St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BREVI, PETER J. JR., 78, of Homosassa, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Brentwood Health Care Center, Lecanto. Born in North Canaan, Conn., he came here 19 years ago from Tampa. He was a retired building inspector for the City of Tampa and the State of Florida. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was a member of VFW Post 8189 Homosassa. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Shirley M. (Lingclvach); a son, Peter J., Tampa; a daughter, Kim Barie Ordway, Dothan, Ala.; three brothers, Americo, Net and Luigi, all of Dover Plains, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

GIBBONS, JOSEPH C. JR., 62, of Beverly Hills, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., he came here in 1999 from North Falmouth, Mass., and was a general surgeon. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of the VFW. Survivors include three daughters, Sandra Gibbons, Orlando, Courtney Gibbons, Richmond, Va., and Stephanie Gibbons, Northampton, Mass.; and a brother, Robert J., Lafayette, Ind. Hooper Funeral Homes, Beverly Hills.

HEXAMER, JOSEPH F., 82, of Lecanto, formerly of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Inverness under the care of Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Anderson, Ind., he came here in 2002 from Clearwater. He was president of Summitt Engineering and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. Survivors include his daughter, Deborah "Deb" Thompson, Lecanto; two sons, James W. and Joseph R., both of Fort Wayne, Ind.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

LEVINE, THERESA MARY, 62, of Homosassa, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she came here in 1992 from Long Island, N.Y., and was a retired certified nursing assistant. She was a member of West Citrus Elks Lodge 2693 and St. Benedict Catholic Church. Survivors include a daughter, Denise Colangelo, Port Richey; a son, Edward, Clearwater; three sisters, Carol Williamson and Florence Hangan, both of Levittown, N.Y., and Beatrice Beyer, Orlando; two grandchildren; and companion, Dr. Robert Patterson. Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, Crystal River.

MORTELLARO, VINCENT J., 84, of Lecanto, formerly of Brooksville, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) in Lecanto. Born in Ybor City, he came here in 1994 from Brooksville. He was a hairdresser for more than 50 years, having owned Vincent's Hairstyles at Sears, St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a life member of the DAV and a member of the American Legion. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a Eucharistic Minister and a member at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include two daughters, Joann Christian, Lecanto, and Elizabeth Oddy, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.

PHILLIPS, DOUGLAS B., 87, of Floral City, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Avante Health Care of Inverness. Born in Toronto, he came to Citrus County in 1981 from St. Petersburg. He was a retired auto body shop mechanic. Survivors include his daughter, Dianne Phillips Discenza, Syracuse, N.Y. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

ZAREK, MATTHEW JOSEPH, 83, of Homosassa, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Woonsocket, R.I., he came here 10 years ago from Commack, N.Y. He was a retired U.S. Postal Service letter carrier and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Crystal River Moose Lodge, Polish American Club of Citrus County, Neffers Bowling League and St. Benedict Catholic Church, Crystal River. Survivors include a son, Allan J., Homosassa; a daughter, Barbara Ann DeFeo, Commack; two sisters, Helen Cernilli and Joan Ripp, both of Calverton, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

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FERNANDEZ, HENRY, 92, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Brooksville Regional Hospital. He came here 30 years ago from his native Tampa. He was a retired driver for National Linen Service and was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; three sons, David Fernandez, Tampa, Sheldon and Jerry Wimberly, both of Brooksville; four daughters, Loretta Yeaw, Land O'Lakes, Brenda Lowe, Glenda Bennett and Rhonda Baker, all of Brooksville; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

JORDAN, CORYDON E. "CODY," 70, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Spring Hill. Born in Brewer, Maine, he came here seven years ago from Newport Beach, Calif. He was the retired owner of Western Research Products, Orange, Calif., and an Army and Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Timber Pines Tennis Club and attended the Christian Church of the Wildwood. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Hill, Youngsville, N.C., and Linda Grden, Brea, Calif.; two brothers, Paul, Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Phillip, Las Vegas, Nev.; and four grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

MOORE, THOMAS DANIEL, 51, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Spring Hill. Born in Elba, Ala., he came here 47 years ago. He was a heavy equipment operator and a member of Local Engineers Union 925 of Tampa. He was Christian and a member of Assembly of God Church, Brooksville. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Jo; a son, Joseph, and a daughter, Jaime Moore, both of Spring Hill; two brothers, Charles, Brooksville, and Ronnie, Stockton, Calif.; four sisters, Lucy Hawkins, Laingsburg, Mich., Betty Philo, Perry, Mich., Janice Hix, Spring Hill, and Charlotte Bechan, Marysville, Tenn.; and a granddaughter. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

STRALEY, VIRGINIA L., 78, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in St. Joseph, Mo., she came here 20 years ago from Springfield, Mo. She was a retired retail sales clerk for Sears Roebuck and Co. and was a member of Forest Oaks Lutheran Church of Spring Hill. Survivors include her daughter, Donna Smith, Spring Hill; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral & Cremation Center, Spring Hill.

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GOEPFERT, DAVID ALLEN, 71, of Tampa, formerly of Maderia Beach, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Tampa. Born in Milwaukee, he moved to Maderia Beach in 1983 and to Tampa in 1993. Survivors include a daughter, Lorie Chilcott, Tampa. Neptune Society of Palm Harbor.

HARRIS, CHERYL A., 47, of Tampa, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) in Lakeland. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, she was a customer sales representative at a retail store. She was a graduate of Brandon High School and Hillsborough Community College. She was a member of St. James AME Church of Progress Village. Survivors include two children, Dana C. and Ashlee N. Harris, both of Mulberry; three brothers, Moses R., Ronald E. and Gerald A. Brooks; two sisters, Lucille R. Brooks and Irene Newberry; and three grandchildren. Wilson Funeral Home, Tampa.

HEINRICH, STAFF SGT. FISCHER, 66, Sun City Center, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003). He moved to the Tampa area several years ago from Texas and was an Army paratrooper. Survivors include his wife, Germaine; a daughter, Evey Rittenhouse, Newark, Ohio; three sons, Richard, Georgia, and Henry and Fred, both of Newark; two stepsons, Phillip Baumann, Tampa, and William Baumann, Hawaii; two stepdaughters, Eva Diltz, California, and Elizabeth Okon, Michigan; a brother, Frederick, Germany; 22 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Zipperer's Agape Mortuary & Crematory, Ruskin.

KITCHEN, HILLIE JR., 76, of Tampa, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, he was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a retired cement finisher, a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and was the recipient of the 50-year Gold Bar Membership Certificate. Survivors include seven children, Carolyn P. Smith, Hampton, Va., Leonard P. Kitchen, Converse, Texas, Anthony E. Kitchen, Wichita Falls, Texas, Pamela Kitchen, Florence, Ala., Hilda Kitchen James, Robbin Lark and Reginald Lark, all of Tampa; a sister, Dorothy Burgess; 23 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Wilson Funeral Home, Tampa.

RAMBEAU, MARIAN A., 82, of Tampa, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, she was a lunchroom manager for Twin Lakes Elementary School. She was a member of the Loyalty Class at Idlewild Baptist Church, Carrollwood. Survivors include a daughter, Alice C. Rick, Tampa; two sons, Mitchell, Brooksville, and Clement A., Tampa; a brother, Euthemius W. Sampson, Tampa; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa.

ROLLINS, JAMES HOWARD SR., 64, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, he was an engineer with Honeywell Inc. He was an Army veteran and was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Hettie Marie; a daughter, Deborah M. Rollins; two sons, Eugene and James H. Rollins Jr.; mother, Christine Smalley; a sister, Lorraine Harris; two brothers, Wayne Jenkins and Keith Smalley; and two grandchildren. Wilson Funeral Home, Tampa.

SERVELLO, JOSE M., 84, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003). Born in Cruces, Cuba, he moved to Tampa 23 years ago. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Maria L.; a daughter, Daisy Servello; five sons, Jose, Juan, Lorenzo, Jorge and Carlos Servello; three sons, Luis, Enrique and Fernando; three sisters, Gloria, Adelina and Angela; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

SNYDER, WILLIAM DEE, 72, of Dover, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003). Born in Morristown, Tenn., he moved to the Tampa area 60 years ago. He was an Army veteran, assistant vice president for Rozier Machinery and was Baptist. Survivors include two sons, William D., Morristown, and Paul E., Tampa; three daughters, Patricia A. Miguel-Rodriguez and Vicki E. Nowneo, both of Dover, and Paula E. Snyder, Brandon; two sisters, Ruby Terwiller, Tampa, and Mary L. William, Morristown; and 10 grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

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ANTONIADIS, MERCOURI, 78, of Holiday, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he moved to Holiday from Tarpon Springs in 1995. He was the sexton of St. Nicholas Greek Church of Pittsburgh, and was a member of Simi Society of St. Nicholas. He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Irene; two sons, Michael, Apollo Beach, and Demetrios, Brandon; a daughter, Maria Smalis, Tarpon Springs; two brothers, Xaralambos, Greece, and Demetrios, Egypt; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.

BENNETT, WILLIAM LLOYD, 90, of Hudson, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Bear Creek Nursing Center, Hudson. Born in Sylvania, Ark., he came here in 1977 from Detroit. He was a retired supervisor with Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich. with 43 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and affiliated with Trinity Baptist Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include two daughters, Renita J. Slagle, Prescott, Ariz., and Carole A. Buza, Hudson; a son, the Rev. Gerald L. Bennett, Bradenton; a brother, Simpson, Demming, N.M.; two sisters, Naoma Kulick, Allen Park, Mich., and Madie Takeces, Dearborn, Mich.; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

BOLLA, LESLIE, 83, of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Freedom Inn, Clearwater. Born in Divernon, Ill., he came here in 1971 from Detroit. He was a police officer for the Detroit Police Department with 25 years of service. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two granddaughters, Lisa Coleman, Kenneth City, and Amy Parnell, Indian Rocks Beach; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

CERAMI, LILLIAN M., 89, Indian Rocks Beach, formerly of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Sabal Palm Health Care Center, Largo. She moved to New Port Richey in 1968 from her native Rochester, N.Y. She was a keypunch operator for Strongberg-Carlson Electronics. She was a member of the Moose, Italian-American Club, New York Club, American Legion Auxiliary, and Calvary Baptist Church, Clearwater. Survivors include three daughters, Ann M. DiFrancesco, Indian Rocks Beach, Geri Masuzzo, Austin, Texas, and Shirley Bevilacqua, Pinellas Park; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

De MAYO, JOSPEHINE A. "JOY," 71, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Inwood, N.Y., she came here in 1976 from Lindenhurst, N.Y. She was a homemaker and was a member of Calvary Temple Church of God, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Vincent J. "Jim"; a daughter, Theresa M. De Mayo, New Port Richey; a son, Eugene P., the Azores; three brothers, Nicholas Gallo, Brooksville, Ohio, Carmen Gallo, Holiday, and Frank Gallo, Venice; three sisters, Raffaela Bright, New Port Richey, Nancy Hicks, Central Islip, N.Y., and Mary Ann Super, Spring Hill; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

DOUGHTY, WARREN B., 81, of Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Windsor Woods Convalescent Center, Hudson. Born in Detroit, he came here from Trenton, Mich. He was a high school teacher in Detroit and was a member of Federation of Teachers. He was an executive assistant to the CEO of Wayne County, Mich. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Rita; a son, Brent, and a daughter, Sandi Tenser, both of Mount Pleasant, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

GORNEY, JAMES JOSEPH, 57, of Hudson, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Monroe, Mich., he came here in 1986 from Chicago. He was a self-employed building contractor, then later owned and operated a golf cart repair business. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hudson. Survivors include his wife, Susan; two sons, Albert and Jerome, both of Hudson; four daughters, Rebecca Schelk, Charlevoix, Mich., Laurie Brooke and Sandra Montgomery, both of Gaylord, Mich., and Shelly Welby, Boynton Beach; his mother, Genevieve Gorney, Hudson; four brothers, Richard, Ohio, Kenneth, Okeechobee, Ronald, Toledo, Ohio, and David, Folkston, Ga.; and four sisters, Barbara Gotha, Temperance, Mich., Kay Shepherd, Temperance, Patricia Robargz, Elmira, Mich., and Mary Burgherr, Alanson, Mich. MacDonald Funeral Home, Tampa.

GRAYBILL, WILLIAM H. "RED," 85, of Dade City, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Dade City. Born in Roanoke, Va., he came here three years ago. He retired from Suburban Propane and was a Croom-A-Coochee volunteer firefighter. Survivors include two sons, Robert H., Salisbury, Md., and William "Pat," Dade City; three daughters, Ann G. Woodson and Brenda S. Mitchell, both of Roanoke, and Mary Beth Graybill, Dade City; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

MALARA, PASQUALE, 81, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Girard, Ohio, he came here 23 years ago from Hubbard, Ohio. He was the owner/operator of Tina's Pizza & Sub Shop in New Port Richey and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He was Roman Catholic. Survivors include four daughters, Angelina Trimarchi, Nizza, Italy, Barbara J. Johnson, Parma Heights, Ohio, Patricia A. Alberti and Tina McCann, both of New Port Richey; three sons, Richard, Liberty, Ohio, Dennis and Theodore, both of Hubbard; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

PRAY, JAMES L., 70, of Zephyrhills, died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003) at James Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa. He came here in 1972 from his native Brownstown, Ind. He was self-employed in the electrical industry and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Vivian; two sons, Mark and Daniel, all of Zephyrhills; a daughter, Candy Roy, St. Petersburg; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

QUIRIN, BARRETT CALUDE, 67, of Zephyrhills, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Aurora, Ill., he had been a winter resident here for two years from Big Rock, Ill. and was a telephone technician. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, JoAnna (Sanders): two sons, Steven, Montgomery, Ill., and Robert, Somonauk, Ill.; a daughter, Cynthia Carmickel, Big Rock; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

RODRIGUEZ, ERNESTO G., 56, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at home. Born in Uvalde, Texas, he came here 15 years ago from Perkasie, Pa. He was a sheet metal mechanic with Collier Safe Co., Odessa, and was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Eileen; three sons, Stephen and Ernest Rodriguez, both of New Port Richey, and David Bergsresser, Perkasie; two brothers, Rodolfo, Eagle River, Ark., and Pablo, Garden City, Kan.; a sister, Rosa DeLaPaz, Hereford, Texas; and two grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

ROSSI, ANGELO FRANCIS, 79, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at home. Born in Arnold, Pa., he came here in 1998 from Valley Stream, N.Y., where he owned Angelo Rossi Cleaning Co. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ann; two sons, Robert, Durango, Colo., and Steven, New Port Richey; two daughters, Joanne Bolnick, Tampa, and Kathy Rossi, Berlin, N.J.; a brother, Anthony, Altamonte Springs; and eight grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

RUSSO, ESTHER V., 100, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Madison Pointe Center, New Port Richey. Born in Madison, N.J., she came here in 1987 from Toms River, N.J. She was Roman Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Josephine Bathory, New Port Richey, and Frances Fritz, Redwood City, Calif.; a brother, John DeLuca, Stratford, Conn.; a sister, Marie Gallo, Port Richey; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

SCHEDLER, RICHARD WALTER, 50, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Mineola, N.Y., he came here in 1997 from Merrick, N.Y. He was a mail carrier and member of the postal union. He was a member of Hudson Reformed Church. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Lida; two sons, Glenn and Timothy, all of Port Richey; and a brother, John, Hollowville, N.Y. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

TRUEX, JANE C., 72, of Hudson, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She was born in Philadelphia and was a retired licensed practical nurse. She was a member of Hicks Road Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Harry L.; three sons, Ed, John and Bob Salas; two daughters, Sefy Cook and Jane Wilson; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood.

WHELESS, ALVERA, 76, of Hudson, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Waycross, Ga., she came here 33 years ago from Blackshear, Ga. She was a secretary for Bonanza Mobile Homes and was a member of Hicks Road Baptist Church. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Martin, New Port Richey; two sons, Timothy, Alabama, and Steve, Georgia; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

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Clearwater

CLARK, BOBBY G. "CUZ," 69, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at home. He came here in 1974 from his native Bristol, Va., and retired as a receiving clerk for the Pinellas County School System in Clearwater. He was an Army veteran of World War II with the rank of colonel. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Doris; three sons, Rogan and Eric, both of Clearwater, and Randall, Bristol; a brother, Fred, Bristol; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
EITEL, ELEANOR, 77, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Advanced Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Erie, Pa., and came here in 1981 from Willoughby, Ohio. She retired as a secretary in the service and recreation department of the city of Willowick, Ohio. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Ronny W., Clearwater; a daughter, Carolyn E. Eitel-Snyder, Willoughby; three granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
KNODLE, DUANE G., 95, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center, Clearwater. He was born in Bloomdale, Ohio, and came here in 1967 from Detroit, where he retired as a salesman for RCA. He was an Army veteran. He was a member of Feather Sound Country Club. Survivors include his wife, Edith Tymosko; two stepsons, the Rev. John McLaughlin, Clearwater, and David McLaughlin, Winter Haven; and a niece, Laura Welker, Ohio. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
LITTLEJOHN, CHARLIE H., 86, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at home. He came here in 1927 from his native Hagan, Ga. He retired as an administrator for the former Pinellas Vocational Technical Institute in St. Petersburg. He was Methodist. Survivors include a daughter, Carmen L. Snook, Dunedin; two sons, Charlie Jr., Dunedin, and Kenneth R., Earleton; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
WORDEN, GRACE MONROE, 79, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Laurinburg, N.C., and came here in 1977 from Birmingham, Mich. She was a registered nurse and graduated from Rex Hospital School of Nursing, Raleigh, N.C. She was an Army nurse and veteran of World War II. She was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church at Countryside, Clearwater, and the church's Altar Guild. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Mack W.; two sons, Robert, Clearwater, and Richard, New Canaan, Conn.; five daughters, Janet Halma, Palm Harbor, Pamela Sisemore, Tampa, Karen Swanson and Sharon Fellwock, both of Atlanta, and Anne Hatch, Austin, Texas; three brothers, Connie Monroe, Jacksonville, Gordon Monroe, Hamlet, N.C., and Wayne Monroe, Laurinburg; a sister, Eunice Gardner, Laurinburg; and 19 grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Dunedin

RASCH, JULIE PULVERMACHER, 85, of Dunedin, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at home. She was born in Laird, Mont., came to Tarpon Springs in 1948 from Iowa and in 1965 moved to Dunedin. She retired after 20 years as a surgical supply technician at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs, and was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Palm Harbor. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Edward; two stepdaughters, Lois Gandy, Hartsville, S.C., and Linda Wemmer, California, Ky.; a sister, Ileen Mueller, Tulsa, Okla.; and a niece, Lesleigh Butts, Seminole. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

Largo

CROSS, GERALDINE L. "GERRY," 74, of Largo, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Richmond, Va., and came here in 1990 from Manassas, Va. She was a licensed gemologist. She was a volunteer on the bronze team for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, and active in the Grosse Point Estates Retirement Community. Survivors include two sons, David G. Reed, Elma, N.Y., and Thomas B. Reed, Louisburg, N.C.; a brother, Charles Nehrbass, Winter Haven; a sister, Jackie Harder, Angola, N.Y.; two granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter. National Cremation Society, Largo.
MILLS, ALBERT W., 65, of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He came here in 1986 from his native Philadelphia. He retired as a commercial producer for television and radio in Philadelphia and New York City. He was an Army veteran. Survivors include his mother, Helen M., and a sister, Barbara A. Leidy, both of Largo; a brother, David R., Seminole; and his companion, Rowena Ringer, Largo. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
SMOTHERS, EARL LAYMON, 95, of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 10, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., and was a winter resident here since 1970, when he retired as a machinist for Borg-Warner in Kalamazoo. He previously worked as an attendant at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, and for Bryant Paper Mill, Kalamazoo, and Eaton Manufacturing, Battle Creek, Mich. In 1980, he moved to Teakwood Village in Largo. He was an avid fisherman on the inland lakes of Michigan, and a frequent traveler. He was Methodist. Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Eva; a daughter, Sharon Liggett, Largo and Lansing, Mich.; a son, Duane, Tomball, Texas; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
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, Okla., and Wilton, 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.

Safety Harbor

McGONEGAL, BETTY E., 69, of Safety Harbor, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She came here in 1959 from her native Sinclairville, N.Y., and worked as a retail books manager for St. Petersburg College. She attended First Presbyterian Church of Safety Harbor. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, George; three sons, Randy, Palm Harbor, Timothy, Bradenton, and Jeffrey, Castle Rock, Colo.; two sisters, Christine Tilyou, Bushnell, and Linnea Nichols, Cassadaga, N.Y.; two brothers, Louis Lawson, Falconer, N.Y., and Sherwood Lawson, Jamestown, N.Y.; and 10 grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home & Cremation Options.

Tarpon Springs

ANTONIADIS, MERCOURI, 78, of Holiday, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and moved in 1995 to Holiday from Tarpon Springs. He was the retired sexton of St. Nicholas Greek Church, Pittsburgh, a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs, and the Simi Society of St. Nicholas. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Irene; a daughter, Maria Smalis, Tarpon Springs; two sons, Michael, Apollo Beach, and Demetrios, Brandon; two brothers, Xaralambos, Greece, and Demetrios, Egypt; a granddaughter, Vasilia Edwards, Holiday; and a great-grandson. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
BAYLY, CATHERINE M. "KAY," 67, of Tarpon Springs, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at home. She was born in Watervliet, N.Y., moved to St. Petersburg in 1971 from Torrington, Conn., and moved to Tarpon Springs in 2001. She worked as a caterer and was active in Bay Pointe Little League and Lakewood Junior Spartans football. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Barry; a daughter, Kaylyn Bayly, Tarpon Springs: six sons, Barry Jr., Torrington, Conn.; Tim, St. Petersburg, Chris, Pace, Matt, Yuma, Ariz., David, Charlotte, Mich., and Jamie, Sanford; four sisters, Mary Muir, Watervliet, N.Y., Eleanor Cohen, Albany, N.Y., Betty McKeon, Surfside Beach, S.C., Joan Prock, Poestenkill, N.Y.; 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
PUGLISI, THOMAS, 93, of Tarpon Springs, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Gangi, Sicily, and came here in 1996 from Andover, Mass. He retired as department chief after 45 years with Western Electric and then worked 15 years as an auditor at the Andover Inn. He also worked several years with the Civilian Conservation Corps building roads and fighting forest fires in Montana and Utah, and was a member of the CCC's traveling baseball team. He was a member of the Andover Country Club and also worked as a starter there. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Lehane, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and Menlo Park, Calif., and Grace Bouvier, Chester, N.H.; a son, Thomas Jr., Haverhill, Mass.; nine grandchildren, including caregiver Erik Puglisi, Tarpon Springs; and five great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

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Feather Sound

GARRETT, JAMES, 74, of Feather Sound, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He was born in New York City and came here in 1977 from Babylon, N.Y. He was an engineer and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Petersburg, and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lillian; four daughters, Nancy Paulson, Westend, N.C., Eileen Debein, Clearwater, and Jean Garrett and Barbara Colella, both of St. Petersburg; a sister, Joan Schmid, Hilton Head, S.C.; and five grandsons. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Gulfport

WARD, NANCY A., 88, of Gulfport, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at the Fountains of Boca Ciega. Born in Braddock, Pa., she came to St. Petersburg in 1954 from Pittsburgh and moved to Gulfport in 1960. She was a graduate of Mount Mercy Academy in Pittsburgh. She was a homemaker and worked at St. Anthony's Hospital in the cardiology department. She was a founding member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and was a member of the Holy Name Women's Club. She was an amateur artist. Survivors include two sons, James F. Ward, Largo, and Thomas P. Ward, Clearwater; a daughter, Mary Ann Blank, Gulfport; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

Indian Rocks Beach

CURLEY, DANIEL T. "TOMMY," 51, of Indian Rocks Beach, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) in Montgomery, Ala. Born in Mineola, N.Y., he came to Pinellas County in 1995 from Long Island, N.Y. He was a self-employed computer programmer. Survivors include a son, James A., and a daughter, Dana M. Curley, both of Long Island; his parents, Daniel G. and Jean E. Curley, Largo; five sisters, Kathleen Cimino, Beacon, N.Y., Patricia Brink, Land O'Lakes, Mary Nealis, West Islip, N.Y., Helen Curley, Secaucus, N.J., and Jeanne Nunziato, Setauket, N.Y.; two brothers, James, Boston, and Stephen, Palm Harbor. Trinity Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory, New Port Richey.

Madeira Beach

GOEPFERT, DAVID ALLEN, 71, of Tampa, formerly of Madeira Beach, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) in Tampa. Born in Milwaukee, he came here in 1983 and moved to Tampa in 1993. Survivors include a daughter, Lorie Chilcott, Tampa. Neptune Society of Palm Harbor.
SUAREZ, OFELIA J., 99, of Madeira Beach, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Alimar ALF, Tampa. She came to the United States from her native Cuba in 1962 and moved here in 1979 from Houston. She was Roman Catholic and worked as a kindergarten teacher for 30 years. Survivors include a daughter, Ana Gil, Madeira Beach; a brother, Julio Valdes, New York; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Pinellas Park

BENGTSSON, UNO M. "JACK," 84, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Landskrona, Sweden, he came to Florida in 1942 from Brooklyn, N.Y., and to Pinellas Park in 1954. He retired after 37 years at Peoples Gas, where he designed and supervised the bulk propane plant and meter shop. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg. He was a diesel mechanic aboard Standard Oil tankers during World War II. He enjoyed traveling and stamp collecting, photography and fishing. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Selma; a son, David R., New Orleans; a daughter, Karen Toth, Largo; a brother, Ove L. Bengtsson, Malmo, Sweden; and four grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
NUSSE, MARGARET "TOOTS," 85, of Lakewood, N.J., formerly of Pinellas Park, Port Richey and New Port Richey, died Sunday (Dec. 29, 2002) at Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood. Born in Linden, N.J., she moved to Florida in 1979, when she retired from Merck & Co. in Rahway, N.J. A pioneer of women's softball, she began her career in 1934 as a pitcher for the Linden Arians fast-pitch team and led it to 18 state championships and five regional titles. When her playing career ended in 1958, she remained with the team as general manager until 1978. She founded the Eastern Major Women's Softball League and the New Jersey Women's Umpire Association. She was inducted into the New Jersey Softball Hall of Fame in 1960 and was elected to the American Softball Association's Hall of Fame in 1983. She also was a basketball coach and referee and an avid bowler. Survivors include a niece, Dorothy L. Smith, Dover; and two nephews, William E. Lambert, Seminole, and William H. Nusse III, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. D'Elia Funeral Home, Lakewood, N.J.
SUGG, JOHN C. JR., 70, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Kindred Hospital Bay Area -- St. Petersburg. Born in Erwin, Tenn., he came here in 1984 from Louisville, Ky. He was a retired engineer for the Naval Weapons Bureau. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was Presbyterian and enjoyed woodworking. Survivors include his sister, Catheryn Sugg, Pinellas Park. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

COFFIN, MARGERY L., 86, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at home. Born in Westfield, Ind., she came here 34 years ago from Indianapolis. She was Christian. Survivors include a son, John K. Coffin Sr., Seminole; a grandson, John K. Coffin Jr., Orlando; two granddaughters, Deborah Hoch and Jacquelyn Bower, both of San Antonio, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
ETHIER, DENNIS R., 53, of Floral City, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at home. Born in Providence, R.I., he came here in 1978 from Rockville, Md. He retired from the Postal Service after 20 years as a mail carrier. He was a Marine Corps lance corporal during the Vietnam War, receiving a Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Barbara; a son, Robert, two daughters, Deborah Jewel and Jodi Latham, and five grandchildren, Christian, Robin, Alexa, Eddie and Nicky, all of St. Petersburg. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
McKINNIE, HOWARD "TUNER," 70, of Dothan, Ala., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Dec. 19, 2002) at Dothan Southeast Medical Center. Born in Houston County, Ala., he came here in 1956 and moved to Newark, N.J., in 1967. He returned here in 1998 and moved to Dothan two years later. He retired in 1993 from Ball Glass and Containers in Newark. He was an avid bowler and a member of St. John AME Church in Campbellton. Survivors include three daughters, Mattie Pearl McKinnie-Booker, Campbellton, Carolyn Yvonne McKinnie, St. Petersburg, and Sherrie Yolanda McKinnie, Irvington, N.J.; two sons, Howard Earl McKinnie, Campbellton, and Donald R. Godwin, Miami; a stepson, Joseph Hardy Jr.; a stepdaughter, Rhonda McDaniel; his stepmother, Lessie B. McKinnie, Cottonwood, Ala.; three sisters, Mariah McKinnie-Pelt, Campbellton, and Ruby McKinnie and and Evelyn McKinnie, both of St. Petersburg; three brothers, Harry McKinnie Jr., St. Petersburg, Miles McKinnie, Detroit, and Vernon McKinnie, Dothan; and six grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
MILLER, EUPHRASIA M., 89, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Menorah Manor. She moved to the Mainlands in Pinellas Park in 1978 from her native Chicago. She was a secretary for General Motors for 25 years. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels until age 80. She was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Dr. Bonita J. Drake, St. Petersburg; and two grandchildren, Laura Drake and David Drake; and a caregiver, Anna Cravero. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MIRANDA, QUINA A., 78, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003). Born in Cuba, she came to Florida in 1983 from Bronx, N.Y. She was a lawyer and a former Cuban diplomat. She retired as a social worker for the city of New York Department of Social Services. She was a member of the College of Lawyers from Havana in Exile and Cirulo Guinero. She was Baptist. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Hector; a daughter, Dr. Elinor Miranda; five brothers, Joaquin Alvarez, Victor Alvarez, Luis Alvarez, Fermin Alvarez and Arles Alvarez; a grandson; and three granddaughters. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MORANZ, DOROTHY (LUTZ), 74, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Chandler Hall Health Services, Newton, Pa. She was born in Binghamton, N.Y. She was an assistant teacher. She was an animal lover and cat fancier. Survivors include four daughters, Regina Anne Moranz, Washington Crossing, Pa., MaryBeth Goodman, Jacksonville, Amy Fedorochko, Bound Brook, N.J., and Dorothy Ann Moranz, Holland, Pa.; a son, Edward R. Moranz III, Boca Raton; and seven grandchildren. Thomas L. Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin, N.J.
RUSH, SAMUEL A., 33, of Bradenton, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton. A St. Petersburg native, he moved to Bradenton in 1993. He attended Gibbs High School and Pinellas Technical Education Center. He worked for Chris Craft boat builders. Survivors include a daughter, Chantrel Craver, his mother, Catherine McCall, and his father, Sanders Rush, all of St. Petersburg; and a companion, Laura Meneely, Bradenton. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
SETTLE, NANCY STEWART, 81, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at her daughter's home in Nitro, W.Va. Born in Boone, W.Va., she came here from Charleston, W.Va., in 1965 and recently moved to Nitro. She retired from GTE and was a former model for Diamond department stores. Survivors include four daughters, Carolyn Sue Pryor, Nitro, Nancy C. Settle and Betsy Ann Willis, both of St. Petersburg, and Mary Beth Varn, Vernon; a sister, Ninon Kimel, Virginia Beach, Va.; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SWALIS, LOIS LUKE, 71, of Alapaha, Ga., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) in Woodstock, Ga. Born in Berrien County, Ga., she lived here more than 30 years and moved to Alapaha in 1987. She retired from ECI. Survivors include four daughters, Peggy E. McMahon and Betty S. Walter, both of Woodstock, Sherry A. Hart, St. Petersburg, and Brenda L. Summerlin, Greenville, S.C.; two brothers, Glynwood Luke, Nashville, and Winston Luke, Alapaha; three sisters, Alstine Swails, Enigma, Ga., Barbara Rose, Tifton, Ga., and Bobbie McGrady, St. Petersburg; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals, Tifton, Ga.
WILLIAMS, DONNELL, 66, of Waycross, Ga., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) at Satialla Regional Medical Center, Waycross, Ga. He was born in Nahunta, Ga. He owned Williams Construction Co. and was a Mason and karate instructor. Survivors include four daughters, Valerie Copeland, Stephanie Williams, Cecilia "Donnett" Williams, and Veronica Williams, and a son, James, all of St. Petersburg; three brothers, J.D., St. Petersburg, Eugene, Atlanta, and Ralph, Anniston, Ala.; three sisters, Betty Smith, Barbara Bell and Norma Jean Bell, all of St. Petersburg; and 14 grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.

Seminole

COUGHLIN, JEROME WILLIAM, 72, of Seminole, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Largo Health Care Center. He came here from his native Minneapolis. He was an insurance agent. Survivors include a son, William J., Burnsville, Minn. Ambassador Mortuary Service, Oldsmar.
ESSMAN, BLANCHE L., 98, of Seminole, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. Born in Republican City, Neb., she came here in 1971 from Downers Grove, Ill. She was a homemaker and was Protestant. Survivors include a daughter, Bette L. Martin, Ellenton; a grandson, Jeffrey A. Martin, Chesterfield, Va.; and three great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
ROBERTS, KATHRYN, 97, of Seminole and Albany, N.Y., died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. Born in Kiskatom, N.Y., she came here seasonally since 2000 from Albany. She was a homemaker and was Methodist. Survivors include a daughter, Cynthia Roberts, Seminole; four sons, George L. Jr., Gerrardstown, W.Va., Keith T. and Edward M., both of Palenville, N.Y., and Paul A., Hillsborough, Mo.; a sister, Margaret Phaagar, Palenville; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-garndchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Seminole.
SCHLADETSCH, JOHN M., 87, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003). He came here in 1974 from his native Toledo, Ohio. He was a retired jeweler of more than 50 years. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Largo, the American Gemological Society, the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and the Seminole Rotary Club. Survivors include two sons, Jack and Jim; and five grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Fruitland Park.
TILLETT, DURAN EDWARD SR., 52, of Seminole, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) in St. Cloud of natural causes. Born in Wanchese, N.C., he came here in 1996 from Bentonville, Ark. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was Protestant. Survivors include a companion, Sue Sliwinski; a son, Duran E. Jr., Everett, Wash.; a stepson, Michael Tillett, Arizona; a daughter, Andrea Doody, Everett; a brother, Richard Tillett, Attleboro, Mass.; and seven sisters, Hazel Taylor, Largo, Olivia Calabrese, Clearwater, Margaret Grieve, Attleboro, Norma Brown and Irene Lovatt, both of Anderson, Mo., Carol Wagnon, Bentonville, and Joan Horrigan, Norton, Mass. Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater.