St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

HENGEVELT, W. GLEN, 55, of Homosassa, formerly of Clearwater, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. Born in Massillon, Ohio, he moved in 1950 to Clearwater and later moved to Homosassa. He attended the University of Florida. He was a Marine Corps veteran, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Survivors include his parents, William M. and Gloria G. Hengevelt, Clearwater; two sisters, G. Lynn Ingle, Delmar, Calif., and Lori Fravel, Palm Harbor; and a companion, Diane Rush. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

LEENSVAART, SADIE, 85, of Inverness, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Illinois, she came to Florida in 1969 from Thornton, Ill. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. Survivors include her husband, John. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

MARLIN, HAZEL F., 88, of Port St. Lucie, formerly of Beverly Hills, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) in Port St. Lucie. Born in Charlevoix, Mich., she came here in 1973 from Dearborn, Mich. She was a homemaker and a member of Port St. Lucie Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two daughters, Rita Fiddes, Dearborn Heights, Mich., and Martha Tsaousis, Port St. Lucie; a son, Emery R. Remington, Riverside, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Beverly Hills.

OLIVER, MILDRED SYBIL, 85, of Hernando, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Woodland Terrace, Hernando. Born in Alpena, Mich., she came here two years ago from Phoenix and was a retired office worker. She was Episcopalian. Survivors include her sister, Rosemary Boyer, Inverness. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

PARKS, CATHERINE LONITA, 73, of Homosassa, formely of Hudson, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Hapeville, Ga., she came here in 1986 from Hudson. She was a waitress at a country club. Survivors include two sons, Robert Allan and Lawrence B., both of Homosassa; two daughters, Sandra G. Curtis, Trenton, and Julia L. Slack, Homosassa; a sister, Bea Daniels, Georgia; six grandchildren; and eight grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Homosassa.

SWOGER, ELEANOR L., 76, of Lecanto, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Cypress Cove Care Center, Crystal River. She came here 13 years ago from her native Pittsburgh. She was a homemaker and a member of Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church of Lecanto. She was a member of the Citrus Jazz Society, Hernando Jazz Society, Suncoast Jazz Society, Central Florida Jazz Society and the Ocala Jazz Society. Survivors include her husband, Robert W.; four daughters, Deborah Dewyea, Jackson, N.J., Christine O'Connell, Aruba, Pamela Brighton, Williamstown, N.J., and Lisa Halo, Spotsylvania, Va.; and four grandchildren. Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, Crystal River.

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BRADLEY, GEORGE L. SR., 81, of Brooksville, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Copley, Pa., he came here 25 years ago from Woodbury, N.J. He was a retired fire control technician for the United States government. He also worked for Hernando County EMS and Oak Hill Hospital as an Emergency Medical Technician. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 99, DAV Post 67, VFW Post 10209, Pearl of the West 146 F&AM, High Point Volunteer Fire Department and St. Anthony Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Norma; three sons, Dr. George L. Bradley, Cherryville, N.C., Nicholas R., Glasboro, N.J., and Richard, Tracyton, Wash.; two sisters, Patricia D'Ippolito, Philadelphia, and Naomi Dillon, Ventnor, N.J.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Brooksville.

FLOYD, GEORGE SR., 70, of Brooksville, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at home. Born in Sandersville, Ga., he came here 12 years ago from Sanford. He was a retired truck driver and a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, Willie Butts, Brooksville, George Floyd Jr., Florence, Ky., and Bobby Floyd, Sanford; three daughters, Lillie Floyd-Gordon, Sanford, Lynn Floyd-Crawford, Brooksville, and Frances P. Floyd, Spring Hill; two brothers, Robert Reynolds Sr., Tampa, and Albert Reynolds, Homestead, N.Y.; three sisters, Reba Vernet and Rose Lewis, both of Milton, Del., and Dorothy Cooper, Atlanta; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Community Funeral Service, Brooksville.

MIDDLEMISS, MARGARET ESTELLE, 80, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Dec. 28, 2002) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Pittsburgh, she came here 21 years ago from England. She was a recruiter for the Foreign Service and served all over the world. She was a member of Spring Hill Cancer Support Group. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

MILLER-McCOLLUM, SHEILA D., 44, of Brooksville, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at home under the care of her family and Hernando-Pasco Hospice. She was a lifelong resident of her native Brooksville and member of the Leonard Street Church of God. Survivors include her mother, Rosa Lee Mobley, Brooksville; five brothers, Willie Miller and Daryl Owens, both of Brooksville, David McClenton, Tampa, Eric Miller, Fort Myers, and Reginald Miller, Leesburg; and three sisters, Barbara Mason and Elaine Mobley, both of Brooksville, and Hattie Williams, Orlando. Community Funeral Services, Brooksville.

ORMROD, RUSSELL, 70, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at home under the care of Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Born in Worcester, Mass., he came here in 1999 from Port Charlotte. He was a retired owner of a building contracting company, had a real estate company in Framingham, Mass., and was an Air Force veteran. He was Christian. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; his mother, Irene Blanche Ormrod, and a brother, Donald R., both of Tarpon Springs. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home & Cemetery, Hudson.

WALSH, MARY CATHERINE, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 10 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. and was a clerk secretary with A&P Tea Co. She was Protestant. Survivors include her daughter, Marie T. Schemitz, Spring Hill; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

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CANO, JOSE "JOE," 75, a native and lifelong resident of Tampa, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002). Survivors include his wife, Rosario "Rose;" three sons, Joe R., John and Michael Cano; a daughter, Vilma Douglass; two brothers, Ruben and Antonio Cano; a sister, Mercedes Sanchez; a granddaughter, Velina Rogers; and a great-granddaughter. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

COLLINS, THE REV. JAMES M., 63, of Tampa, died Friday (Dec. 27, 2002) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in New Orleans, he moved to Tampa several years ago. He was a retired longshoreman and a member of ILA Local 1402. He was Baptist. Survivors include two stepdaughters, Theresa and Shirley Nelson; a stepson, Samuel Nelson; two brothers, Joseph and Henry Collins, both of Tampa; and two sisters, Ruth Barr and Gloria Victor. Everett, Derr & Anderson Funeral Home, Tampa.

CRUZ, JOSE ANTONIO SR., 64, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Carmen; a son, Jose A. Jr.; two daughters, Marisel and Evette Cruz; three brothers, Rafael Narvaez, Miguel and Leoncio Cruz Jr.; three sisters, Luz M. Cruz Ortega, Lydia Narvaez and Francisca Cruz; and three grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

DONALDSON, ROBERT L., 75, of Tampa, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at St. Joseph's Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, he was a retired auto detailer and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Julie Mae; three daughters, Brenda Brown, Deborah Canady and Jacquelyn Brown-Reeder; a son, Garry A. Brown; a sister, Margaret Ellerson; and 10 grandchildren, all of Tampa. Everett, Derr & Anderson Funeral Home, Tampa.

EDGEMON, WILL, 84, of Plant City, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002). Born in South Carolina, he was a longtime resident of the Tampa area. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was an Eagle Scout. He was a retired conductor for Seaboard Airline Railway and a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. Survivors include his wife, Martha Soar; two sons, Andrew, Ruskin, and Terry; a daughter, Donnie Coleman, Plant City; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

GOMEZ, CANDIDO M. "PETI," 47, of Tampa, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002). Born in Havana, Cuba, he moved to Tampa in 1969. He was employed for America's Body Company. Survivors include two sons, Candido M. and Pedro Gomez; his mother, Catalina Gomez; and five sisters, Yolanda Dominguez, Rosa Sanchez, Connie Pons, Lucia Gomez and Ada Lopez. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

GONZALEZ, JESUS "TUTU," 30, of Tampa, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002). Born in the Isla of Juventud, Cuba, he moved to Tampa in 1980. He was a supervisor for America's Body Company and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Teresita; a daughter, Alyssa; a son, Jamie Sosa; his mother, Lourdez Gonzalez; his father, Jesus Manuel Gonzalez; a sister, Lazara Gonzalez; a brother, John Gonzalez; and his grandfather, Claudio Antonio Gonzalez. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

GUYER, LESTER F., 86, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Audrey Black; seven children, Cynthia Vanetta, New Kensington, Pa., Kathleen Vito, Land O'Lakes, Karen Woods, Tampa, Ian "Skip" Guyer, Salem, Ore., Lance Guyer, Wesley Chapel, Leslie Barnehoff, Beaverton, Ore., and Gary Guyer, Oregon; a brother, John N. Guyer, Rathdrum, Idaho; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

MANN, ABBIGAIL REBEKAH, 2, of Valrico, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002). Survivors include her mother, Jessica Mann, Valrico; her maternal grandparents, Daniel and Jean Long and Eddie Mann; and great-grandparents, Myrtle and Joseph Mosheim and Linda Long. International Casket & Urn Gallery, Clearwater.

MOREIRA, LEOGRADE "LEO," 24, of Tampa, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002). Born in Guanabacoa, Cuba, he moved to Tampa 20 years ago. He was a supervisor for America's Body Company. Survivors include his wife, Eva Marquetti; a son, Adonis Moreira; his mother, Regla Esther del Toro; his father, Leograde Moreira; and three brothers, Wifredo, Amauri and Ariel. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

NICHOLS, RONALD LEE, 39, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003). Born in Williamsburg, Ky., he moved to Tampa 17 years ago from Cincinnati. He was a plaster finisher and was Pentecostal. Survivors include his wife, Linda; a son, James Bailey II, Tampa; three daughters, Jennifer Pate, Gibsonton, Heather Nichols, Ohio, and Tasha Nichols, Corbin, Ky.; his mother, Lowell Shelton; his father, Dave Shelton, both of Williamsburg; a sister, Mary A. Justice, Corbin, Ky.; two brothers, William K., Tampa, and Richard A., Corbin, Ky.; and three grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

TREIS, DOROTHY FRANCES "DOT," 92, of Plant City, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) in Brandon. Born in Harrison, N.Y., she moved to the Tampa area 16 years ago from Miami. She was a music teacher and a member of Nativity Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, Charles Joseph Tries III, Cedar Grove, N.C.; two daughters, Mary Smude, Plant City, and Susan Maddry, Durham, N.C.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Holloway Funeral Home, Tampa.

VALDES, DR. JULIO C., 86, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002). Born in Havana, Cuba, he moved to Tampa in 1962. He graduated from the Universidad de la Habana in 1943 and was a member of the St. Joseph's Hospital staff. He was also a member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, the American Medical Association and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Oilda; a son, Dr. Julio J. Valdes; two grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

WRIGHT, ROBERT J., 73, of Valrico, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002). Born in New York City, he moved to the Tampa area 25 years ago. He was a graduate of Fordham University, New York City, and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lodge No. 3566 in Brandon. Survivors include is wife, Teresa; 11 children, Eamon, Kate, Jim, Cathy, Sean, Kathy, James, Tammy, Brendan, Maureen and Craig; a brother, Joseph; and 13 grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

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ABNER, DANNY FRED, 35, of Hudson, died Saturday (Dec. 28, 2002) in Bayonet Point. Born in Oneida, Ky., he came here 22 years ago from Beattyville, Ky. He was disabled and had been an air conditioning technician. He was Pentecostal. Survivors include his wife, Mae Lynn, a son, Justin, and two daughters, Vanessa and Jolene; two brothers, David Bowling and Marcus Abner; and two sisters, Joy and Susan Abner. Arlington Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

AUBREY, GILBERT JR., 82, of Carrabelle, formerly of Holiday, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) in Carrabelle. He moved to Holiday 24 years ago from his native Philadelphia, then moved to Carrabelle in 2002. He retired as the supervisor of transportation and distribution with the Philadelphia Electric Company. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion. He was a member of F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley and Egypt Temple Shrine. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Eleanore; a son, Glenn C., Longhorne, Pa.; two daughters, Edie Rowell, Carrabelle, and Gail Armstrong, Camp Hill, Pa.; two brothers, LeRoy, New Jersey, and Coutler Aubrey, Philadelphia; a sister, Lamar, Bridgeton, N.J.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday.

BLUM, EUGENE C. "GENE," 65, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at home. Born in New York, he came here in 1995 from Rockland County, N.Y. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Lillian M.; six sons, Eugene C., Davenport, Charles, Florida, Gerald, Virginia, David, St. Petersburg,and Richard and Christopher, both of New Port Richey; his mother, Eleanore Geschweng, and his sister, Victoria Singer, both of Gainesville; and four grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

CONRAD, RUSSELL JAMES, 69, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at home. Born in Ashley, Ind., he came here in 1977 from Laotto, Ind. He was a retired plumber for Century Plumbing, Hudson, with 21 years of service. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Annabelle M.; a son, Troy J., Hudson; three daughters, Lana Jo Whonsetler, Port Richey, Valerie Sue Nadzam, New Port Richey, and Kellis Ann Sykes, Hudson; five sisters, Luella Stabler and Judy Conrad, both of Fort Wayne, Ind., Virginia Scheurich, Kendallville, Ind., Helen Battocletti, and Alice Egolf, Ashley, Ind.; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

DEON, FLORENCE R., 79, of Zephyrhills, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Dade City. Born in Canton, N.Y., she had been a winter resident here since 1992 from Colton, N.Y. She retired from the kitchen staff at the State University of New York-Potsdam. Survivors include her son, Kevin, Bernhards Bay, N.Y.; four daughters, Ruth Forrester, Zephyrhills, Janice Greiner, Cleveland, Sondra Young, Norwood, N.Y., and Lorraine Greer, Potsdam; a brother, Harold Briggs, Sarasota; a sister, Edith Howard, Destin; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

ELZ, ALICE E., 92, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in New Rochelle, N.Y., she came here in 1989 from West Paterson, N.J. She was a telephone operator with New York Telephone Company and various commercial businesses. She was an Episcopalian. Survivors include her daughter, Florence E. King, New Port Richey; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

FINCH, FRANCES, 84, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Dec. 28, 2002) in New Port Richey. Born in Wellsboro, Pa., she came here 12 years ago from Punxsutawney, Pa. She was a homemaker and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Port Richey. Survivors include her son, Alan, Cambridge Springs, Pa.; a daughter, Ann Lytle, Indiana, Pa.; and two grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

GIALLO, CATHERINE, 82, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Gulfside Regional Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here eight years ago from Elmont, N.Y. She retired from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, Vincent Favara, Keyster, W.Va.; a daughter, Frances Cancello, New Port Richey; a stepson, William Giallo, Long Island, N.Y.; a stepdaughter, Margaret Currao, Fort Myers; and five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

GILIO, MATTHEW A., 75, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. He came here 26 years ago from his native Chicago. He was a truck driver for Central Blacktop, Chicago, and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Delores M.; a daughter, Andrea D. Gilio, New Port Richey; four sons, Jerald J., Hudson, Jeffrey M. and Rocky A., both of New Port Richey, and Mark S., San Diego; a brother, Anthony J. Volpe, New Port Richey; a sister, Roseann Volpe, Chicago; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

HOLDEN, KENNETH R., 77, of Bayonet Point, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Bayonet Point Health Care Center. Born in Stoneham, Mass., he came here 13 years ago from Atlanta. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II and was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, New Port Richey. He held a master of science degree from the University of New Hampshire and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Florence; a daughter, Rebecca Johnson, Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother, Norman, Roanoke, Va.; and two grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.

JENNINGS, VIRGINIA M., 86, of Port Richey, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Trenton, N.J., she came here in 1973 from Mount Clemens, Mich. She was a secretary for Ford Motor Company and was a member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church of Hudson. Survivors include a niece and two nephews. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

KARAS, GERALDINE L., 69, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Michigan, she came here 15 years ago from Center Line, Mich., and was retired from the food industry. She was Lutheran. Survivors include her husband, Joseph; two sons, Joseph, Harrison Township, Mich., and Robert, Macomb, Mich.; a daughter, Cindy Karas, Harrison Township; two brothers, Ronald West, Charleston, S.C., and Robert West, Suffolk, Va.; a sister, Maxine Wilson, Hillsdale, Mich.; and two grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

MAYERS, LEO H., 83, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 18 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. He was a manufacturing engineer manager for American Systiscope. He was a member of the Italian American Club, Elks Lodge and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Anna; a daughter, Barbara Bialobrzeski, Port Richey; two sons, Paul and Mark, both of New Port Richey; and three grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Hudson.

MILLER, LESTER A. "LES," 76, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at home. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1992 from River Grove, Ill. He was a retired plaster journeyman for McNulty Bros. Co., Chicago, with 25 years of service. He was a member of Plasterers Union Local 5 Chicago. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Adele M.; three daughters, Leslie Merry, River Grove, Ellen Ritt, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Leigh Becker, Madison, Wis.; two sisters, Joan Franks, Park Ridge, Ill., and Barbara Brancato, Chicago; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

MULLANE, JOSEPH F., 70, of Hudson, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Manhattan, N.Y., he came here 29 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. He was a New York police officer and a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Catherine; three sons, Joseph, Bayonet Point, Daniel, New Port Richey, and Matthew, Jacksonville; a daughter, Michele McAllister, Bayonet Point; three sisters, Dolores Wood, Brooksville, Margaret Wilson, Maine, and Ann Mullane, Bronx, N.Y.; and two grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

PAINTER, MARY L., 84, of Bayonet Point, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at home. Born in Easton, Pa., she came here 11 years ago from Doylestown, Pa. She was a nurse and an Army veteran of World War II. She was a member of Estates Civic Association and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Leroy; and two sisters, Nancy Kressler, Naples, and Theresa Johnson, Warrington, Pa. Prevatt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hudson.

PEPPER, KATE, 86, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Bayonet Point. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she came here 26 years ago from Queens, N.Y. She was a retired bookkeeper and a member of the Jewish West Pasco Community Center. Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Ehrlich, Bayonet Point; a brother, Seymour Ponemon, Sun City; and three grandchildren. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

RYAN, RAY M., 78, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Springfield, Vt., she came here in 1970 from Cazenovia, N.Y. He was a chief water plant operator with the city of New Port Richey with 16 years of service. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the New Port Richey Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Irene; a daughter, Sharon Gresk, Connecticut; three sons, Jimmy, Fay and David, all of New York; a stepdaughter, Cheryl Dunn, Hilton Head, S.C.; a stepson, Mark Hamlin, Germany; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

SAM, HARRY A., 54, of Spring Hill (Pasco County), died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. She came here 13 years ago from her native Manistee, Mich. and was a truck driver for CRST Midwest Distribution. She was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Christine; two sons, Harry Sam Jr. and Lloyd Sam, both of Spring Hill; a brother, Chuck, and a sister, Kathy Sam, both of Michigan. Prevatt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hudson.

VAUSE, JEAN B., 93, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Dec. 28, 2002) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. She came here more than three years ago from her native Pittsburgh and was a homemaker. She was Presbyterian. Survivors include two sons, Charles, Port Richey, and David, Palm Coast. Arlington Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

WOJCIK, HARRIET S., 87, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Bayonet Point Health Center. She came here 17 years ago from her native Chicago. She was a homemaker and a member of Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Elks Auxiliary and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Stanley; a daughter, Judy Wojcik, High Point, N.C.; and a sister, Dorothy Coleman, San Diego. Prevatt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hudson.

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Belleair

CADMAN, JEANNE BIVINS, 50, of Belleair, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at home. She was born in Cambridge, Mass., and came here last year from Los Angeles. She was an artist and a member of the Church of Scientology. Survivors include two sons, Jonathon Bivins, and Benjamin Bivins, both of Belleair; her mother, Margaret Cadman, Kennebunk, Maine; a sister, Paula Ellenburg, Belleair; and two brothers, David Cadman, Quincy, Mass., and Harold Cadman, Hollis, N.H. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Clearwater

DOWLER, GEORGE J., 94, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Dec. 28, 2002) at Wingate Wilbraham Nursing Home, Wilbraham, Mass. He was born in Boston. He was a mail carrier in Canton, Mass., during the 1950s and was business manager for the University of Massachusetts. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Catholic and a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2095, Canton. Survivors include a niece, Sister Patricia Dowler, Fitchburg, Mass. Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, Canton, Mass.
HENGEVELT, W. GLEN, 55, of Homosassa, formerly of Clearwater, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Massillon, Ohio, came here in 1950 and moved to Homosassa. He graduated in 1965 from Clearwater High School and attended the University of Florida. He was a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War. He served two tours and received a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. Survivors include his companion, Diane Rush; his parents, Gloria G. and William M. Hengevelt, Clearwater; and two sisters, G. Lynn Ingle, Delmar, Calif., and Lori Fravel, Palm Harbor. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.
HOSPELHORN, MARCETTA, 72, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Laurel, Ky., and came here in 1974 from Cincinnati, where she retired as an elementary school teacher and principal. She was a poet and a member of Countryside Christian Center, Clearwater. Survivors include four sons, Roger, Clearwater, Randy and Gregg, Cincinnati, and James, South Carolina; a daughter, Sharon Chaney, Clearwater; three sisters, Darlene Young, Clewiston, Lola Farley, London, Ky., and Margie Longshore, Des Moines, Iowa; a brother, Rex Farley; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. International Casket and Urn Gallery, Clearwater.
LONG, JAY CLYDE, 87, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Dec. 26, 2002) at Westchester Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center, Clearwater. He was born in Pittsburgh and came here in 1985 from Wilkinsburg, Pa. He retired from the Army and played the organ and guitar. Survivors include his caretakers, Rayleen and Floyd Malatt. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
MURPHY, HILDA P (MORRIS), 85, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Glen Oaks Health Care Center, Clearwater, under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Glen Riddle, Pa., and came here in 1997 from Honeybrook, Pa. She worked for Hoys 5 & 10, Village Green, Pa. Survivors include a son, Kenneth, Albuquerque, N.M.; four nieces, Beverly Frame, Clearwater, Darlene Walter, West Chester, Pa., Barbara Swain, Voorhees, N.J., and Robin Little, Springfield, Pa.; a grandniece, Sue Racke, and a grandnephew, George Barker, both of Clearwater; and three great-grandnieces, Katie Moore, Rebecca Moore and Toni Barker all of Clearwater. White-Luttrell Funeral Homes, Ridley Park, Pa.
RELKIN, ABRAHAM "CHICKEN MAN," 94, of Bridgeport, Conn., formerly of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at St. Vincent's Hospital, Bridgeport. He was born in New York City and came here in 1979 from North Woodmere, N.Y., where he owned and operated Relkin Textile Co., LeGrand Fabrics and Kra-Kin Sales. Survivors include a daughter, Janice Parker, Hewlett, N.Y.; a son, Bruce, Trumbull, Conn.; and five grandchildren. Boulevard-Riverside Chapels, Hewlett, N.Y.
SPIER, CARL J., 78, of Clearwater, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., and came here in 1957 from Dearborn, Mich. He was a Realtor and worked for Curtis & Gross Real Estate, Clearwater. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, John Behan, Jasper, Ga.; a daughter, Mary Jane Rimes, San Diego; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
STARAL, MARY A., 87, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Bayview Gardens Retirement Village. She was born in Cleveland and came here in 1983 from Greensboro, N.C. She was a retired clerk for the Army and a veteran of World War II. She was Protestant. Survivors include a brother, William Staral, Spring Hill. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Largo

BATES, DONALD L., 70, of Largo, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at home. He came here several years ago from his native Indiana. He was a retired civil engineer and an Army veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Peggy; five sons, Michael, Mount Vernon, Ind., Barry and James, both of Indianapolis, Thomas, Lebanon, Ind., and Jake; a daughter, Stephanie Turner, Stevensville, Mich.; and 17 grandchildren.Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
DOYLE, JOHN MICHAEL, 50, of Largo, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Largo Medical Center. He was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifelong area resident. He worked as a security guard. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Dillow, Brooksville; a son, John Michael Jr., Camp Pendleton, Calif.; a sister, Joanne Ferguson, Columbia, S.C.; his companion, Maria Luke, Largo; three grandchildren; a nephew, Thomas W. Ferguson; and a niece, Tracy Potts. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
FIGLEY, SARA JAYN, 81, of Largo, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Palm Garden of Largo nursing home. She was born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, and came here in 1967 from Dennison, Ohio. She owned and operated Sara Jayn Beauty Salon in Largo and Dennison. She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and the Largo Business & Professional Women's Club. Survivors include a sister, Alma G. Hannum, Columbus, Ohio; and a niece, Melissa A. McPherson, Charlotte, N.C. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
GRAY, KATHLEEN, 72, of Largo, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Palm Garden of Largo nursing home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Chicago and came to this area in 1977 from Illinois. She retired as a keypunch operator for Western Electric, Chicago. Survivors include a daughter, Lyn Sorensen, Bradenton. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
SHIPLEY, JEAN E., 73, of Largo, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at home. She was born in Betterton, Md., and came here in 1970 from Baltimore, where she retired as a title clerk for the Department of Motor Vehicles. She was Methodist. Survivors include a son, Stephen G., Palm Harbor; a stepson, Charles L., Cordova, Md.; a stepdaughter, Phyllis A. Lewis, Crystal River; two sisters, Louise Mills, Kennedyville, Md., and Dorothy Gears, Still Pond, Md.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
WILLIAMS, TRINITY, infant son of Tremonica Williams and David Wilkins, of Largo, died Thursday (Dec. 26, 2002) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg. Other survivors include a brother, David Wilkins III, Largo; his maternal grandfather, Dennis McDuffy, Clearwater; and his paternal grandparents, Corrine Green and David Wilkins Sr., Largo. Woody's Funeral Home, Clearwater.

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Gulfport

WIDENER, BOBBY G., 58, of Gulfport, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at home. Born in Kingsport, Tenn., he came here in 1986 from Fayetteville, N.C. He was Presbyterian. He was a subcontractor for Comfort Cover Systems. He was a Navy veteran and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Gayle; two sons, William, Hawaii, and Woody, Gulfport; a daughter, Jessica Jewall, Astoria, Ore.; and a sister, Joan Forbes, Largo. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

Pinellas Park

AMATO, CATHERINE J. "TOOTIE," 69, of Pinellas Park, died Thursday (Dec. 26, 2002) at home. He came here in 1970 from his native Freehold, N.J. He worked in food service for Pinellas County schools for 10 years. Survivors include two sons, George Wournell, Freehold, and Raymond Wournell, Ozark, Ala.; a daughter, Kathleen Anderson, Tampa; four brothers, Raymond Frank, Toms River, N.J., and Ken Frank, Herb Frank and Harvey Frank, all of Freehold; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
BEIERLEIN, HARRY P., 77, of Pinellas Park, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. He came here in 1959 from his native Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a salesman for 3M in Florida for 38 years. He was Protestant. He was a member of the St. Petersburg Bowling Association Hall of Fame, the Pinellas Park Rotary Club and the Shriners in Tampa. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Joan; a son, Drew, Largo; two daughters, Debby A. Aloi and Joni McAlpin, both of St. Petersburg; a brother, Calvin, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home & Cemetery, Seminole.
BOBINEC, HELEN, 81, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002). Born in Skopje, Yugoslavia, she came here in 1972 from Detroit. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Pasadena Community Church, OES in Michigan and Croatian Fraternal Union in St. Petersburg. Survivors include two daughters, Gordana Hentgen, Troy, Mich., and Julia A. Merkle, Pinellas Park; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.
HEAVNER, DONALD R., 83, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. Born in Granite City, Ill., he came here in 1963 from France. He retired as an Air Force master sergeant after 26 years. He was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Suncoast Chapter 1. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Willora M.; a son, Dennis Ray, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Donna Gayle Johnson, Aurora, Colo.; three grandsons; and two great-granddaughters. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Pete Beach

WIENCEK, PAULINE READ, 91, of Tampa, formerly of St. Pete Beach, died Saturday (Dec. 28, 2002) at John Knox Village Medical Center. She was born in Duryea, Pa. Survivors include a nephew, Steven Read, St. Pete Beach; and a grandniece, Courtney Piatt Read, St. Petersburg. Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services, Tampa.

St. Petersburg

AVERILL, RICHARD JAMES, 43, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He came here in 1967 from his native Rochester, N.Y. He attended St. Petersburg High School. He was a freelance photographer. Survivors include his companion, Sue Menzyk; his mother, Yvonne Stenner, Lady Lake; two brothers, John, Santa Fe, N.M., and Douglas, Rochester; and two sisters, Catherine Shepard, Rochester, and Elizabeth Chaney, Lady Lake. John S. Rhodes Funeral Home-East Chapel, St. Petersburg.
BURGESS, NEABA E., 86, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in North Bend, Ohio, he came here in 1968 from Cincinnati, where he worked for Standard Oil of Ohio. He attended Clearview Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Ronald, St. Petersburg; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
CHAPMAN-WRIGHT, FRANCES RUTH, 58, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at home. She was born in Clearwater. She was a licensed day care provider and medical assistant in the emergency room at Clearwater Community Hospital and Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness. She attended Countryside Christian Center and taught Sunday school at Everybody's Tabernacle in Clearwater. She was a volunteer for the Pinellas County Fair and Sunburst Power Kids in Pinellas Park. She was a Girl Scout leader for nine years and a cheerleading and youth football team mother in Dunedin and Clearwater. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, fishing, gardening and camping. Survivors include two sons, Robert Ray Wallace, and John Winton Wallace, both of Clearwater; two daughters, Frances Wallace-Hall, St. Petersburg, and Jacqueline Louise Cassaway, Dunedin; her mother, Frances Winnelle M. Horne, Chiefland; three brothers, George Robert Chapman, New Port Richey, Alton Reginald Chapman, Clearwater, and Gerald Randolph Wall, Miller Creek, N.C.; and four grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park Funeral Home, Clearwater.
HARRIS, LEVI SR., 64, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Amsterdam, Ga., he came here from Climax, Ga. He was a forklift operator for a lumber company. Survivors include his wife, Geneva. Ambassador Mortuary Service, Oldsmar.
KOLODZIEJ, STEPHANIE D., 79, of Plant City, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at home. She came to St. Petersburg in 1956 from her native New Britain, Conn., and moved to Plant City in 1999. She retired as a nurse anesthetist at Bayfront Medical Center, where she was the department supervisor, after 20 years. She was a member of Women's AGLOW, other area prayer and Bible study groups and Plant City Church of God, where she worked with Operation Compassion. Survivors include two sisters, Mary Kolodziej, Plant City, and Julie Goldrick, Apopka; six nieces and nephews; and a grandniece. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
LE, LIEM VAN, 39, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He came here in 1983 from his native Vietnam. He was a restaurant cook. Survivors include his wife, Tammy Lam Le; three daughters, Thuy-Truc Lam Le, Truc-Dao Lam Le and Nicole Truc-Ngoc Le, all of St. Petersburg; two brothers, Quan Hong Le, St. Petersburg, and Ly Van Nguyen, Tampa. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.
WHITSON, MARJORIE S., 94, St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Menorah Center. Born in Bradenton, she came to Pinellas County when she was a small child. A registered nurse, she worked at St. Anthony's Hospital. She attended Gulfport United Methodist Church. Survivors include a nephew, Frank M. Smith, Fort Walton Beach. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
YUENGLING, BARBARA SWANSON, 83, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at Pillsbury Manor, South Burlington, Vt. Born in Woodhull, Ill., she came here 30 years ago. Survivors include two sons, Michael C. Swanson, Reistertown, Md., and Richard J. Swanson, Antioch, Ill.; a daughter, Joy (Swanson) Thompson, Essex, Vt.; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Elmwood-Meunier Funeral Home, Burlington, Vt.

Seminole

BEEBE, WAYNE D., 89, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Ohio, he came here in 1974 from Adrian, Mich. He was a pig farmer. He was Christian. Survivors include a son, Larry D., Nokomis; a daughter, Doris Clevenger, Tucson, Ariz.; and three brothers, Wells, Hillsdale, Mich., Weldon, Adrian, and Donald, Onsted, Mich. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
ECKSTEIN, JAMES MICHAEL, 53, of Seminole, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he came here in 1987 from Des Moines, Iowa. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a social worker. He was Catholic. Survivors include his parents, Richard James and Mary Eckstein, Tampa; a sister, Denise Eckstein, Cupertino, Calif.; and a brother, David, Anderson, S.C. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.