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: 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!
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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.
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