Obituary of Florita DeLeon

December 20, 2020

FLORITA CRUZ DeLEON
January 20, 1936 – December 20, 2020
New York, New York

Florita Cruz DeLeon of New York, NY, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died on Sunday, December 20, after a long battle with cancer. She was 84.

Affectionately known as Flory to her friends and Mom, Momma, Ate, Tita and Lola to family, she was born on Jan. 20, 1936 in Navotas, Philippines - the daughter of the late Dr. Iluminado S.T. Cruz, Sr. and Flora Diaz Angeles.

Flory was a graduate of the University of the Philippines, where she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Pharmacy and Medical Technology. She came to the United States on a student visa and worked at hospitals in Missouri, New Jersey and New York from 1958 through 1961. Upon returning to the Philippines, she met the love of her life - Dr. Francisco Escudero DeLeon (Frank/Paquito) and were married on May 6, 1963. Following their marriage, they moved to the United States, initially settling in New Jersey.

In addition to her husband of 56 years, she is survived by her son Fernando DeLeon, and his wife Regina and their daughter Bella, of Chestertown, MD; her son Frederick DeLeon of New York, NY; her daughter Kay Kuzbari and her husband Karim and their children Zoe and Tea, of New York, NY; as well as many relatives and friends. She was pre-deceased by her brothers, Marianito, of Manila, Philippines and Iluminado Angeles Cruz of Kissimmee, FL. Her remaining siblings are May Martinez and Dante Cruz.

After arriving in New Jersey, the DeLeon Family moved to Virginia, and New Rochelle, before settling in the town of Kings Park on Long Island, from 1971 till 2018. Following some time raising her children, she returned to work as a Medical Technologist at several hospitals. Flory enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, crocheting, various arts and crafts, as well as watching Judge Judy, The Peoples Court, and Jeopardy. She also learned to be a great cook, and if you did not eat enough, her favorite line was, "why, you don't like it?" Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family and friends, and anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her, knew how sweet and gentle she was – always putting everyone else before herself.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. at Andrett Funeral Home, 199 Bleeker Street, NY, NY 10012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society.

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