St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BAKER, MICHAEL BRENT, 52, of Homosassa, died Monday (Jan. 14, 2002) in Homosassa. Born in Manistee, Mich., he was a truck driver. Survivors include his daughter, Michelle, Comstock Park, Mich.; and his mother, Leona St. John, Manistee. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Homosassa.

BLANTON, BRYAN B., 29, of Floral City, formerly of Bradenton, died Friday (Jan. 18, 2002) in Floral City. Born in Sarasota, he came here in 1994 from Bradenton. He was a commercial plumber and Christian. Survivors include two sons, Brett and Jacob, both of Floral City; his mother, Paulette, Bradenton; his father, Kenneth, Cherokee, N.C.; two brothers, Matthew, Inverness, and Joshua, Floral City; his maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Bob Wagner, Bradenton; his paternal grandmother, Bernadine Ellison, Sarasota; and his fiancee, Ronda Trusty. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inverness.

ELLINGHAM, CHARLES EUGENE SR., 73, of Lecanto, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) in Inverness. Born in New Brunswick, N.J., he came here 23 years ago from Miami. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served in the Medical Corps, stationed at Fort Custer. He was a graduate of the North American School of Conservation and the Moody Bible Institute. He was a congregation member, deacon, Sunday school teacher and member of the church choir at Faith Baptist Church, Homosassa. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, BettyLou (Liberty); two sons, Charles Ellingham Jr. and Kenneth, both of Homosassa; five daughters, Beverly Mohme and Betty Scott, both of Aloha, Ore., Barbara Potter, Homosassa, Patricia Sickler, Lecanto, and Linda Garcia, Miami; two brothers, William, Hawthorne, and Wayne, Clemmons, N.C.; 34 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

LEE, JAMES R. JR., 47, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) in Crystal River. He came here 20 years ago from his native St. Petersburg. He was an apartment manager for Seabreeze Point Apartments, Crystal River, a Navy veteran and Protestant. Survivors include two brothers, Clarence, Inverness, and Robert, Lecanto; two sisters, Linda Kennedy, Rutherfordton, N.C., and Barbara Calhoun, Fort Walton Beach; and his companion, Jeannie Lee. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

MURRAY, MARY JULIA, 70, of Homosassa, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2002) in Homosassa. Born in Homosassa, she moved from Alexandria, Va., to Hilton Head, S.C., in 1989, and then returned to Homosassa in August. She was a librarian for Bufford County, S.C., assistant secretary for Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Alexandria, Va., and worked in the Human Resource Department of JCPenney. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Kurt, Evanston, Ill., and Mark, College Park, Md.; a daughter, Kay Price, Phoenix; a brother, Joseph Palchak Jr., Homosassa; and six grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Homosassa.

SMITH, WILLIAM CECIL, 79, of Homosassa, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at home. Born in Newport, Tenn., he came here in 1995 from Asheville, N.C. He was an assembly line group leader with 25 years of service for General Motors Corp., Dayton, Ohio, and was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Survivors include a son, George Smith, Swannanoa, N.C.; three daughters, Wanda Nunery, Dayton, Beverly Rainier, Cincinnati, and Deborah Johnson, Hendersonville, N.C.; a brother, John Smith, Dayton; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

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DYKY, SAM, 78, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Ukraine, he came here 19 years ago from Flemington, N.J. He was a member of St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Anna; two brothers, Tymofij and Bohdan, both of Ukraine; and several nieces and nephews. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill.

FERNANDEZ, KATHERINE, 93, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home. Born in Italy, she came here 50 years ago from Parsippany, N.J. She was a seamstress and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include two daughters, Alice Nadzeika and Elda Fernandez, both of Spring Hill; a son, Jerry Fernandez, New Port Richey; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

GLIDDEN, DONALD C. JR., 54, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home. He came here in 1990 from his native Rochester, N.Y. He was a retired tool and die maker for Zerox Corp., Rochester, and an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of D.A.V. Chapter 78, New Port Richey. Survivors include his son, Donald, and his daughter, Sarah Glidden, both of Detroit; his father, Donald Glidden, Hudson; a brother, David, Rochester; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

KIRKPATRICK, ERNESTINE D., 70, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Quitman, Ga., she came here 16 years ago from Jacksonville. She was retired from the U.S. Civil Service and was Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Hiram; and a cousin, Peggy Galetta, Savannah, Ga. Turner Funeral and Cremation Center, Spring Hill.

LEBOT, MATTHEW, 69, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home. Born in Detroit, he came here 13 years ago from Warren, Mich. He was a retired postal clerk. He was a member of Center Line Lodge 550 F&AM, Warren, and was worshipful master of Brotherhood Lodge 375 F&AM, Spring Hill. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; and a sister, Geraldine Bieri, Clinton Township, Mich. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill.

SARGENT, JUDI, 63, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she came here in 1988 from Bayshore, N.Y. She was a health care aide for Sterling House ALF, Spring Hill, and was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Adam Sargent, Perryville, Md.; five daughters, Jill Tichio, Hudson, Vicki Agostinacchio, Seaford, N.Y., and Cindi Warner, Bonnie Sargemt and Amy Sargent, all of Spring Hill; her mother, Lillian Mallon, Spring Hill; her stepmother, Ann Mallon, Port Charlotte; a brother, Peter Mallon, Spring Hill; and seven grandchildren. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hudson.

STAMAUGH, CLYDE A., 72, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in York, Pa., he came here in 1983 from Rome, Ga. He was a retired co-owner of Colony Papers Inc., a Navy veteran and Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Mary; a son, Donald, Jacksonville; two daughters, Susan Reinikka, Germany, and Elizabeth Stauffer, Long Neck, Del.; a brother, Frederick Stambaugh, Lantana; and six grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

WELLS, STEVEN L., 50, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at home. Born in Annapolis, Md., he came here 15 years ago from Tulsa, Okla. He was a retired aircraft pilot and mechanic and was a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War. He enjoyed scuba diving, sailing and flying. He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Survivors include a daughter, Dirsten Calmes, Oklahoma; his mother, Grace Wells, and his brother, Tim, both of Tulsa; a granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Mariner Boulevard, Spring Hill.

WHOULEY, JOSEPH T., 73, of Brooksville, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Tampa General Hospital. He came here 10 years ago from his native Boston. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 1676 and a life member of VFW Post 6712, Revere, Mass., and St. Anne's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Bernadette; a son, Lawrence Durham, Charlestown, Mass.; two stepdaughters, Elaine Elliot, Tewksbury, Mass., and Linda Rodgers, Merrimack, N.H.; a brother, Robert, Weymouth, Mass.; a sister, Ann Whouley, Plymouth, Mass.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.

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BECKHAM, JAMES O., 79, of Brandon, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002). He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a retired maintenance storeroom manager at Tampa General Hospital, and a member of AARP. Survivors include two sisters, Eunice Clutts, Athens, Ala., and Gladys Beckham, Seffner. Hamilton Funeral Home, Riverview.

LANIER, FREDERICK ATWOOD, 70, of Plant City, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002). A lifelong resident of Plant City, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a former employee of TECO, a poultry farmer and custodian for the Hillsborough County School Board. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lakeland. Survivors include his wife, Ann; three sons, Joe, Lakeland, Jim, and Jay; a sister, Faye Barnhart, Lakeland; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

MARTINEZ, CENARDO Q., 83, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002). A lifelong resident of Tampa, he was a house painter and a member of the painters and contractors union. Survivors include a son, Lawrence; and a daughter, Patricia Martinez. Blount, Curry and Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries.

SHERRILL, HELEN KUKA, 77, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002). Born in Boswell, Pa., she came to Tampa in 1937. She worked in the office supplies field, and enjoyed fishing and hunting with her family. Survivors include a son, Mark; a daughter, Brenda Fonda; a stepdaughter, Sandra Martin; a brother, Andy Kuka; two sisters, Ann Mattatall and Mary Pitts; and two granddaughters. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Carrollwood.

SILVERMAN, WILLIAM, 74, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002). Survivors include his wife, Adele; a son, Steven; three daughters, Judy Uden, Elise Silverman and Nicole Silverman; a sister, Thelma Levy; and four grandchildren. Beth David Chapel, Tampa.

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ANNUNZIATA, ANNA, 83, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2002) in Glen Cove, N.Y. Born in New Jersey, she was a homemaker and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include a daughter, Michele Gee, East Norwich, N.Y.; and two grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

BOURNE, DOROTHY, 86, of Hudson, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Bayonet Point Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Lexington, Ky., she came here 28 years ago from Detroit. She was a homemaker, a member of Eastern Star, and Methodist. Survivors include two sons, Lyn, McCormick, S.C., and James, Bena, Va.; a sister, Frances Hoffman, Rockford, Ill.; and six grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

DORAN, GERALDINE L., 80, of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 26, 2002) at home. Born in Akron, Ohio, she came here 25 years ago from Freeport, N.Y. She was a sales associate for JC Penney and was Protestant. Survivors include her husband, John; a son, Bruce, Hampton Bays, N.Y.; a sister, Helen Chambers, Canton, Ohio; and a grandson. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

DORAN, JOSEPH JAMES, 79, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. He came here in 1977 from his native New York. He was a retired U.S. Customs inspector with 30 years of service, an Army veteran of World War II, and Catholic. He was a member of the DAV Chapter 78, Suncoast Eagles 3153, VFW Post 6180; Elks Lodge, 2289, and the Moose Lodge 1429. Survivors include his wife, Loretta; and three daughters, Bernadette, Denise and Linda. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

GAVIGAN, SHIRLEY E., 64, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Odenton, Md., she came here in 1993 from Crofton, Md. She was a 30-year employee of Westinghouse. She was a member of the Maryland Club, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, Gil; a son, Gary, Chesapeake Beach, Md.; a daughter, Pam Sablan, New Port Richey; a brother, Ronnie Weed, Jessup, Md.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

GORRITZ, GEORGE P., 72, of Holiday, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Puerto Rico, he came here 14 years ago from New York City. He was a retired owner of the Lisbon Restaurant in New York and an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Michael J. Cicero Post 173 American Legion, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Edith; a son, George, Holiday; a daughter, Sandra Barry, Sarasota; his mother, Maria Davila, and a brother, Gilbert, both of Holiday; two sisters, Gloria Burmudas, Bronx, N.Y., and Isabell, Deltona; and two grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

GROOMS, ISHMON LEE "RED," 51, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. He came here in 1986 from his native Princeton, Ky. He was a groundskeeper for Magnolia Valley Golf Club, New Port Richey and Pentecostal. Survivors include a son, Ishmon Jr., Port Richey; his father, Ulas Grooms, Princeton; three brothers, James, Paducah, Ky., Billy, Lawrenceville, Ga., and Jackie, Princeton; three sisters, Romona Harris, Princeton, Eva Grooms, Owensboro, Ky., and Tammy Copeland, Covington, Ky.; several nieces and nephews; and fiancee, Alma Jones, Port Richey. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

KENNEDY, FLORENCE V., 87, of Holiday, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Southern Pines Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in New York City, she came here in 1990 from Queens, N.Y. She was a retired secretary for Sloans Furniture Co., Manhattan, N.Y., after 10 years of service. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include two cousins, Robert and Reynold Vaughan, both of Holiday. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.

LANDEL, LAURN J., 76, of Dade City, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, Brooksville. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he came here 15 years ago from Grand Island, N.Y. He was a patrol guard for an automobile plant, an Army veteran of World War II, and Protestant. He was Past President of Bridgehoppers, and Niagara Genesee Air Steam Association. Survivors include his wife, Ann; a daughter, Marguerite Thomas, Cheektowaga, N.Y.; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

SMITH, BEATRICE IRENE, 90, of Hudson, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Canada, she came here in 1973 from Albany, N.Y. She was a retired registered nurse for Albany Medical Center. Survivors include a son, Bruce, Marietta, Ga.; a daughter, Carole Parkinson, Crossville, Tenn.; a brother, Loren Murray, and two sisters, Gladys Birse,and Violet Manning, all of Canada; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hudson.

THORNHILL, TED R., 54, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home. Born in Huntington, W.Va., he came here in 1995 from Chicago. He was an insurance agent for Western and Southern Life Insurance Co. He was a member of the Lighthouse for the Blind, and was Baptist. Survivors include his father, Sylvester; two brothers, Joseph, Jacksonville, and Buck, Lake City; and several nieces and nephews. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center, Largo.

WOOD, LESTER C., 100, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home. Born in Trenton, N.J., he came here in 1978 from Buffalo, N.Y. He was owner and operator of Eagle Delivery and Carting Co., Buffalo. He was a member of Mercer Club, Buffalo, Palm Terrace Civic Association, Port Richey, and was Presbyterian. He is survived by several cousins in Florida and New York. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hudson.

YANOWSKI, JOHN A., 82, of Holiday, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Dunmore, Pa., he came here in 1985 from Roscommon, Mich. He was a retired body man for Ed Schmidt Ford Agency, Ferndale, Mich., after 30 years of service. He was a member of Knights of Columbus 3257, Warren, Mich., and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Mary; three sons, Thomas, Brownstown, Mich., Edward, Toledo, Ohio, and John, Roseville, Mich.; a daughter, Mary Naccashian, Farmington Hills, Mich.; a brother, Frank, Parma, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.

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Clearwater

DAVIS, NORMAN A., 88, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at Integrated Health Services of Florida at Clearwater. He was born in Chautauqua, N.Y., and came here in 1959 from Sherman, N.Y. He was a construction worker and farmer many years. He was Protestant. He was an avid baseball player, a golfer and a volunteer for the Stanley Hose Fire Co. Survivors include a son, David, Mayville, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
SCHUSTER, GEORGE ROBERT, 86, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Chicago and came here in 1968 from Skokie, Ill. He worked as a photo engraver in graphic arts in the Chicago area for more than 20 years and also worked as a real estate agent. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was a musician with the Navy band. He was a member of the Clearwater Board of Realtors. He enjoyed playing music and golf and going to the beach. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rosemary E.; a son, Lee G., Seminole; a daughter, Debra L., Dunedin; a brother, Amos, Sanford, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Kristofer and Ian Schuster. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
STEGMAIER, DAWN J., 69, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Peoria, Ill., and came here in 1996 from East Peoria, Ill. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Clearwater. She did Brazilian missionary work through Calvary Baptist and was active in Kids' World Outreach. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Donald; three sons, Michael, Mark and Jonathan, Brimfield, Ill.; a brother, George Pinkney, Peoria; three sisters, Julie Badgerow, Dunedin, Cheryl Rhodes, Normal, Ill., and Chris Van Dusen, Peoria; and seven grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.

Dunedin

MANNO, ROSANNE C., 55, of Dunedin, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2002) at home. She was born in Bronx, N.Y. and came here in 2000 from New York. She was Christian. Survivors include two brothers, Robert Manno, Salisbury Mills, N.Y., and Joseph Manno, Washingtonville, N.Y.; a sister, Toni Cambria, Airmont, N.Y.; and eight nieces. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Largo

CRAWFORD, DOUGLAS B., 93, of Largo, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Mariner Health Care of Belleair. He came here in 1913 from his native St. Joseph, Mich. He was an air conditioning and heating technician at City Fuel Oil, McQueen Brothers Fuel Oil Co. and J.C. Pressley Co., where we was part owner. He was a 1928 graduate of St. Petersburg High School. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Half Century Club, AARP Seminole Chapter, Gem Society, Franklin, N.C. and was a former member of the St. Petersburg Rod and Gun Club and the Knights of Pythias. Survivors include two daughters, Peggy Stala, Seminole, and Martha DiAngelo, Franklin; a brother, John V., St. Petersburg; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Largo Chapel.
FENSTERMACHER, REV. HARRY F., 88, of Largo, died Sunday (Jan. 20, 2002) at Largo Medical Center. He was born in Hamburg, Pa., and came here in 1964 from Pennsylvania. He was a Navy lieutenant commander and served as chaplain for 20 years before retiring. He was a member of Church of the Isles Congregational, Indian Rocks Beach. He graduated from Ursinus College and Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and was ordained in 1940 at the United Church of Christ. He was honored as pastor emeritus in 1989 by First Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Petersburg. Survivors include a niece, Patricia Bartlow, Muncy, Pa., and two stepdaughters, Barbara Van de Kamer, Kitchener, Ontario, and Hedy Ross, Hamilton, Ontario. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
HASTINGS, HELEN S., 97, a seasonal resident of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 11, 2002) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Wolcott, N.Y., lived in Olean, N.Y. for 70 years, and was a seasonal resident for several years. She trained at Geneseo Normal School and taught in a one room school house in Wolcott. She later taught in Olean Elementary Schools and was a teacher of homebound students before her retirement. She was a member of First Methodist Church and Christ United Church, Olean, where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Electa Chapter 84, Olean, and the New York State Retired Teachers' Association and was a former member of White Shrine of Jerusalem Hannah Shrine 26, Order of Amaranth Olean Court 19 and the Pleasant Valley Home Bureau. Survivors include a son, Loren S. Jr., Rochester, N.Y.; a daughter, Kathleen H. Bell, Largo; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. McIntosh Funeral Home, Cuba, N.Y.
MAHAR, THOMAS DAVID JR., 78, a seasonal resident of Largo, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He was born in Fair Haven, Vt., and moved to Bomoseen, Vt., from Largo, where he was a seasonal resident for several years. He was a plumbing inspector for the Vermont State Department of Labor and Industry. He was a veteran of World War II. Survivors include a niece, Maureen F. Clement, Bomoseen. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
MATTHEWS, RAYMOND C. JR., 79, of Largo, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at home. He was born in Elizabeth, N.J., and came here in 1971 from Spotswood, N.J. He was an electrical contractor and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include three daughters; a son; a sister; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Dunedin.

Oldsmar

BACKER, HAROLD LeROY, 91, of Oldsmar, died Saturday (Jan. 19, 2002) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He came here in 1969 from his native Chicago. He was a creative director for Sears, Roebuck and Co. Survivors include a nephew, Jim Backer, Casselberry; and a sister-in-law, Alice Backer, Casselberry. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Palm Harbor

CRONYN, JOSEPH MICHAEL SR., 77, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He came here in 1987 from his native Buffalo, N.Y. He was vice president of sales for HyGrade Distributors, Buffalo, and was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Palm Harbor, the Diabetic Association and Marriage Encounter and was a volunteer for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jane; five sons, Joseph Jr., Baltimore, Michael J., Orlando, and Robert L., Kevin C. and John P., all Buffalo; two daughters, Susan Toft and Patricia Reagan, both of Buffalo; 25 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Safety Harbor

TAYLOR, ANTHONY HUGH, 44, of Safety Harbor, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at Town and Country Hospital, Tampa. He came here in 1990 from his native Manchester, England. He worked as a letter carrier for the Oldsmar Post Office. He attended Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor, and was a member of the Scotland Yard Boys Soccer Club, Tampa, and the Clearwater Soccer Club. Survivors include his wife, Cricket M.; a daughter, Tanya C. Taylor, Safety Harbor; a son, Marc A., Fort Bragg, N.C.; and a brother, Christopher J., Nairobi, Kenya. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

Tarpon Springs

CROSBY, PEARL VICTORIA, 92, of Tarpon Springs, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Virginia and came here several years ago from Churchville, Va. She was a clerk and typist for a state sanitorium. She was a veteran of World War II. Survivors include a nephew, David W. Rawley, Tarpon Springs. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
LIPKA, CHRISTINA HEBSGAARD, 48, of Tarpon Springs, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at home. She was born in Indianapolis and came here in in 1993 from Pittsford, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Survivors include her husband of 25 years, Alexander A.; a son, Alexander E., Tarpon Springs; a daughter, Cassandra E. Lipka, Tarpon Springs; her mother, Eleanor Wilt, Anderson, Ind.; and two sisters, Barbara Bustion, Anderson, and Candace Barnett, Atlanta. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
SOULOUNIAS, MIKE T., 77, of Tarpon Springs, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at home. He was born in Kalymnos, Greece, and came here in 1987 from Gary, Ind, where he retired as a baker for Wonder Bread Co. He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs, and a member of the Bakery and Confectionary Union and Industry, Kensington, Md. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Kaliopi; three sons, Tom, and Steve, both Tarpon Springs, and Jimmy, Crown Point, Ind.; two brothers, Tamale, Greece, and Jimmy, Clearwater Beach; a sister, Kaliopi Svene, Greece; and three grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

South Pinellas Back to top

SKINNER, FRANCES LOUISE, 85, of Niota, Tenn., formerly of Kenneth City, died Sunday (Jan. 20, 2002) at home. Born in East Towis, Mich., she came here in 1965 from Highland, Ind., and in 1994 moved to Niota. She was a breeder of show dogs. She was a member of Ladies of the Elks Lodge 1224 of St. Petersburg, the Anna Miller Circle, an honorary member of the Florida Sheriff's Association and a volunteer at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ellen Sigler, Niota; four grandchildren, Pam Smith, Bedford, Ky., Carol Gnau, Louisville, Ky., Bob Kitchel, Georgetown, Ind., and Cindy Carmichael, St. Petersburg; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

CEBULL, ELSIE, 89, of Pinellas Park, formerly of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Grays Landing, Pa., she moved to Tampa from Clairton, Pa., in 1960 and to Pinellas Park in 1970. She was a licensed practical nurse and a former employee of St. Petersburg General Hospital. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinellas Park and was formerly active in the Altar and Rosary societies, the Legion of Mary and Catholic Daughters of America. Survivors include a daughter, Leah M. Spicochi, Pinellas Park; two brothers, Alex Marko, Riverview, and Julius Marko, Elizabeth, Pa.; a sister, Olga Nagy, Clairton; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.
EAGAN, VERNON T., 84, of the Mainlands, Pinellas Park, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in St. Louis, he came here in 1986 from Albany, N.Y., where he was a former salesman for U.S. Gypsum and owner of Albany Building Center Inc. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and was past president and a member of the Men's Club of Unit 1 at Mainlands. He was a captain in the Army during World War II. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Faith M; three daughters, Cheryl Schroder, Missouri City, Texas, Candace Del Zotto, Altamont, N.Y., and Carlyn Baynes, Poughquag, N.Y.; two stepdaughters, Karen Pierson, Seffner, and Cynthia Caryl, Houston; a stepson, Robert Baker, Albany; a sister, Eileen Benecke, St. Louis; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
MONGAN, EUGENE ARTHUR, 78, of Pinellas Park, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at Crystal Oaks Nursing Home, Pinellas Park. Born in Cherokee, Iowa, he came here five years ago from Peoria, Ill. He was an electrical technician with the Abraham Amusement Co. of Peoria and attended Bethel Methodist Church in Peoria. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Letty; two sons, Shawn Sr., Valrico, and Larry, Princeton, Ill.; a stepson, Stephen Christiansen, Mapleton, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Tamara Johnson, High Ridge, Mo.; and six grandchildren, including Tyler Christiansen, Ryan Christiansen and Shawn Mongan Jr.; and 11 great-grandchildren. International Mortuary Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Petersburg

AMES, PATRICIA A., 65, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Plymouth, Mass., she came here in 1978 from Marshfield, Mass. She was a waiter for more than 20 years at P.J.'s Country House Restaurant in Scituate, Mass. She was Catholic. She was a secretary for Pinellas County Head Start for several years. She was an avid dancer and plate collector. Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Charles "Hoppy", St. Petersburg; a son, Edward C., Gulfport; two daughters, Marcia Ames, Weymouth, Mass., Cindy Paulino, Benson, N.C.; and six grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
CAULEY, RUTHA M., 63, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. She came here in 1930 from her native Jacksonville. She was as graduate of Gibbs High School. A certified nurse's assistant, she had worked at several local hospitals and nursing homes. She was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she served with the Usher Board. Survivors include four sons, Kenneth Davis, Ricky Davis, Khalyn Davis and Hilliard Marshall, all of St. Petersburg; four daughters, Tonya Keels-Simpson, Douglas, Ga., Cynthia Gainer, Barbara Gainer-King and Rosa Lee Johnson; 19 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
COVELL, STEPHEN JAMES "STEVE," 47, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at Greystone Greenbrook Nursing Center, St. Petersburg. Born in Brookline, Mass., he came here in 1980 from Providence, R.I. He was a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker in St. Petersburg. He was an avid competitive sailor and held a captain's license. Survivors include his wife Lexey; two sons, Christopher A. and Rollin L., both of St. Petersburg; and a sister, Susanne Covell, Harrisville, W.Va. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
ELICKER, DOROTHY E., 85, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. She came here in the 1940s from her native Philadelphia. She was a homemaker and a member of Allendale United Methodist Church. Survivors include a son, Charles K. Jr., and a daughter, Mary Sue Elicker, both of St. Petersburg; and a grandson, Bryian James Elicker, Tampa. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
KENDRICK, WILLIE LEWIS, 57, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at a friend's home. Born in Montezuma, Ga., he came here in 1984 from Micanopy. He was a self-employed carpenter. He was a member of the Southside Landlords and Tenants Association and the First Baptist Institutional Church. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Walker-Kendrick; two sons, Timothy , Atlanta, and Willie Jr., Lakeland; a daughter, Joann Spencer, Italy; three stepdaughters, Donna Barrett and Melody Moore, both of St. Petersburg, and Ursla Banks, Cleveland; four brothers, E.T. Kendrick Jr., Elko, Ga., Charlie Kendrick, Austell, Ga., Eddie Robinson, St. Petersburg, and Harry Robinson, Atlanta; four sisters, Georgia Ruth Johnson, Henderson, Ga., Rena Mason, Rochester, N.Y., Louise Leggett, Atlanta, and Lizzie Byrd, Lathonia, Ga.; and 11 grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
NORMAN, CHARLES M., 80, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2002) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Maysville, Ky., he came here in 1963 from Richmond, Ind. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a master automobile mechanic until he was disabled in an automobile accident while on a road call. Later he became interested in electronics and became proficient in repairs, including CB radios, ham radios and televisions. He was an avid Ham and CB radio operator. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Ann Rhodes, St. Petersburg; three sons, John and Tom, both of St. Petersburg, and Charles A., Mays Lick, Ky.; two brothers, Samuel, Greenville, S.C., and Jim, Jacksonville; and 13 grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
O'CONNELL, BARBARA A., 70, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2002) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Sussex, England, she came here in 1999 from Georgia. She was a volunteer for many years with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and also volunteered for the Hospice Respite Center in Michigan. Survivors include her husband of 31 years, Harry P.; four sons, Donald O'Connell, Garland, Texas, Phillip O'Connell, St. Petersburg, and Dale O'Connell and Michael O'Connell, both of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Nicke Gillhespy, Oklahoma City, and Susan Franco, England; a sister, Josephine Bennett, Australia; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.American Heritage Cremation Society, Clearwater.
PETTIS, RUTH LATSON "AUNTIE RUTH," of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at San Bernardino Community Hospital, San Bernardino, Calif. She was born in St. Petersburg. She was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and was a volunteer at the Forest Hill Head Start center and for the Jordan Park Tenant Security Patrol. She was a Boy Scout den mother and was marshal secretary and chaplain for the Dottie Davis OES Chapter 258. She worked many years for Joseph and Jane Silverberg. Survivors include two sons, James Pettis and Charles Pettis; five daughters, Patricia Williams, Jacquelyne P. Williams and Cheryl Harrell, all of St. Petersburg; and Ezellda Edwards and Gail Pettis, both of Rialto, Calif.; two sisters, Virginia Berrien and Elizabeth McKinnon; 23 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
SEGERT, EDWIN AUGUST, 87, of Dade City, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2002) at Pasco Regional Medical Center in Dade City. Born in Amherst, Ohio, he moved to St. Petersburg in 1956. He was an employee of the city of St. Petersburg for 20 years. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Tulsamae; a daughter, Sherri Thompson, St. Petersburg; two sons, Gary, Orlando, and Warren, Dade City; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Oakley Funeral Home, Dade City.
SIDDONS, WILLIAM McDONALD SR. "MACK," 78, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2000) at home. Born in Sandy Hook, Va., he came here in 1971 from Camp Springs, Md. He served in the Army during World War II. He retired from Dew Cadillac as a mechanic after more than 20 years of service. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6827 in St. Petersburg. He was an avid fisherman and was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Shirley A.; a daughter, Cheryl Ann Payne, St. Petersburg; two sons, William McDonald Jr., Mayo Beach, Md., and Benjamin Corbett, Brooksville; three sisters, Nelda Parrish, Shirley Burton, and Elinor Dowdy, all of Sandy Hook; two brothers, Primo Parrish, Sandy Hook, and Dewey, Richmond, Va.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-McLeod Chapel, St. Petersburg.
WATKINS, DAISY W., 95, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She came here in 2000 from her native Waynesboro, Ga., where she was a share cropper. She was a member of Bottsford Spring Baptist Church and its Mother's Board in Waynesboro. Survivors include three daughters, Marie Lynch, St. Petersburg, and Channie Richbow and Bertha Lewis, both of Sebring. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
WILLIAMS, VERONICA K., 85, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 25, 2002) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Chicago, she came here in 1962 from Homewood, Ill. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include a sister, Genevieve Waters, Oaklawn, Ill; three nieces; and a nephew. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

Seminole

GOLDBERG, DOROTHY, 98, of Seminole, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the personal secretary to George Hammis, who was the owner of the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. She was the first president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Miami Showmen's Club. Survivors include a sister, Anne Gottleib, and a nephew, Neil Gottlieb, both of Seminole. Beth David South Chapel of David C. Gross Funeral Homes, St. Petersburg.