Stephen Ray Flora

YOUNGSTOWN - Stephen Ray Flora, age 62, passed away on September 11, 2026. Born in Chapel Hill, NC, to Joseph and Christine Flora, Stephen was extremely proud of his “Cackalacky” heritage. Stephen was a graduate of Chapel Hill High School, where he starred on the varsity football and wrestling teams and was awarded with the school’s prestigious Carmichael Cup.

Growing up before learning differences were recognized and understood, Stephen’s dyslexia presented serious challenges. Teachers doubted his ability; in high school, well-meaning counselors wanted to enroll him in vocational courses such as bricklaying. However, with the persistent help of his father and other dedicated educators, Stephen not only graduated high school and earned a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, but he matriculated to graduate school at the University of Georgia, where he earned a Ph.D. in psychology, en route to a career as a professor at Fort Hayes State University and Youngstown State University. There, he educated hundreds of students while also assisting countless individuals and families dealing with autism. He was the author of numerous scholarly papers and books, such as Taking America Off Drugs and The Power of Reinforcement, and the founder of Hummingbird ABA Therapy in Youngstown.

An ardent dog lover, Stephen was the devoted partner of Tosh and then Rufus. The former was a star in Stephen’s instructional video, “Awesome Operant Behavior.” The latter was a scarred rescue whom Stephen provided with a tremendous life that included numerous outings in Mill Creek Park. Both dogs made many trips to Stephen’s home state, North Carolina.

Stephen’s athleticism did not end with high school glory. As a young adult, he earned a black belt in karate. After a startling injury, he transitioned to distance sports, where he excelled in running, biking, and triathlons. Stephen’s ardor for cycling took him to Italy and Spain for multiple training events, even after his diagnosis of ALS. Stephen’s devotion to cycling, combined with his fun-loving, gregarious nature, endeared him to many in the Youngstown cycling community, and they were truly his second family in his adult years. Stephen was also an excellent pool player and loved using billiards as an opportunity to spend quality time with his brothers and friends.

A short obituary cannot capture the life force that was Stephen Flora. He lived life to the fullest and was a glass-half-full human being. He did not let the cruel sentence of ALS define him or get him down. He enjoyed his friends and activities to the end. He was goofy and uncouth. He loved to dance. His “joie de vivre” was infectious and unparalleled. He burned too brightly for this world. He will be sorely missed.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Joe and Christine Flora; his older brother, Ron; his younger brother, Pete and partner Debbie Rutledge; and his younger brother, Dave and wife Julia Spaniol.

An informal celebration of Stephen will be held in Youngstown at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stephen Flora’s profile at Tri State Trek (tst.als.net), which dedicates 100% of its resources to ALS research.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel. Family and friends are invited to visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share memories and condolences.