St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BARTSCH, PEGGY R., 41, of Floral City, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home under the care of her family and Hospice of Citrus County. She was born in Jacksonville and was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Mark S.; three sons, Mark B. Bartsch, Cape Coral, Tyler Offerman, Fort Myers, and Brandon Bartsch, Floral City; a daughter, Sara Offerman, Fort Myers; and a sister, Kathy, Fort Myers. Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness.

HENDERSON, ELEANOR F., 91, of Crystal River, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Woodland Terrace, Lecanto. Born in West Orange, N.J., she came here in 1997 from Brick, N.J. She was a retired school teacher and principal. She was Protestant. Survivors include a sister, Doris Logan, Crystal River; a nephew, Robert Logan, Floral City; a niece, Pamela Timony, Grasonville, Md.; six great-nieces; six great-great-nephews; and two great-great-nieces. Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, Crystal River.

LINANE, WILLIAM J. JR., 74, of Beverly Hills, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Colonial Lakes Health Care, Winter Garden. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., he came here in 1989 from Derby, Conn. He retired from Raybestos, Stratford, Conn., and was an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Eleanor; a son, William J. Linane III, Kissimmee; a daughter, Marlene Ortega, Inverness; three sisters, Frances Lipecz, Bridgeport, Noreen Jones, Lady Lake, and Connie Bomba, Derby, Conn.; and four grandchildren. Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness.

MALSNEE, RICHARD REAM, 79, of Hernando, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Allentown, Pa., he came here in 1973 from St. Petersburg. He was a real estate broker and owner of Richard Malsnee Realty for 25 years in St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marion (McNamara); two sons, Richard A., Woodstock, Ga., and Clint, St. Petersburg; and a daughter, Victoria Malsnee, Gulfport. Hooper Funeral Homes, Beverly Hills.

REINER, BERNARD, 89, of Lecanto, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Bronx, N.Y., he came here in 1971 from Hackensack, N.J. He was a retired bank officer for Bank of Montreal with 43 years of service. He was a 60-plus year member of the Citrus Masonic Lodge 118 and a 57-plus year member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 65. He was a past high priest of the Ocala York Rite, past illustrious master and past commander of Council 22, past district deputy of Grand Council of Florida. A member of Egypt Shrine Tampa, Citrus Shrine Club, and Phelps York Rite 3 Orlando. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie (Zaun); two daughters, Barbara Ralph, Inverness, and Virginia Profth, West Hartford, Conn.; two sons, Robert A., Inverness and William E., Maywood, N.J.; and six grandchildren. Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness.

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BOYLE, VIRGINIA M. PHIEFFER KEEFE, 88, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Jan. 2, 2003) in Syracuse, N.Y. She came to Florida 21 years ago from her native Syracuse. She worked in the St. John the Evangelist School cafeteria for 17 years and attended St. Anthony Catholic Church. Survivors include four sons, Richard Keefe, Savannah, Ga., John and Lawrence Keefe, both of Syracuse, and Patrick Keefe, Bethesda, Md.; a stepdaughter, Peggy Boyle, Colorado; two stepsons, George Boyle, Ticonderoga, N.Y., and John Boyle, Kansas; seven grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Brooksville.

BRITTON, MAURICE RAY, 61, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at home. Born in Reed City, Mich., he came here three years ago from Flushing, Mich. He was a retired forklift driver and was a member of the United Auto Workers Union. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Lorraine D.; a son, Timothy Maurice, Pinellas Park; two daughters, Janice Darlene Bowen, Live Oak, and Shelley Ann Vaillancourt, Holiday; his mother, Eunice Malek, Chesaning, Mich.; two brothers, Robert, Port Richey, and Gerald, Marion, Mich.; and six grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

CONNELL, EVA JANE, 64, of Brooksville, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in High Point, N.C., she came here 13 years ago from Ocala. She was a retired radio dispatcher for the Game Commission of Florida and was a member of Garden Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Howard; two daughters, Pamela Jane Lamonds, Franklinville, N.C., and Deana Methvin, Brooksville; two sons, Kipper, New Port Richey, and Jeff, Lawrenceville, Ga.; a sister, Sue Huffman, High Point, N.C.; two brothers, Voy and Roger Skeen, both of Thomasville, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Brewer and Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.

MACK, DONALD G., 71, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Mogadore, Ohio, he came here 38 years ago from Ravenna, Ohio, and owned Uneeda Framing. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Carol; a son, Andrew, Spring Hill; two daughters, Sandra Kishton and Yvonne Federonick, both of Suffield, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

MAZUR, MICHAELENE, 64, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at home. Born in Chicago, she came here over five years ago from Oak Park, Ill. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Michael Thoni, Spring Hill, and Richard Thoni, Cape Coral; two daughters, Christine Mozer, Bloomingdale, Ill., and Pamela Mahn, Brookfield, Ill.; her mother, Lillian Mazur, River Forest, Ill.; a sister, Mary Lou Berowski, River Forest; and two grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill Chapel.

TAYLOR, MARIAN HILD, 75, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Timber Pines Assisted Living Center, Spring Hill. She was born in Logan County, Ill. She retired from the Engineering Department at Vogel-Peterson, Elmhurst, Ill. Survivors include her husband, William; a son, William Taylor Jr., Cherry Hill, N.J.; a daughter, Marsha Vanlandingham, The Woodlands, Texas; a brother, J. Lee Hild, Mount Pulaski, Ill.; and four grandchildren. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mount Pulaski, Ill.

VALENTIN, MICHAEL LUIS "MOOKIE," 27, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Bronx, N.Y., he came here 15 years ago from Brentwood, N.Y. He was employed by Wal-Mart Distribution Center and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Vicki; a stepson, Michael Kohl, Hudson; his parents, Lydia and William Valentin, a sister, Evette Valentin, and his maternal grandmother, Virginia Quinones, all of Spring Hill; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

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BONAFEDE, ISABEL C., 80, of Valrico, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) in Valrico. Born in London, she came to the Tampa area 17 years ago from Ridgewood, N.J. She was a cosmetician and was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Diane Schuman, Valrico; a son, Chris Bonafede, Fair Lawn, N.J.; a brother, Renato Pietrini, Florence, Italy; and five grandchildren. Serenity Meadown Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

GOLAB, DOROTHY LUCY, 88, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at John Knox Village Medical Center. Born in Keene, N.H., she came here in 1979 from Sebring. She was a registered nurse and was Catholic. Survivors include two sisters, Vivian Flecchia, Bedford, N.H., and Barbara Cassassa, Cape Cod, Mass.; and two brothers, Ronald and George Patnode, both of Keene, N.H. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

SILLS, PATRICIA A., 59, of Tampa, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003). Born in Cincinnati, she was a longtime resident of Tampa. She was employed by the Hillsborough County Road Department and was Baptist. Survivors include two daughters, Debra Marks, Lithia, and Janet Chadwick, Plant City; a brother, William Roberts, Massachusetts; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

VENANCIO, CYNTHIA, 41, of Tampa, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home. Born in New York City, she came here several years ago. She was a hospital administrative assistant. Survivors include a son, Robert Villon, Bronx, N.Y. Ambassador Mortuary Services, Oldsmar.

WARD, TERRY LAMBERT, 50, of Valrico, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003). He moved to the Tampa area 12 years ago from Savannah, Ga. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice; two sons, Terry Williams, Savannah, and Michael Cook, Aransas Pass, Texas; three daughters, Latoya Williams, Savannah, Anjelicia and Jasmine Ward, both of Valrico; five brothers, Freddie, Charles, Marvin, David and Andrew; three sisters, Shelia Neville, Kim Sutton and Cynthia Ward; and a granddaughter. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

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BAIRD, ROBERT G., 78, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. He came here 23 years ago from his native Bloomsburg, Pa. He was the owner of Baird's Arco Station, Bloomsburg, and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of F&AM Washington Lodge, Caldwell Consistary, the Elks and Seven Springs Golf & County Club, and was a life member of Bloomsburg American Legion and Bloomsburg Rescue Fire Department. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; a stepson, Glenn Beckley Sr., Bloomsburg; three stepgrandchildren; and six stepgreat-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

BATTON, HELEN M., 75, of Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came here 55 years ago from her native Portland, Ore., and was a dietary technician. She was Baptist. Survivors include four sons, Tommy Batton and J.D. Douglas, both of New Port Richey, Timmy Douglas, Tarpon Springs, and Jeff Batton, Brooksville; a daughter, Diana Frady, Port Richey; a brother, Don Beguhl, San Francisco; nine grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

BIXLER, ELLEN E., 46, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came here in 1983 from her native Detroit. She was the food nutrition service manager at Mitchell High School, New Port Richey. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Scott A.; two sons, Eric A., Anchorage, Alaska, and Kevin M., New Port Richey; her parents, Marie F. and Walter D. Beauchamp, Westland, Mich.; two brothers, Walter D. Beauchamp Jr., Allen Park, Mich., and Mark, Redford, Mich.; and two sisters, Susan Beauchamp, Southgate, Mich., and Beth Townsend, Plymouth, Mich. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

BUTZ, ALMA ELIZABETH, 98, of Brighton, Mich., formerly of Holiday, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) in Brighton at her son's home. Born in Nice, France, she lived in Holiday from 1969 to 2002. She was an electromagnetics technician for Rotron Manufacturing, Woodstock, N.Y. She was co-founder of Palm Grove Dutch Reformed Church of Holiday. She was a member and co-founder of Living Word Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include a son, Roy, Brighton; and three grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

COULOMBE, RONALD I., 69, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. He came here in 1987 from Waukegan, Ill., where he was a foreman for Johnson Motors. He was Roman Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; a son, Ronald A., and a daughter, Tammy Rodrigues, both of Waukegan; and two grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

CRUZ, FERNANDO, 74, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home under the care of Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Born in Chaves, Portugal, he came here in 1978 from Ludlow, Mass. He was owner and operator of Cruz's Market, Ludlow. He was a member of the Portuguese American Suncoast Association, St. Petersburg, Portugese American Cultural Association, Holiday, and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Olga; two daughters, Linda, Spring Hill, and Lori Ann Cooper, Hudson; a sister, Hilda Carneiro, Ludlow; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Home, Largo.

GEIGER, JAMES T., 73, of Aripeka, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Bayonet Point Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hudson. He was born in Avon Park. He was a retired Air Force veteran, serving as an electrician. He was a member of Aripeka Baptist Church and Pearl of the West Masonic Lodge 146, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Mildred; a son, James T. Geiger Jr., Hudson; two daughters, Beverly Snell and Barbara Laycock, both of Hudson; two sisters, Evie Sparks, Lake City, and Marylou Atwell, Jacksonville; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

HUNT, JOSEPH W., 84, of Shiloh, Ill., formerly of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) in Shiloh. Born in Lewisburg, Tenn., he lived in New Port Richey for 10 years. He retired from Bell-Atlantic Telephone Co. with 45 years of service and was a member of Telephone Pioneers. He was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was a self-taught woodcarver and a member of First Baptist Church, O'Fallon, Ill. Survivors include his wife, Omega (Weesner); a son, David, Reisterstown, Md.; two daughters, Joanne Hunt, Glenburnie, Md., and Jackie Biehl, Shiloh; a brother, Ned, New Port Richey; a sister, Margaret Donigan, Flint, Mich.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.

JOHNSON, MELVIN THOMAS, 80, of Hudson, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, he came here three years ago from Fort Myers. He was employed in construction and sales for Bahama Pools and was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Ann; four sons, Guy T., Phoenix, Kevin, Fort Myers, Todd A., Lafayette, Tenn., and Scott W., Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.; a sister, Hazel Bastin, Dunedin; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

JULIS, ELSIE, 88, of Hudson, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at home. Born in New York City, she came here 27 years ago from New Hyde Park, N.Y. She was a secretary for First Presbyterian Church, New York, and was a member of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church and its women's guild. Survivors include her husband, Rudolph; two daughters, Lorna Guida, Massapequa, N.Y., and Karen Nergan, Downingtown, Pa.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

KIEFFER, THEODORE T., 80, of Spring Hill (Pasco County), died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Lafayette, Ind., he came here in 1974 from Walled Lake, Mich. He was a retired advertising manager for Sears Roebuck & Co. and owned the Scarbo Inn, Walled Lake. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of VFW. Survivors include his wife 35 years, Ruth; two stepsons, Norman and Kenneth, both of Spring Hill; two stepdaughters, Janice Carpenter, San Diego, and Lori Manning, Spring Hill; a sister, Louise Hanlon, Elm Grove, Wis.; a grandson; seven granddaughters; and four nieces. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

LAND, JESSE THOMAS, 78, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) in Hudson. Born in Orlando, he came here in the early 1960s from Ozona. He was a maintenance manager and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 219, Haines City. Survivors include a son, James Dewey Land, Ozark, Ala.; a daughter, Sheila Ann Luck, Winter Garden; a stepson, Raymond Kitting, Hudson; two sisters, Barbara Allen Hough, Washington state, and Mary Alice Osbourn, California; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home at Belcher, Dunedin.

MENECH, JEANETTE P., 79, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Flushing, N.Y., she came here 22 years ago from College Point, N.Y. She assembled binoculars duirng World War II for Eastman Kodak and retired from sales for Gertz Department Store. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 79 and attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, William J., New Port Richey; a daughter, Donna J. Deranler, Lake Hopatcong, N.J.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

MUTZ, WILLIAM F., 83, of Bayonet Point, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in New York City, he came here in 1980 from East Meadow, N.Y. He was a New York City police officer, with 22 years of service, achieving the rank of sergeant. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Athena; two sons, William J., Key Largo, and Jeffrey A., Hudson; a daughter, Barbara E. Muze, Miami; and two grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

PECORARO, SALVATORE P., 89, of Port Richey, formerly of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in New York City, he came here 10 years ago from Palm Harbor. He was the retired manager of Gregory Lumber Co. and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Pauline; a son, Joseph, Farmingdale, N.Y.; a brother, Mario, Palm Harbor; and three sisters, Sadie Greco, Brooklyn, N.Y., Ann Saffar, Redondo Beach, Calif., and Jean Guydish, Riverhead, N.Y. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

ROETHEL, JOSEPH, 72, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at home. He came here 16 years ago from his native Rochester, N.Y. He was a retired Army veteran and served in the Korean War. Survivors include a son, Steven, Hudson. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

SHERMAN, HAZEL G., 97, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2003) at Integrated Health Services, Tarpon Springs. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here five years ago from Holiday. She was a clerk for Chase National Bank and a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, both of New Port Richey. She was a member of the Westwood Civic Association, Holiday. Survivors include a son, Fred, Oahu, Hawaii; a grandson, Brett, Califon, N.J.; a granddaughter, Brenda Zofrea, Packanake Lake, N.J.; and five great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

SAYRAFE, FRANCES G., 85, of Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Tandem Health Care, Hudson. Born in Chicago, she came here 22 years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a manufacturing company bookkeeper in New York and a member of Gulf Highlands Civic Association. Survivors include a brother, Sam Loiacano, Indiana. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

SHAW, JOHN J., 86, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 13, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in New York, he came here in 1995 from Delray Beach. He retired from American Can Co. and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. Survivors include a second cousin, Robert Kircher, Land O'Lakes. Loyless Funeral Home, Land O'Lakes/Lutz.

SMITH, HARRY EDWARD, 81, of Zephyrhills, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Great Bend, Pa., he came here in 1984 from Elmira Heights, N.Y. He was a candymaker and an Air Force veteran. He was a 57-year member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Beverly; a daughter, Judith Karski, Horseheads, N.Y.; four sisters, Marion Rockwell, Plano, Texas, and Hazel Howland, Doris Panetta and Rose Panetta, all of Elmira, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

SWOTKEWICZ, JOHN J., 91, of Holiday, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Mattituck, N.Y., he came here 30 years ago from Jamesport, N.Y. He was a vegetable and fruit farmer in Jamesport and was a member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, Tarpon Springs. He was a member of the Polish American Pulaski Association, Holiday, and a former volunteer firefighter for the Jamesport Fire Department. Survivors include his wife, Anne; a brother, Philip, Jamesport; a sister, Sophie Fink, Aquebogue, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nephews and great-nieces. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.

WOLFE, JEANNE, 94, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Madison Pointe Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Milford, Ill., she came to Florida in 2000 from Hinsdale, Ill., and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include a son, Barry L., New Port Richey; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

ZAIGER, MIRIAM H., 78, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Medway, Mass., she came here in 1994 from Peabody, Mass. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra E. Surenko, Clearwater; three sons, David, Revere, Mass., Arthur, Port Richey, and Steven, Haverhill, Mass.; two sisters, Selma Horovitz, Orlando, and Lillian Feldberg, Revere; a brother, David Hochbaum, Hollywood, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.

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Belleair

KROUSKOS, PETE G., 78, of Belleair, died Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Tarpon Springs and lived there until 1960, when he moved to Belleair. He worked 12 years as a manager for an Albertsons liquor store. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a 1942 graduate of Tarpon Springs High School. He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Catherine; three sons, George, Clearwater, Steve, Atlanta, and Mike, Dallas; two brothers, Nick and Mike, both of Tarpon Springs; and five grandchildren. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

Clearwater

DRAKE, VIRGINIA L. "GINI," 79, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Shiloh, N.J., and came here in 1989 from Groton, Conn. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Seven Day Baptist Church, Westerly, R.I. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Donald; a son, Randall S., St. Petersburg; two daughters, Wendy Nelson and Holly Haines, both of Largo; a sister, Jeanette Rogers, Alfred Station, N.Y., and five grandchildren. International Casket & Urn Gallery, Clearwater.
FERGUSON, ELIZABETH A., 85, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at HarbourWood Nursing Center, Clearwater. She was born in Lexington, Ga., and came here in 1987 from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a children's day care provider, and worked seven years for Community Pride in Clearwater and 15 years in Brooklyn. She was a member of Church of Christ, Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Sheila Melendez, Brooklyn; two brothers, Charles R. Webb and Lenzy D. Webb, both of St. Petersburg; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren. Young's Funeral Home, Clearwater.
JACOB, JOHN D. JR., 75, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and came here in 1991 from New Middletown, Ohio. He was an electrician. He was a Marine Corps veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include a son, David, Warren, Ohio; a daughter, Beverly Stanec, Boardman, Ohio; a sister, Wilma Vykowski, Mauldin, S.C.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
LEIGH, VIRGINIA IRENE, 49, of Clearwater, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Hernando Pasco Hospice Care, New Port Richey. She was born in Flushing, N.Y., and came here in 1975 from Warwick, N.Y. She worked as a billing specialist for Diabetic Supply of USA, Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Jaqueline Leigh, Clearwater; her mother, Eileen Leary, Clearwater; her stepfather, Michael Leary, Clearwater; three sisters, Eileen Johnston, Oceanview, N.J., Ann Marie Roe, Clearwater, and Karen Quay, Pinellas Park; five brothers, William Leigh, New Port Richey, Michael Leigh, Dunedin, John Leigh, Warwick, Gerald Leigh, Clearwater, and Thomas Leigh, Appleton, Wis.; and a granddaughter. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
LOPATIN, ANNA, 80, of Boca Raton, formerly of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at her daughter's home in Beverly Hills, Calif. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to Clearwater in 1956 from New York and lived here until 1983. She managed her family-owned clothing outlet store, Pixie Playmates in Largo, for many years. She worked more than 10 years as a ward secretary at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was a founding member of Temple B'nai Israel, Clearwater, and active in its sisterhood. She was a member of Hadassah and an expert mah-jongg player. Survivors include a daughter, Wendy Kelman, Beverly Hills; and three grandsons, Ariel Kelman, San Francisco, Jeremiah Kelman, Los Angeles, and Emile Kelman, Beverly Hills. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
McGREGOR, ROBERT McDERMAID, 69, of Clearwater, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Clearwater. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and came here in 1976 from Pittsburgh. He worked nine years in sales for United Truck Master, Clearwater. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Virginia; two sons, Robert M. Jr., Clearwater, and Richard, Brandon; a brother, Jim, Fort Lauderdale; and three grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
NORDQUIST, EVA L., 65, of Clearwater, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at home. She was born in Hanover, Germany, and came here in 1983 from West Hartford, Conn. She worked as a church secretary. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, James A.; three sons, Michael, Palm Harbor, and James V. and Steven, both of Clearwater; two daughters, Patricia Plankey, Oxford, Conn., and Stephanie Ryan, Clearwater; a sister, Regina Ludwig, Hanover, Germany; and three grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Homes, Clearwater.
NOWELL, RUTH G., 92, of Clearwater, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at home. She was born in Scottsville, Ky., and came here in 1986 from Dublin, Ga. She was a retired registered nurse. She was a member of Sunset Point Baptist Church. She was valedictorian of the 1933 graduating class of the Georgia Baptist Hospital's School of Nursing. Survivors include her husband, Lee; four sons, Lewis, Yulee, John, Cumming, Ga., Robert, Dexter, Ga., and Lester, Colorado Springs, Colo.; two daughters, Amelia Landsman, Colorado Springs, and Regina Holmes, Mentone, Calif.; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Fort Harrison Chapel, Clearwater.
OXIER, ELINOR F., 76, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute, St. Petersburg. She was born in Osawatomie, Kan., and came here in 1998 from Fort Myers, Florida. She worked as a substitute teacher for Pinellas County schools. She was a member of the Dunedin Assembly of God Church. Survivors include a son, Mark, Dunedin; two daughters, Virginia Corbin and Pamela Ruth Oxier, both of Largo; a brother, Earl Burris, Kansas; and two grandchildren. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.
SMITH, CATHERINE, 97, of Sarasota, formerly of Clearwater, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Alterra Renaissance Place, Sarasota. She was born in Liverpool, England, and moved here in 1967 from Hyde Park, N.Y. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Church of Christ, Clearwater, and Concordia Lutheran Church, Sarasota. Survivors include a daughter, Dorothy Fanizzi, Largo; a son, William, Sarasota; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
VOGEL, TIMOTHY WAYNE, 48, of Clearwater, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He was born in Spring Valley, N.Y., and came here in 1993 from Virginia Beach, Va. He was an airline captain for US Airways. He was active in the Airline Pilots Association. He was a graduate of Hawthorne College in New Hampshire. Survivors include his father, Norman Vogel, England; his mother and stepfather, Lucille and Peter Clemm, Weaverville, N.C.; and two sisters, Rosalinda Devereux, Ireland, and Leslie Vogel, Greenfield, N.H. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.

Dunedin

DIXON, GARY K., 64, of Dunedin, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in Friendsville, Md., and came here in 1994 from Baltimore. He was a carpenter and owned a remodeling company in Baltimore. He was a Navy veteran and a Methodist. He was a member of the Moose, Palm Harbor, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Safety Harbor, and the Dizzy Pleasure Club, Baltimore. Survivors include his wife, Adelene M. "Toots" Alford-Dixson; a stepson, Michael Alford, Baltimore; and a granddaughter, Erin Alford, Baltimore. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
ROMANOSKY, LILLIAN P., 74, of Dunedin, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at home. She came here in 1959 from her native Pittsburgh. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Dunedin. Survivors include two sons, Stan, New Port Richey, and Norm, Palm Harbor; two daughters, Debra Briggs, Dunedin, and Lori Antunes, Palm Harbor; two brothers, Richard Herny, Palm Harbor, and Fred Herny, Indiana; two sisters, Shirley Klingner, Pittsburgh, and Charmaine Herny, Delray Beach; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
ROTHMAN, SAMMIE L., 56, of Dunedin, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Shelby, Ohio, and came here more than 37 years ago from Fort Myers. She worked as a teacher assistant. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Chapman, New Port Richey; two sons, Jerry D. II, Dunedin, and Bryan, New Port Richey; her mother, Geraldine Winter, Zephyrhills; her father, Samuel VanAsdale, Clearwater; three sisters, Dee Dimitri, Zephyrhills, Melody Ferguson and Sarah Neumann, both of Clearwater; and two grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home at Belcher, Dunedin.

Largo

BRAVIERI, LANI A., 72, of Largo, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home. She came here in 1985 from Wheeling, Ill. She worked as a restaurant server and was a Catholic. Survivors include two sons, George, Hanover Park, Ill., and Alan, Streamwood Ill.; three daughters, Diana McManaway, Ocala, Donna Wienckowski, Crystal Lake, Ill., and Cherice Bravieri, Dunedin; a brother, Alvin Guilford, West Virginia; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
DEADY, GRACE H., 69, of Largo, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg. She was born in Providence, Ky., and came here in 1960 from Davenport, Iowa. She was retired from Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Ronald E.; two daughters, Karen Kearney, Pinellas Park, and Cheryl Nelson, Tampa; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
HALL, HAROLD H., 90, of Largo, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Sabal Health Care Center, Largo. He was born in East St. Louis, Ill., and came here in 1927 from La Feria, Texas. He was a carpenter and builder. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the carpenters union. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Virginia B.; two daughters, Kathryn Slosberg, Palm Harbor, and Deborah Randolph, McMinnville, Tenn.; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
KATSOURIS, KONSTANTINOS, 70, of Largo, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Athens, Greece, and came here in 1988 from Aston, Pa. He was a restaurant cook. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Kathleen; three sons, Stan, Alec and Konstantinos, all of Largo; two daughters, Maria Natalie, Wilmington, Del., and Melissa Katsouris, Largo; a brother James, Cranbury, N.J.; and two granddaughters. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
LYNN, MARILYN R., 49, of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She came here in 1976 from her native Bedford, Mass. She worked as a caregiver in the health field. Survivors include two daughters, Mary C. Lynn and Ashley G. Lynn, both of Largo; two brothers, Evan Boynton, Berwick, Maine, and Brandon Boynton, Jacksonville; and three sisters, Nancy Mclaughlin, Rochester, N.H., Carolyn Todd, Chocorua, N.H., and Karen Freeman, Dover, N.H. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
SCOTT, CHRISTINA A., 47, of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at Oak Manor Nursing Center, Largo. She was born in Manhattan, N.Y., and came here in 1983 from Denville, N.J. She was Roman Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Scott, Largo, and Carrie Scott, Las Vegas; a son, J.R. Grobleski, Las Vegas; her parents, Eleanor and Charles Scott, Largo; two sisters, Susan Scott, Frisco, Texas, and Mary Tweedy, Newark, Calif.; a brother, Charles Scott Jr., Jacksonville, N.C.; and two grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
WYATT, EDNA E., 90, of Largo, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Hudson, N.Y., and came here in 1951 from New York. She worked as a secretary for an insurance company and was Lutheran. Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Edward C.; five stepchildren; a sister, Evelyn Sharpe, St. Petersburg; a cousin, William Sauer, Ghent, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Palm Harbor

LEECH, DAVID MATTHEW, 20, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home. He was born in England and came here in 1996 from Stockport, England. He was a student. Survivors include his parents, Peter and Elizabeth Leech, Palm Harbor; two brothers, Peter and Stephen, both of Palm Harbor; and a sister, Anna Leech, Palm Harbor. Clearwater Funeral Homes, Clearwater.

Safety Harbor

TREAT, CHARLES O., 77, of Safety Harbor, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Norwich, Conn., and came here in 1981 from Uncasville, Conn. He owned and operated Treat's Water Co. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lillian S.; a daughter, Sherry L. Thompson, Delaware; two sons, Charles O. Jr., Connecticut, and Richard G., Massachusetts; and five grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home at Belcher, Dunedin.

Tarpon Springs

CORN, ORIN E. "CHAPPIE," 87, of Tarpon Springs, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Integrated Health Services of Tarpon Springs. He was born in Ironton, Ohio, and came here in 1978 from Dayton, Ohio. He worked 27 years as a millwright for General Motors in Dayton. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Central Christian Church, Dayton, and attended Unity Church of Port Richey. Survivors include a son, Delbert, Port Orange; a stepson, Jack Willman, New Port Richey; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a companion, Connie Harton, Tarpon Springs. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
ECKENRODE, ROBERT W. "BOB," 88, of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Pittsburgh and moved to Tarpon Springs in 1994 from Clearwater. He was a retired U.S. Postal Service mail handler. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Dorothy M.; a son, Richard J., Minong, Wis.; a daughter, Kathleen M. Wall, Pittsburgh; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

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Gulfport

PELKA, FLORENCE LENA, 91, of Gulfport, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003). Born in New York City, she came to Florida in 1975 from New York. She was a bank bookkeeper. Survivors include a daughter, Kathleen Loughlin, Kissimmee; and a son, Julius Pelka, Chicago. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Orlando.

Pinellas Park

BURCH, EVA M., 84, of Pinellas Park, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Gracewood Nursing Center. Born in Schuylerville, N.Y., she came here in 1973 from Fort Edward, N.Y. She was a sales representative for a department store. Survivors include two sons, Daniel Burch, Fort Edward, and Ronald Burch, Gulfport; a brother, Cecil Walkup, St. Petersburg; and eight grandchildren. International Casket and Urn Gallery, Clearwater.

St. Pete Beach

GREEN, DONALD F., 68, of St. Pete Beach, died Saturday (Jan. 18, 2003) at the Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay. Born in Dover, N.J., he came here in 1978 from Linden, N.J. He formerly owned Don's Plumbing in St. Pete Beach. He was a Korean War Air Force veteran. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Ellen; a son, Jeff, San Francisco; three daughters, Karen Walsh, Sandy Finlay and Donna Christino, all of New Jersey; a brother, Charles, Apopka; a sister, Margaret Green, St. Petersburg; and eight grandchildren. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.

St. Petersburg

BUCHMEIER, GLADYS, 89, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Grace Health Care. Born in Beecher, Ill., she came here in 1987 from Peotone, Ill. Survivors include two stepsons, Jim Pralle, Crete, Ill., and David Pralle, Pittsville, Wis.; and a caregiver, Alan Goldberg, St. Petersburg. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
FALLON, MADELINE M., 94, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at home. Born in Ormstown, Quebec, she came here in 1970 from Malone, N.Y. She was a homemaker and was a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and its women's club. Survivors include three sons, Robert Fallon, Rome, N.Y., Donald Fallon, St. Petersburg, and James Fallon, San Francisco; and four grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
GORMLEY, LUCILLE V. "LUCY," of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) of cancer. She came here in 1950 from her native Worthington, Minn. She worked at City Fuel Oil Co. and retired in 1996 from Suncoast Oil Co. after 20 years. She was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Nancy Carpenter, Hope Mills, N.C.; a son, Craig Gormley, St. Petersburg; and a granddaughter, Michele Carpenter, Hope Mills. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
KANABAY, DONALD EMIL, a.k.a. THE REV. VALERIAN KANABAJ, 70, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He came here in 1970 from his native Chicago. He was a court reporter, Orthodox Catholic priest and volunteer chaplain for the St. Petersburg Police Department. During the Korean War, he served in the Army 101st Airborne Division. He and his wife founded Kanabay and Kanabay Court Reporters and in 1967 won the Illinois speed championship. He moved his family to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1967, worked with the U.S. Consulate and ran a USO for the 6th Fleet. In 1970 Gov. Claude Kirk appointed him an official court reporter for the 6th Judicial Circuit, covering Pinellas and Pasco counties. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Helen; and four daughters, Sandra Kanabay Ambush, Theresa Simpson, Donna Kanabay Harvey and Catherine Naghitorabi, all of St. Petersburg; and five grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MAINOR, ETHEL LEE "AUNTIE," 83, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at Boca Ciega Nursing Center, Gulfport. She was a lifetime resident of St. Petersburg. She was a member of Bethel AME Church. Survivors include three daughters, Maria Scruggs and Julia Starling, both of St. Petersburg, and Cynthia Okot, Houston; two sons, Augustus Wimberly, Tampa, and Thomas Edward Davis, St. Petersburg; and 23 grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
MALSNEE, RICHARD REAM, 79, of Hernando, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Allentown, Pa., he moved to Hernando here in 1973 from St. Petersburg. He was a real estate broker and owner of Richard Malsnee Realtor for 25 years in St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marion (McNamara); two sons, Richard A., Woodstock, Ga., and Clint, St. Petersburg; and a daughter, Victoria Malsnee, Gulfport. Hooper Funeral Homes, Beverly Hills.
MATIA, RAFAEL, 78, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at the Laurels Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
MILLER, HELEN DOROTHY, 70, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Atlantic City, she came here two years ago from Wilmington, Del., where she managed a mobile home park for more than 20 years and was a restaurant server in the early '60s. She was Methodist. She enjoyed bingo. Survivors include two sons, Louis Gasparre, St. Petersburg, and Paul D. Miller, Wilmington; two daughters, Cathy A. Lord, St. Petersburg, and Linda Miller, Middletown, Md.; six grandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
MORGAN, SUZANNE S., 80, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Philadelphia, she came here in 1977 from Camden, N.J., after retiring from Cooper Hospital as a social worker. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1945. Locally she was a member of the League of Women Voters. She attended Eckerd College and was an avid bridge player and amateur watercolor artist and enjoyed classical music. She was Episcopal. Survivors include her companion, Emil DiLeo; and a sister, Mary Stow McCutchan, Wilmington, Del. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
NEWMAN, AUBRAY D. "AD," 93, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Jan. 20, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Fort White, he came here in 1912. He and his father, Samuel, drilled water wells for the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa, the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines and Pinellas Point. He worked for Pinellas Machine Co. for 43 years, retiring in 1975. Survivors include a son, Eugene Newman, Atlanta; a daughter, Sandra Sims, Bossier City, La.; two sisters, Ocie Nicks, Lake Walters, and Jessie Thomas, Kissimmee; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
SEARS, GENE EDWIN JR. "EDDIE," 29, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. He came here in 1979 from his native Muncie, Ind. He was a tow truck driver and was Protestant. Survivors include two daughters, Tamiyah Allen and Teyonah Allen, both of St. Petersburg; his father, Gene Edwin Sr., Largo; his mother and stepfather, Jackie and Oarton Adams, South Bend, Ind.; a brother, Scott, Largo; two sisters, Stacey Knowles, Indian Rocks Beach, and Sarah Fava, Largo; and his maternal grandmother, Evelyn Spychalski, South Bend. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
SHEEHAN, WILLIAM R., 94, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Knoxville, Pa., he came here in 1979 from Elmira, N.Y., where he owned Sheehan's grocery. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was an avid square dancer. Survivors include a brother, Howard, Horseheads, N.Y. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SMOCK, LOUIS E. SR., 69, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He came here 25 years ago from Chicago. He owned Tropical Appliance Sales and Repair Co. and was a Korean War Air Force veteran. Survivors include his wife, Carol; a son, Louis Jr., and a daughter, Shannon Garrett, both St. Petersburg; and four grandchildren. International Casket and Urn Gallery, Clearwater.
STIFF, JANET C., 70, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003). She came here in 1961 from her native Cleveland. She was a graduate of the University of South Florida. She was a real estate appraiser. She also worked for Dillard's, Nancy Markoe Gallery and various social agencies and charities. Survivors include a son, David Stiff, and a daughter, Amy Stiff, both of St. Petersburg; and two grandsons. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
WARDNER, ROBERT S., 81, of Spring Hill, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 16, 2003) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. Born in Bloomingdale, N.Y., he moved to Spring Hill in 1996 from St. Petersburg. He was a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. He served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Survivors include his wife, Hesper; a daughter, Brenda Wolfert, Spring Hill; two brothers, Richard Wardner, Omaha, Neb., and Charlie Emmons, Monument, Colo.; two sisters, Ruth Freeman, Montana, and Louise LaFountain, Saranac, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.
WASHINGTON, MARY LOUISE, 88, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She came here from her native Sumter, S.C. She was a graduate of St. Petersburg Junior College. She was a former teacher at Happy Workers Kindergarten and a licensed child care provider. She was a musician for local churches in St. Petersburg and the Church of God, where she was a member. Survivors include five daughters, Barbara Davis, Frances Tillman, Alfredia Hatcher and Gwendolyn Jenkins, all of St. Petersburg, and Katrina Green, Bronx, N.Y.; three sons, Chester Washington Jr., Switzerland, and Don C. Washington and Terry Washington, both of St. Petersburg; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
WILLIAMS, IRA JR. "SAND MAN," 71, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Palm Garden of Pinellas. Born in Nashville, Ga., he came here in the late 1950s. He was a cement finisher for contractors for more than 40 years. He was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for more than 40 years. He was an avid fisherman and pool player. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Grace; four sons, Eggie L., Connecticut, Roy, Atlanta, Ricky L., Augusta, Ga., and Steven B., Savannah, Ga.; three daughters, Gloria J. Watkins, Orma J. Williams and Tammera Williams, all of St. Petersburg; three sisters, Janie Williams, Hahira, Ga., and Louise Foster and Vela Foster, both of Valdosta, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
WILLIAMS, RONALD J., 69, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Jan. 19, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Indianapolis, he came here in 1957 from New Castle, Ind. He was a payroll accountant for the Pinellas County Board of County Commisssioners for more than 40 years. He was a Korean War Army veteran. He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Pinellas Park and was church organist for the past four years. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Dorothy; two sons, Jonathan D. Robinson and Joshua D. Robinson, and a granddaughter, Ariel Robinson, all of St. Petersburg. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

Seminole

ALTOPP, ERNEST H. JR. "ERNIE," 74, of Seminole, died Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He came here in 1973 from his native Indianapolis, where he retired after 20 years with the city Fire Department. He also retired from General Electric in Largo. He was Methodist. He was a member of Seminole Elks Lodge 2519, Gulf Beach Lodge 291 F&AM in Madeira Beach, Tri-Cities Shrine Club in Clearwater, Scottish Rite Consistory in Tampa and Egypt Shrine Temple in Tampa, where he was a member of the Greeters Unit. Survivors include a son, James D. Pettycrew, Beech Grove, Ind.; three daughters, Pamela Olah, St. Cloud, and Cyle Keesee and Cathy Steeffey, both of Indianapolis; two brothers, Richard, Sun City West, Ariz., and David, Cleveland, Tenn.; a sister, Doris Buckta, Indianapolis; and 12 grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Seminole.