) Flores de Elmira, NY; y sus nietos, Anthony Agosto, Michael Taylor, MariArelis Flores, Enrique Flores, Aleida Agosto, Colin Flores, Michaela Flores y Sean Flores. Precedido en muerte por sus abuelos Arturo Alvarado y Rosa Atilano de Durango, México, y su padre Teodoro Flores de Albuquerque, NM, también le sobreviven su madre, Esperanza Stein, su padrastro, John Stein, sus hermanas, Blanca (John) Siuda y María del Carmen (Joseph) Mase, además de muchos sobrinos, sobrinas y amigos queridos.

Javier tenía un lugar especial en su corazón para los animales, brindando un hogar amoroso a sus perros Tara, Diamond, Bree, Onyx, y muchos nietos y bisnietos perrunos a lo largo de los años.

La bondad, generosidad y amor por la vida de Javier serán profundamente extrañados, pero su legado de alegría, música y amor vivirá para siempre en los corazones de su familia y amigos.

Familia y amigos están invitados a una celebración de la vida de Javier el lunes 24 de marzo de 2025 en McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira NY. Las horas de velación serán entre las 3:00 p.m. y las 5:45 p.m., y el servicio conmemorativo comenzará a las 6:00 p.m. en McInerny’s.

El entierro se llevará a cabo en Woodlawn Cemetery el martes 25 de marzo de 2025 a las 9:30 a.m. Quienes deseen honrar su memoria pueden hacer una donación al Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place, Elmira, NY 14901.