St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BRIDWELL, GERALDINE L., 84, of Inverness, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at the Mariner Health Care Center of Inverness. Born in Burns City, Ind., she came 13 years ago from Plant City. She was a member of the Hernando Church of the Nazarene. Survivors include her son, Thomas L.; three sisters, Bernice Williams, Odon, Ind., Josephine George and Ruth Wray, both of Bedford, Ind.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

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BALMER, RANDALL A., 37, of Brooksville, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Rich Square, N.C., he came here five years ago from Paterson, N.J. He was a member of the Ebenezer M.B. Church and sang in the choir. Survivors include his wife, De-De; a daughter, Quanisha N. Balmer, Brooksville; his parents, Randolph and Mary; a brother, Glenn Whitaker; and a sister, Lelia Balmer. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

CABRAL, ALFRED B. "FLUFFY," 78, of Spring Hill, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. He came here in 1989 from his native Fall River, Mass. He retired from I.C.I. America, Dighton, Mass. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and member of VFW Post 5392. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Lena; two sons, James, Tiverton, R.I., and Joey, Spring Hill; three daughters, Carol A. Martin, Spring Hill, Linda J. Isherwood, Swansea, Mass., and Debra R. Stefanik, Fall River, Mass.; a brother, Roger Botelho, Somerset, Mass.; two sisters, Chotilde "Tillie" Dussach, Fall River, and Verna Desouto, Somerset, Mass.; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hudson.

GRABELLE, BETTY, 97, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. She came here 27 years ago from her native Chicago. She was a homemaker and member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Masaryktown. Survivors include her son, Dan, Muskegon, Mich.; a daughter, Diane M. Endean, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

MANNO, LIDIA C., 66, of Brooksville, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Sicily, Italy, she came here 16 years ago from Lindenhurst, N.Y. She was a homemaker and member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Jesse; a daughter, Carmela Manno, Brooksville; a son, Jack, Lindenhurst; three brothers, Vincent, Tony and Gino Ruffo, all of New York; and two grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

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ALLEN, MARY REGINA, 69, of Brandon, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born in Savannah, Ga., she moved to the Tampa area in 1956. She was an office supervisor and a member of United Commercial Travelers, St. Andrews Episcopal Church and St. Helena's Chapter at St. Andrews. Survivors include her mother, Lucy Scott-Allen, Brandon; a brother, Omar O. Allen, Atlanta; and three sisters, Edythe L. Straigis, Irma N. Allen and Barbara Weiland, all of Brandon. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

ALMEIDA, MARTHA, 61, of Valrico, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003). Born in Matanza, Cuba, she moved to the Tampa area 22 years ago from Havana. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Jose A. Perez, Brandon; four daughters, Martha Perez, Brandon, Joanna Mendez, Tampa, and Beatriz Perez and Odalys Perez, both of Valrico; a brother, Jeronimo Almeida, Cuba; a sister, Saturnina Almeida, Havana; and 10 grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

BERTUCCI, JULIE ANN, 44, of Tampa, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, she was a graduate of Chamberlain High School and was a Verizon customer service representative. Survivors include her husband, Frank; a son, Dominic Bertucci; a daughter, Gloria Bertucci; her grandmother, Carmen Fischer; and other family members. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

BUDD, BERTIE M., 94, of Riverview, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003). Born in Hawthorne, she was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. She was a homemaker and a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Brandon. Survivors include three sons, Heyward, Plant City, Rollie, Inverness, and Bobby, Wauchula; a brother, Floyd Boone, Plant City; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

DAWSON, TERRY J., 73, of Tampa, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Kindred Central Hospital. Born in Rankin, Pa., she moved to the Tampa area in 1955. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, David and Rick Ezell, both of Tampa; two daughters, Marie Maggard, Homosassa, and Debra Capitano, Tampa; a brother, Louie Kokoska, and two sisters, Lil Lucas and Betty Rose Teammann, all of Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Mark III Funeral Home, Tampa.

FERRIS, RONALD, 81, of Sun City Center, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2002). Born in Yorkshire, England, he moved to Sun City Center in 1996 from Bradenton. He was retired as an electrical engineer and served in the Royal Air Force in India and Burma during World War II. He was a member of the Church of England and Sun City Center Lawn Bowling Club. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Hilda; a son, Gordon, Atlanta; a daughter, Colleen H. Thompson, Orlando; a brother, Bryan; and three sisters, Muriel, Margaret and Winnie. Lewers Funeral Home, Ruskin.

MARTINI, MARGIE BORN, of Valrico, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2002). She moved to the Tampa area in 1985 from Covington, Ky. Survivors include a son, Rick Skidmore, two grandchildren, Christopher and Tommy Skidmore, and her caregiver, Frances Ruff, all of Valrico. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

PALONIS, ALMA M., 81, of Tampa, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003). Born in Tallmadge, Ohio, she moved to the Tampa area many years ago. She was given the Woman of Distinction award by the Girl Scouts, was a volunteer at the Shriners Hospital and was a member of Idlewild Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy Lynn and Judy Lynn; a sister, Betty Davis; and other family members. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa.

RAU, HARRY J., 33, of Seffner, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) in Brandon. Born in Tampa, he was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a waiter and a member of the Tampa AIDS Network. Survivors include his parents, Leon and Patricia Rau, Seffner; five brothers, Ronnie, Colorado, Jesse, Seffner, and Danny, David and John, all of Hudson; four sisters, Bev Williamson, Plant City, Mary Castellano, Tampa, Barbara Hamilton, Raleigh, N.C., and Anne Creek, Michigan. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

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CAMPBELL, JEAN LEONA, 96, of Columbia, Md., formerly of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) in Maryland. Born in St. Thomas, Ontario, she moved seven years ago from New Port Richey to Maryland. She was a clerk for GMAC Detroit and was Presbyterian. Survivors include her son, Arthur B. Campbell III, Elliott City, Md.; two daughters, Alison C. Shourds, Quakertown, Pa., and Christine Wark, Tustin, Calif.; a sister, Della Daugharty, Amhurstburg, Ontario; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

CASSARINO, ANTONIETTE BRINA, 90, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) in New Port Richey. Born in Waterberry, Conn., she came here nine years ago from Greenwich Village, N.Y. She was a floor lady with Cosmopolitan Hotels and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. She enjoyed many hobbies. Survivors include her daughter, Beatrice Laura Corio, New Port Richey; two sons, Frank, Rego Park, N.Y., and Joseph, Pompano Beach; two sisters, Laura Manzione, San Diego, and Linda Bellone, Hudson; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

FRENCH, KEITH V., 72, of Bayonet Point, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at home. Born in England, he came here 15 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. He was a painter for Visi Records. Survivors include his nephew, George DeLucia, New Port Richey. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

GOOD, LAURA J., 82, of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Bellevue, Ohio, she came here 15 years ago from Amherst, Mass. She was an executive secretary employed by First Congregational Church, where she was also a member. Survivors include her husband, Gordon; three daughters, Linda Walas, Greenville, N.C., Jeanne Brown, Westfield, Mass., and Carol Smith, Live Oak; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

HANKA, WILLIAM J. SR., 89, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at home. Born in Pittsburgh, he came here 16 years ago from Lower Burrell, Pa. He was an agent/broker for Century 21. He was a lifelong member of New Kensington First United Methodist Church and a member of the Lions Club. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hudson. Survivors include two sons, William J. Hanka Jr., Hudson, and Dennis B., East Liverpool, Ohio; a daughter, Esther Ann Gourley, Lower Burrell; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

KOSKO, WILLIAM W., 72, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at home. He came here in 1999 from his native Hubbard, Ohio. He was a construction engineer and P.E. for C.B.I. Industries. He was a member of Egypt Temple Shrine and Scottish Rite in Tampa, Kendron Lodge of West Middlesex, Pa., American Society of Engineers, and Hope Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Marcia Kosko, Oldsmar; a son, Gary, Bend, Ore.; two sisters, Helen Dubyak, and Sophia Balzic, both of Hubbard; and two grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

LEMONS, NELLIE, 93, of Hudson, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Bay Point Village, Hudson. Born in Monroe County, W.Va., she came here in 2002 from Daytona Beach. She was a homemaker and member of Flomich Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Ira; two sons, Richard C., Woodland Hills, Calif., and John, Cupertino, Calif.; a daughter, Christine Wilson, Martinsville, Ind.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

MATLOCK, ADA BETH, 82, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home. Born in Tennessee, she came here in 2002 from Fraser, Mich. She was the former owner of Matlock's Nursery, Palm Harbor. She was a member of AARP and First Baptist Church of Tarpon Springs. Survivors include two daughters, Linda M. Robbian, New Port Richey, and Elizabeth Kuschel, Warren, Mich.; a son, Richard Matlock, Fraser, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

MEYER, FREDERICK, 81, of Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Duisburg, Germany, he came here in 1986 from Franklin, Wis. He was the owner of a Standard Oil Gasoline and Automotive Service Station. He was a Merchant Marine veteran, serving in the South Pacific in World War II. He was Roman Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Frances; a daughter, Lynn Marie Heindl, West Allis, Wis.; two sisters, Hildegarde Metz, Port Richey, and Magdalene Herdegen, Largo; and three grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

MIHOK, ANNA C., 89, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Madison Pointe Nursing Home, New Port Richey. Born in Johnson City, N.Y., she came here in the 1970s from Miami and was a homemaker. Survivors include her daughter, Roseann Nance, New Port Richey; a sister, Frances Greene, Tarpon Springs; and two grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

RIZZO, MICHAEL A., 90, of Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in New York City, he came here 20 years ago from Greenvale, N.Y. He was a watchman for Colonial Sand & Gravel Co. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 5869, Sons of Italy and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jennie; three daughters, Marie Ziegler, Hauppauge, N.Y.; Jean Dell'Ollo, Glen Cove, N.Y.; and Patricia Kenary, Bayport, N.Y.; two nephews; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

STEFAN, FREDERICK J., 80, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Canada, he came here 30 years ago from Sister Lakes, Mich. He was the former owner of S&M Automotive in New Port Richey and member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Survivors include four daughters, Elaine Clancy, Arlington Heights, Ill.; Sharon Luhrs and Linda McKay, both of Tallahassee; and Rita Hohman, Kennesaw, Ga.; two brothers, Elmer, Sister Lakes, and Lloyd, Holiday; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

TYLER, REGINA A., 71, of Zephyrhills, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2002) in Zephyrhills. Born in Potsdam, N.Y., she came here in the late 1980s from Parishville, N.Y. and was a homemaker. She played the piano and harmonica. She wrote poetry and had works published in the National Library of Poetry. She was a member of Community Chapel Church of God, Zephyrhills and former member of Eastern Star. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Davis, and Judy Daniels; a son, Darren; a sister, Pauline McQuown; many nieces and nephews; and 10 grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

WEBER, MURIEL A., 82, of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Chicago, she came here in 1980 from Palatine, Ill. She was a retired legal secretary for Chicago Title and Trust Co. and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Lorenz G.; three sons, Paul, Elgin, Ill.; Edward, Sugar Land, Texas; and Thomas, Noblesville, Ind.; a daughter, Kathleen Williams, Palm City; a brother, Edward Carstens, New Smyrna Beach; a sister, Arlene Balsch, Beaver Dam, Wis.; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

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Clearwater

BOWSER, DONNA BROMERSKI, 89, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Middletown, Conn., and came here in 1960 from Fort Niagara, N.Y. She was a registered nurse and retired from an Army career as a captain. She was a Women's Army Corps veteran of World War II and received the World War II Victory, American Campaign and American Defense Service medals; and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars. She was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include three sisters, Helen Tracy and Louise Baldygar, both of Bristol, Conn., and Connie Connell, Sacramento, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
COSENTINO, LUCY M., 83, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. She was born in Catskill, N.Y., and came here in 1982 from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a homemaker and attended St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include two sons, Gerald, Odessa, and Louis, Excelsior, Minn.; a sister, Ida Borelli, New York, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Homes.
EVANS, DOROTHY MARIE, 81, of Clearwater, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at Highland Pines Nursing Center, Clearwater. She was born in Tylerton, Md., and came here in 1982 from Annapolis, Md., when she retired as a real estate agent. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. Through the years, she and her late husband sang in the church as a couple. They also sang several years on a radio show. Survivors include three sons, Jerry, Dunedin, Larry, Dade City, and Gene, Tarpon Springs; a granddaughter, Eva, Leominster, Mass.; and two great-grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Homes.
FIELDS, ROBERT EUGENE, 76, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Manor Care of Palm Harbor. He was born in Hartford City, Ind., and came here in 1989 from Kokomo, Ind. He retired as a laboratory manager at St. Joseph's Hospital in Kokomo after years as a medical technologist. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a graduate of Ball State University. He was a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus in Kokomo and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Clearwater. Survivors include a son, John R., Palm Harbor; a daughter, Jane Fields, Indianapolis; two sisters, Patty Johnsonbaugh, Columbia, S.C., and Joann Kirkpatrick, Dublin, Ohio; and three grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
MEIER, WAYNE, 64, of Clearwater, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003) at home. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
THOMAS, MARY NELMS, 96, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute, St. Petersburg. She was born in Carnesville, Ga., and came here in 1944 from Alachua. She was a homemaker and a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Truman H., Tampa; a daughter, Joyce Coleman, St. Petersburg; a brother, Frank Nelms, Douglasville, Ga.; two sisters, Sue Stephenson, Douglasville, and Joe Kelpen, Toccoa, Ga.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three-great-great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Fort Harrison Chapel, Clearwater.
VIGLIONE, AMEDEO "ARTHUR," 97, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in Lawrence, Mass., and reared in Italy. He came here in 1979 from Methuen, Mass., where he retired as a foreman at Tyre Rubber after working there for more than 45 years. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was a member of the East Clearwater Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Sarah; a daughter, Joyce Powell, Clearwater; three sons, Neil, John and Eric, all of Clearwater; and seven grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Dunedin

SMITH, THELMA JO, 80, of Holiday, formerly of Dunedin, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Integrated Health Services of Tarpon Springs. She was born in Jackson, Ky., and moved to Dunedin in 1983 from Lexington, Ky., and to Holiday in 1987. She was a retired licensed insurance agent in Kentucky. Her memberships included Holiday United Church of Christ, Dixie Groves Civic Association and Forest Hills Civic Association, all of Holiday, Order of the Eastern Star, Winchester, Ky., and Daughters of the American Revolution, Lexington, Ky. She was an honorary Kentucky Colonel. Survivors include a son, Roy L., Holiday; a daughter, Mary Lou Ashcraft, Holiday; four grandchildren, Sherri Hisle and Sandra Smith, both of Holiday, Robert D. Ashcraft, Gulfport, Miss., and Kim Berryman, Nicholasville, Ky.; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.
East Lake
MUTSCHLER, JEAN, 88, of East Lake, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of Safety Harbor. She was born in Manhattan, N.Y., and came here in 1970 from West New York, N.J. She was a dressmaker and worked in the garment industry in sales and as a supervisor. She was a member of St. Jude Cathedral, St. Petersburg. She enjoyed knitting and making clothing. Survivors include a son, Stephen, Tarpon Springs; and three grandchildren, Stephen Mutschler, Orlando, Eric Mutschler, Tarpon Springs, and Christina Mutschler, Clearwater. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

Largo

BRESEE, DORIS, 80, of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Nutley, N.J., and moved to Florida in 1982 from Paramus, N.J. She worked 12 years for Lord & Taylor and 25 for Bloomingdales. She was Protestant. She was a member of St. Petersburg Association of the Deaf, Bay Area Deaf Senior Citizens, Happy Deaf 55 Club, Tampa Bay Deaf Service Citizens, Polk Golden Club of the Deaf and Zephyrhills Senior Citizens Association of the Deaf. Survivors include her husband of 13 years, James P.; a son, Robert Berenguer, Yorba Linda, Calif.; two sisters, Loise Heimlich, Boulder, Nev., and Barbara Schmidt, New Hyde Park, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
GEARY, MARY JOSEPHINE, 74, of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Warner, N.H., and came here in 1997 from Penacook, N.H. She worked as a secretary for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission and the Merrimack Farmers Exchange. She was Catholic. She was a member of the Moose, American Legion Auxiliary and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all in Concord, N.H. Survivors include two sons, John, North Redington Beach, and J. Thomas, Pembroke, N.H.; six daughters, Ellen Walter, Portland, Ore., Mary Geary, Largo, Kathleen Vincent, Penacook, Patrice Jeffery, Concord, Jaima Young, North Redington Beach, and Paula Geary, Ithaca, N.Y.; a brother, Herbert J. Bean, Bow, N.H.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.
HARTFELDER, EDWARD, 74, of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. He came here in 1995 from his native Dayton, Ohio. He was a retired truck driver. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Largo Men's Golf Association. Survivors include a brother, Joseph, Dayton; and several nieces and nephews. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
HORN, RUTH ELIZABETH, 79, of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Gaithersburg, Md., and came here in 1995 from Middletown, Md. She was a retired restaurant server. She was Methodist. Survivors include five daughters, Connie Sexton, Betty Walters and Susan Brown, all of Largo, Ginny Martin, Hanover, Pa., and Linda Robbins, New Market, Md.; a brother, George Cornwell, New Market; three sisters, Betty Bradshaw, Front Royal, Va., Helen Burns, Woodstock, Va., and Sue Puttfarken, Bonita Springs; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.
McCOY, WALDTRAUT H., 75, of Largo, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Gneist, Germany, and lived 57 years in Mansfield, Mass. She was a crossing guard and worked many years at Foxboro and Taunton state hospitals. She was a member of East Largo Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was an avid gardener and raised tropical birds. Survivors include three sons, William Hebard, Norton, Mass., Stephen McCoy and Christopher McCoy, both of Largo; two daughters, Linda Hebard Ellis and Betse McCoy Tanguay, both of Norton; a brother, Gustav Gross, Louisiana; three sisters, Martha Wuschke Linn, Norton, Ann Gross Heartfield, Beaumont, Texas, and Vera Gross Lauhoff, Portland, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
RUFFING, JAMES E., 78, of Largo, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Integrated Health Services of Clearwater. He came here in 1955 from his native Columbus, Ohio. He worked 30 years as a missile controls mechanical inspector at Honeywell, near Largo. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was on the Honeywell Corp. Retirement Club board and a director of the Suncoast Bowling Association in Pasco and Pinellas counties. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed working crossword puzzles. Survivors include a sister, Sue E. Benton, Columbus, Ohio; two nieces, Lorie Buxton-Phalen, Cincinnati, and Lisa Simpson, Columbus. Clearwater Funeral Homes.
WEISS, RUTH LAURA, 75, of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Jeffersonville, N.Y., and came here in 1993 from Lancaster, Pa. She was a homemaker and a Methodist. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy Martin, Green Bay, Wis., and Patty Konon, Washington Boro, Pa.; a son, John, Largo; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Palm Harbor

McGEE, MACIE M., 89, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She came here in 1991 from her native Portsmouth, Va. She was a retired self-employed caterer. She was a member of Sunset Point Baptist Church, Clearwater. Survivors include two sons, Holmes L. Manning, Ennis, Texas, and William A. Parker, Palm Harbor; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.

Tarpon Springs

GARNO, GERTRUDE ELAINE SHINDELHAUER, 86, of Tarpon Springs, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. She was born in the Wall Springs area just south of Tarpon Springs and lived there before moving to Tarpon Springs in 1985. She delivered newspapers for the Tampa Tribune for more than 25 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include two daughters, Tonya Teems and Nancy Carter, both of Tarpon Springs; a brother, Edward Shindelhauer, Casper, Wyo.; two sisters, Marion Feldhusen, Pinellas Park, and Fay Myers, Ventura, Calif.; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

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Seminole

EICH, LYNNE B., 88, of Seminole, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Wright's Health Care and Rehab Center, Largo. A Chicago native, she came here in 1980 from Burbank, Ill. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Kenneth W. Eich, Largo, Christopher Sison, Tampa, and Brett A. Sison, St. Petersburg; a brother, Harold Brokop, Burbank; two sisters, Lillian Verbiar, Oak Lawn, Ill., and Marjorie Czuban, Burbank; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and Cemetery, Seminole.
HEIM, ANDREW H., 89, of Seminole, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. Born in Sandy Lake, Pa., he came here in 1961 from Cortland, Ohio. A licensed electrician, he worked for several local businesses including D'Andrea Electric and the city of Madeira Beach. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Seminole. Survivors include a son, Ronald, Pinellas Park; a daughter, Joyce Clark, Seminole; a brother, T.C., Sharpsville, Pa.; a sister, Viola Reiser, Sandy Lake; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
NAVETTA, LORETTA H., 86, of Seminole, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Croydon, Pa., and came here in 2001 from Greenacres. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Samuel G. Sr.; a son, Samuel G. Jr., Lowell, Mass.; a daughter, Janis A. Silberman, Seminole; and four grandchildren, Sarah, Kathy, Carol and Martin. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Seminole.
SCHMAHL, DOROTHY I., 87, of Seminole, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at her grandaughter's home in Seminole. She was born in Altoona, Pa., and came here in 1969 from Sodus, N.Y. She was a homemaker and was a member of Anona United Methodist Church in Largo. Survivors include her husband, Ludwig "Lou"; two daughters, Christine Cowan, Falmouth, Mass., and Ellen Kulwicki, Sarasota; nine grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
WOULFE, ROSE MARIE, 77, of Seminole, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. A New York City native, she came here in 1986 from Rockland County, N.Y. She was a beautician and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, James J.; two sons, James J. Woulfe, Bloomingburg, N.Y., and Michael Woulfe, Orangeburg, N.Y.; three daughters, Ann Marie Woulfe, Seminole, Kathleen Kalagvano, New City, N.Y., and Rose Marie Woulfe, Manhattan, N.Y.; two sisters, Rita Benawich, Long Beach, N.Y., and Regina Fay, Largo; and eight grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
NOEL, KATHLEEN M., 80, of Gulfport, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. She came here in 1924 from her native Follansbee, W.Va. She was a 1939 graduate of St. Petersburg High School and a 1941 graduate of St. Petersburg Junior College. During World War II, she worked in depot supply at what is now MacDill Air Force Base. She was the co-owner and co-operator, with her late husband, of G.E. Noel Floor Covering for more than 50 years. She was president of the Junior Women's Club from 1952-1954 and a past president of the Pinellas County Association of Women's Clubs. She was a former member of the St. Petersburg Junior League. She was a member and deaconess of Faith Church in St. Petersburg since 1976. Survivors include three sons, George E. Noel, Largo, and William "Greg" Noel and John P. Noel, both of St. Petersburg; three daughters, Phoebe Garrett, Quincy, Holly Noel, Winter Haven, and Deidre N. Buck, Gulfport; a sister, Daryl Pemberton, Houston; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Indian Shores

NEWMAN, KURT M., 92, of Indian Shores, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of St. Petersburg. Born in Posen, Germany, he came here in 1974 from New York City. He was a traffic manager for a meat packing company. He was Jewish. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ellen; a son, Clyde, Oak Park, Calif.; a brother, Heinz Neuman, The Netherlands; a sister, Grace Newmark, New York City; and two grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Pinellas Park

MORGAN, DONALD, 89, of Pinellas Park, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home under hospice care. Born in Lawrence, Mass., he came here in 1978 from Lynn, Mass., where he was a purchasing agent for a pharmaceutical company. He was a member of the Golden Gate Mobile Home Park Community Church and was a former member of the board of directors for the park. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth C.; a daughter, Donna L. MacDonald, Hingham, Mass.; three brothers, Wilfred, Methuen, Mass., John, Reading, Mass., and George, Bridgeton, Maine; a sister, Sylvia Riley, Salem, N.H.; seven grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.
NUNGESTER, WILLIAM B. "BILL," 78, of Pinellas Park, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003) at home. A native of Lima, Ohio, he came here in 1996 from Fort Myers. He was a city manager of Temple Terrace and Sanibel Island and was the former mayor of Lima. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was president of the Mainlands Homeowners Association, Unit 7, and the Florida Suncoast City Managers Association. He was vice president of operations for Captran Inc. and was senior vice president for Global Resort Management Inc. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite for 50 years. He was Methodist. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Margaret; a son, Michael, Tampa; four grandchildren, Robert, Sean, Anjannette and Gina; and a great-grandson. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
TUCKER, HELEN N., 95, of Pinellas Park, formerly of Largo, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at Crystal Oaks of Pinellas. Born in Indiana, she moved to Largo in 1991 and later moved to Pinellas Park. She was the owner of an upholstery business. Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Jennings, Bradenton, and Harriet Ellet, St. Petersburg; two half brothers; three half sisters; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home and Cremation Service, St. Petersburg.
WEBSTER, JAMES P., 75, of Pinellas Park, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. A Chicago native, he came here in 1966 from Kessler Air Force Base, Miss., where he retired as a technical sergeant. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Civil Air Patrol, Gators Senior Quadrant. Survivors include two sons, James M., Baltimore, and John J., St. Louis; a daughter, Suzanne M. Bergeron, Pinellas Park; a brother, Richard, Sarasota; and four grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Petersburg

HANIS, ELLEN T., 65, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home. A Philadelphia native, she came here in 1975 from Sarasota. She was a homemaker. She was an avid angler. Survivors include a son, Mark Thomas, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Darlene Monk, Land O'Lakes; a sister, Mary Brown, Hernando; and a granddaughter, Amanda M. Thomas, Sarasota. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
HOWARD, LOUISE, 75, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. She came here from her native Kentucky. She was a self-employed bookkeeper. She was a Jehovah's Witness. Survivors include her caregiver, Irene Daniels, St. Petersburg. Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
HRABE, WILLIAM SOUSA, 74, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Dec. 27, 2002) at home. Born in Montgomery, Ala., he came here in 1972 from Carswell Air Force Base, Texas. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving aboard the USS Healy in the South Pacific, an Army veteran of the Korean War and later served in the Air Force. He retired from the military in 1971 after 28 years of service. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Halsey Third Fleet Ribbon, American Theater of War Ribbon, Pacific Asiatic Ribbon and nine combat stars. He retired as a mail clerk for the Veterans Administration in 1981. He was a Mason and was Methodist. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Robbie Kendrick Sousa; two daughters, Robbie Ruth Hrabe, St. Petersburg, and Reba Anne Bauer, Clearwater; three sons, John Allen, Plant City, Frank, Pensacola, and William "Billy," Montgomery, Ala.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
KALEDA, VIRGINIA, 76, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. A Brooklyn, N.Y. native, she came here in 1977 from Long Island, N.Y. She was a homemaker and attended Holy Cross Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Joseph J.; a daughter, Barbara Bryant, Cathedral City, Calif.; a sister, Ann Kellner, St. Petersburg; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Seminole.
KLAFF, RALPH A., 73, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home. Born in Cleveland, he came here in 1994 from Parma, Ohio. He retired from LTV Steel as a metallurgist after 40 years. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Carol; two sons, David, Hawthorne, Calif., and Paul, Pinellas Park; two daughters, Diane Ingram, Cave Creek, Ariz., and Lynn Pindor, Parma; and eight grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MOFFAT, THOMPSON K., 87, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003). He was born in McKeesport, Pa., and came here after retiring in 1978. He was a cost accountant for the Dravo Corp. of Pittsburgh for 10 years, represented the H.J. Heinz Co. for 20 years in the Ohio River Valley, Newark, N.J. and Albany, N.Y. and owned and operated the Moffat-Hollis Real Estate Agency in Latham, N.Y., from 1963 to 1978. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Ruth (McDonald); two sons, Thompson Jr., Dallas, and James R., Nosara, Costa Rica; and a sister, Florence Junker, Elizabeth Township, Pa. Copeland Funeral Home, Coraopolis, Pa.
QUERRY, FOSTER V., 94, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home. He came here in 1971 from his native High Bridge, N.J., where he was superintendent of the Streets and Water Department. He was a member of Host Lodge 6, Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite and Crescent Temple Shrine. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Mae C.; a daughter, Carolyn M. Smith, St. Louis; a sister, Margaret Brooks, St. Petersburg; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
READ, WILLIAM J. SR., 93, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 3, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Romeo, Mich., he came here in 1971 from Lincoln, Mich. He worked for Chevrolet General Motors in Flint, Mich., for 46 years, and retired in 1969 as an inspector. He was a member of the Elks in Lincoln. Survivors include his wife, Petra S.; a son, William J. Jr., Barton City, Mich.; three daughters, Barbara Farmer, Corbin, Ky., Charlotte Menz, Flint, and Margaret Laughlin, Flushing, Mich.; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
WHITTIER, BERTHA, 80, of Sevierville, Tenn., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003). She was a Girl Scout leader for 22 years. She was a member of Luretta United Methodist Church. Survivors include a son, James Whittier; a daughter, Victoria Whittier; a brother, Earl Newberry; and two sisters, Julia Smith and Nina Dietrich. East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, Tenn.
WRIGHT, DOROTHY J., 76, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) at Bon Secours Maria Manor. Born in Fairmount, Ga., she came here in 1965 from Calhoun, Ga. She was a retired chef and restaurant manager. Survivors include her husband, Johnnie H.; two sons, Jeffrey L. Wright, Farmingdale, N.Y., and Timothy T. Wright, Pinellas Park; three daughters, Penny S. Collins, Pinellas Park, Johnnie D. Fox, St. Petersburg, and Marilyn K. Rigolo, Largo; three brothers, Lonnie Stone and Vernon Stone, both of Cartersville, Ga., and Grady Stone, Macon, Ga.; a sister, Bernice Guyton, Cartersville; and 11 grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home and Cremation Service, St. Petersburg.