John E. Roe, Sr., a former chairman of Flushing Financial and its subsidiary Flushing Bank, has passed away. He was 85.

Roe served as chairman of the board of the company and the bank from February 16, 2011 to February 3, 2017. He was a member of the board of directors of the company since its formation in 1994 and of the bank since 1968. Roe retired from the board on February 19, 2019.

Roe, a retired captain of the U.S. Navy Reserve, was appointed rear admiral of the New York State Naval Militia by the Governor of New York. He was also a former trustee of Eastern Long Island Hospital and of Flushing Hospital Medical Center, where he served as chairman for 10 years. Roe previously served as chairman of City Underwriting Agency, an insurance brokerage.

John R. Buran, president and CEO of Flushing Financial, commented, “During John’s tenure as a director, he served on numerous committees and made countless contributions to our organization. Most notably, his insurance industry experience as chairman of City Underwriting Agency provided unique insights in mitigating the company’s risk profile. John’s wise counsel over his fifty years as a Board member proved invaluable and has permeated the company’s culture.”

“The board and staff extend our deepest condolences to the Roe family. We will be forever grateful to John for his dedication and service to Flushing Financial and the bank,” said Alfred A. DelliBovi, chairman of Flushing Financial. “His exceptional contributions to the bank spanned more than 50 years. Under his leadership, the bank transformed from a savings bank into a commercial bank with over $6 billion in assets. It’s been a privilege for me and the other members of our Board of Directors to work with John over the years. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Flushing Bank serves consumers, businesses, professionals, corporate clients, and public entities by offering a full complement of deposit, loan, equipment finance, and cash management services through its banking offices located in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and on Long Island.