Willow Glen HS Coach Nico Flores Death at 79 Leaves a Lasting Impact on San Jose Unified School District and the Flores Family

“It is not what you say, it is how you say it".

October 29, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 29, 2026

United States Air Force Sergeant and Willow Glen High School Coach Nico Flores passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind the Flores family and the Gilroy community in grief.

Nicolas Antonio Flores, known as Nico, spent his life around sports, teaching, and helping young people grow.

He coached baseball, basketball, and football for many years at multiple schools, including Willow Glen Elementary, Markham Middle School, and Willow Glen High School.

One of his most memorable achievements came in the late 1980s, when he led the Markham Middle School basketball team.

He believed that sports were not just about winning but about learning to work hard and support each other.

Following his death, many former students remembered him as a coach who cared deeply and always encouraged them to be their best.

San Jose Unified School District Devoted Educator and Coach Nico Flores Dies at 79, Leaving the Community in Grief!

While the exact cause of Nico’s death is not revealed, what is known is that he passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a huge impact on everyone who knew him.

He was born in Del Rio, Texas, to Irene de la Cerda and Antonio Alfonso Flores.

Nico served proudly in the United States Air Force and reached the rank of Sergeant. After his service, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Nico spent most of his career in the San Jose Unified School District, where he worked as a Teacher, Coach, after-school specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Consultant.

Nicolas Antonio Flores of Gilroy passed away peacefully at home. (Source: The Mercury News)

He served at schools like Willow Glen Elementary, Markham Middle School, Willow Glen High School, and Allen at Steinbeck.

The community members loved him for his kindness, patience, and for treating everyone with respect.

One of his well-known sayings was, “It is not what you say, it is how you say it,” which he used to teach others about tone, kindness, and character.

Nico is survived by his wife, Kaia Hamilton; his sisters, JoAnn and Mary Flores; his son, Nico T.; Yvonne Flores; and his grandsons, Nico R. and Michael Flores.

Following his passing, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm at 7700 Crews Road, Gilroy, California.

Our condolences go to the Flores family, friends, and well-wishers.

Rest in Peace, Coach!

• Check other Articles on
• Nico Flores

Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

Related articles

University of Tennessee Basketball Coach Kim Van...

May 4, 2026

Former Carver High School Coach George Davis...

May 1, 2026

Former Basketball Coach Kevin Bowers, 62, Passes...

April 21, 2026

Hinsdale Central HS Baseball Coach Kevin Rios...

April 15, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Edinburg High School Student-Athlete Sebastian Garcia’s Untimely passing Has Shocked Entire Community

- May 6, 20260 A student-athlete at Edinburg High School, Sebastian Garcia, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sebastian was a member of the Edinburgh Runnin' Bobcats...Read more News

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl in Parma Heights

- May 6, 20260 A former baseball coach with deep ties to the Geauga County sports community has been arrested and charged with the rape of a child,...Read more News

Madison Academy Team Doctor Dr. Jack Walker Moore Passes Away Leaving His Family!!!

- May 5, 20260 Dr. Jack Walker Moore, who practiced medicine at SportsMED and served as the team doctor for Madison Academy, passed away on Friday. Moore was...Read more News

Autism Mom Speaks Out After Son Is Cornered, Kicked, Then Disciplined for Fighting Back

- May 5, 20260 A mother of a child with autism and ADHD is speaking out after her son was bullied in a school bathroom, fought back in...Read more News

Exhausted at Home: The Real Reason Teens Bring Their Worst Moods Through the Front Door

- May 4, 20260 Every parent has been there. You hear the front door open, say a simple "hello," and get an eye roll or a grunt in...Read more