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January 19, 2003
SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Sunday, January 19, 2003

This list is compiled from the
regional editions of the St. Petersburg Times.

Citrus| Hernando | Hillsborough | Pasco
North Pinellas | South Pinellas

Citrus County Back to top

  • CHAMBERLAIN, LUCILE A., 92, of Inverness, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Inverness. Born in Richmond, Ind., she came here 27 years ago from Dayton, Ohio. She was a homemaker and member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Survivors include a son, Richard "Dick", Inverness; and three grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.
  • GAY, DILLARD JR., 82, of Homosassa, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) in Homosassa. Born in Boonesville, Ky., he came here from Fern Park. He was a high school teacher, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, with 28 years of service, and a bombardier/navigator during World War II and Vietnam, and Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Anilda; a son, Bryan, Homosassa; three daughters, Diane Gay, Casselberry, Marie McNamara, Fribourg, Switzerland, and Elaine Laukaitas, Scottsdale, Ariz.; a brother, Arnold Gay, and a sister, Georgia Bruwis, both of California; and six grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Homosassa.
  • RASMUSSEN, MARY A., 84, of Dunnellon, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) in Crystal River. Born in Chicago, she came here 27 years ago. Survivors include a daughter, Kathleen Rasmussen, Stickney, Ill., two sons, Alfred Rasmussen, Dunnellon, and Walter Rasmussen, Largo; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Roberts Funeral Home, Dunnellon.
  • ROWE, GOLDIE VIVIAN, 90, of Lecanto, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Surrey Place Nursing Home. Born in Friedensville, Pa., she moved to St. Petersburg in 1970 from Fountain Hill, Pa., and was a Lutheran. Survivors include two sons, Stern Lee, Brighton, Colo., and Donald, Beverly Hills; a daughter, Diane Woodley, Bethlehem, Pa.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
  • Hernando County Back to top

  • BROCK, CORABELL "CORKY," 78, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Manton, Mich., she came here 20 years ago from Flushing, Mich. She was a retired customer educator for Michigan Bell Telephone, and a member of Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Telephone Pioneers of America, and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church Church and Respice. Survivors include her husband, David; two sisters, Helen Hattis, Sebring, and Hyla Westover, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. Turner Funeral and Cremation Center, Spring Hill.
  • BURBACK, DONALD P., 72, of Brooksville, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, Brooksville. Born in Mussey Township, Mich., he came here 15 years ago from Harrison Township, Mich. He was a retired fuel maintenance foreman at Selfridge Air Force Base, and an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a life member of VFW 4420, Manistique, Mich., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Masaryktown, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Survivors include his wife, Marian; two brothers, George Warren, Mich., and Richard McComb, Michigan; two sisters, Margaret Dubay and Pauline Wernimont, both of Clinton Township, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • DIMITRY, SUSAN PATRICIA, 53, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at home. Born in Berwyn, Ill., she came here 15 years ago from Los Angeles. She was retired from furniture sales and was Episcopalian. Survivors include her husband, Michael; three sons, Clint Szafader, Tampa, Justin Dimitry, Spring Hill, and Jason Dimitry, West Palm Beach; a daughter, Nadia Gross, Las Vegas; her parents, Ronald and Patricia Swisher, Phoenix; three brothers, Richard Swisher, Arlington Heights, Ill., Michael Swisher, Phoenix, and Christopher Swisher, Schaumburg, Ill.; and two grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • O'NEILL, ALICIA, 79, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Key West, she came here in 1964 from Palm Beach County. She was a secretary for Good Government League, helping with different campaign groups, a musician, singer, and painter, and had her own half hour radio show in Charleston, S.C., called the Alicia McCoy Show. She loved to travel. Survivors include a son, David O'Neill, Palm Beach Gardens; two daughters, Denise O'Neill, New York, and Mareen Coldiron, Loxahatchee; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.
  • TILLMAN, MILTON R. "DICK," 77, of Brooksville, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Spring HillRegional Hospital. Born in Cullman, Ala., he came here in 1994 from Jacksonville. He was a retired Navy Petty Officer 1st Class with 21 years of service, a 32 Degree Mason, a member of Morocco Temple AAONMS, Jacksonville, and Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Josephine; two sons, Robert, Sharon, Mass., and Stephen, Norwich, Conn.; a daughter, Belinda Bertram, Las Vegas; a sister, Virginia Dustin, Naples; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, nieces and nephews. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.
  • Hillsborough County Back to top

  • GAPEN, NORMA JEAN, 76, of Sun City Center, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at LifePath Hospice House. Survivors include her husband and three daughters. Lewers Funeral Home, Ruskin.
  • KERBY, MABRY DELEON, 86, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003). Born in Mayo, he later moved to Tampa. He was a civil employee at MacDill Air Force Base and then employed by the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; a son, Larry; a daughter, Freda Malphurs; and three grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • JONES, BOBBY E., 64, of Sun City Center, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003). Born in Riceville, Tenn., he later moved to Tampa in 1965. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a Baptist. He worked for the Tampa Police Department. Survivors include his wife, Jacquelyn; three sons, James, Robert and Jerry; three daughters, Betty Hatfield, Cindy Scholl and Penny Hill; a sister, Karen Thomas; and 10 grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • KLINE, ASHLEY MARIE, infant daughter of Patrick Kline and stepmother Evelyn Marie Dell, of Smithfield, N.C., formerly of Tampa, died Sunday (Dec. 15, 2002). Survivors include grandparents, Bob and Phyllis Kline, Dover; great-grandparents, Paul and Marge Rajna, Michigan, and Edward Kline, Thonotosassa; and three uncles, Kenneth Rajna, Michigan, Rick Kline, Thonotosassa, and Bobby Kline, Seffner. Brown-Wynne Funeral Homes, Raleigh, N.C.
  • MASSARO, ONDINA M., 75, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003). Survivors include two sons, Peter and Anthony; two brothers; four sisters; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Gonzalez Funeral Home. Tampa.
  • MITCHELL, ELVIRA C., 93, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003). She was born in Sparta, Mich., and had lived in Florida for the past 50 years and in Tampa since 1981. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Survivors include her three sons, Carl Dearstine, Theodore Dearstine and George Mitchell; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Blount & Curry Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Carrollwood Chapel.
  • OXLEY, CHRISTOPHER RICHARD, 31, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003). Born in Carterat, N.J., he moved to the Tampa area in 1993. He was a truck driver. Survivors include his mother, Bernice Oxley, Tampa; his brother, Roger Oxley, Tampa; and a sister, Cheryl Renee Maldonado, Tampa. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers, Tampa.
  • PANDIELLA, CORONA G., 97, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003). Born in Nava, Asturias, Spain, she later moved to the Tampa area. Survivors include her son, Orlando; her daughter, Ysolina Hurley; and four grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • RAWLINS, JOHN "JB," 79, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003). He was born in Waldo and later moved to Tampa. Survivors include his wife, Marie Rawlins; sister, Grace Boyd; nephew and caretaker, Steve Rawlins; and niece, Gail Buckman. Zipperer's Agape Mortuary & Crematory, Ruskin.
  • SCOLARO, LILLIE C., 84, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003). She was a native and lifelong resident of Tampa. She worked at Alessi Bakery on Howard Avenue for many years. Survivors include four sisters-in-law, Nancy Castellano, Victoria and Jennie Scolaro and Lily Guagliardo; brother-in-law, Richard Scolaro. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • SUAREZ, GRACIELLA "GRACE," 89, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003). Survivors include her two daughters, Jeanie Gonzalez and Joyce Roger; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • RAY, THOMAS "TOMMY" JR., 14, of Tampa, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003). He was an eighth-grade student at Walker Middle School. Survivors include his parents Thomas Ray, Sr., and Catherine Ray-Bauer; two brothers, Timmy and Robbie Ray; stepmother, Marlene Ray; stepfather, James Bauer; stepsister, Britney Vann; grandparents, Arthur and Belle Ray, and Tina Ray; and his great-grandfather, Tony Gomez. Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • VARSALONA, JIMMIE JR., 47, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003). Survivors include his mother, Josephine Guastella Varsalona; and his sister, Maria A. McGrew. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • VAUGHN, TRINITY MORGAN, infant daughter of Tracy Heather Vaughn and Sean Nejedly of Brandon, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003). Survivors include her grandparents, Foy and Marilyn Vaughn and Jim and Ann Nejedly; and aunts, Kelly and Kim Vaughn and Monica Nejedly. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • VERNON, MARTHA E., of Tampa, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Covington, Ind., she later moved to the area in 1960. Survivors include her nephew, Leslie E. Little, Jr., Indianapolis, Ind. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • WATTS, HELEN GEISSLER, of Plant City, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003). She was Past Matron of Signet O.E.S. No. 129 Philadelphia, Order of Amaranth, Philadelphia, a member of Plant City Women's Club and a member of First United Methodist Church, Plant City. Survivors include her sister, Doris Torr, Plant City. National Cremation Society, Tampa.
  • Pasco County Back to top

  • BEARLEPP, JOHN G., 79, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) in New Port Richey. Born in Bernardsville, N.J., he came here in 1979 from Flanders, N.J. He was a retired building manager for a veterans hospital and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Tarpon Springs Moose Lodge 1429, Clearwater American Legion 7, Holiday VFW 10167 and Joyful Spirit Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Gloria; four daughters, Frances Jordan, St. Petersburg, Diane Fattoruso, Manalopan, N.J., and Joyce Ward and Celeste Mirkovic, both of Wheaton, Ill.; two sons, John Jr., Largo, and Lee, Shirley, Mass.; a brother; four sisters; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.
  • COPELAND, VAUDE A., 79, of Trilby, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) in Zephyrhills. She was born in Ellijay, Ga. Survivors include two sons, Joseph G. Burleson, Virginia, and Lester M. Wiggins Jr., Dade City; three daughters, Gloria J. Simpson, South Carolina, and Martha M. Pearce and Olivia A. Lovett, both of Dade City; a stepson, James C. Copeland Jr., Crystal River; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.
  • COX, RAYMON C., 83, of Aripeka, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at home. He came here 10 years ago from his native Williamsburg, Ky. He was a water plant specialist for the city of London, Ohio and an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He traveled as a Christian Evangelical minister. He was a member of D.A.V., London, Ohio, and Assembly of God Church, Brooksville. Survivors include his wife, Lora; three daughters, Lela Cox-Rea, Williamsburg, Phyllis Schmalstig, Crystal River, and Helen Young, Homosassa; three brothers, Herbert, R.B. and Cleo, all of Williamsburg; a sister, Clora Murphy, Strunk, Ky.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
  • DeROSIER, CARL "ARTIE," 50, of Hudson, died Saturday (Jan. 11, 2003) at home under the care of Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Born in Chicago, he came here in 2002 from Bradley, Ill. He was a retired driver for Lincoln Land Limo, Bradley. Survivors include his wife, Marcia, Bradley; three daughters, Jennifer DeRosier, Hudson, Danielle DeRosier, Kileen, Texas, and Kristin DeRosier, Bradley; and two grandchildren. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.
  • DIMOSTRA, FRANK, 86, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at home. Born in Frankfort, N.Y., he came here in 1972 from Babylon, N.Y. He was an AT&T telephone representative, a staff sergeant in the 245th Coast Artillery Unit and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Holiday D.A.V. 79, Telephone Pioneers of America and St. Michael Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Concetta; three daughters, Catherine Riddle, St. Augustine, Phyllis Friedman, New Port Richey, and Marie Marz, Rock Hill, S.C.; a son, Anthony Sr., Hudson; a brother; three sisters; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.
  • GIUZIO, LOTTIE, 84, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Madison Pointe Rehab and Nursing Center, New Port Richey. She came here in 1971 from her native Chicago. She was a retired cashier with 15 years of service for Kroger Grocery Stores, Chicago, and a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include two sons, Ronald, Beaverton, Ore., and Dennis, New Port Richey; a daughter, Lilian Rocco, Oak Lawn, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.
  • KECK, WALLY, 90, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Tandem Health Care, New Port Richey. Born in Germany, she came here 12 years ago from Boynton Beach. She was a homemaker and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and the German Club, Delray Beach. Survivors include two daughters, Gloria Keller, Mineola, N.Y., and Helga Kerrigan, New Port Richey; a sister, Gunda Holst, Glendale, N.Y.; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
  • MELFI, VINCENT JR., 51, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. Born in Mullens, W.Va., he came here 11 years ago from New York. He was a math teacher at Pasco High School and Roman Catholic. Survivors include his mother, Carmen Melfi; and a brother, Joseph, Beacon, N.Y. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.
  • MILAZZO, VINCENT JAMES, 75, of Holiday, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. He came here in 1992 from his native Bronx, N.Y. He was owner and operator of Cross-Bronx Pet Shop, Bronx, a Navy seaman first class and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of American Legion Michael J. Cicero Post 173, VFW Post 10167, UBX Pigeon Club, Bronx, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel St. Clare Catholic Church, Bronx. Survivors include his wife, Marion; two sons, James, Yonkers, and Anthony, Bronx; a daughter, Maryann Masella, New Port Richey; a brother, Armond, Connecticut; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.
  • PALETTA, EUGENE J., 87, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Canton, Ohio, he came here in 1980 from Parma, Ohio. He was a retired press operator in the steel industry, a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of Jasmine Lake Community Association and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary; and a brother, Frank, Parma Heights, Ohio. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.
  • RIGGS, ROBERT PAUL "BOB," 59, of Zephyrhills, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) in Lakeland. Born in Washington County, Pa., he came here in 1990 from Niagara Falls, N.Y. He was a metal fabricator in the sheet metal industry and an Air Force veteran. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Zephyrhills. Survivors include his wife, Connie; two daughters, Melissa Riggs and Angela Bishop, and a son, Charles Wise, all of Zephyrhills; a brother, Harold, Washington, Pa.; four sisters, Lois Barker, Lynnwood, Wash., Marlene Kaske, Brier, Wash., Donna Moore, Sanford, and Cathy Staggers, Prosperity, Pa.; and a granddaughter. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.
  • VERMILLION, BETTY L., 83, of Pompano Beach, formerly of Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at North Ridge Medical Center, Oakland Park. Born in Cleveland, she came here in 1994 from Cambridge, Ohio. She was a clerical executive secretary for the Selective Service and was Presbyterian. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Crawford, Dublin, Ohio; two sisters, Dawn Robbins, Deerfield, Ohio, and June Torchick, Cleveland, Tenn.; and two grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.
  • North Pinellas Back to top

    Clearwater

    • DeFORREST, EMELIA "MEL," of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Bangor, Maine, and came here in 1962 from Old Town, Maine. She was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, Brandt, Clearwater, and Adam, Buffalo, N.Y.; three daughters, Sheila Ingamells, Clearwater, Carol Jean Plants, Buffalo; and Deanna Kimberly, Old Town, Fla., Roger Parent, Old Town, Maine; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
    • HILL, LINVEL RAY, 71, of Lewisburg, Ky. and Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in Beech Creek, Ky., and was a winter resident of Clearwater. He was the former owner of Elmore Glass and Paint in Mount Home, Idaho. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Mount Home, and the Elks, Shriners and F&AM Masonic Lodge, Mount Home. Survivors include his wife, Karen; a daughter, Gina Mendiola, Eagle, Idaho; his mother, Leona, Lewisburg; and a granddaughter, Cassi Mendiola, Eagle. Veterans Creation and Burial society, Clearwater.
    • SIDERS, RUSSELL L., 68, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at home. He was born in Dawes, W.Va., and came here in 1985 from Marietta, Ohio. He was retired. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of Largo Wesleyan Church. Survivors include three sons, Rick, West Virginia, Mark, Miami, and Randall, East Granby, Conn.; and seven grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel
    • YERGER, ANDREA G., 59, of Clearwater, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) at home. She was born in Petersburg, Va., and came here in 1993 from Berkeley Springs, W.Va. She was a homemaker and a Catholic. Survivors include three sons, Greg Smith, Virginia Beach, Va., Eric Smith, Berkeley Springs, and Keith Smith, Clearwater; two stepsons, Robert, Sanatoga, Pa., and Craig, Sarasota; a daughter, Lisa G. Paulson, Frederick, Md.; two stepdaughters, Laurene Mock, Largo, and Tammy Brinton, Virginia Beach, Va; her mother, Anne Mae Pacheco, Colonial Heights, Va.; four brothers, Charles Reynolds, Chesterfield, Va., James Reynolds, Larry Reynolds and Rickey Reynolds, all of Colonial Heights; a sister, Carol Galbreath. Greer, S.C.; and 17 grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • YERGER, ROBERT S., 77, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa. He was born in Painesville, Ohio, and came here in 1993 from Berkeley Springs, W.Va. He worked for the Department of Labor and was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include two sons, Robert, Sanatoga, Pa., and Craig, Sarasota; three stepsons, Greg Smith, Virginia Beach, Va., Eric Smith, Berkeley Springs, and Keith Smith, Clearwater; two daughters, Laurene Mock, Largo, and Tammy Brinton, Virginia Beach; two stepdaughters, Lisa G. Paulson and Stacey Pisarski, both of Frederick, Md.; and two brothers, Cloyce Edward, and Harry A., both of Cleveland; and 20 grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

    Dunedin

    • ALLEY, KATHERINE I., 86, of Dunedin, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Mease Manor of Dunedin. She was born in Fennville, Mich., and came here in 1971 from South Lyon, Mich. She was a homemaker and a member of Highland Presbyterian Church of Largo and its choir, Order of the Eastern Star, Presbyterian Women's Association, Lydia Circle and Project Day. Survivors include two nieces, Joan L. Borsh, South Lyon, and Nancy A. Bakhaus, Stanwood, Mich.; and two nephews, Jon G. Fisher and James R. Fisher, both of South Lyon. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • VARGAS, RICARDO G., 79, of Dunedin, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Bolivia, and came here in 1975 from Cherry Hill, N.J. He worked as a production manager for Square D. Co., Clearwater, and was Methodist. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Helen H.; a son, David, Oldsmar; two daughters, Patricia Silva, Aiken, S.C., and Rennie Davis, King of Prussia, Pa. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

    Largo

    • BREITHAUPT, DIANA, 63, of Largo, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at home. She was born in Watertown, N.Y. and came here in 1995 from Jacksonville. She worked as a sales associate for Dillards, Clearwater, and was Methodist. Survivors include two daughters, Tina Butts, Pembroke Pines, and Maureen Nix, Jacksonville; a brother, Edward Mills, Boulder, Colo.; a sister, Cindy McGreevy, Merrimack, N.H.; her mother, Yula Mills, New Port Richey; and nine grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
    • KRUPKA, MARGIE E., 75, of Largo, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at home. She came here in 1973 from her native Detroit. She was a child caregiver and member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. Survivors include a daughter, Rosemary Schultz, Largo; three sons: Thomas, Detroit; David, Westchester, Pa.; and Donald, Madeira Beach; a brother, Henry Bucon, Allen Park, Mich.; a sister, Helen Peters, Dayton, Ohio; and a grandchild. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Largo Chapel.
    • RICKERT, ELEANOR P., 81, of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Derby, Conn., and came here in 1982 from Clinton, Conn., where she worked as a secretary for CBT Bank. She was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo, and its Martha Mary Guild. Survivors include a son, Charles, Killingworth, Conn.; a daughter, Eloise Grandsire, Largo; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

    Palm Harbor

    • GERVASONI, RENZO PETER "RAY," 66, of Palm Harbor, died Monday (Dec. 2, 2002) in Coatesville, Pa. He was born in Santa Maria, Calif., and came here in 1995 from Ridgewood, N.J. He graduated from the University of California in Santa Barbara, and received a master's degree from Queens College, Flushing, N.Y. He was a teacher at Los Prietos High School, Santa Ynez, Ca., and Bethpage High School, New York, and was a guidance counselor and school administrator at Farmingdale High School, New York. He served in the Army as a lieutenant. He was a board member of the Bergen County, N.J., Historical Society, and the Boy Scout Council for Holy Trinity Church, Hackensack, N.J. He was a master gardener and volunteer at Highland Lakes Elementary School, where he established the Garden of Angels for the children. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Adele; a daughter, Sharon Ann, Tacoma Park, Md.; a son, Peter, Valley Township, Pa.; and a granddaughter, Christiana Gervasoni, Valley Township, Pa. Morrison Funeral Home, Butler, N.J.

    South Pinellas Back to top

    Pinellas Park

    • COPPENS, MARCEL, 84, of Pinellas Park, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines following a lengthy illness. Born in Hansbeke, Belgium, he came to Florida in 1972. He owned the West Fifth Street Garage and Coppens Motor Sales in Mishawaka, Ind., for 25 years. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinellas Park, American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach, DAV and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed fishing and watching NASCAR. Survivors include two daughters, Judith Huys, Middlebury, Ind., and Carol Mammolenti, Granger, Ind., eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka, Ind.
    • HOLMES, SHIRLEY ALICE, 71, of Pinellas Park, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Advanced Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clearwater. Born in Eaton Rapids, Mich., she came here five years ago from Spring City, Tenn. She retired in 1990 as a secretary after 20 years with Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn. She also worked 20 years with the Michigan State Police. She attended Starkey Road Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Raymond Earl; a brother, Kenneth Pfiester, Lakeland; and a sister, Arlene Eifert, Mason, Mich. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • MONBARREN, ROGER L., 55, of Pinellas Park, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. He came here in 1960 from his native Wooster, Ohio. He was a drywall finisher. Survivors include a companion, Judy Martin; a daughter, April Wallace, Lexington, Ala.; a stepson, Doug Miller, Seminole; two stepdaughters, Brenda Nicoll, Pinellas Park, and Deann Bailey, St. Petersburg; two sisters, Vera Zimmerman, Atlanta, and Norma Cummings, Wooster; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.

    St. Petersburg

    • COZZENS, RUTH T., 84, of Chicago, a winter resident of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 9, 2003) at her daughter's home in Chicago after a long illness. She made her winter home here after retirement. Survivors include a daughter, Dr. Marilyn C. Kessler, Chicago; a son, James T. Cozzens, Lincoln Park, Mich.; and five grandchildren. H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio.
    • CURRY, CORINE G., 76, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. She came here in the 1960s from her native Perry. She was a homemaker and a member of Elim SDA Church. Survivors include five sons, Paul Curry Jr., Joseph Curry and Lyndon Curry, all of Rochester, N.Y., and Paul Lucas Jr. and Patrick Curry, both of St. Petersburg; four daughters, Ruby Pearl Reed and Helen Williams, both of Rochester, Paula Mack, St. Petersburg, and Pamela Patterson, Fort Worth, Texas; and two sisters, Johnnie Mae Hagans, Clearwater, and Hattie Pearl Rollowins, Archer. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • HEVERLY, WILLIAM "BILL," 59, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Linesville, Pa., he came here in 1957 from Meadville, Pa. He was a repair and maintenance supervisor for Honeywell Corp., where he worked for 37 years. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, where he was a past Sunday school superintendent. He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed woodworking. He served five years in the National Guard. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Barbara. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • PITTMON-JOHNSON, SHIRLEY, 52, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a cook for Golfview Nursing Home for nine years. She was a member of Mount Zion Christian Church. Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Wayne; four sons, Thomas Pittmon, Marquette Pittmon, Rodney Thompson and Bobby Thompson, two daughters, Monica Thompson and Nakita Thompson, and two brothers, Lester Pittmon and Calvin Robinson, all of St. Petersburg; eight sisters, Catherine Woods, Rosedale, N.Y., Patricia Reddick, Margaret Pittmon, Rutha James, Linda Jones, Geraldine Jones, Pamela Jones and Gloria Jones, all of St. Petersburg; four stepsisters, Naomi Wilson, Clemintine Robinson, Carolyn Mitchell and Elaine McCall, all of St. Petersburg; and 13 grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
    • RUSH, SAMUEL A. "Tony," 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, his father, Sanders Rush, and a sister, Sheryl Singletary, all of St. Petersburg; four brothers, Antwan Rush, Mitchell Hosten and Michael Hosten, all of St. Petersburg, and Darrell Hosten, Atlanta; and a companion, Laura Meneely, Bradenton. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
    • SCHULZE, EUGENE JOHN, 93, of Apex, N.C., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, S.C. He retired in 1961 after 41 years of service with New York Telephone Co. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Edwarda C.; two sons, Eugene S., Wappingers Falls, N.Y., and Arthur W., Yankton, S.D.; a sister, Madeleine Caldwell, Norwalk, Conn.; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Apex Funeral Home, Apex, N.C.
    • STARKE, ROBERT H. "BOB," 85, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at home under hospice care. He came here in 1923 from Cleveland. He was a retired service technician for National Cash Register for 34 years and also worked at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg for 17 years. He was a Marine Corps sergeant major in World War II and participated in the battle of Iwo Jima. He was a member of Pasadena Community Church since 1956, and American Legion 158 in Treasure Island. He was a hospice volunteer and enjoyed woodworking. Survivors include his wife, Joan; a son, Robert D., Ocklawaha, a daughter, Kathleen Nalbach, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Nalbach, both of St. Petersburg. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • WARNER, JAMES D. "JIM," 56, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Laurelwood Nursing Center. Born in Gatlinburg, Tenn., he came here in 2000 from Tampa. He was a tow truck driver in Tampa. He drove a sprint car for Budweiser Distribution Co. at USA International Speedway in Lakeland. Survivors include his wife, Nancy. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

    Seminole

    • SHULTIS, ETHEL O., 91, of Fairport, N.Y., formerly of Seminole, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Fairport Baptist Nursing Home. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she came here in 1968 from Bogota, N.J. She was a secretary for Boy Scouts of America in Hackensack, N.J., and Seminole. She was a member of Church of the Isles in Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Donald E. Shultis, Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; a daughter, Lynne Warner, Greenwood, N.Y.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home & Cemetery, Seminole.

    South Pasadena

    • POWERS, VIRGINIA, 85, of South Pasadena, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

    Treasure Island

    • MANN, RUBY A., 89, of Greensboro, N.C., formerly of Treasure Island, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003). Born in Benson, N.C., she came here in 1957 from Washington, D.C., and moved to Greensboro in 2002. She was a desk clerk at the Surf Motel in Treasure Island from 1957 to 1999. She was a charter member of the Treasure Island Isletts. Survivors include a son, Morgan, Greensboro; four grandsons, Steven Mann and Anthony Mann, both of Greensboro, and Matthew Mann and Jay Mann, both of Clayton, N.C.; and four great-grandchildren. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.
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