Fry’s Food Stores President Jon Flora dies
Sep 13, 2013, 8:44 PM | Updated: Sep 15, 2013, 9:21 am
PHOENIX — The president of Fry’s Food & Drug Stores has died.
Jon Flora was 58 when he suffered a massive heart attack at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Friday, a friend of the family told KTAR. He was going to Maine to vacation with his family.
According to Business Week, Flora was named president of Fry’s in 2007. He previously served as the senior vice president of Kroger, the parent company of Fry’s.
Flora joined Kroger in 1971 as a clerk and bottle boy at Dillon’s Stores.
During his career, he held a number of leadership positions with the company,
including vice president of merchandising.
Earlier this year, Flora was honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix
as a “true champion for children in need.”
Dave Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO, said Saturday that the company was deeply
saddened by Flora’s sudden death because he mentored many employees and was an
“extraordinary leader.”
“Jon leaves a legacy of enthusiasm and passion for doing what’s right for our
customers, our neighbors and our associates,” Dillon said. “He touched the
lives of countless people in our company as well as throughout our industry and
community.”
The Tolleson-based Fry’s employs 18,000 in Arizona.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.