Carl Flora

HAMPDEN: Carl Weick Flora, passed away at home after an extended illness July 17, 2025 on his 70th birthday. Carl was born July 17, 1955 in Presque Isle, the son of William and Barbara (Weick) Flora.

After graduating from Presque Isle High School, Carl furthered his education at Bates College and St. Louis University School of Law. After passing the bar exam, he was a practicing attorney for Flora & Canters, LLC from 1977 to 1987. Carl served the State of Maine as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture in Augusta from 1987 to 1995. In 1995, Carl returned to Aroostook County to serve as Vice President and General Counsel of the Loring Development Authority (LDA), becoming President and CEO in 2005 until his retirement in January 2024. Carl was an alumnus of Leadership Maine, and served on the Board of Directors for Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems and The Aroostook Medical Center. He also served on the boards of Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development, The United Way of Aroostook, Northern Maine Community College Foundation, and the Board of Visitors for University of Maine Presque Isle.

A man of many interests, Carl was an avid golfer and enjoyed a round with his good friends at the course, was an excellent alpine skier, and earned his private pilot's license. He had many musical talents, including playing piano, drums, and was passionate about his guitars. Although he was humble, he had a beautiful singing voice. Carl was thoughtful, dedicated, patient, slow to anger, always led with integrity, and kind in his appraisal of others. Carl treasured his children and took pride in their accomplishments. One of his greatest joys was the role of Grampy to his grandchildren.

Carl is survived by his wife of 42 years, Paula (Kelley) and their children, Kathleen (Flora) Miles and husband, Steven, Matthew Flora and partner, Jessica Hsu, Richard Flora and husband, Robbie; two grandchildren, Ava and Evan Miles; a brother, Greg and wife, Eileen; his in-laws, Anne and Larry LaPlante, Nan and Robert Balliot, Rebecca Morgan-Buccieri and Steve Buccieri, Coralee and Jeffrey Thomson, and Chris and Alisa Kelley. Carl is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jeff and Tommy Flora, Jennifer, Stephen, and Andrew LaPlante, James and Sarah Morgan, Patrick, David, and Ellen Thomson, Caroline, Jack and Rain Kelley. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws, Neal and Marlene Kelley, and nephew, Jonathan Morgan.

A private service will be held for friends and family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211-1807. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.