It came as no surprise to his friends, students and co-workers that Flint Florijan died on a basketball court.
"Basketball was my brother's life," said David Florijan of Hampton. "My brother died of a heart attack while playing basketball at Immaculate Conception School in Bloomfield."
William G. "Flint" Florijan of Troy Hill died on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009. He was 59.
"Throughout my brother's career as an educator and basketball coach, he coached a number of teams, including teams at Latimer Junior High School, Allegheny and North Catholic high schools and Holy Name Grade School," David Florijan said.
"And during the summer months, my brother was a lifeguard at the Bloomfield swimming pool."
Born and raised in Troy Hill, Mr. Florijan was one of four children in the family of Jean Florijan Rabenstein of Troy Hill and the late Edward R. Florijan. His father was employed by the Penn Window Co.
David Florijan said his brother was well-liked and admired because "he was honest, outgoing and never pulled his punches."
"He was seven years older than I was. As we walked throughout the city streets, it seemed he knew just about everyone."
Mr. Florijan graduated from North Catholic High School in Troy Hill in 1968 and was a member of the basketball team.
Upon receiving his undergraduate degree in education in 1973 from Slippery Rock University, where he played basketball, Mr. Florijan began his 35-year career as an educator and coach with Pittsburgh Public Schools. Mr. Florijan, who taught history and other subjects and was known as tough but understanding, later received his master's degree in education from Duquesne University.
In addition to his mother and brother, Mr. Florijan is survived by a son, William F. Florijan of West View; daughter, Courtney Onyshko of Reserve; three grandchildren; two sisters, Kathleen Kriebel of Tucson, Ariz., and Jeanne Belcher of Pleasant Hills; and his former wife, Karen Mosesso of Philadelphia.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today in the Hughes Funeral Home, 1501 Lowrie St., Troy Hill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday in Most Holy Name Church, Troy Hill, with the Rev. James Garvey officiating. Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Reserve.
