Daniel G. Florent

On May 23, 2023, our beloved father and Papou Daniel G. Florent, age 91, of Mount Lebanon, passed away peacefully at Asbury Heights of Mt. Lebanon, surrounded by family after suffering multiple strokes over the past few years. Born June 23,1931, he grew up on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Dan was preceded in death in June 2020 by his childhood love – his late wife of 68 years, Helen Meraklis Florent, and by his Greek immigrant parents Constantine & Sophia Gandis Florent, and sister Toula Florent Stavros.

Surviving are children Gus (Barb) Florent of Mt. Lebanon, Sophia (George) Omiros of Uniontown and Harry (Kathy) Florent of Maryland, grandchildren Christopher Omiros of Uniontown, Alicia Omiros (Keven) McCloskey of Rostraver Twp., Dan (Kathleen) Florent of Castle Shannon, Melissa Florent (Neil) Lepore of Upper St. Clair, Michael Florent of Charlotte, NC, Paul Florent of NYC and Sam Florent of Maryland, great-grandchildren Danny, Rosie and Daisy Florent, Eli and Theo Lepore, and Alyse McCloskey, and niece Sophia Stavros Rossetti and nephew Paul Stavros,three sister-in-laws – Christina Meraklis, Marie Meraklis, and Mary (Frank) Manios, and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dan very much loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was an active member of the monthly Greek Friends Book Club, the Order of AHEPA, and a former member of the Lions Club. A self-taught Greek music and bouzouki player, he was known as the Grandfather of Pittsburgh Bouzouki players. For over seven decades he played the bouzouki and was the lead singer for The Grecian Express and The Athenians. Dan enjoyed playing weekly at weddings and church festivals in the tri-state area. His other love was singing with the choir at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Mt. Lebanon.

As an autodidact, Dan was a voracious reader and eagerly shared his love of world history, astronomy, and geography with his grandchildren. He loved playing cards and was an expert pinochle player with his grandchildren. He was an expert swimmer and loved the Pittsburgh Steelers! During their retirement, Dan and Helen enjoyed traveling throughout the US, Europe and Greece visiting relatives while exploring their ancestral homeland.

For over three decades, Dan was a floral designer starting with Ludwig Florals and retired from Gidas Flowers in 1996. For the following two decades, Dan served as “Mr. Safety” and transit driver for First Student.  

Special thanks to the staff at Asbury Heights Community for their loving care and support of Papou over the past three years.

Arrangements are being handled by Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care. Private funeral services for immediate family will be provided by Rev. Fr. Michael H. Kallaur of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church with a private burial at the Mount Lebanon Cemetery Mausoleum.  Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. May His Memory Be Eternal!