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February 1, 2003
SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Saturday, February 1, 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

  • BARBEAU, JOSEPH A., 71, of Inverness, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1998 from Orland Park, Ill. He retired as a race track farrier, working in Chicago and New Orleans for 40 years. He was a member of International Union of Journeymen Horseshoers Local 14. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and awarded the Korean service Ribbon with six stars. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Stoecker; three daughters, Debra Jay, Wichita, Kan., Suzette Barbeau-Hayes, Calumet City, Ill., and Jennifer Jaye Barbeau, Munster, Ind.; and four grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.
  • ECK, WANDA F., 85, of Hernando, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Detroit, she came here in 1977 from Garden City, Mich. She was a homemaker and was a cashier at Borman Foods. She was a member of VFW Auxiliary Post 4252, the Michigan Club and the Civic Club of Hernando. She was a lifetime member of AMVETS Post 45 Detroit. She attended our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Joseph S.; a son, Leland, Grand Blanc, Mich.; a daughter, Kathleen Mahoney, Nuevo, Calif.; a sister, Josephine Ksiarzek, Dearborn Heights, Mich.; and two grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Beverly Hills.
  • GRIFFITH, ALBERT GARY, 72, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. Born in Atlanta, he came to Citrus County in 1999 from Tucker, Ga. He was a sales representative in the textile and linen industry for many years and was an Army veteran. He was a graduate of Georgia State University and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal River. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Jacqueline Burghard; three sons, Martin A., Amelia Island, Gary, Redondo Beach, Calif., and Scott C., Kennesaw, Ga.; a daughter, Linda Griffith, Archer; a sister, Kathryn Green, Gray, Ga.; and a grandson. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.
  • KELSER, JOHN "HOWARD," 89, of Inverness, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) in Inverness. He came here 22 years ago from his native Mansfield, Ohio. He was a retired machinist for Ideal Electric Company and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rutland. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Dorothy E.; two daughters, Gloria E. Kelser, Lakeland, and Diane Lynn Stofer, Mooresville, N.C.; a brother, Russell Frank, Fremont, Ohio; three grandsons; and one great-grandson. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.
  • KIBLER, RICHARD ARTHUR "DICK," 68, of Inverness, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he came here in 1984 from St. Petersburg. He was a retired golf course maintenance mechanic, and was the manager of the Citrus County Speedway for eight years. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Mary T. (Sweeney); four daughters, Debbie Young, Germany, Pattie Simmons, Okeechobee, Kathi Finley, Newbern, N.C., and Rachel Cales, Lecanto; and seven grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.
  • LYNCH, ROBERT E. "BOB," 79, of Ozello, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital in Crystal River. Born in Vincennes, Ind., he came here 15 years ago from Orange Park. He was a retired rural letter carrier. He was a retired Navy chief petty officer, serving in World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of the Orange Park Moose Lodge and VFW Dumas-Hartson Post. Survivors include two sons, Lonnie, Middleburg, and Kenneth, Orange Park; three daughters, Frances Armbruster, Fernandina Beach, Michelle Weimer, Jacksonville, and Melanie Davidson, Orange Park; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.
  • MAUS, MARGUERITE I., 91, of Homosassa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) in Homosassa. Born in Jamestown, N.Y., she had been a winter resident since 1990 from Sinclairville, N.Y. She was a bookkeeper for Randolph Motors Inc. and a member of Ismilia Shrine Temple Auxiliary, Buffalo, N.Y. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband, Robert L.; and two sisters, Betty Courson and Beulah Bergquist, both of Lake Worth. Hooper Funeral Homes, Homosassa.
  • McWILLIAMS, ELIZABETH "ALICE," 81, of Floral City, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. Born in Canton, Ohio, she came here in 1983 from Ashford, N.Y. and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Vierse S.; a brother, Carl Kendall, Spartansburg, S.C.; a stepsister, Geraldine Cambridge, Englewood; and a cousin, Beatrice Lokey, Floral City. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.
  • Hernando County Back to top

  • BUTTELMAN, LOTTIE M., 70, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Pasco Regional Hospital, Dade City. Born in Sikeston, Mo., she came here 24 years ago from Lafayette, Ind. and was a cashier/hostess. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Herb; two sons, Al Wooley, Bloomsfield, Mo., and Bill Wooley, Sikeston, Mo.; two brothers, Tony Greer, Elizabethtown, Pa., and Frank Morris; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.
  • FRANCONERI, ANGELO, 86, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. Born in New York City, he came here 18 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. He was a retired maintenance supervisor with the New York City Housing Authority. He was Catholic. Survivors include his daughter, Camellia Salerno, Spring Hill; and a son, Louis, Indian Rocks Beach; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • JOHNSON, BETTIE H., 80, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Forest Oaks Care Center in Spring Hill. She came here in 1988 from her native Rome, N.Y. She was active in the Odd Fellows, Rebekah Lodge 171, Signa Theta RHO Club and 4-H Club. Survivors include her husband, Howard; a daughter, Suzanne Hannakan, St. Petersburg; three sons, Howard David, Rome, N.Y., Fredrick Wayne, Oak Park, Ill., and Jeffrey Allan, St. Petersburg; nine grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Brooksville.
  • LOMENA, GEORGE, 49, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) in Spring Hill. Born in Manhattan, N.Y., he came here four years ago from Newark and was an Army veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; three daughters, Llaqueline Feliciano, Maria Quinones, and Angy Lomena, and a son, George Lomena Jr., all of Spring Hill; two brothers, Juan R., Florida, and Jose F., Puerto Rico; and six grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.
  • MOORE, NEVIN D., 61, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. He came here 53 years ago from his native Logan, W.Va. and was a cement plant supervisor. He was Baptist. Survivors include two daughters, Margie Butler, Dunnellon, and Mia Moore, Brooksville; six brothers, John Phillip, Nathan, and Rondall, all of Jacksonville, Lloyd H. Moore Sr., Fayetteville, N.C., Ronnie, Middlesex, N.C., and Danny K., Middleburg; three sisters, Janice Bohannen, Middleburg, Sandra Henry, Franklin, N.C., and Pam Sue Barber, Zephyrhills; and three granddaughters. Turner Funeral Homes, Brooksville.
  • PAGNOTTA, IDA K., 75, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 20 years ago. She was a retired secretary for an insurance agency and volunteered at the Bonati Institute. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Carmine J.; three sons, Joseph A., Staten Island, N.Y., Lawrence M., St. Petersburg, and Thomas J., Brooklyn; two daughters, Linda A. Flori, Whitestone, N.Y., and Lorraine A. Pagnotta, Brooklyn; and five grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.
  • RICKARD, ROBERT J., 84, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Blairsville, Pa., he came here 24 years ago from Sandusky, Ohio. He was an inspector for General Motors and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Brooksville Moose Lodge and St. Anthony Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; five sons, Gerald, Santa Rosa, Calif., John T., Vancouver, Wash., William, Port Clinton, Ohio, Don and Dean, both of Sandusky; three daughters, Mary Lee Warren, Sandusky, Linda McGrantham, Brooksville, and Cynthia Tardif, Santa Rosa; many grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Brooksville.
  • SIERCHIO, JEAN LAIRE, 74, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. She came here 16 years ago from her native Kearny, N.J. She retired from Barnett Bank and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. She was a 55-year plus member of the Eastern Star Liberty Chapter. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara and Suzanne Renczkowski, both of Spring Hill; two sons, Scott Kuebler, Largo, and Mark Kuebler, New Port Richey; a sister, Margaret Manning, Kearny; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.
  • Hillsborough County Back to top

  • BERG, GEORGE T., 62, of Spring Hill, formerly of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Long Island, N.Y., he moved to Spring Hill 18 years ago from Tampa. He was a musician and a member of the National Guard. Survivors include his mother, Stella, and a brother, Ron, both of Northport, N.Y.; and a companion, Gwen Goldman. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.
  • CLAWSON, EVELYN G., 82, of Inverness, formerly of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Muskegon, Mich., she moved to Inverness in 1985 from Tampa. She was a data entry supervisor for Cranes and Hoists Manufacturing and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. Survivors include her son, Dale Stordahl, Spring Lake, Mich.; two brothers, Frederick Erhorn, Nunica, Mich., and Orville Beattie, Lake Forest, Ill.; two grandsons; and one granddaughter. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.
  • ESPERON, GENEVA, 78, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2002). Survivors include her daughter, Mary Villareal, Tampa; and two brothers, Paul and Manuel Esperon, Tampa. Boza Roel Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • FAIRBANKS, RAYMOND T., 82, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; a son, G. Douglas; a daughter, Betty Keena; one grandchild; and four great-grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • GRIFFIN, ARTHUR, JR. "CATEYES," 65, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Town & Country Hospital. Born in Dunnellon, he worked for 39 years for Mead Paper Co. before retiring. He was a member of the C.B. Club of Tampa and was a Mason. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Griffin; two brothers, Lorenzo and Henry Griffin; eight children; and 12 grandchildren. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, West Chapel, Tampa.
  • GUBLER, DENNIS W., 54, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 23, 2003). He was born in Fort Pierce. He graduated from Dan McCarty High School in Fort Pierce in 1966, where he was active in the school band as a trumpet player. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital Fiscal Service, and later he worked as chief fiscal officer of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center. He was awarded the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Commendation Award, the Regional Director's Commendation Award and the Chief Financial Officer's Commendation and the National Financial Management of Veterans Health Administration Award. He was an active member at Forest Hills United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Dena Gubler; two sons, Derek and Daryl; mother, Beth; and a sister, Becky Mosley. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa.
  • HARTLEY, GABRIEL CECIL, 77, of Seffner, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Jacksonville, he moved to the Tampa area 40 years ago from Apalachicola. He was vice president of Treasure Isle Seafood and was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Survivors include his wife, Johelen; a daughter, Melanie Lime; three sons, Mark, Michael and Marshall Hartley; two sisters, Alice Patterson and Norma Peavy; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • LASHER, MARILYN, 80, of Brandon, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003). Survivors include a daughter, Marion Kelley; a sister, Shirley Metropoulos; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • LIBMAN, HARRY, 91, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003). He came to Tampa 10 years ago from Brookline, Mass. He was a member of the Jewish War Veterans. Survivors include his son, Rabbi Melvin; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Beth David Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • McCULLOUGH, A.L. "BUDDY," 57, of Balm, formerly of Tampa, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at South Bay Hospital. Born in Tampa, he was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. He was a farmer and rancher, and he was a member of numerous agriculture and business organizations. He was past president of Hillsborough County Cattlemen's Association, Florida Junior Angus Association Advisor and an honorary deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Survivors include his wife, Vivian; four children, Terry Wilson, Buddy, Christopher "Bear," and Julianne McCullough, all of Balm; two sisters, Geraldine Burch, Bonifay, and Christine Brown, Arkansas; and four grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • MEEROVITZ, IRVING "ISSACK," 73, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, he was an Army veteran and a graduate of Jefferson High School. He operated a dry goods store in Ybor City and a similar store in Sulphur Springs. He then opened Goody Shoe Store in Town 'N Country. Survivors include a son, Phillip; a sister, Geraldine Lasky; and one grandchild. Beth David Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • PIENING, ROBERT K. SR. "BOB," 77, of Temple Terrace, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Miriam "Dolly;" two sons, Robert, Jr., Glenside, Pa., and Kenneth, North Wales, Pa.; two daughters, Jane M. Piening, Bahamas, and Ruth L. Piening, Temple Terrace; and three grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • PROCTOR, SARA, 86, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at University Community Hospital. Born in Jacksonville, she moved to the Tampa area several years ago. She was a homemaker and a member of Idlewild Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, A.C. "Buddy;" a son, Arthur Malone, Tampa; a daughter, Joan Palma, Florence, Ala.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Adams & Jennings Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • RITTGERS, LILLIAN KNOFF, 93, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at University Community Hospital. Born in Minnesota, she moved to the Tampa area in 1946. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, was president of the District United Methodist Women, volunteered at University Community Hospital for more than 25 years and served on the UCH Auxiliary board of directors. She was a member of Temple Terrace United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Linda R. Farfante, Tampa; a grandson, Ryan C. Farfante, California; a sister-in-law, Frances Knoff; and several nieces and nephews. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • SCHLOEMER, JOHN H., 79, of Brandon, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003). Born in Campbellsport, Wis., he moved to the Tampa area in 1978. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II and was Protestant. Survivors include a son, James; and two sisters, Loraine and Dorothy. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • SIKES, JANET S., 52, of Plant City, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003). She was a lifelong resident of the area and a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Roy; a son, Chris Gunter, Plant City; a daughter, Hope William, Lakeland; mother, Martha Hodge, Plant City; sister, Vernell Correric, Plant City; and six grandchildren. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.
  • TERRY, NOLA PAULINE, 77, of Plant City, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003). Born in Oneida, Tenn., she later moved to the area. She was a supervisor for Treasure Island Seafood Plant and was Baptist. Survivors include her son, James Dennis Terry, Lakeland; three daughters, Jackie Anderson, Rhonda Weaver and Marilyn Gipson, all of Plant City; two sisters, Joan Turner, Indiana, and Ruth Slaven, Tennessee; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.
  • WEBSTER, ELIZABETH HENDERSON, 89, of Tampa, died Friday (Jan. 24, 2003). Born in Columbus, Ga., she moved to the Tampa area several years ago. She was a member of Bayshore Baptist Church. Survivors include three daughters, Judy E. Terrana, Jane Webster and JoAnne Webster, all of Tampa; three brothers, Olin C. Henderson, Donald Henderson and Robert Henderson; a sister, Betty Meyer; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • WILBUR, LOUETTE W., 78, of Thonotosassa, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003). Born in Colquitt, Ga., she later moved to the area. She was a homemaker and a member of East Thonotosassa Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, Eddie, Plant City, and Billie, Thonotosassa; a daughter, Morrie Walker, Thonotosassa; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.
  • Pasco County Back to top

  • CALVACCA, JEANETTE F., 90, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here in 2000 from Garfield, N.J. She owned a Carvel Ice Cream store in Lodi, N.J., for 15 years. She was Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Maria Passannante, Port Richey, and Janet Livardo, Port Orange; a son, Robert Oetting, Flagler Beach; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.
  • CARPENTER, JOYCE H., 73, of Holiday, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Croswell, Mich., she came here in 1985 from Palm Harbor and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include a son, Norman L. Carpenter Jr., Spring Hill; three daughters, Cynthia L. Carpenter-Thomason, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Janine A. Falsetta, Amherstburg, Ontario, and Diane Martino, Pinckney, Mich.; three brothers, Harvey Kimball, Livonia, Mich., Ronald Kimball, Missouri, and Randy Kimball, Highland, Mich.; four sisters, Judy Greig, Brighton, Mich., Sherry Coggins, Huntington Beach, Calif., Pam Rutherford, Fenton, Mich., and Dawn Wilson, Ishpeming, Mich.; and six grandchildren. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.
  • CHINISKI, MARY E., 90, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) at Whispering Pines Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Forest City, Pa., she came here in 1996 from New Jersey. She retired from the RCA Corp. with 22 years of service. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, James Brown, Piscataway, N.J.; two daughters, Mary Zumar, New Port Richey, and Shirley Unangst, Carbondale, Pa.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.
  • CZAJA, JOHN, 86, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Manchester, N.H., he came here 23 years ago from Wallingford, Conn. He was a steelworker for Allegheny Ludlum Steel. He was a member of the New Port Richey Moose Lodge, Polish-American Social Club of Hudson, Polish National Alliance and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters, Jenie Canterbury and Wanda Ramm, both of Port Richey; two sons, Richard and John, both of Wallingford; a brother; three sisters; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hudson.
  • HOOKER, WARREN S. "SKIP," 81, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 14 years ago from Dix Hills, N.Y. He was a sales representative for Sterling & Regal Advertising, New York City, and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was an Episcopalian. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Barbara M.; two daughters, Jill B. Locklair, Great Falls, S.C., and Susan Heidt, Northport, N.Y.; and two grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
  • JULIO, GERALDINE A., 78, of Hudson, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Conneaut, Ohio, she came here 27 years ago from Ashtabula, Ohio, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Elks, Moose, American Legion, VFW, Eagles, Sea Ranch Civic Association and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Michael J. Julio Sr.; a son, Michael J. Julio Jr., Clearwater; a daughter, Ann Marie Julio, Citrus Springs; two brothers, William Picard, Brooksville, and Richard Picard, Conneaut; a sister, Clarice DeNunzio, Conneaut; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Prevatt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hudson.
  • MATTSON, THELMA T., 94, of Holiday, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came here in 1969 from her native Detroit. She was a retired bookkeeper for J.L. Hudson Department Store with 47 years of service. She was Protestant and attended the First Baptist Church of Holiday. Survivors include a son, Melvin C. Needham, Holiday; a sister, Helen Golm, Detroit; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.
  • PADOL, JULIUS J., 86, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Spring Pines Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1971 from Berwyn, Ill. He was an ordnance assembler in the Navy and and an Army veteran. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include a brother, Casey, Bovey, Minn.; a sister, Joanne Lamarca, Minneapolis; and several nieces and nephews. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.
  • SAYRE-ROBBINS, SUZANNE F., 63, of Dade City, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at East Pasco Medical Center, Zephyrhills. Born in Toledo, Ohio, she came here 19 years ago from Grosse Ile, Mich., and was a retired registered nurse. She was Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Thomas; three brothers, Richard Sayrem, Perrysburg, Ohio, Lawrence Sayre, Valdosta, Ga., and William Sayre, New Port Richey; and a sister, Carolyn Koskoski, Dade City. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.
  • SICKLER, RAYMOND EARL, 71, of Hudson, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) in Spring Hill at his daughter's home. Born in New York City, he came to Hudson 18 years ago from Lindenhurst, N.Y. He was a retired bulkheader, an Army veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was Lutheran. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Desmarais, Spring Hill; two stepdaughters, Elizabeth Hendrickson and Jennifer Smith Vogel; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
  • VALTORTA, GEORGIANNA, 61, of Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 27, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. Born in New Haven, Conn., she came here 10 years ago from Connecticut. She was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, James Cox, Branford, Conn., and Craig DeBlasio, New Haven; two daughters, Adele Nuzzello, West Haven, Conn., and Terri Ann Goodwin, Bristol, N.H.; her father, George Hotchkiss, Port Richey; a sister, Geraldine Cole, Baltimore; two brothers, Mark Hotchkiss, Port Richey, and Brad Hotchkiss, Riverside, Calif.; and four grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.
  • North Pinellas Back to top

    Belleair

    • EBELTOFT, WILLIAM H., 84, of Belleair, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Lake Park, Minn., and came here in 1957 from Frazee, Minn. He was an electrical engineer and worked 35 years for Honeywell. During World War II, he worked in Guam training B-24 crews in the use of navigational systems. He later worked in Honeywell's Florida aerospace division. He was a member of Mount Tabor Masonic Lodge 106, Detroit Lakes, Minn., and the Institute of Electrical Engineers. He was a private pilot and flew for the local Civil Air Patrol. His hobbies included music, electronics and ham radio operation. He was a world traveler. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Rose; two daughters, Sandy E. Eppling, St. Petersburg, and Mary E. Seiler, Frazee; a sister, Pat Pfeifer, Kennewick, Wash. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

    Clearwater

    • BINKOWSKI, STANLEY A., 87, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital. He was born in Jersey City, N.J., and came here in 1978 from Berkeley Heights, N.J. He retired as a test lab supervisor for Bell Laboratories. He attended Light of Christ Catholic Church. He was a talented handyman and enjoyed traveling, fine dining and playing the organ. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Irene; a son, James, New Port Richey; and a daughter, Joan Setzer, Oklahoma City. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
    • GORTON, RON, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Sunset Point Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Clearwater. He came here in 1967 from his native Stamford, Conn. He wrote several novels based on religious issues. He played quarterback at Villanova University and, at age 29, produced a film, Panic Button, that starred Maurice Chevalier and Jane Mansfield. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Jessie; a son, Ronald A. Jr., Sarasota; a brother; a sister; and three grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
    • LAPETINA, MARGARET ROSE, 97, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2003) at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg. She was born in Manhattan, N.Y., and came here in 1981 from Staten Island, N.Y. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Brendan Catholic Church, Island Estates, Clearwater, and its Ladies Guild. Survivors include a son, Michael, Staten Island; two daughters, Rita Filitor, Clearwater, and Veronica Filitor, Lake Ariel, Pa.; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.
    • PAVONE, IRENE, 72, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. She was born in Passaic, N.J., and came here several years ago from Clifton, N.J. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Dworak, New Port Richey. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
    • STUMPF, OTTILIA, 88, of Clearwater, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She came here in 1971 from her native Pittsburgh. She was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church and its Women's Guild. She was a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Kimberly Home. Survivors include a son, Eric, Asheville, N.C.; a daughter, Kathleen Stumpf; two brothers, Richard Gasparik and Joseph Gasparik; four sisters, Agnes Labbett, Magdelan Loman, Elizabeth Herbster and Lois Ebel; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Belcher Chapel, Clearwater.
    • TUCKER, JAMES JOSEPH, 80, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1973 from Lindenhurst, N.Y. He worked as a collection agent for the New York City Transit Authority and was a volunteer firefighter for the Lindenhurst Fire Department. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church, Turner Brandon American Legion Post 7 and New York Transit Retirees of Florida. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Anna Veronica; three sons, Thomas, Dallas, James, Sarasota, and Kevin, Palm Harbor; a daughter, Kathleen O'Riordan, Hauppauge, N.Y.; a brother, Edward, Largo; a sister, Rita Miller, Jackson Heights, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
    • YAGER, HELEN MARIE, 84, of Clearwater and Chikaming, Mich., died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Chicago and had been a seasonal resident here for several years. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Janice Gildo, Naperville, Ill. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

    Dunedin

    • FRANGELLA, LILLIAN FRANCES, 92, of Dunedin, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Dunedin Care Center. She was born in Birmingham, Ala., and came here in 1993 from Elkhart, Ind. She was a homemaker and a Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Darlene Whyte, Dunedin; a son, Alexander White; three sisters, Mary Tocci, Chicago, Pauline Balint, Elkhart, and Sara Walters, Dunedin; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
    • HOWELL, HARRY ELVAN, 94, of Dunedin, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Alvaton, Ky., and came here in 1989 from Holiday. He worked 25 years for Sears, Roebuck and Co., Philadelphia, and retired as a customer service manager. He also worked as a traffic supervisor for Capital Transit, Washington, D.C., was a pilot for Bowen Airlines and Braniff Airlines and a car rental manager for Chrysler in Tampa and Clearwater Beach. He attended the University of Chicago. He was a member and usher at Kirk of Dunedin and attended St. Alfred's Episcopal Church, Dunedin. He was a member of Royal Stewart Arms Bowling League and Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Olive; two sons, James and Richard; a stepson, Leonard Hall, Raleigh, N.C.; two daughters, Catherine Dougherty Messner, Lancaster, Calif., and Mary Alice Vernon Standiford, Onyx, Calif.; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
    • IRSIG, WILLIAM A., 94, of Dunedin, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and came here in 1961. He was an acrobat, juggler and unicyclist and traveled with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and is pictured in the Ringling Bros. museum in Sarasota. He promoted physical fitness at school assembly shows throughout the country for President John F. Kennedy's fitness program. He retired in 1960. He was Lutheran. Survivors include a son, Paul W., Dunedin. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
    • MALASZEFSKI, DOLORES JOAN, 85, of Dunedin, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Denver and came here in 1976 from Wheaton, Md. She worked as an executive secretary at the National Academy of Broadcasting, Washington, D.C., and as executive to the president of the First National Bank of Maryland, Rockville, Md. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Dunedin, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association of Retired Persons, Senior Citizens of Clearwater and Stroke Club of Pinellas County. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon C. Marsh, Dunedin; a son, Stephen M. II, Canal Winchester, Ohio; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

    Largo

    • BASCH, FRANK J., 90, of Largo, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute, St. Petersburg. He came here in 1972 from his native Cleveland. He retired from Tinnerman Products Manufacturer and Eaton Corp. as comptroller and treasurer. He was Catholic and a member of Knights of Columbus and an adviser to Junior Achievement. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Walsh, Howard, S.C., and Marilyn Culp, Belleville, Ill.; a brother, Carl, Parma, Ohio; and four grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home, Seminole.
    • HUGHES, RUSSELL P. "RUSS," 71, of Largo, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at home. He was born in Hartford, Conn., and came here in 1995 from West Hartford, Conn. He was a police officer for 37 years with the West Hartford Police Department and retired as a captain. He was an Air Force veteran. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Largo, and the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Bernadette; two daughters, Lynn Mack, West Hartford, Susan Kandetzke, Holland, Pa.; two sisters, Helen Hughes, Farmington, Conn, and Evelyn Hughes, Waterford, Conn.; and three grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

    Palm Harbor

    • BABINEAU, LEONARD R., 61, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003). He was born in Hartford, Conn., and came here in 1988 from Newington, Conn., where he owned and operated Leonard R. Babineau Building and Remodeling for many years. He worked here for Home Depot. Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Moore, North Carolina, and Michele Kowalczyk, New Britain, Conn.; a son, Stephen, Wethersfield, Conn.; a sister, Marilyn Mulcahy, Rocky Hill, Conn.; two grandchildren, Holly Babineau and Nicholas Babineau; and a companion, Della Armstrong, Palm Harbor;. Newington Memorial Funeral Home, Newington, Conn.
    • CARPENTER, JOYCE H., 73, of Holiday, formerly of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Community Hospital, New Port Richey. She was born in Croswell, Mich., and moved to Holiday in 1985 from Palm Harbor. She was a homemaker and a Protestant. Survivors include a son, Norman L. Jr., Spring Hill; three daughters, Cynthia L. Carpenter-Thomason, Manhattan Beach, Calif, Janine A. Falsetta, Amherstburg, Canada, and Diane L. Martino, Pinckney, Mich.; three brothers, Harvey Kimball, Livonia, Mich., Ronald Kimball, Missouri, and Randy Kimball, Highland, Mich.; four sisters, Judy Greig, Brighton, Mich., Sherry Coggins, Hunting Beach, Calif., Pam Rutherford, Fenton, Mich., and Dawn Wilson, Ishpeming, Mich.; and six grandchildren. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

    Tarpon Springs

    • McDANIEL, ELDON WYATT "MAC," 87, of Tarpon Springs, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital. He was born in Nashville and came here in 1990 from St. Augustine. He was a former professional salesman and represented businesses ranging from dairy products and school supplies to petrochemicals. He worked in the Charleston, S.C., naval shipyard during World War II. He was Catholic. He was a life member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and a member of Elks Lodge 829 and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Mary E.; two daughters, Sara Elizabeth Robinson, St. Augustine, and Patricia Ann Nease, Panama City, Fla.; a son, Robert Murphy McDaniel, St. Augustine; a stepdaughter, Amanda Moskaluk; a stepson, John Turner; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Kotrady-Hudgins-Croyle Funeral Home, St. Augustine.
    • McMILLAN, SALLY DIANE, 51, of Tarpon Springs, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. She was born in Staten Island, N.Y., and came here in 1957 from New York. She was a real estate agent and a Presbyterian. Survivors include her husband, Robert Michael; two sons, Robert M. Jr. and Earl, both of Tarpon Springs; and a sister, Wayna Gearhart, Maryland. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.
    • SAVAS, EFTERPE "EFFIE," 75, of Tarpon Springs, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital. She was a Tarpon Springs native and a lifelong resident. She and her husband owned several local restaurants including Emmanuel's in Tarpon Springs for more than 20 years. She was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Emmanuel; two sons, Bill and Chris, both of Tarpon Springs; a daughter, Tanya Savas-Mazur, Tarpons Springs; a brother, Lucas Erotokritos, New York; and a sister, Lula Vassiliou, Tarpon Springs. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

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    Seminole

    • GIANASCOL, LILLIAN M., 94, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Palm Gardens of Largo. She was born in Everett, Mass., and came here in 1966 from Reading, Mass., where she was a supervisor at the municipal electric utilities. She was a member of the Calvary Episcopal Church and Gulf Beach Chapter 241 of the OES. Survivors include a stepson, Dr. Alfred J. Gianascol, California; and seven grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Seminole.
    • KELLEY, JACK W., 87, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He came here in 1980 from Altoona, Pa., where he retired after 20 years as owner of Kelley's Service Station. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Jaffa Shrine Temple, served as commander of the Legion of Honor, Logan Lodge 490 and the Altoona Consistory. He was one of the founders of the Eldorado Kiwanis Club in 1961 and served two terms as president. He was an umpire for Cross Bayou Little League and umpired the Little League World Series in Gary, Ind. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Joan; two sons, Jack, Kenneth City, and Thomas, Largo; three daughters, Nancy McCoy, Lake City; and Cynthia Liberty and Sheila Maier, both of Seminole; a sister, Vera Dean, St. Petersburg; two brothers, Sheldon, Melbourne, and George, Altoona; and seven grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.
    • MALISZEWSKI, EDNA, 89, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center. She came here in 1972 from her native Yonkers, N.Y. She was a keypunch operator at Reader's Digest. She was a member of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Survivors include two sons, John C., Seminole, and Raymond, Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Seminole.

    Gulfport

    • ALMQUIST, GLEN DONALD, 47, of Gulfport, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) at home. He was born in Lynn, Mass., and came here in 1977 from Hamilton, Mass. He was a former scout leader for Ship 959 Gulfport Sea Explorers and a founder of the Institute Supporting Marine Youth Training and Activities. He was a volunteer with the Gulfport Fire Department. Survivors include his wife, Kathy M.; a son, Butch, Gulfport; his parents, Sandra and Donald, and a sister, Lisa Lawrence, all of Terra Ceia; and three brothers, Brian, Salem, Mass.; Karl, St. Petersburg; and Erik, St. Pete Beach. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • JOHNSON, ARCHIE W., 93, of Gulfport, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Pasadena Manor. Born in Comfrey, Minn., he came here 20 years ago from Cook, Minn. He was a carpenter and a Lutheran. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Lina M.; and a nephew, Marvin Thor, Naples, Fla. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.

    St. Petersburg

    • ALSEN, ROBERT WALKER, "BOB," 77, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Grace Health Care of St. Petersburg. He was born in Cambridge, Mass., and came here in 1995 from Painted Post, N.Y. He was a production planner for Corning Inc. for 35 years. In World War II, he was a P-51 fighter pilot. He was a graduate of Boston University. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 60 years. He was a member of The American Baptist Church of the Beatitudes, Lakeview Optimist Club, Breakfast Optimist Club and the Association of Military Pilots, and chaplain of the Order of Daedalians, Suncoast Flight 25. He was a director of the North Downtown Neighborhood Association and a past president of the board of the Flori-de-Leon Apartments. He cultivated a garden at Happy Works Children's Center and managed the greenhouse at the Sunshine Senior Center. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Beverly; two daughters, Claudia Decker, St. Petersburg, and Esther Sullivan, Canandaigua, N.Y.; two sons, John, Clifton Park, N.Y., and Richard W., Fort Walton Beach; a sister, Ruth Dolham, Lexington, Mass.; seven grandchildren; and a great grandchild. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • BAIRD, JAMES DOUGLAS "DOUG," 78, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Jan. 25, 2003) at Sweet Home Manor, St. Petersburg. He came here 55 years ago from his native Atlanta. He was a funeral director at Barrett's Funeral Home in Gulfport for 20 years. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He was a past president of the Lions Club in St. Petersburg and the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Shriners in St. Petersburg. Survivors include two daughters, Kathleen Baird and Angela Wood, both of Tampa; a son, James Francis Baird; a sister, Anne Leigh Hill, St. Petersburg; two brothers, Phill, St. Petersburg, and Bud, San Antonio, Texas; and two granddaughters. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • BROWN, GEORGE RYBERN, 87, of Quitman, Ark., and St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) at Kindred Hospital Bay Area -- St. Petersburg of natural causes. He was a Quitman native and a seasonal resident of St. Petersburg. He was a factory line worker. Survivors include his wife, Irene. Ambassador Mortuary Service, Oldsmar.
    • CROWE, SPARKLE GUTHRIE, 92, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Suncoast Manor Health Center. A Detroit native, she came here in 1977 from Pennville, Ind. She was an educator with the Indiana Department of Public Instruction. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Franklin (Ind.) College and attended graduate school at the University of Chicago. She served on the Indiana State Board of Education for 10 years and was president of the Indiana State Teachers Association. She is listed in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in the Midwest and Who's Who in Education. Survivors include two nephews, Kevin Crowley, Fond Du Lac, Wis., and Brennan Crowley, Pinellas Park. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • HAYWARD, FREDERICK JAMES, 92, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Suncoast Manor Health Center. He was born in Boston and came here in 1978 from Winchester, Mass. He retired in 1975 from Merchants National Bank, Boston, which he joined as a page, or runner, at age 17. In World War II he served in the Navy aboard the USS Wasp. He enjoyed gardening, cribbage, bridge and poker and was an avid golfer. He was a member of the Knights of the Round Table, a Medford, Mass., organization that helped children. He also belonged to the Moose and Elks. Locally, he was an acolyte and vestry member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Survivors include two daughters, Lilwen Ann Craig, York, Maine, and Marjorie Brenda Dutton, Reading, Mass.; a caregiver, Priscilla E. Brodeur; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
    • LEWIS, WILLIAM P., 69, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. He came here in 1991 from his native Philadelphia. He was a self-employed dog groomer. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and was Catholic. Survivors include a brother, John M., Westminster, Mass.; and a niece, Joanne M. Griffith, Lafayette Hill, Pa. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
    • MITCHELL, ROBERT S., 59, of Sarasota, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Dec. 21, 2003). He came to St. Petersburg in 1946 from his native Gardner, Mass., and moved to Sarasota in 1969. He was a graduate of Northeast High School. He was an Air Force veteran. He worked for GTE, now Verizon, in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. An avid fisherman, he was a master builder of custom fishing rods and was a member of the Sarasota Anglers Sports Club. Survivors include his mother, Pauline Mitchell, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Jacqueline Blackman, San Francisco; and a son, Gene Driver, Sarasota. Good Earth Crematory, Bradenton.
    • MULCAHY, GERALDINE JOAN "GERI," 75, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home, after a short illness. Born in Chicago, she came here in 1970 from Tampa. She had been a medical transcriber with St. Anthony's Home Healthcare since 1990. She traveled throughout the world during her husband's naval career. She was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Survivors include two daughters, Laura Mulcahy Todd, Key Largo, and Kathleen Mulcahy, St. Petersburg; a sister, Marion Rogers, Largo; a brother, Stanley Holmes Jr., Tampa; and five grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • PEMBERTON, LISA R., 27, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. A St. Petersburg native, she returned here in 1987 from Georgia. She was a certified nurses assistant in nursing homes. Survivors include her husband, Glen A.; a son, Marshall Lee Richardson, and a sister, Bobbie Jo Rock, both of St. Petersburg; and her father, William C. Davis, Statham, Ga. International Casket and Urn Gallery, Clearwater.
    • ROWAN, ROBERT "BOB," 83, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he came here in 1987 from Yonkers, N.Y. He was the head sexton for 20 years of the Reformed Church of Bronxville, N.Y., where he was also a member. He was a member of the Masons and Scottish Rite. Survivors include two sons, Robert Jr., Viera, and Fred, Cumberland Center, Maine; a daughter, Debra J. Fertig, Buchanan, N.Y.; and six grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
    • SALTER, WILBUR A. "SONNY," 86, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. He came here 85 years ago from his native Indiana. He was a plumber and pipe fitter and was a member of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 123 (formerly Local 111). He formerly worked for Billy the Sunshine Plumber in St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of VFW 6827 and the DAV, both in St. Petersburg. He was a member of the Florida Frontiersmen. Survivors include three daughters, Mayetta V. Jeffery, Eagle Lake, Alaska; Melissa S. Lenges, Largo; and Melody A. Rodgers, Inverness; a sister, Naomi Brochers, Kansas City, Mo.; and four grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
    • SMITH, G.K. "SMITTY," 74, of Fort White, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. Born in Lake Butler, he moved to Fort White in 1990 from St. Petersburg. He was the owner and operator of G.K. Smith Independent Ice for 49 years. He was Baptist and a Marine Corps veteran. Survivors include two sons, Gairel Jr., High Springs, and Keithen, Fort White; a daughter, Sandra Tyndal, Fort White; two brothers, Felton, Providence, and Robert, St. Petersburg; two sisters, Nancy Kennedy, St. Petersburg, and Geneva Vining, Ocala; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Evans-Carter Funeral Home, High Springs.
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