David R. Flores

David R. FloresJune 21, 1952-October 10, 2026

It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of David R. Flores. He was taken from us unexpectedly on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the age of 74 from an aneurism at Stanford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born on June 21, 1952, in Watsonville, California, to his loving parents, Anastacio and Eumelia Flores alongside his four treasured, older brothers, Armando, Joe, Harvey, and Ray.

He attended Watsonville High School, where he helped lead its basketball team to two Santa Cruz County championships in 1970 and 1971. Shortly after he graduated, he met his love, Rosie Gorostieta. He proposed to her at her high school graduation, and they married in 1975. Together they welcomed their two children, Carla Faye & Nicholas David.

Dave dedicated much of his life to serving others through his career with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. He retired in 2007 after 33 years, holding the distinction of the county’s honorary Badge #1 of its Corrections Department.

Dave and his family became residents of Aptos in 1996. He embraced retirement and the opportunity to spend more time doing the things he loved. He treasured family time, walks with Rose and their dogs Maddie/Hazel and weekly golf games with his beloved foursome.

Dave loved his family with unwavering loyalty and always put them first. His wife Rose was his partner in everything he did. He coached more teams than anyone could count and spent countless days cheering on his kids in everything they did. That same love carried through to his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grumpy.”

Dave was handsome, charming, witty, and funny, but more than anything, he was kind. He was a truly selfless man who always thought of others. The void he leaves behind is immense.

He never spent precious time searching for the meaning of life, because he had already found it in the love he gave and the love he received.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his brother Joe (Karen) Flores.

Dave is survived by his wife and best friend of 51 years, Rose; his two children, Carla (Miguel) Gonzalez and Nick (Stacey Osborn); his four beloved grandchildren, Noah, Nadia, Nox and Caylie; his loving brothers Armando (Liz), Harvey (Faye) and Ray (Betty); his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law (Flores/Gorostieta); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the causes close to Dave’s heart: the Fallen Officers Foundation or the Santa Cruz County SPCA.