04/18/2026
The Valley Stream Historical Society mourns the loss of their esteemed long-time trustee and treasurer—Florence Gunther
In the early hours of Thursday, April 16, Florence Gunther passed away after a short time in hospice. Florence was an early member of the historical society, contributing greatly to the success of the organization as a repository for local history.
On December 2, 1925, Florence Marion Wuerfel was born on Valley Stream Blvd.—the very year the Village of Valley Stream was incorporated. After graduating Central High School in 1944 she found employment at Columbia Aircraft, the manufacturer of the military’s “Duck,” an all-purpose, amphibian bi-plane. Columbia was located on land once occupied by Curtiss Airfield, now occupied by the Green Acres Mall. Her next job was in New York City—she worked in J.C. Penney’s advertising department.
In 1949, Flo married Joseph C. Gunther (1923-2015), another long-standing Streamer; also a graduate of Central High, class of 1942. The couple shared many commonalities: both were members of Central’s band—later, the VS Community Band—Flo on flute, Joe on trombone. In 1995, Joe recorded his excellent oral history recording for the historical society. Scroll down and have a listen.
Florence was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization. An avid bowler, she helped found a CYO bowling league in 1961. The Gunthers were parishioners at Holy Name of Mary (where they married) and later, Blessed Sacrament, where Flo was past president of the Rosary Society. Volunteering at Mercy Hospital where she delivered newspapers to patients.
Joe, an Air Force veteran during WWII, was a carpenter by trade—he built the couple’s home at 145 Benedict Avenue in 1954. In the early 1990s, he volunteered his woodworking skills and helped renovate the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration on Hendrickson Avenue—home of the Valley Stream Historical Society.
Florence’s roots at the historical society ran deep. She joined nine years after its founding in 1973, rising through the ranks of the organization’s hierarchy: a member by 1982, a trustee in 1996, and a 19-year stint as treasurer, which ended in 2021. In September 2025 she was bestowed the honorary title of trustee emerita. That being said, whatever her title, Florence was always on hand to bake a cake and serve refreshments at historical society meetings and events.
In December 2025, Florence celebrated her 100th birthday at the Orzac Center for Rehabilitation at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, surrounded by her loved ones.
Florence leaves her daughters Diane (Phil Wood) Gunther and Linda (Gary) Forthofer, as well as five grandchildren: Casey, Shawn, Michael, Carrie, and Rebecca; and 12 great-grandchildren. On behalf of the Valley Stream Historical Society, we offer our deepest sympathy to the family and our profound respect. The flag that graces the Pagan-Fletcher Restoration has been lowered to half-mast.
If you’d like to honor Florence and pay your respects: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/48149957/florence-m.-gunther
Sunday, April 19
Lieber Funeral Home—visitation
3pm-6:30pm
Monday, April 20
Blessed Sacrament—funeral mass
10am
Monday April 20
St. Boniface Cemetery, Elmont—interment
Florence Gunther's Streamer link:
https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=65DD1B78-3AB4-4708-AA56-8F26CB8EE332&DE=C86170E1-E7D2-4A3B-A5B4-BD3E9EF8A158
Florence Gunther's Historical Society obituary:
https://valleystream.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7BBC0696FB-5DB8-4F85-B451-5A8D9DC581E3%7D/uploads/The_Valley_Stream_Historical_Society_mourns_the_loss_of_long.pdf
Joe Gunther's oral history recording: https://valleystreamny.gov/index.asp?SEC=65DD1B78-3AB4-4708-AA56-8F26CB8EE332&DE=20CEF9ED-563F-4816-8AED-23DE9B6862D5&fbclid=IwY2xjawRQczNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxOGs1Z2NzNzNBR0syWUZuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoJn40JdC_090C6QsdREt4jm7UwUnupY-fJDGAWSUY4UAvRdVrmhp2WDVd_6_aem_oni9bXPAEtilbuPX0JPdzw
