Bellmore Funeral Home: Since 1940
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, April 13, 2026
Johnstons Wellwood Funeral Home
305 North Wellwood Ave
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
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11:00 am
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
St Patrick’s RC Church
9 North Clinton Ave
Bay Shore, New York 11706
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Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Pinelawn Memorial Park
2030 Wellwood Ave.
Farmingdale, New York 11735
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In the Care Of
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Pinelawn Memorial Park
2030 Wellwood Ave.
Farmingdale, New York 11735
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In the Care Of
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
10 W Stevens Avenue
Hawthorne, NY 10532
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In the Care Of
Flora S. Espiritu, lovingly known as “Mama” and “Mommy Flor,” passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on October 26, 1934, in Pangasinan, Philippines, Flora was one of eleven children of the Serquina family. She was the last surviving sibling, closing a remarkable chapter in her family’s history.
Flora graduated from Centro Escolar University in the Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. She began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before pursuing her entrepreneurial spirit by opening her own business in agriculture. In 1977, she immigrated to New York City with her five children to reunite with her late husband, Rodolfo P. Espiritu.
In New York, Flora devoted herself wholeheartedly to providing for her family. While raising five children with unwavering dedication, she worked full time in a nursing home as a nurse’s assistant until she retired at the age of 65. Her strength, perseverance, and selflessness defined her life and inspired all who knew her.
In her retirement years and while her husband was still living, Flora enjoyed their travels back and forth to the Philippines for visits and vacations. In 2015, she relocated to Hershey, Pennsylvania, to be closer to one of her children, where she spent the last 11 years of her life.
Flora preferred a quiet and simple life. While she did not seek out senior centers or large social gatherings, she found deep contentment at home, filling her days with the things she loved most. She had a true passion for cooking and sewing, and she especially looked forward to the warm weather each year when she could tend to her garden. During the summer months, she spent countless hours in her vegetable patch, taking pride and joy in nurturing and harvesting whatever “native” vegetables she grew. Cooking remained one of her greatest expressions of love, and she delighted in preparing meals not only for herself, but especially for her family.
Flora was always proud of her children and the lives they built. Even when she was not openly expressive, her admiration was often shared with friends, and her children would come to learn just how deeply she cherished their accomplishments. She looked forward to holidays and family gatherings, treasuring every opportunity to have everyone together. There was nothing she loved more than being surrounded by her family. A true matriarch, she was the heart of her family—steadfast, loving, and deeply devoted. She shared special bonds with her grandchildren and was always surrounded by the love of her children. Generous at heart, she consistently put others before herself.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Noel Espiritu; Florisa Zinghini and her husband, Joe Zinghini; Marilou Espiritu-Cockroft and her husband, Kevin Cockroft; Lyndon Espiritu and his wife, Patti Espiritu; and Rudolf (Rudi) Espiritu and his wife, Janet Espiritu.
She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Cristina, Catherine, Samantha, Gareth, Savannah, Kaila, Isabella, and Stefan; and her great-grandchildren, Xavier and Phoenix, as well as the many nephews and nieces from all over the world.
Flora’s legacy lives on in the lives that she nurtured, the family she held together, and the love she gave so unconditionally. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Snow Approach Foundation at: Honoring a Legacy at Snow Approach Foundation | Snow Approach Foundation, Inc.
To send flowers to the family please visit: Flower arrangements
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Bellmore Funeral Home
2340 Jerusalem Ave
N Bellmore, New York 11710
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9:45 am
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Cure of Ars R.C. Church
2323 Merrick Ave
Merrick, New York 11566
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Pinelawn Memorial Park
2030 Wellwood Ave
Farmingdale, New York 11735
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In the Care Of
To send flowers to the family please visit: Flower arrangements
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Johnstons Wellwood Funeral Home
305 North Wellwood Ave
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Johnstons Wellwood Funeral Home
305 North Wellwood Ave
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
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8:00 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Johnstons Wellwood Funeral Home
305 North Wellwood Ave
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
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9:45 am
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
210 South Wellwood Ave
Lindenhurst, New York 11757
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Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
10 W Stevens Avenue
Hawthorne, New York 10532
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In the Care Of
Vincent Santonicola lived a life rooted in dedication, craftsmanship, and quiet generosity. An avid gardener and talented woodworker, he found joy in creating and nurturing, always taking pride in the beauty of his work. He generously gave his time for many years as a volunteer at Bethpage Restoration during the Long Island Fair, where his contributions were appreciated by all who knew him. He was also a graduate of Mepham High School. Vincent was predeceased by his beloved parents, Catherine and Thomas Santonicola; his devoted wife, Dawn Santonicola; his brother, Frank Santonicola; and his sister, Rosemary Santonicola Henry. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Christine St. John; his son-in-law, Thomas; and his cherished granddaughter, Sarah St. John, along with all who were fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites you to honor Vincent’s memory by planting something in his name—preferably a tomato plant.
To send flowers to the family please visit: Flower arrangements
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Monday, March 30, 2026
Bellmore Funeral Home
2340 Jerusalem Ave
N Bellmore, New York 11710
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7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Monday, March 30, 2026
Bellmore Funeral Home
2340 Jerusalem Ave
N Bellmore, New York 11710
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11:00 am
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Calverton National Cemetery
210 Princeton Blvd.
Calverton, New York 11933
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In the Care Of
