St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

DOMIN, STEVE A., 89, of Inverness, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came to Florida in 1976 from Glen Cove, N.Y. He retired from the maintenance division of the Nassau County Medical Center and was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. He was an Army veteran of World War II and and a member of Inverness Veterans of Foriegn Wars. Survivors include two sons, Eugene D. and Ronald J.; two daughters, Christine Domin and Lorraine Patterson; and eight grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

GARGANO, GIOVANNI "JOHN," 78, of Beverly Hills, died Sunday (Jan 12, 2003) in Crystal River. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1986 from Queens, N.Y. He was a retired longshoreman who drove an 18-wheeler for the New York Port Authority with 26 years of service. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Martha; two nieces, Anna and Marie, and two nephews, Carmine and Pasquale, all of Italy; one grandniece; and four grandnephews. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hill.

HAYES, JEANNE ELIZABETH, 76, of Inverness, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Chicago, she came here in 1984 from Glen Ellyn, Ill. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, D.W. Hays; two sons, Mark W., Richland, Wash., and Christopher D., Chicago; two daughters, Kathryn Jones, Chubbuck, Idaho, and Julie Ann Sanner, Jacksonville; a brother, Fred Wendt, Oregon; three sisters, Ruth Burke, Chicago, Suzanne Panarisi, Lecanto, and Pat Langston, Washington; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

LIGHTBODY, CAROLYN, 76, of Crystal River, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. She was born in Pittsburgh. She was a bookkeeper for Crystal River Sign Co. and a homemaker. Survivors include three sons, Duke, Crystal River, Thomas and Stephen, both of Ocala; two brothers, Charles Bacchus, Pittsburgh, and Glenn Bacchus, Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

SANBORN, DENNIS W., 54, of Homosassa, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003) at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. Born in Sacramento, Calif., he came here in 1983 from Texas. He was a Navy veteran who served on the USS Ranger during the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife Linda; a son, Stuart O' Shannon, Tampa; a daughter, Michelle Shannon, Clearwater; his parents, Clyde & Violet Bryant, Newberg, Ore., a brother, Richard, Tampa. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

Hernando County Back to top

BEARDSLEY, PEGGY L., 54, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Dec. 27, 2002) at Brooksville Regional Hospital. She came here two years ago from her native Lapeer, Mich., and was a homemaker. She was Christian. Survivors include a daughter, Michelle Schuyler, Spring Hill; a son, Jerry Racknor, Lapeer; her mother, Maxine Putnam, Mayville, Mich.; a brother, Clarence Pettit, Lapeer; four sisters, Nancy Rackner, Lapeer, Jean Harmon, Pomona Park, Rosemary, Michigan, and Virginia; and three grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

BIRRIEL, DAVID W., 78, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. He was born in Canovanas, Puerto Rico. He came here in 1994 and was retired from Con-Edison, New York. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Carmen; a daughter, Lillian Birriel, Queens, N.Y.; two brothers, Moises, Pembroke Pines, and Eugenio, Canovanas; several nieces and nephews. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home & Cemetery, Hudson.

BOOZER, FRANCES D., 64, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Greenville, S.C., she came here 12 years ago from Montgomery, Ala. She was the organist and choir director at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Masaryktown. Survivors include her son, John Greer, Masaryktown; three daughters, Kimberly Perry and Karen Secor, both of Spring Hill, and Tomara Boozer, Port Richey; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter, Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

BOYATT, DOROTHY VIRGINIA, 80, of Brooksville, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in St. Louis, she came here in 1976. She was the executive secretary to six base commanders at Defense Electronics Supply Center, Dayton, Ohio. She was past president of the Brookridge Womans Club, past officer and board member of Brookridge Property Owners Association for 20 years, chairperson of the Brookridge Friday Night Bingo and served as council secretary at Christ Lutheran Church. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Cornett, Brooksville; a granddaughter, Laurie Cross, and a great-grandson, Michael Cross, both of Dayton. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Brooksville.

HURST, RICHARD I., 65, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003). He came here in 1985 from his native Tampa. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and was a marine electrician. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Jacklyn; a daughter, Vickey Johnson, Tampa; two sons, Terry Lee, Tarpon Springs, and Irvin R., Tampa; a brother; four sisters; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

KEPHART, ELEANOR V., 70, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in New York City, she came here 16 years ago from Sayreville, N.J. She was a retired nurses aide, volunteered at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, was active with the AA Program Spring Hill and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Basil; three daughters, Linda Gelpke, Homedale, N.J., Kathy Haynes, Middletown, N.J., and Barbara Helwig, Red Bank, N.J.; three brothers, Jim Brown, Columbus, N.J., Bobby Brown, Mount Tabor, N.J., and Terry Brown, Derby, Maine; three sisters, Pat VanDyke, East Strousburg, Pa., Marion Ritscher, Hillsdale, N.J., and Carol Deputado, Kearny, N.J.; and seven grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

LaVANGIE, LILLIAN E., 93, of Brooksville, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Atria Hernando. Born in Dorchester, Mass., she came here in 1969 from St. Petersburg. She was a homemaker, a 4-H leader, member of the Sweet Adelines in Pinellas County and enjoyed sewing. She was Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Bette Roby, Cushing, Okla., and Nancy Warrenfells, Anderson, S.C.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.

MEADORS, ROSE, 78, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Wendel, W.Va., she came here 29 years ago from Charleston, W.Va. She was a cosmetologist for Eckerd Drugs with 20 years of service. She was a volunteer at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, and was Protestant. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Mamak, Spring Hill; three sons, George, Atlanta, Dennis and Gary, both of Spring Hill; three sisters, Genevieve Morando and Lucille Heath, both of Dearborn Heights, Mich., and Anna Marie Johnson, Charleston; three brothers, Samuel Lucante, Houston, James and Frank Lucante, both of Clarksburg, W.Va.; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

MILLICAN, LENNIE "RUTH," 77, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at home. Born in Adams, Tenn., she came here 47 years ago from Pontiac, Mich. She was a real estate agent and Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Arvil; two daughters, Janet Satterfield, Brooksville, and Jeanne Severs, Holiday; and two grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

SAMPSON, HENRY W. JR., "JACK," 78, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Shirley, Mass., he came here in 1985 from Guldford, Conn. He was a dental technician and sales manager for Williams Gold Co., Buffalo, N.Y., and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Shirley E.; four sons, John A., Robert J., James R. and Jay A.; two sisters, Gertrude Brown, Worchester, Mass., and Doris Nowokunski, Shirley, Mass.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

SANTIAGO, GREGORIA, 82, of Spring Hill, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) in Brooksville. Born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, she came here recently from St. Petersburg. She was a homemaker and member of Jeohovah Witness Congregation. Survivors include her son, Sixto Santiago, Yonkers, N.Y.; a daughter, Sylvia Salazar, Spring Hill; three sisters; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral & Cremation Center, Spring Hill.

WILDER, FLORRA P., 83, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Palmetto, Ga., she came here 25 years ago from Tampa. She was an apartment complex manager in Tampa with more than 10 years of service and later a business owner. She was Baptist. Survivors include her daughter, Sandra W. Smith, Brooksville; a sister, Tillie White, Palmetto, Ga.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

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ATTEBERRY, HARRY, McALPHINE, 83, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at Town & Country Hospital. Born in Eunice, La., he later moved to the Tampa area in 1965 from Metairie, La. He was a World War II Army veteran, a member of the 156th Infantry and the Louisiana National Guard unit. He was a first lieutenant in Company A, 12th Infantry. He was also part of the invasion force that landed at Normandy Beach on D-day and was awarded the Bronze Star in 1944. He was a member of the Catholic Church of the Incarnation. He was on the Hillsborough/Tampa Knighthood Degree and was named Knight of the Year for the 8612 Council. He was a fourth-degree Knight and a member of American Legion Post 152. Survivors include two daughters, Susan Huff, Tallahassee, and Brenda Atteberry, Tampa; a brother, W.T. Atteberry, West Monroe, La.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Blount & Curry Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, West Chapel, Tampa.

BYINGTON, RUTH SINGLETON, 73, of Valrico, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) in Sun City Center. Born in Abingdon, Va., she moved to the Tampa area in 1965. She worked as a home health nurse for 20 years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Brandon. Survivors include her husband, Claude; a daughter, Diane Byington, Boulder, Colo.; three sisters, Louise Goodson and Pauline Nester, both of Abingdon, and Caroline Sowell, Pensacola; two brothers, Jack and Paul Singleton, both of Abingdon; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

HOFFMAN, THEODORE B., 77, of Lutz, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Palo Alto, Calif., he moved to the Tampa area in 1962. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II and received his bachelor's degree from Stanford University, his master's degree from Mills College and his doctorate from the University of the Pacific. He received numerous commissions and three special awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He was the music director for WGBH-TV in Boston in the late 1950s and was a music critic for the Tampa Tribune in the early 1960s. He was professor emeritus of humanities and composer in residence at the University of South Florida, where he taught from 1962, and he led the USF tour to China in 1988. He was awarded a Fulbright grant to Japan to study contemporary Japanese music and continued his research as a Japan Foundation Fellow and is the namesake for the Library of Japanese music at USF. He also wrote book reviews, specializing in books on Asian culture for Choice Magazine for 35 years. Survivors include his wife, Nancy M.; two daughters, Heather M. Hoffman, Cambridge, Mass., and Jennifer H. Connelly, Lakeland; two sons, Theodore H. Hoffman, Lakeland, and Jeffrey S. Hoffman, Naples; and 10 grandchildren. Florida Mortuary & Cremation Services, Tampa.

HURST, RICHARD I., 65, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003). Born in Tampa, he moved to Brooksville in 1985. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and was a marine electrician. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Jacklyn; a daughter, Vickey Johnson, Tampa; two sons, Terry Lee, Tarpon Springs, and Irvin R., Tampa; a brother; four sisters; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson Avenue Chapel, Hudson.

KIMMEL, HAROLD PHILLIP, 74, of Brandon, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003). Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he moved to the Tampa area several years ago. He was a Marine veteran of the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Survivors include his wife, Irene; five children, Sandy, Sheree, Erin, Phillip and Robert; a sister, Ellen Jacobson; and six grandchildren. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.

KING, CHARLES J. SR., 82, of Valrico, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003). He was an Army veteran and was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Bettymarie; three sons, Charles J. Jr., Roger J. and Thomas P.; a daughter, Barbara J. Koons; a brother, Ernest; a sister, Shirleyann Curry; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

NIEDZWIECKI, IRENE, 88, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003). Survivors include her family. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

RODRIGUEZ, JOSE ANTONIO, 31, of Plant City, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003). Born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, he moved to the Tampa area in 1990 from San Antonio, Texas. He was a welder for Style Crest in Plant City and a member of Primera Iglesia Bautista. Survivors include his parents, Maria de J. and Matilde Rodriguez; and eight siblings, Pedro Rodriguez, Lucino Rodriguez, Francisca Floras, Maria J. Martinez, Bernardino Rodriguez, Justino Rodriguez, Maria Gloria Nunez and Herminia Pina, all of Plant City. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

SIGLER, FREDERICK C., 59, of Valrico, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003). Born in Ypsilanti, Mich., he moved to the Tampa area several years ago. He was a diesel mechanic for Alterman Transport and was an Army veteran. Survivors include two daughters, Katherine Weathers, Muskegon, Mich., and Samantha Sanders-Sigler, Brandon; and a grandson, C.J. Sanders-Sigler. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

SPITLER, RANDALL H., 41, of Valrico, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003). He moved to the Tampa area more than four years ago from Fort Lauderdale. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; a son, Randall Paul, Valrico; a brother, Richard, Margate; and a sister, Holly Knight, Sunrise. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

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AUSTIN, RALPH "BUDDY," 88, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, he came here 30 years ago from Westbury, N.Y. He was a retired vice president of Citicorp Bank with 43 years of service. He was a member of Salvation Army Church. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Edith; a sister, Alice McMahon, Boca Raton; several nieces and nephews. Arlington Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

BARKER, EARL E., 77, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at home. Born in Clarksburg, W.Va., he came here in 1995 from Louisville, Ky. He was a mechanic for Pan American Airways with 19 years of service and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Irene; two sons, Michael, Long Island, N.Y., and Timothy D., Port St. Lucie; two daughters, Patricia J. Crowley, Ballston Lake, N.Y., and Mary Jane Newcomer, Ashland, Ky.; a brother, Tony, Chicago; two sisters, Verna Ceniti, Clarksburg, and Helen Hillman, Chicago; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

BRAATEN, ERLING, 79, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Norway, he came here 14 years ago from Freeport, N.Y. He was a computer manager with Lucent Technologies and was an Army veteran, achieving the rank of sergeant. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie and Moose Lodge. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Carol A.; a son, James, Woodstock, Conn.; a daughter, Siri Famiglietti, Oceanside, N.Y.; a brother, Roy, Fort Myers; three sisters, Anne Nilsen, New Port Richey, Ida Steen and Elsie Jacobsen, both of Port St. Lucie; and two grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

FARACI, FRANK "BILL," 85, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 27 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. He was an accountant and an Army veteran of World War II. He was past president of Sons of Italy New Port Richey and his memberships included Regency Park Civic Association, Orchid Lake Village Civic Association, Knights of Columbus Council 5869 and St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Josephine; two sons, Ron and John, both of Long Island; a daughter, Loretta Vella, Andover, Mass.; and four grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

GORASH, ANNA M., 67, of Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at home. She came here two years ago from her native Staten Island, N.Y. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Slaven and Debra Paternostro, both of Port Richey; and three grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

HOFFMAN, DR. THEODORE B., 77, of Lutz, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Palo Alto, Calif., he moved to the Tampa area in 1962. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and received his bachelor's degree from Stanford University, his master's degree from Mills College and his doctorate from the University of the Pacific. He received numerous commissions and three special awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He was the music director for WGBH-TV in Boston in the late 1950s and was a music critic for the Tampa Tribune in the early 1960s. He was Professor Emeritus of Humanities and composer in residence at the University of South Florida, where he taught from 1962 and he led the USF tour to China in 1988. He was awarded a Fulbright grant to Japan to study contemporary Japanese music and continued his research as a Japan Foundation Fellow and is the namesake fo the Library of Japanese music at USF. He also wrote book reviews, specializing in books on Asian culture, for Choice Magazine for 35 years. Survivors include his wife, Nancy M.; two daughters, Heather M. Hoffman, Cambridge, Mass., and Jennifer H. Connelly, Lakeland; two sons, Theodore H. Hoffman, Lakeland, and Jeffrey S. Hoffman, Naples, Fla.; and 10 grandchildren. Florida Mortuary & Cremation Services, Tampa.

HOLLINGSWORTH, ROSLEE, 91, of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Laurel, Miss., she came here in 1996 from Orlando. She was a homemaker and a gardener. She was Protestant. Survivors include a daughter, Carol Lambert, Holiday; a son, J.R. Hollingsworth, Rocky Ford, Colo; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday.

KOWALSKI, EDMUND N., 91, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) in New Port Richey. He came here in 1978 from his native Chicago. He was a U.S. Veterans Administration Contact Officer and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, D.A.V., Army Veterans of World War II, New England Club and Ashbury Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two stepdaughters, Marjory Scharff, Dayton, Ohio, and Sandra Otto, Tipp City, Ohio; three stepsons, Ernie Josche, Spring Valley, Ohio; Tom Josche, Aberdeen, Ohio; and Wayne Streeter, Wood Dale, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and caregivers, Freda Florez and Chris Walsh. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

MARZLOFF, ELSIE KATHERINE, 93, of Bayonet Point, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came here 37 years ago from her native Bloomfield, N.J., and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include her brother, Richard Marzloff, Bloomfield, N.J. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

MONSEN, HAZEL C., 89, of New Port Richey, formerly of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Port Washington, N.Y., she came here in 1997 from Holiday. She was an insurance secretary on Wall Street and administrative assistant for the mayor in Dover, N.J., and also was a general nurse administrator in Dover. She was a member of Sons of Norway, Scandinavian-American Society, VASA Order Holiday, Finnish Club, Holiday Hi-12 Club and King of Glory Lutheran Church of New Port Richey. Survivors include two sons, Ronald Fredriks, Pine Plains, N.Y., and Bruce Fredriks, Carl Junction, Mo.; a sister, Clara Pederson, Delray Beach; and six grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

PRINCIPE, ACHILLES A., 79, of Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a owner of Augies Bait & Tackle, Babylon, N.Y., and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Roman Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Gloria Shuman and Annette Kempt, both of Port Richey; and three grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

SARMENT, JOHN J., 75, of Hudson, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1974 from Massapequa Park, N.Y. He was a retired New York City firefighter with 25 years of service and later retired from the Pasco County School System with 10 years of service. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Gene O'Kane Division of New York Fire Department Retired, Port Richey. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Council 5869, and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mildred; a daughter, Ellen M. Adrian, Port Richey; a sister, Loretta Keeley, Brooksville, and two granddaughters. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

STEELE, JOHN R., 78, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1979 from Buffalo, N.Y. He was a retired foreman for the Highway Department for the town of Smithtown, N.Y., with 15 years of service. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a lifetime member, past vice president and regional director of District 11 Federation of Mobile Home Owners of Florida, Inc. (FMO), New Port Richey. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Lucille M.; a son, Russell J., St. James, N.Y.; three daughters, Kathleen L. Stockmann, Smithtown; Mary L. Connally, Buffalo; and Claire A. Ponsonby, Winter Park; five brothers, Walter, Depew, N.Y.; William, Kenmore, N.Y.; Eugene, Rochester, N.Y.; Robert, Buffalo; and Albert, Detroit; two sisters, Patricia Cosello and Dolores Tremutulo, both of New Port Richey; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

SUGALSKI, IDA J., 80, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Paterson, N.J., she came here 22 years ago from Washington Township, N.J. She was a librarian for Hoffman & LaRoche Pharmaceutical for 39 years. She was a member of the New Jersey Club and Ohio Club. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Edmund T.; and three sisters, Joan Sergent, Patricia Kune and Elsie Zaky, all of Wayne, N.J. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

North Pinellas Back to top

Clearwater

BAKER, ROGER HOWARD, 71, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Malone, N.Y., and came here in 1963 from East Windsor, Conn. He worked as a machinist and was a member of the Clearwater Shuffleboard Club. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Kenneth, Tarpon Springs, and Roger Jr., Enfield, Conn.; a daughter, Dorothy Arafiles, New Port Richey; a brother, Robert H., Dunedin; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
BRELSFORD, DORA M., 76, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Corbin, Ky., and came here in 1962 from Dayton, Ohio. She attended Calvary Baptist Church and was a member of Golden Girls DAV Auxiliary Unit 11, Clearwater, and the National Blinded Veterans Association Auxiliary. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Schull, Lakeview, Ohio; a grandson, Robert Lee Doolin, Dayton, Ohio; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
HAOBSH, ISSAM "SAM," 79, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. He came here in 1978 from his native Jordan and was an architectural engineer and Islamic. Survivors include five children, Dina, Nita, Amek, Dana and Yahia; and nine grandchildren. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
HARROLD, EVELYN B., 94, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Cambridge, Mass., and came here in 1960 from Winchester, Mass. She worked from 1960 until she retired in 1991 as a secretary for the Pinellas County School Board. She was a charter member of Light of Christ Catholic Church, Clearwater, and the Women's Guild. Survivors include two daughters, Patricia A. Duncan, Clearwater, and Joan H. Thompson, Burlington, Mass.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
MEIER, VICTOR O., 80, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Manor Care Dunedin nursing home. He was born in Ormsby, Minn., and came here in 1961 from Minnesota, where he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in electrical engineering. He retired as a certified professional logistician at Honeywell and earlier had retired after 28 years in the Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was an Army Signal Corps veteran of World War II and an Air Force electronics officer in the Korean War. After retiring from Honeywell he worked as a stockbroker specializing in tax-free bonds. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clearwater, where he served on the board of trustees and was a founder of the church's radio ministry. He was a longtime volunteer with Aid Association of Lutherans, Lutheran Brotherhood and, with his wife, was a Lamplighter Coach for several area branches. He was a past secretary of the Society of Logistic Engineers International, a member of the Air Force Association, Honeywell Minneregs, the Honeywell Retirees and University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette "Jan"; a son, Mark, and a daughter, Nancy Dixon, both of Clearwater; a brother, Lorenz, Ormsby; and a sister, Verna Hoelmer, Trimont, Minn. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
RYAN, RICHARD "DICK," 75, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital. He was born in East Orange, N.J., and came here in 1961 from Toms River, N.J. He owned and operated Dick Ryan Painting and Decorating for 35 years. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Jean M.; a son, David J., Largo; a brother, Charles, New Jersey; and three grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
SCARBURY, FRED S., 75, of Clearwater died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at the Health Center at Brentwood, Lecanto. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and came here in 1943. He graduated from Largo High School and was an Army veteran of World War II. He retired from the advertising department of Jim Walters Industries. He was past commander of the Tampa Power Squadron and active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Survivors include a brother, David, Homosassa; two nephews, David, Oxford, Mich., and Steve, Mount Prospect, Ill.; and a niece, Martha Scarbury, Flintville, Tenn. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
ZAFUTO, MARIE R., 66, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She came here in 1990 from her native Buffalo, N.Y., and was a restaurant server. Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Salvatore T.; a son, Angelo Digati, Clearwater; two daughters, Caroline Ballsmith, Tonawanda, N.Y., and Kathleen Hansen, Buffalo; a sister, Delores Hughes, Machias, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home & Cremation Options.

Dunedin

FLEMING, ARCHIE J., 99, of Dunedin, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Manor Care Dunedin nursing home. He was born in Diamond, Ill., and came here in 1972 from Madison, Wis. He retired as a manager after 25 years with U.S. Forest Services at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison and formerly worked nine years for the Chequanegon National Forest in Wisconsin. He was a past president of the National Federal Forest Employees Association, a member of the Dunedin Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and a past chairman of the Federal Safety Council. He was a member of First Congregational Church, Park Falls, Wis., the American Red Cross, Madison, a past master of Commonwealth 325 Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, both in Madison, and a member of the Dunedin High Twelve Club and Egypt Shrine Temple, Tampa. Survivors include a daughter, Adelaide Schild, St. Petersburg; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
HILL, ROGER C., 53, of Dunedin, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He came here in 1980 from his native Queens, N.Y. He was an active member of Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens and attended Skycrest Baptist Church of Clearwater. Survivors include a sister, Dorne Tzoucalis, New Port Richey; a brother, Brian, Sarasota; a nephew, Jarred Tzoucalis, New Port Richey; and two nieces, Jaimie Tzoucalis, New Port Richey, and Lisa Tyndall, North Carolina. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Largo

GREEN, DOYLE RAE "STEVIE," 76, a winter resident of Largo, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at University Community Hospital, Tampa. She was born in Birds, Ill., and was a seasonal visitor since 1981 from DeKalb, Ill. She graduated from Illinois State University and received a master's degree from West Texas State University. She was a homemaker. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of DeKalb, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the University Women's Club, Apple and Oranges Women's Club, Good Times Women's Club and the DeKalb Woman's Club. Survivors include her husband, Gerald G.; a daughter, Ann Marie Gonsowski, and a granddaughter, Kelsy Ann Gonsowski, both of Lake Villa, Ill. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.
GROW, REBA N., 47, of Largo, Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifelong area resident. She was a homemaker and a member of First Assembly of God of Pinellas Park. Survivors include a son, Christopher, Largo; two daughters, twins Cassie Campbell, Palm Harbor, and Carrie Brannen, Largo; her mother, Tura Williams, Largo; three brothers, Jerry Williams, St. Petersburg, Ted Spears, Decatur, Tenn., and Emmitt Spears, Melbourne; two sisters, Joy Lulucki, Largo, and May Catrone, Largo; and seven grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
MICHAEL, JOHN ROBERT, 72, of Largo, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. He was born in Lansdowne, Pa., and came here in 1970 from Pelham, N.Y. He worked 15 years as a marketing executive for Pfizer Pharmaceutics in Largo and previously worked 15 years for Johnson & Johnson. He graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. He was a writer and photographer and had been published in Field & Stream and other magazines. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a Quaker and a past president of the board of the Safety Harbor Museum. Survivors include three daughters, Susan Pemble, Palm Bay, Marta Michael, Dallas, and Sally Michael Keyes, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; and six grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
TAWWATER, BILLY C., 74, of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in Floydada, Texas, and came here in 1975 from Huntsville, Ala. He retired from the Army after 28 years with the rank of command sergeant major and was a veteran of the Korean and the Vietnam wars. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Elfriede; two daughters, Patricia Kowal, Largo, and Linda Angell, Clearwater; two brothers, Sim, Oklahoma City, and Wilson, Texas; two sisters, Betty Ellis-Quanah and Wanna Richardson-Childress, both of Texas; and two grandsons. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Palm Harbor

Di CARLO, JOSEPH N., 72, of Palm Harbor, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at home. He came here in 1973 from his native Rochester, N.Y., and retired as a building contractor for Central Harbor Homes. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin, and an avid golfer. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Betty; a son, Joe, Palm Harbor; a daughter, Elisa Di Carlo, Clearwater; three sisters, Mary Di Carlo, Phyllis Krieger and Sarah Meli, all of Rochester; and a grandson. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
GHANNY, CHANDROUTI "CHANDRA," 54, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She came here from her native Trinidad, West Indies, and worked as a registered nurse at Morton Plant Hospital. Survivors include her husband Waheed "Wally"; a daughter, Ashmin Ghanny, Pickering, Ontario; a brother, Suresh; and a sister, Sheena. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
MARTIN, PAUL F., 85, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Lake Glenn Assisted Living Facility, Palm Harbor. He was born in Marion, Ohio, and came here in 1975 from Granville, Ohio, where he retired as a production controller for the federal government. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Palms, Palm Harbor, and Wyandot County (Ohio) American Legion Post 225. Survivors include a daughter, Beverly M. Nehls, Palm Harbor; three sons, David and Donald, both of Newark, Ohio, and Dennis, Hilliard, Ohio; a brother, Arthur, Toledo, Ohio; a sister, Mildred Martin, Upper Sandusky, Ohio; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Safety Harbor

GASCON, SUSAN B., 51, of Safety Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Tandem Health Care at Safety Harbor. She was born in Huntington, N.Y., and came here in 1976 from Hicksville, N.Y. She worked as a nursing home cook. Survivors include her husband of 10 years, James; two daughters, Kimberly McDermott, Safety Harbor, and Shannon Weekley, Tallahassee; a son, Sean McDermott, Clearwater; a sister, Arlene Giese, Hicksville, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home & Cremation Options.
SCHULTZ, DOROTHY L., 82, of Safety Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. She was a lifelong resident and a retired federal government employee. She was a member of the Safety Harbor Women's Club. Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis Schulze Valentine, Safety Harbor; a son, Kenneth Schultz, Gulfport, Miss.; a brother, Edwin Lohmeyer, San Francisco; and three grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Tarpon Springs

DEMAS, JOHN P., 70, of Tarpon Springs, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Harborside Healthcare, Palm Harbor. He was born in Little Washington, Pa., and came here in 1991 from Panama. He worked as a buyer for a wholesale food distributor and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Elena; two sons, Roger A., Dallas, and John Peter, Panama; three daughters, Robin Durfee, Michelle Mejia and Amy Costo, all of Miami; two brothers, Nick, Newark, N.J., and Alexander, Toledo, Ohio; and seven grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.
NELSON, RICHARD G., 76, of Tarpon Springs, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) Survivors include his wife, Miriam; a son, Jim, Tampa; a daughter, Susan Davis, Spring City, Pa.; and two granddaughters. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
SCHUELER, NORMA E., 83, of Tarpon Springs, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at North Bay Medical Center, New Port Richey. She was born in Milburn, N.J., and came here in 1992 from Clark, N.J. She retired as an office machines technician for AT&T. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church of New Port Richey and the New Port Richey Yacht Club. Survivors include three daughters, Barbara Gabriel, Tarpon Springs, Kathleen Bewley, Glendale, Calif., and Mary Mosca, Eatontown, N.J.; a sister, Ruth Kowalski, Morgan, N.J.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

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Seminole

BROFF, SHARON G., 58, of Seminole, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. Born in New Britain, Conn., she came here in 1984 from Connecticut. She was a certified nurse's aide at Sun Coast Hospital. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Donald J.; a son, David T. Broff, Plainville, Conn.; a daughter, Kerri L. Brooks, Bradenton; and two grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
GLICK, ARTHUR "BUD," 77, of Seminole, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at Pine Tree Manor, Largo. Born in Lancaster, Pa., he came here in 1978 from Baltimore, where he was a Teamsters Union truck driver for 25 years. He was a maintenance supervisor at Anona Elementary School for 10 years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was a member of the Indian Rocks VFW. He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. Survivors include two brothers, John B., Monterey, N.Y., and Samuel, Prattsburgh, N.Y.; and a sister, Mary Jane Glick, Corning, N.Y. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and Cemetery, Seminole.
OLDFIELD, MILDRED D., 78, of Seminole, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Mount Airy, Pa., she moved here in 1963 from Laurel, Del. She was a bookkeeper for Florida Automatic Transmission in Seminole. She was a member of First Methodist Church of Largo, where she sang in the choir. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth Hall, Englewood; a sister, Dorothy Denney, Seminole; and three grandchildren, Aaron Hall, Sean Hall and Ashley Hall, all of Englewood. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Redington Beach

UNGA, FINAU SIKAHEMA "HAWAIIAN JOE," 82, of Redington Beach, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003). Born in Tonga, he came here in 1977 from Sacramento, Calif. He was a musician and entertainer. He played Hawaiian music and performed on cruise ships and vacation resorts and at Tiki Gardens on Indian Shores for seven years. In 1962, he was shipwrecked for 102 days on Minerva Reef, 200 miles off Fiji Island. His survival, along with his companions, was recounted by Olaf Ruhen in the book Minerva Reef. Survivors include his wife, Toaila Sikahema, Tonga; his companion of 25 years, Martha Walters, Redington Beach; four daughters: Palu Vavau Rodriguez, Los Gatos, Calif., Ana Lavoni Lomu, West Valley, Utah, Losaline Fatafehi Wainigolo, Sacramento, and Maile Wilson, Salt Lake City; five sons: Loni Sikahema and Lui Sikahema Unga, both of Mesa, Ariz., Joe Sikahema, Springfield, Mass, Dati L. Sikahema Unga, Forest Lake, Minn., and Siaosi Fa Sikahema, Sacramento; 38 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

ALEXANDER, ROBERT W., 79, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. He was born in Clydebank, Scotland, and came here in 1955 from Toronto. He was a carpenter with Local Union 140 in Tampa for many years and served as director of maintenance at Admiral Farragut Academy. He was a former member of Garden Crest Presbyterian Church. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Joan; a daughter, Debora L. Halm, and a granddaughter, Lindsay A. Halm, both of St. Petersburg. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
BELLIS, CHARLES NOBLE, 87, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He came here in 1921 from his native Strasburg, Pa. Survivors include a son, Daniel R., Ruskin; and a daughter, Gloria J. Wallace, Carrollton, Texas. National Cremation Society, Largo.
CARPENTER, NANCY J., 63, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at home. Born in Flemingsburg, Ky., she came here in 1973 from Maysville, Ky. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three sons, Christopher Carpenter, Maysville, Timothy Carpenter, Gulfport, and Braddon Carpenter, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Holly Carpenter, Aberdeen, Ohio; and three grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
NELSON, CATHERINE D., 96, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003). Born in New York City, she came here in 2001 from Coral Gables. She retired as a manager of the communications department at Union Carbide in New York after 25 years of service. Survivors include two daughters, Dolores C. Mills, Brandon, and Elizabeth A. Carmody, Locust Valley, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
PAYNE, LLOYD R., a.k.a. GLEN JOHNSTON, 78, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Bay Point Nursing Pavilion. A native of Jefferson County, Ala., he came here in 1982 from California. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a clerk at the Sandman Motel in St. Petersburg. There are no known survivors. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
PHILLIPS, BENNIE LEROY "BUSTER," 48, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2003) in Yazoo City, Miss. He came here as a child from his native Quitman, Ga. He owned the 31st Street Auto Body Shop. Survivors include two sons, B.J. Neeley and Bennie Jr., and his father, Freddie L. Phillips, all of St. Petersburg; his mother, Lula Mae Phillips, Tampa; four brothers, Billy C., Anthony and Keith, all of Tampa, and Vincent, St. Petersburg; two sisters, Tangelia D. Esalomi, Tampa, and Alberta Phillips, St. Petersburg; his maternal grandmother, Lizzie Wilson, Tampa; and a companion, Emma Williams, St. Petersburg. Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
WALTON, DREMA G., 67, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. She was born in Powellton, W.Va., and came here in 1966 from Roanoke, Va. She was a group leader at Honeywell Electronics. She attended United Pentecostal Church and was a member of the Am-Vets Ladies Auxiliary Post 698. Survivors include her husband, Dave; a son, Tom Wilson, West Palm Beach; a daughter, Krista Palmer, Kenneth City; a stepson, David Walton, St. Petersburg; three stepdaughters, Lisa McMahon, Sevierville, Tenn., Debbie Volgares, Largo, and Patricia Hooks, St. Petersburg; three sisters, Lola Keglor, Seminole, Mary Hurt, Roanoke, and Bessie Leftwich, Hansford, W.Va.; and nine grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
WILSON, IRA HARDING "BIG H.," 81, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg. He was a graduate of Gibbs High School. Survivors include a daughter, Delores Lovett Ross, and a granddaughter, Delores Lovett, both of St. Petersburg; and a grandson, Norman Lovett, Clearwater. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Treasure Island

KANE, EDWARD F., 79, of Treasure Island, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was a native of Hoboken, N.J., and came here in 1979 from Wanaque, N.J. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. He was active with Little League baseball and was a member of the VFW and the Lions Club. Survivors include three sons, Bob, St. Petersburg, Michael, Florida, N.Y., and Wayne, Tierra Verde; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.