Gregory Florick Jr.

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Gregory David Rodriguez Florick, Jr. on August 23, 2023 at the young age of 30. Gregory passed surrounded by his family at City of Hope Hospital after a yearlong battle with an aggressive cancer. 

Gregory was born in Camarillo on June 24, 1993 to Greg and Rhonda Florick and was the youngest of four children. He was a brilliant and funny kid that loved to be outside, dig in the dirt, catch bugs, and play with cars. Gregory played baseball, volleyball, football, and even rugby before graduating from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 2011. 

During high school, Gregory developed an interest in the environment and reusable energy. He learned about cars to understand how to move away from fossil fuels and was determined to find a more sustainable source of energy. Gregory did everything to save energy, not letting anyone touch the thermostat. This pursuit led him to Oregon State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 2021. Gregory passed the California Engineering exam the same year and soon started working at Procter & Gamble.

Gregory loved the outdoors. Every year he planted something different: carrots, macadamia trees, and lemon cucumbers. He would ride his bike, kayak, run, take photos of nature, and hike in the mountains. Gregory ran the 2014 Illinois Marathon (running several miles barefoot) and the 2020 Austin 3M Half Marathon. Gregory’s love of nature was mirrored in the jobs he took; his favorite was with the Department of Agriculture, where he spent his days in orchard fields in Ojai, CA catching and examining insects that were dangerous to crops. He also worked for the United States Geological Survey identifying birds and hiking the mountains in Crater Lake, OR.

Gregory was curious and enjoyed learning new things. He taught himself the ukulele and how to draw, becoming a beautiful artist. Over the last year, Gregory learned to play poker and could be found winning at a local poker table. Gregory was excited to teach his niece and nephew new things too, especially how to explore the world as much as he did. 

Gregory had a kind and gentle smile. He was strong and courageous. Gregory loved his family greatly–he was our son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Gregory is survived by his parents Greg and Rhonda Florick, sisters Regina (Eric) and Christine (Jake), brother David, his niece Molly and nephew Lucas, and his grandma Mary “Annie” Rodriguez. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Gregorio S. Rodriguez, Blanche V. Florick, and David and Jane Florick, and aunt and godmother Naomi Rodriguez Warder. Gregory will be sorely missed by Cooper and Winston, his loved dogs. His memory will live on in all of us including with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins and continue to grow through his plants and garden. 

Family and friends are invited to Gregory’s memorial service at St. Mary Magdelan Church, 25 Las Posas Rd. in Camarillo on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Gregory will be laid to rest at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park immediately following the Mass. All are welcome to join us for a celebration of life reception at Conejo Mountain reception hall from 12 to 3pm. 

Flowers may be delivered for the service to 25 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Gregory to the Leukemia &  Lymphoma Society, or in honor for his love of nature to The Nature Conservancy. If in Southern California, consider donating blood or platelets at City of Hope. Thank you to all those that donated to Gregory at City of Hope.