St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

JOHNSON, JUSTICE "JAY," 41, of Crystal River, formerly of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at home. Born in London, Ky., he came here 12 years ago from the Tampa area. He was a professional musician, having played guitar with the F.L.A. Band which performed around central Florida, and wrote many of their compositions. Survivors include two sons, Casey and Brandon Johnson, both of London; a daughter, Courtney Johnson, Tampa; his mother, Ethel Johnson, Crystal River; a brother, Wayne, London; three sisters, Irene Richardson, Lake City, Pauline Clark, Frankfort, Ky., and Anna Rush, London. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

JONES, KATHRINE C., 89, of Hernando, died Friday (January 24, 2003) at home under the care of family and hospice. Born in Eufaula, Ala., she came here in 1994 from Hollywood, Fla. She was Baptist. Survivors include her daughter, Nina Romano, Hernando; two grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

SORISE, JOSEPH, 85, of Beverly Hills, died Sunday (Jan. 26, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Queens, N.Y., he came here in 1992 from Flushing, N.Y. He was a retired musician and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include a daughter, Joan Santoli, Bayport, N.Y.; a brother, Andre Sorise, Patchogue, N.Y.; a sister, Evelyn; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Brown Funeral Home and Crematory, Crystal River.

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BAGLEY, MILDRED DORIANA, 94, of Plant City, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003). Born in Fort Ogden, she later moved to the Tampa area. Survivors include her son, Ross F. Crowther, Plant City; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several great great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

DOWNIE, JOHN A., 45, of Riverview, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003). Survivors include his mother, Marion Downie, Riverview; and three sisters, Geri McCance, Brandon, Jeanne Isola, Speculator, N.Y. and Barbara Swartzbaugh, Tampa. Serenity Meadows Funeral Home, Riverview.

GARCIA, ANNIE M., of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 23, 2003). She was born in Georgia and lived in Tampa for more than 45 years. Survivors include her husband, Jerry Garcia; a daughter, Jo Ann Bellovia; three sisters, Ruth and Bonnie Adams, and Nell Baggett; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

HOBAR, GEORGE, 78, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003). He was born in Port Vue, Pa. and resided in Pittsburgh until he joined the Army in 1942. He served in the European Theater in World War II, fighting for the infantry and driving a tank. He went to work as a credit union examiner until 1960. He then became manager, CEO and president of GTE Federal Credit Union. He served as a board member and then director of CUNA, a director of SE Corporate FCU, chapter president of the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions, chairman of Florida Central Credit Union, and as a founder, chairman of the board and director emeritus of Payment Systems for Credit Unions. He also worked with the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Community Development Association for the Bay Area, was a chairman of the Citizens Political Action Committee, a member of Palma Ceia Country Club, and served on the advisory board of L.E.A.P. Survivors include two sons, Craig, and Coby; a daughter, Jorgene; one brother; and three grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home South Tampa Chapel, Tampa.

HOKE, HILDA DEARMAN, 88, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2003). Born in Gulfport, Miss., she moved to the bay area as a young child. She attended Gorrie Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, and Plant and Hillsborough high schools. Survivors include her daughter, Allene McKewen; a sister, Peggy Jean Dearman, Tampa; and two grandchildren. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

JOHNSON, HAROLD CARL, 82, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at University Community Hospital. Born in Cosmopolis, Washington, he later moved to the bay area. He was in the Army Air Corps, and worked as a merchandising manager for Sterling Drugs. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Johnson, Tampa; a son, Randy, Croton, N.Y.; a daughter, Patty Johnson, Georgia; a sister, Marvelle Olson, McHenry, Ill.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Swilley funeral Home, Tampa.

KING, MARGARET MARTIN, 82, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003). She was a member of Idlewild Baptist Church and the Land O'Lakes Doll Club. Survivors include her husband, Robert B. King, Sr.; four sons, Jim Fanning, Gerald Fanning and Lee King, all of Tampa, and Robert B. King, Jr., Raleigh, N.C.; two daughters, Sharon Youngblood, Albuquerque, N.M., and Marilyn Brimmer, Tampa; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Tampa.

RICHARDS, BRENDA AURELIO, 57, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2003). A native of Dothan, Ala., she lived in the Tampa area for 42 years coming from Hampton, Va. Survivors include her husband, Mark B. Richards; a son, Rick Aurelio; a daughter, Nina Batura; sister, Patty Banicki; brother, Denny Wright; and four grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

RODRIGUEZ, MERCEDES "MERCY", 66, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003). She worked for the Hillsborough County School District and was a member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Manolo Rodriguez; a son, Jose Manuel, Port Richey; a daughter, Mercedes O'Campo; a daughter-in-law, Michelle Rodriguez; a brother-in-law, Ramon; a sister-in-law, Emilia, and seven grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Tampa.

SMITH, LEO, 88, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003). Survivors include two sons, Joseph and Richard; two daughters, Ann Clinkscales and Rosemarie Taylor; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services, Tampa.

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CROOKS, MILES T., 78, of Hudson, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) under the care of Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Born in New Britain, Conn., he came here in 1989 from Killingworth, Conn. He was retired from Travelers Insurance Co. and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Friendship Lodge 33 F&AM, where he was a Past Master, and a member of the Elks Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Doris; two daughters, Jean Bergeron, Southington, Conn., and Dona Deuson, Henderson, N.Y.; a brother, Vincent Crooks ; a sister, Violet ; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hudson.

HARNETT, JOHN F., 37, of New Port Richey, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Mease Hospital, Dunedin. Born in New York City, he moved to Tarpon Springs in 1993, and then came here one year ago. He was a busser manager with 10 years of service for Louis Pappas Restaurant and a member of 4H and Future Farmers of America, New Jersey. Survivors include his parents, Frederick and Maureen Harnett, Tarpon Springs. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.

ORTIZ, DAVID LUIS, 20, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. He came here in 1994 from his native Bridgeport, Conn. He was a student of International School of Beauty, where he was studying to become a massage therapist. He loved skiing. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Nancy and Vern Ford, Connecticut; his father and stepmother, Benito and Marka Ortiz, New Port Richey; two brothers, Benito III, Connecticut, and John, New Port Richey; and a sister, Sandra Ortiz, Connecticut. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

PRAY, HELEN V., 87, of Holiday, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center. She came here in 1982 from her native Brooklyn, N.Y. She was Catholic. Survivors include a brother, Larry Mulry, Holiday. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

WATTS, JEAN I., 56, of Hudson, died Friday (January 24, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice House. Born in Lebanon, N.H., she came here 36 years ago from Westfield, Mass. She was Pentecostal. Survivors include her husband of 39 years, David; four sons, David Jr., Las Vegas; Kelly, Holiday; Donald, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Tony, Dallas; four daughters, Terry Frazier, Hudson; Becky Leighty, Dallas; Stephanie Watts, Holiday; and Brandy, Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother, James Phillips, Mystic County, Conn.; 19 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Service, Largo.

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Belleair

WALKER, MARY LEE, 92, of Belleair, died Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2003) at the Oaks of Clearwater. She was born in Portland, Ore., and came here in 1972 from Dayton, Ohio. She retired in 1974 as a registered nurse and locally was ICU supervisor at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She graduated from Cook County School of Nursing at Chicago Hospital. She was a member of St. Brendan Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis W. Schene, Belleair; five grandchildren, Mary Lovera and Kathryn Schene, both of Clearwater, Herbert Schene Jr., Louisville, Ky., Richard H. Schene, Dallas, and Michael Schene, Carmel, Ind.; and six great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Clearwater

GOODROE, CAROLINE PERRY DAY, 76, of Atlanta, formerly of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) in Atlanta. She came here in 1952 and moved in 1974 to Atlanta. She did volunteer work with Alzheimer's patients. Survivors include two sons, Bill and Don Goodroe; three daughters, Cheryl Marshall, Mary Ellen Ponder and Dana Wood; two brothers, Ray and Mike Day; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, Lawrenceville, Ga.
LINDBLOM, HAROLD, 84, a winter visitor of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 23, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Bray Township, Minn., and had been coming here annually since 1960 from Felton, Minn. He was a farmer. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Fargo, S.D., an associate member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Clearwater, and a former member of Island Estates Civic Association and the Island Estates Yacht Club, the Sertoma Club and the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club. Locally, he received many awards including the Hall of Fame Award from the Island Estates Civic Association for his holiday displays. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Elna; two daughters, Genora Schjeldrup, and Donna Kucharz, both of Felton; three sisters, Mable Mosbeck, Thief River Falls, Minn., Ellen Read, Puyallup, Wash., and Janeth "Dolly" Armstrong, Lander, Wyo.; and four grandchildren. Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, S.D.
PELLEGRINI, ALDO F., 87, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; seven children; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
ROESSLER, IRENE, 79, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Ukraine, and came here in 1951 from Germany. She worked 20 years locally as a housekeeper in private homes. She was Lutheran and a former troop leader in Girl Scouts of America. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Fritz; and a daughter, Susi Roessler, Clearwater. National Cremation Society, Largo.
TAFURI, ANN "BABE," 82, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Countryside Health Care Center, Palm Harbor. She was born in Philadelphia and came here in 1991 from Glen Cove, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Peter, Clearwater; and a daughter, Jeanette Robson, and a granddaughter, Kimberly Robson, both of Safety Harbor. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
VAN ZANT, LISA ANN, 36, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2003) at home. She was born in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., and came here in 1972 from Brick Township, N.J. She was a teacher and taught 15 years at Largo Middle School. She graduated in 1988 from University of South Florida. She was Catholic. Survivors include her parents, Lucy and Elwood Van Zant, Largo; two sisters, Laurie A. Tatka, Fort Irwin, Calif., and Lynn Wennlund, Toms River, N.J.; a brother, Charles Van Zant, Fredericksburg, Va.; three nieces; and two nephews. National Cremation Society, Largo.
WEISS, ALVIN, 73, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He came here in 2001 from his native Brooklyn, N.Y. He retired as senior expeditor after 18 years with EBASCO Corp., Manhattan, N.Y. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was Jewish and a member of Knights of Pythias. He enjoyed history and stamp collecting. Survivors include a sister, Mikki B. Edelstein, Largo; two nephews, Brian Edelstein, Largo, and Mark Edelstein, Chicago; a niece, Susan Edelstein, Cary, N.C.; a grandniece; and two grandnephews. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
YUNGERT, ALBERT J. SR. "BIG AL," 75, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Manhattan, N.Y., and came here in 1965 from Danbury, Conn. He was self-employed for 50 years in a paper and printing company. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Alice; a son, A.J. Jr., Clearwater; and a daughter, Deborah Chandler, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Chandler, both of Atlanta. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Largo

BIRKET, MARY LOUISE, 93, of Richmond, Texas, formerly of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) in Richmond. She came here in 1955 from her native Peoria, Ill. She was a homemaker and a member of First Christian Church of Largo. Survivors include two daughters, Diane L. Gibbs, Richmond, and Suzanne J. Fender, Waynesville, N.C.; a son, Jerald H., Orlando; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
HADLEY, RUSSEL FRED, 86, of Inverness, formerly of Largo, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) in Inverness. He was born in Terre Haute, Ind., and moved to Inverness in 1995 from Largo. He was a draftsman with Servel Refrigeration Engineering, Evansville, Ind., and retired from Haldens of Clearwater. He was an Army veteran. A member of Empire Primitive Baptist Church and a licensed minister, he traveled with church ministry in Indiana and Florida. Survivors include two sons, Charles, Inverness, and Tom, Beverly Hills; a daughter, Bonnie Lamb, Bushnell; a sister, Clarice Amick, Princeton, Ind.; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inverness.
LOUGHRAN, KEVIN G., 90, a winter resident of Largo, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He had been coming here annually since 1978 from his native Lowell, Mass. He retired after 20 years as a quality assurance engineer for AVCO Missile System Division in Wilmington, Mass. He graduated in 1937 from Holy Cross University, Worcester, Mass. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include three sisters, Kay Loughran and Dorothy Burns, both of Lowell, and Diana Loughran, California; and several nieces and nephews. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Palm Harbor

BLANK, FRED, 89, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Jan. 23, 2003) at home. He came here in 1979 from his native Burgettstown, Pa. He was a retired mechanic in a coal mining company. He was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Palm Harbor. Survivors include a son, Fred L., Tarpon Springs; and a daughter, Florence L. Blank, Salt Lake City. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

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Seminole

CANNON, JUNE WESTBROOK, 76, of Seminole, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Baytree Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Palm Harbor. She was born in Cleveland and came here in 1977 from Louisville, Ky., where she was a key punch operator at Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Largo, and Daughters of the Nile. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, John; two daughters, Gloria Smith, Seminole, and Debbie Ballinger, Louisville; a sister, Jean Johnson, Georgetown, Ky.,; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
COUNTRYMAN, MARTHA S., 98, of Seminole, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital. She was born in Denver and came here in 1980 from Springfield, Mass. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, the St. Petersburg Federated Woman's Club, PEO Sisterhood and Sigma Kappa Sorority. Survivors include a son, Ralph L., Bonita Springs; two grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Tarpon Springs

HARNETT, JOHN F., 37, of New Port Richey, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in New York City, came to Tarpon Springs in 1990 from Blairstown, N.J., and moved in 2001 to New Port Richey. He worked 10 years as busser manager at Louis Pappas Riverside Restaurant, Tarpon Springs. He was a member of 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. Survivors include his parents, Maureen and Frederick Harnett, Tarpon Springs. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

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COSTON, ALBERT WILLIAM, 67, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He came here in 1955 from his native Thomasville, Ga. He worked at Alan Terrazzo, a local concrete and tile flooring company, for 19 years. He was a maintenance man at 16th Street Middle School (now John Hopkins Middle School) for 14 years and at Tim Marshall's Department Store. He was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Jackie; two sons, Albert W. Coston Jr., Thomasville, and Troy Green, St. Petersburg; three daughters, Cassandra Snipes, LaWanda Coston and Bridget Coston, all of St. Petersburg; a brother, Abe, Thomasville; seven sisters, Lizzie B. Coston, Clara Scott and Drucilla Hall, all of Thomasville, Janie Blair, Daytona Beach, Reather Britten, Apopka, and Hattie Johnson and Willie Mae Rogers, both of St. Petersburg; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

FRANK, EUGENIE E., 88, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Pinellas Park, died Thursday (Jan. 23, 2003) at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. She came here in 1976 from her native Montreal. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pinellas Park, and a former eucharistic minister at the church. Survivors include six nieces, Diane and Renee Major, Georgette and Lillian Parmenter and Huguette and Rolande Mainville, and five nephews, Pierre Major, Albert Parmenter and Jacques, Ubald and Normand Mainville, all of Canada. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

GORE, KENNETH M. JR., 51, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. He was born in Jacksonville and came here three weeks ago from Tampa, where he attended Mount Calvary Deliverance Church. He was assistant pastor at High Point Baptist Church in Macon, Ga. Survivors include three sons, John, Gabriel and Stephen, and two daughters, Kimberly Gore and Kendra Gore, all of Macon; his mother, Betty Fennell, St. Petersburg; a brother, David, Jacksonville; two sisters, Pamela Bennett, Jacksonville, and Candace Fennell, St. Petersburg; and a grandson, Thane Isaac Gore. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.

GRIFFITH, TERRY ALLEN SR., 61, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. He came here in 1981 from his native Reading, Pa. He was an Air Force veteran and played the saxophone in the 538th Air Force Band. He was an acclaimed jazz saxophonist, playing under the name of Terry Allen. A composer, arranger and recording artist, he worked with musicians such as Frankie Avalon, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra Jr. He also played at many local venues. He was a member of the American Legion in St. Petersburg and attended Glad Tiding Assembly of God Church. Survivors include a son, Terry Allen Griffith Jr., St. Petersburg; his father, Rulon L., and a brother, Rodney L., both of Reading; a sister, Sandy G. Talarico, Sinking Spring, Pa.; and a caregiver, Linda K. Griffith, St. Petersburg. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.

LUNDBERG, KATHERINE JONES, 41, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at home under hospice care. She was a St. Petersburg native. She was a certified nursing assistant. Survivors include her husband, Corky; a brother, Craig Godard, and a sister, Jane Godard, both of Marion, Ill.; and two nieces. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.

MOULTON, ELIZABETH A., 80, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003) at Palm Shores Retirement Center. Born in Webster, Mass., she moved here in 1948 from Southbridge, Mass. She was Episcopal. She was a member of the Polish American Society and the National Association of Federal Employees. She lived in the Panama Canal Zone for 15 years. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Ralph; two brothers, Edward Voloka, Holland, Mass., and Edmond Voloka, Lady Lake; a sister, Frances Cieri, Southbridge; and a niece. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.