St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BARTHLE, HENRY MICHAEL JR., 32, of Crystal River, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. He was born in Tampa. He was a Star Trek devotee and an avid reader of science fiction. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Sue and Jerry Gaskin, Dunnellon; two stepbrothers, Sean and Nolan Gaskin, both of Zephyrhills; two stepsisters, Dawn Gaskin, Winter Haven and Michele Gaskin, Virginia; maternal grandparents, Cotton and Nelda Blanchard, Cookson, Okla.; and an uncle, Jay Lee Blanchard, Cookson. Memorial Chapels Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Hernando.

BURNS, THOMAS MICHAEL, 19, of Inverness, died suddenly Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home. He came here 16 years ago from his native Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a construction laborer and a member of St. Scholastica Catholic Church. Survivors include his mother, Mary Ellen Burns, Inverness; his father, Michael Strianese, Manhasset, N.Y.; a sister, Michelle Anne Burns, Inverness; an aunt, Kathleen Andriano, Inverness; and two uncles Thomas, New Jersey, and Robert, Mississippi. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

CHURCHILL, BETTY M., 82, of Homosassa, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Woodland Terrace, Hernando. Born in Watertown, N.Y., she came here 13 years ago from Shippensburg, Pa., and was a summer resident of Colorado for the past 10 years. She was a professor at Shippensburg State Teachers College for 15 years. She was a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Goodman Theatre, Chicago. She volunteered at the Homosassa State Wildlife Park. She was Presbyterian. Survivors include her brother, Neil Churchill, White Rock, S.C.; two sisters, Marcia White, Troy, Pa., and Marie Maxim, Palm Harbor; several nieces and nephews; caregivers, Larry and Emma Nelson, Homosassa. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

CRABILL, LEA B., 90, of Homosassa, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Crystal River Health Center. Born in Baltimore, she came here 18 months ago from Woodstock, Va. She was a member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church of Crystal River. Survivors include her daughter, Nada Jones, Sugarmill Woods; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

HEWETT, JAMES W., 77, of Bushnell, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Dillon, S.C., he came here in 1980 from St. Petersburg. He retired in 1974 as a sheet and metal mechanic for Daniels & Jones Sheet Metal Co., St. Petersburg. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a 32nd Degree Mason, Nitram Lodge 188, St. Petersburg. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; a son, Dennis, Kissimmee; two daughters, Ellen Bianco, Bushnell, and Glenda Paxton, Inverness; a sister, Helen Joyner, and a brother, Harry "Buck", both of Kernersville, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell.

MURRO, PETER, 89, of Inverness, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) in Ocala. Born in Paterson, N.J., he came here in 1978 from Connecticut. He was a lab technician for Uniroyal Tire Co. He was Catholic. Survivors include his son, Peter Lucien; a daughter, Patricia O'Clare, Hollywood; and six grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness

ROUNTREE, THE REV. WILLIAM ARTHUR, 79, of Hernando, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Munroe Regional Medical Center of Ocala. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, he came to Citrus County in 1977 from Homestead. He retired from the Navy as an E-7 with 22 years of service. He served in World War II and the Korean War. After retirement, he served the United Methodist Conference and pastored in Floral City and Hernando. Survivors include his daughter, Billye Deane Fetrow, Brooksville; three sons, Carl T., Citronelle, Roy A., Ocala, and Charles E., Hernando; a brother, Allen, Atlanta, Texas; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

TIEPPO, EUGENE M. SR. "GENE," 68, of Beverly Hills, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) in Crystal River. Born in Wyandotte, Mich., he came here eight years ago from Romulus, Mich. He was a retired sales person for Dearborn Beer Distributors, Detroit, with 37 years of service. He was a part-time security guard for Citrus Memorial Hospital. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Donna M.; four sons, Edward, Eugene M. Jr., Michael and Matthew, all of Michigan; eight daughters, Jan Huff, Tammy Grishaber, Bonnie Jones, Christine Kostadinovski, Ruth Anthony, Tanya Willis and Jamie Rock, all of Michigan, and Martina Ciccarelli; five brothers, Earl and Dennis, New York, Leo, Donald and David, all of Michigan; many nieces and nephews; 24 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

van der LEEK, THEODORUS "TED,", 83, of Inverness, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he came here 15 years ago from Maryland and was a retired machinist with Staples Research Co. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Maria Lully; a son, Christoph, Alpena, Mich.; a daughter, Andrea Oswald, Manassas, Va.; a brother, Hendrik; a sister, Christina Lachnit, Netherlands; and four grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

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COCHRAN, ARLENE F., 83, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Titusville, Pa., she came here in 1994 from Sanford, N.C. She was as a homemaker and a member of First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill. Survivors include her husband, Donald; three sons, Donald R. and James F., both of Lake Alfred, and Bruce E., Cedarville, Mich.; a daughter, Leslie Williams, Roswell, Ga.; a sister, Eva Hill, Muncy, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

DORIA, ELIZABETH, 92, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Bayonne, N.J., she came here over four years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, Victor, Spring Hill; a daughter, Victoria Strom, Matawan, N.J.; a sister, Edith Pennell, Brooklyn; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

GRANT, MARY E., 75, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at home. Born in Chicago, she came here 29 years ago from Long Island, N.Y., and was a retired nurse. She was Catholic. Survivors include her son, Donald, Manorville, N.Y.; a grandchild; and caregiver, Beatrice Mihan. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Spring Hill.

OLIVER, WILLIAM F. SR., 67, of Spring Hill, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here five years ago from Chesapeake, Va. He was a retired Navy chief petty officer who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a member of American Legion Post of Brooksville and Spring Hill. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline; four sons, Daniel Oliver, Chesapeake, Joseph Oliver and William F. Oliver Jr., and Kevin Rack, all of Spring Hill; two sisters, Jean Gjesdal and Nancy Davis, both of Spring Hill; and six grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

RICHARDSON, MARK K., 61, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Monroe, N.C., he came here 27 years ago. He was a Navy submarine veteran and a life member of the VFW and DAV. He was Christian. Survivors include his wife, Karen; two brothers, Hood, Washington, N.C., and Ralph, Lancaster, S.C.; a sister, Jan Richardson, Lancaster; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

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BAINBRIDGE, GERTRUDE, 88, of Tampa, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003). Born in Cadiz, Ky., she moved to the Tampa area in 1955. She retired from St. Joseph's Hospital after 25 years as a nurse. Survivors include a son, Orlo Dale Bainbridge Jr., Tampa; five grandchildren, Dale Ann Bainbridge, Morganton, Ga., Wendy Bainbridge and Craig Forbes, both of Tampa, Daleen Simmons, Palestine, W.Va., and Sheree Bainbridge, Blue Ridge, Ga.; 14 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. C.E. Prevatt Funeral Home, Temple Terrace.

BARRS, LOUIS WAYNE, 92, of Bushnell, formerly of Gulfport and Tampa, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Tampa, he moved to Bushnell 25 years ago from Gulfport. He was a retired cabinetmaker for Tropicana Mobile Homes, St. Petersburg. He was Protestant. Survivors include two brothers, Mert Barrs, St. Petersburg, and George Barrs, Florida; a sister, Eve, Florida; and three nieces, Glenda Stuart, Inverness, Dorca Rader, Greenfield, Ind., and Donna McCawley, St. Petersburg. Memorial Chapels Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Hernando.

BROWN, MEZO, 82, of Plant City, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003). Born in Bristol, he was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. He was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was a caretaker for Juliana Shore Mobile Home Park and a member of First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove. Survivors include his wife, Leola "Sis" Brown, and a son, Richard Brown, both of Turkey Creek; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

COOK, HOWARD, 54, of Seffner, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003). Born in Newark, N.J., he moved to the Tampa area six years ago from Pennsylvania. He was a truck driver for Singleton Seafood Co. and was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Bobbie J. Adams, Inverness; two sons, Brian Cook, Plant City, and Howard John C. Cook, Chattanooga, Tenn.; mother, Norma E. Gardyjan, Riverview; father, Jack Cook, Toms River, N.J.; a brother, John T. Cook, Brandon; a sister, Laura J. Bowen, Plant City; and four grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

CRUZ, JOSEPHINE TRAMONTANA "FINA," 88, of Sarasota, formerly of Tampa, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Sarasota Healthcare. Born in Tampa, she was a lifelong area resident. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Evelino; two sons, Evelino Jr., Sarasota, and David A., Tampa; five sisters, Florida Long and Inez Watts, both of California, Frances Tramontana and Josie Patrenostro, both of Tampa, and Carmen Griffin, Land O'Lakes; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, Tampa.

HAYLEY, NORMA COSETTE SMITH, 61, of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, she graduated from Middleton Senior High School and received her bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman College. She was a teacher at Meacham and Thonotosassa elementary schools and worked for Singleton Seafood Co. She was a member of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. Survivors include a brother, William H. Jones Jr., Tampa; two aunts; and four uncles. Everett, Derr & Anderson Funeral Home, Tampa.

LEIGH, HELENE HATTENSEN, 87, of Plant City, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003). Born in Des Moines, Iowa, she moved to the Tampa area several years ago. She was a member of the auxiliary of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and Christ the King Lutheran Church. Survivors include two daughters, Karen Townsend Leigh and Sharon Flexney Leigh Gallego; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.

SAUNDERS, EVERETT L., 79, of Louisville, Ky., formerly of Tampa, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003). Born in Tampa, he was retired from the Army and was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Dottie; a brother, Lovell Saunders III, Clearwater; two sisters, Cloretha Sheffield and Castell Cooper, both of Tampa; and several other relatives. Wilson Funeral Home, Tampa.

SELF, HELEN R., 74, of Seffner, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003). Born in Thomaston, Ga., she moved to the Tampa area in 1947. She was a homemaker and was Baptist. Survivors include four sons, Benjamin, John, Hoyt and Larry; a daughter, Debbie Mortellaro; two brothers, Franklin and Miles; two sisters, Aline Fowler and Julia Danielly; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

STUMP, GARY LYNN, 57, of Seffner, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born in Johnson City, Tenn., he moved to the Tampa area in 1989 from Manassas, Va. He was the owner and operator of For Your Benefits Inc. Survivors include his wife, Penny; two sons, Eric and Matthew Stump, both of Seffner; mother, June Campbell, and a brother, Rockne Stump, both of Johnson City. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

ZAHLMAN, BESSIE M., 90, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at Balmoral Assisted Facility, Palm Harbor. Born in Cicero, Ill., she moved to Tampa in 1963. She was a homemaker and was Methodist. Survivors include a daughter, Arlene Croft, Tampa; two grandsons, Barry Croft, Miami, and Edward Kelly, Tampa; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

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ALBERTIN, VIOLET, 95, of Holiday, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Madison Pointe Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., she came here in 1967 from New York City and was a waitress. She was Catholic. There are no known immediate survivors. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

ANSPACH, SAMUEL AMOS, 91, of Zephyrhills, died Sunday (Jan. 12, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Ferry, Ohio, he was a winter resident here since 1979 from Southfield, Mich. Survivors include two sons, John Robert Anspach and Samuel Amos Anspach Jr., both of Michigan; two daughters, Sally Ann Robinson and Christy Patricia Summerfield; and nine grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

BURKE, ELIZABETH JANET, 75, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Kindred Hospital Bay Area -- Tampa. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., she came here several years ago from Tonawanda, N.Y. She was a food industry bakery manager. Survivors include her husband, James T. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

CONE, JEAN DOLORES, 72, of Zephyrhills, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Pittsburgh, she was a six-year winter resident from Bethel Park, Pa., and was a member of Green Hills Community Club. She was Christian. Survivors include her husband, Franklin A. Cone Sr.; five daughters, Jeanne Eisenhute, Lexington Park, Md., Susan Stott-Smith, Port Tobacco, Md., Mary Beth Coffer, Irwin, Pa., Diana Antonelli, Monroeville, Pa., and Stacy Szabo, Allison Park, Pa.; three sons, Harry Stott and David Stott, both of Port Tobacco, and Franklin A. Cone Jr., Lexington Park; a brother, David Reagle; five sisters, Shirley Harvey, Betty Vistein, Edith Cinquimani, Gloria Pannhorst and Evelyn Aikman; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

GANGER, WILLIAM F., 82, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) in Port Richey. He came here 26 years ago from his native Dayton, Ohio. He was a U.S. Postal Service personnel manager. He was a 50-year member of Memorial Baptist Church, Dayton. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and First United Methodist Church of Hudson. Survivors include his wife, Carrie Louise; and several nieces and nephews. Prevatt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hudson.

GEHRKE, JENNIE E., 91, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Peshtigo, Wis., she came here in 1977 from Milwaukee, where she was a clerical worker for Northwestern Publishing House. She was a member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include a daughter, Carol J. Dyson, Cincinnati; and two grandchildren. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

HACKER, FREDERICK SR., 85, of Port Richey, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in New York City, he came here five years ago from Monteagle, Tenn. He was a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in World War II and the Korean War. He was president of homeowners associations in several cities and was a member of Kiwanis. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Fred Hacker Jr., Tennessee, and Don Hacker, South Carolina; a daughter, Susan J. Huffman, Virginia; two sisters, Elsie, New York, and Rose Suelt, New York City; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hudson.

HUCKABONE, HARRY A., 82, of Zephyrhills, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Highland, Pa., he was a 15-year winter resident from Warren, Pa. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Lillian; a son, Donald, Jefferson, Ohio; and a brother, Harvey, Warren, Pa. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

LAUTH, GERARD C., 74, of Port Richey, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. He came here 20 years ago from his native Rochester, N.Y. He was a lithographer for Robert Hart Printing Co. and an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Jean; two sons, Gerard C. Jr., Oklahoma City, and John F., Leominster, Mass.; a daughter, Theresa Lauth, New Port Richey; a brother, Robert, Newbern, N.C.; and three grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

LINES, GORDON W., 90, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at Heather Hills Nursing Home, New Port Richey. Born in Mauch Chunk (now known as Jim Thorpe), Pa., Pennsylvania, he came here 10 years ago from Allentown, N.J. He was a technical engineer and a lifetime short wave radio operator, W2CQV. He was Methodist. Survivors include a sister, Florence Ivins, New Port Richey; four brothers, Clarence, Franklin Park, N.J., Stanley, Roselle Park, N.J., William W. Lines III, Elizabeth, N.J., and David, Ocala; his nephew and caregiver, Hubert M. Ivins, Port Richey. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

NATZKE, EDWARD J. SR., 84, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1983 from Diamond Bar, Calif. He was a retired superintendent of Mallenckrodt, an ink manufacturer in Chicago, with 25 years of service. He was a member of Salmon Unlimited Association in Chicago and Boy Scouts of America. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor T.; two sons, Edward J. Jr., Lake Zurich, Ill., and Kenneth J., Bloomington, Ill.; a daughter, Frances A. Natzke, Bonifay; two sisters, Lillian Tallman, Smyrna, Ga., and Helen Gorski, Chicago; and three granddaughters, Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

PIERSON, DEWEY C., 85, of Zephyrhills, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) in Tampa. Born in Hadley, Mich., he came here 23 years ago from Michigan. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was a life member of the American Legion. He was Protestant. Survivors include two daughters, Joyce A. Warger, Gilbert, Ariz., and Gail McDonald, Talkeetna, Alaska; a stepson, Donald Jekel, Saginaw, Mich.; a sister, Reva Austin, Lapeer, Mich.; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

RADER, MARY M., 70, of Hudson, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in California, Pa., she came here in 1987 from Warren, Mich., and was a homemaker. She was Methodist. Survivors include a son, Mark, Warren; a daughter, Kim Moore, Flat Rock, Mich.; a grandson; and two granddaughters. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

REIGELEY, LENA, 95, of Port Richey, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at LaCasa Grande ALF, New Port Richey. Born in Austria-Hungary, she came here in 1978 from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a Teletype operator for RCA Corp., New York. She was Roman Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Jean Reigeley, Port Richey. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

RUST, FREDERICK, 79, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at home. Born in New York, he came here seven years ago from Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., and was a U.S. Postal Service clerk. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific on P.T. boats. He was Roman Catholic and a member of Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Bridget; a son, Frederick M., Sudbury, Mass.; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Dyrcz, South Setauket, N.Y.; and four grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

SCHOFIELD, OPAL DAVIDSON, 74, of Dade City, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) in Dade City. Born in Baker County, she came to Dade City in 1952. She was Pentecostal. Survivors include two sons, Stanley Chester Sr., Alabama, and Phillip Dwayne, Darby; two daughters, Mary Frances Owens and Dortha Maria Espinoza, both of Dade City; a brother, Hiram Davidson, Little Rock, Ark.; two sisters, Leona Turner, Pace, and Jean Dubose, Baker; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

SERMONS, READA B., of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. She came here in 1929 from her native Wiley, Ga., and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband, C.E. Sermons; a son, Joe, and a daughter, Renee O'Donnell, both of New Port Richey; a sister, Ramona Stanzen, Keystone Heights; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

TOMMOLINO, MADELINE M., 83, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Gulfside Regional Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 31 years ago from Long Island, N.Y., and was a homemaker. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, William, Brandon; three daughters, Ann Pirthauer, Long Island, and Phyllis Doughtie and Patricia Henning, both of New Port Richey; a sister, Teresa Molle, New Port Richey; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

WARNER, MABLE C., 63, of Hudson, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Westfield, N.Y., she came here in 1983 from Sherman, N.Y., and was a homemaker. She attended and was a former AWANA leader at Grace Bible Church of Hudson. Survivors include her husband, George R.; six sons, Jeffrey L. Warner, Hudson, Michael Warner, Russell Warner and Gilford Warner, all of Sulphur, La., Murray Volk Jr., Empire, La., and Andrew Volk, Clarksville, Tenn.; six daughters, Teresa Moon, Clay, Ky., Sheryl Warner, Jackson, Ga., Renee Dupree and Carla Watson, both of Sulphur, Diana Duncan, Rocheport, Mo., and Michelle Brayman, Rolla, Mo.; her stepfather, Maynard Beck, Bear Lake, Pa.; two brothers, Manley Fuller, Jamestown, N.Y., and Edward Fuller, Ashville, N.Y.; two sisters, Nina Newhouse, Ashville, and Edith Joel, Des Moines, Wash.; 24 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

WRIGHT, WAYNE N., 88, of Hudson, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at home. He was a winter resident here for 26 years from his native Butler, Pa. He was a retired machinist with Pullman Standard for 38 years. He was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, a 50-year member of Butler Lodge F&AM and a member of the Elks. Survivors include his wife, Mary Agnes (Kemper); a daughter, Patricia Gilliland, and two sons, Robert W. and David L., all of Butler; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. William F. Young Jr. Funeral Home, Butler, Pa.

ZITO, LORRAINE MAE, 66, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at home. Born in Paterson, N.J., she came here 15 years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y., and was a homemaker. She was an Episcopalian. Survivors include her husband, Frank; and a sister, Beverly Fraser, New Port Richey. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

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Clearwater

BALAITY, RUTH, 77, of West Melbourne, formerly of Clearwater, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Indian River Health Center. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved in 1980 to West Melbourne from Clearwater. She was a homemaker and a Methodist. Survivors include a son, David T., Largo; a daughter, Ruthie Lillian Balaity, Cocoa Beach; and two grandchildren, Michael Balaity, Largo, and Clint Balaity, Cocoa Beach. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
JENKINS, JOHN WHITT SR., 77, of Clearwater, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at home. He was born in Arcadia and came here in the late 1940s from Alachua. He retired after 32 years as a porter with Atlantic Coastline Railroad and then worked many years as a janitor for GTE in Clearwater. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, Clearwater, where he served on the deacon and trustee boards and was vice president of the usher auxiliary. He was active in the community, vice president of South Clearwater Progressive Action Association, president of South Clearwater Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, and a member of Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services Board. He was presented the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corps-Dorothy Richardson Award in 1997, and in 1993 he received the Schlage-Doberman Award, the Kilgore Award, a Kiwanis Award and the SEPIA-Vivian Henry Award. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Bernice; two sons, John W. Jr., and Samuel Milton, both of Clearwater; four daughters, Mattie Odums, Clearwater, Mae Catherine Atkins, St. Petersburg, Victoria Robinson, Atlanta, and Debra Cage, Syracuse, N.Y.; 19 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Young's Funeral Home, Clearwater.
KROMER, CATHERINE G., 97, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Clearwater, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Westminster Shores Health Center. She came to the Tampa Bay area in 1910 from her native Little Rock, Ark. She worked as a dental assistant. She was a member of Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church and a past worthy matron and secretary of Queen Esther Chapter 4 OES, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Leon P. Kromer, Asheville, N.C.; two grandsons, Roger, Arlington, Va., and Allen, Asheville. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Road Chapel, Clearwater.
McNEIL, JEFFREY "SCOTT," 32, of Clearwater, formerly of St. Petersburg. died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) in Clearwater. He was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifelong area resident. He worked as a masonry contractor and graduated from Tieyko Post University, Waterbury, Conn. He was an avid soccer player and a coach for the Palm Harbor Soccer Association. Survivors include his parents, June and Harry McNeil, Clearwater; a brother, James Allen, Tarpon Springs; a sister, Kim Singletary, Brandon; and his maternal grandfather and step-grandmother, Fred and Phyllis Arnold, Seminole. Beth David North Chapel of David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Clearwater.
PECK, JAMES B. JR., 76, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. He came here in 1995 from his native Pittsburgh, where he retired as a supervisor in the coating department of Clark Candy Co. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin, and the American Legion in Clearwater. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Frances M.; two daughters, Bonnie Sue Kelley, Palm Harbor, and Sherry Frances Crowe, Pittsburgh; two brothers, Robert, Pittsburgh, and David, Bradenton; and two sisters, Mildred Johnson and Ruth Stevens, both of Pittsburgh; and four grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
RILL, JEAN A., 71, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She came here in 1972 from her native Chicago, and worked 16 years as office manager in Countryside Pest Control, a family owned business in Clearwater. She was a former member of Light of Christ Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Henry; a daughter, Susan Fisher, Palm Harbor; three sons, Steven and Lawrence H., both of Palm Harbor, and Kenneth, Dunedin; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
SHARKEY, ARTHUR J., 89, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Groveland, Mass., and came here in 1977 from Fairmont, W. Va., where he retired as an engineer after 20 years with Westinghouse Electric Corp., and contributed to the manufacturing process for fluorescent lamps. He was a life member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and served as state president of the West Virginia Society of Engineers. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and a former member of Cove Cay Country Club, both of Clearwater. Survivors include his wife, Marguerite; a sister, Ruth Cartier, Dover, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, Largo.
SILVER, GEORGINA, 84, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Atmore, Ala., and came here more than 30 years ago. She was a member of St. James AME Church, South and Spring Blossom Temple 360 and the Council Antler Guard, all of Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Carol Ware, Clearwater; a son, Johnny Walker, Quincy; a brother, Albert Lee, Clearwater; six sisters, Genethal Felton, Rose Rocker and Delores Gibson, all of Clearwater, and Alice Williams, Geraldine Yeomans and Mary Hall, all of Tampa; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Woody's Funeral Home, Clearwater.
SIMERAL, JUNIOR W., 85, of Clearwater, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He was born in Montrose, Colo., and came here in 1952 from Long Island, N.Y. He retired from the Navy as a chief petty officer. He was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church and Moose Lodge 1030, both of Clearwater, Andy Anderson American Legion Post 125, Gulfport, the Italian-American Club of Greater Clearwater, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Fleet Reserve and the Blind Veterans Association. Survivors include a sister, Gertrude Hughes, California, and a niece, Beverly Morgan. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Chapel, Clearwater.
TANDE, CHRISTIE, 86, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Manor Care Palm Harbor nursing home. She was born in Dell Rapids, N.D., and came here in 1982 from Chicago. She graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Tande Stofer; two sisters, Marie Odney and Elsa MacBean; and five grandsons. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
VEZPREMI, JUDY, 59, of Clearwater, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Bethlehem, Pa., and came here in 1996 from Nazareth, Pa. She worked for Advantage Sign Co., Oldsmar. Survivors include a son, John, Coconut Creek; a daughter, Tina Kershner, Freemansburg, Pa.; three sisters, Lillian LaBelle and Ethel Aungst, both of Bethlehem, and Barbara Chamberlain, Wind Gap, Pa.; and three grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Dunedin

RATHBUN, MARGARET, 89, of Dunedin, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Mease Continuing Care, Dunedin. She was born in Michicot, Wis., and came here in 1984 from Beloit, Wis. She was a registered nurse and retired in 1978 from Beloit Hospital and Beloit Corp. She was a member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Clearwater, and Telephone Pioneers of America. Survivors include two daughters, JoAnne Ruth Rathbun, Dunedin, and Carol Lynn Morris, Lakeland; a son, Robert William, Silver Spring, Md.; a brother, Frederick Tabbert, Dresser, Wis.; two sisters, Elizabeth Ziesimer, Brown Deer, Wis., and Imogene Hoeffner, Appleton, Wis.; and five grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
ROCQUE, MARGARET, 83, of Dunedin, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Edinborough Health Care, Dunedin. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., was a winter resident since 1990 and moved here in 1999 from Ridgewood, N.Y., where she retired as an office clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin. Survivors include two sons, John, San Dimas, Calif., and Eugene, Little Neck, N.Y.; a daughter, Kathleen Rocque, Ridgewood; a sister, Harriet Warner, Largo; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
STEVERSON, CORA B., 92, of Dunedin, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Mease Continuing Care, Dunedin. She was born in Bonifay and came here in 1948 from Chipley. She was a member of Dunedin Assembly of God. Survivors include three daughters, Juanita Freeman, Dunedin, Deborah Dean, Live Oak, and Janet Simmons, Hernando; a brother, Jeff Worley, Lake Placid; three sisters, Bonnie Carnelly and Lottie Adams, both of Graceville, and Allie Mae Register, Columbus, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.

Largo

ARROYO, TOMAS SR., 78, of Largo, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He was born in Puerto Rico and came in 1991 from New York. Survivors include a son, Thomas Jr., Flushing, N.Y.; several brothers and sisters including Gloria Vasquez, Largo; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
BAILEY, FREDDIE SR., 65, of Largo, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He came here in 1955 from his native Cross City, and worked 30 years as a plasterer with the Raynor Group. He was a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Largo. Survivors include his wife, Elzena; eight sons, Freddie Bailey Jr., Kevin Dorsey and Demetria Goshay, all of Largo, Rodney Bailey and John Cole Jr., both of Clearwater, Curtis Perry, Oldsmar, Gabriel Goshay, Atlanta, and Aaron Bailey, Berlin; nine daughters, Delores Bailey, Ivanetta Dorsey, Letarshia Hobson and Clarethia Monroe, all of Largo, Ruth Roberson, St. Petersburg, Wanda Bailey, Joanna Bailey, Casandra Washington, all of Clearwater and Clara Hendrix, Tarpon Springs; a brother, Harry Williams, Gainesvile; 39 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Young's Funeral Home, Clearwater.
DesROCHERS, J. PAUL, 74, of Largo, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Amesbury, Mass., and came here in 1989 from Wethersfield, Conn. He worked as a salesman for the 3-M Co. and was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He graduated in 1957 from Michigan State University. He was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include two sons, Stephen P., Milford, Conn., and David G., Carver, Mass.; a brother, Joseph Rene, Salisbury, Mass.; and a sister, Pauline Harben, Boxford, Mass. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
ESTEP, MANNA ZENITH, 87, of Largo, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at Integrated Health Services Clearwater. She was born in Milton, W. Va., and came to this area in 1997 from Bradenton, where she was a member of Bay Shore Baptist Church. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, George W. Estep, Metairie, La., and S. Joseph Estep, Clearwater; two brothers, Denzil Thomasson and Carl Thomasson, and a sister, Leva Miller, all of Hurricane, W. Va.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
FERGUSON, JAMES C. "JIM" 74, of Largo, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at Oak Manor Nursing Center, Largo. He was born in New York City and came here in 1973 from Roselle Park, N.J. He formerly owned and operated Tax Alternatives in Largo. He was a longtime Sunday school teacher and board member of First Assembly of God Church, Clearwater. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Evelyn; four sons, John D. and Steve, both of Clearwater, and Jeff, Dunedin, and Michael, Seminole,; a daughter, Susie Ferguson Blanco, Palm Harbor; 13 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.
LAMBERT, PATRICIA, 73, of Largo, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Barrington Terrace, Largo. She was born in Hardwick, Vt., and came here last month from Vermont. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Lawrence; four daughters, Robin Buckbee, Largo, Susanne Caiafa, Deltona, Shelly Singh, Queens, N.Y., and Sandra Caiafa, Colchester, Conn.; two sons, John Longe, East Hardwick, Vt., and Russell Longe, Hardwick; a sister, Audrey Reed, Craftsbury, Vt.; 21 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
SCHAUB, MADELINE, of Largo, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute, St. Petersburg. She was born in New York City and came here in 1982 from Howard Beach, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, William R.; a daughter, Deborah Kasner, and two grandsons, Shaun and Corey Kesner, all of Howard Beach. National Cremation Society, Largo.
TUCKER, TOMMY F., 83, of Largo, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in English, Ind., and came here in 1955 from Indiana. He was a retired civil engineer and Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Eckerty, Ind., York Rite, Scottish Rite of Tampa, the Shrine Tin Lizzie and Midget Motors units, and the Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Pauline; two daughters, Linda Nelson, Seminole, and Lisa Wedin, Sarasota; and six grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Palm Harbor

BAKER, DONNA LOUISE ROUSSEAU, 43, of Palm Harbor, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home. She was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifelong area resident. She worked as web marketing administrator for I.C.M.S., Tarpon Springs. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Pipers Meadow Social Club Bunko Group. Survivors include two sons, Michael James II and Justin, and a daughter, Morgan Louise Baker, all of Palm Harbor; her mother and stepfather, Anita L. and R.J. Griffin, Holiday; a brother, Clifford L. Rousseau, St. Petersburg; two sisters, Stephanie D.L. Westman and Dale L. Rousseau, both of Orlando; and a stepsister, Michelle Works, St. Petersburg. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
BROMLEY, ELLA C., 98, of Palm Harbor, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Rosewood Home II Assisted Living Facility, Dunedin. She came here from her native Washington, Pa. She was a homemaker and a member of the Third Presbyterian Church of Washington. Survivors include a daughter, Eleanor A. Terranova, Palm Harbor; two grandchildren, Matthew J. Terranova and Holy Lynn London; and a great-grandchild. Hummell & Barnhill Memorial Chapel, Washington, Pa.
HODGES, JACQUELYNE A., 64, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home. She came here in 1970 from her native Rochester, N.Y. She worked as a self-employed real estate broker for more than 30 years. She was a member of the Greater Clearwater Association of Realtors, where she served on the education committee for four years and conducted training classes, and a member of the Florida Association of Realtors membership committee for 1983. She enjoyed travel and the theater. Survivors include two daughters, Lynette Ogden, Clearwater, and Dawn Spears, Grosse Ile, Mich.; a brother, Roger Scott, Palm Beach Gardens; and three grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
KROPACEK, EFFA FELTER, 88, of Palm Harbor, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at home. She was born in Schoharie County, N.Y., and came here in 1978 from Schenectady, N.Y., where she retired as a secretary after 26 years with the General Electric Co. Survivors include caregivers Grace and Larry Chapman, both of Palm Harbor; and three nieces, Phyllis Finster, Patty Koch and Bonnie Shumaker. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.
SEELEY, GLENN SHERMAN, 84, of Palm Harbor, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Livingston Manor, N.Y., and came here in 1991 from Bay Shore, N.Y., where he retired as assistant superintendent of the Bay Shore School System. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of United Methodist Church of Bay Shore and the Bayshore Lions Club. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Josephine; two daughters, Jean Seeley Prickett, Mendon, Mass., and Nancy Seeley Zipprich, Park Forest, Ill.; three sisters, Marjorie Smith, Glenville, N.Y., and Clara Winner and Ruby Romolo, both of Livingston Manor; and three grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
SHOMON, PATRICIA R., 64, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at home. She was born in Jersey City, N.J., and came here in 1998 from Fort Worth, Texas. She was a former director of human resources for John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, and ran a health care publishing company in Palm Harbor founded by her daughter. She was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, Palm Harbor. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Daniel Sr.; a daughter, Mary Shomon, Kensington, Md.; a son, Daniel Jr., Chicago; a brother, Daniel Raymond, Orlando; and a granddaughter, Julia Mathis. Flynn Memorial Home, Yonkers, N.Y.

Tarpon Springs

ROBERTSON, BESSIE LOUISE, 87, of Sylvania, Ohio, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Harborside of Sylvania. She was born in Holly Springs, Ga., and came here in 1981 and in 1997 returned to Ohio. She was a member of First Assembly of God, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include three sons, Lex Sr., Tarpon Springs, Jeffery, Edgerton, Ohio, and John, Sylvania; a daughter, Elva Scribellito, Toledo, Ohio; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Newcomer-Farley Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio.

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Feather Sound

WASHBURN, DONALD, 80, of Feather Sound, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at home under hospice care. He was a native of Lake Crystal, Minn., and came here in 1972 from Illinois. He was a retired marketing executive for J. Walter Thompson in Chicago for 16 years, and locally had worked for the William Zemp Agency. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine; two sons, Donald A., Portland, Ore., and James M., Pittsburgh; two daughters, Jean Biszewski, Chicago, and Anna Andermann, Arlington Heights, Ill.; a brother, Clarence, Hudson; a sister, Dorothy Peterson, Mankato, Minn.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.

Gulfport

BARRS, LOUIS WAYNE, 92, of Bushnell, formerly of Gulfport and Tampa, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Tampa, he moved to Bushnell 25 years ago from Gulfport. He was a retired cabinet maker for Tropicana Mobile Homes in St. Petersburg. He was Protestant. Survivors include two brothers, Mert, St. Petersburg, and George, Florida; a sister, Eve, Florida; and three nieces, Glenda Stuart, Inverness; Dorca Rader, Greenfield, Ind.; and Donna McCawley, St. Petersburg. Memorial Chapels Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Hernando.

Madeira Beach

COX, SAMUEL S. JR., 84, of Madeira Beach, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at home under the care of family and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born in Selma, Ala., he came here in 1958 from Alabama. He worked in real estate sales and was Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sarah; a son, Samuel S. III, Hamilton, Mont.; three daughters, Joanne Cox and Barbara Major, both of St. Petersburg, and Emily Shelton, St. Petersburg; a sister, Margaret Sealy, Madeira Beach; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Pinellas Park

DOTSON, JOAN, 53, of Pinellas Park, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside. She was a Florida native. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Benton, and a grandson, Daemon Benton, both of Holiday; her stepmother, Lyn Dusenbery, Hudson; a brother, Dean Dusenbery, St. Petersburg. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.
HERNANDEZ, BLANCA I., 68, of Pinellas Park, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at home. She was born in Puerto Rico and came here in 1998 from Miami. She was a homemaker and attended the Pinellas Park Church of God. Survivors include nine sons, Onix Torres and Jesus Perez, both of Pinellas Park; Daniel Hernandez, Gainesville; Samuel Hernandez, San Jacinto, Calif.; and Peter Hernandez, Marcos Hernandez, Dario Hernandez, Dennis Hernandez and Ahmed Hernandez, all of Miami; and three daughters, Dina Ramos, Diana Hernandez and Daphne Oliva, all of Pinellas Park. Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater.
MELROSE, CLARA, 96, of Largo, formerly of Pinellas Park, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Pinecrest Place, Largo. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, came to Pinellas Park in 1971 from Cincinnati and moved to Largo in 1999. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pinellas Park, and a volunteer at the church school for many years. Survivors include a son, William L., San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Judith Eichenbaum, Miami; William J., Indianapolis; and Susan Bendrey, San Antonio; and five great-grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.
MERCARDO, JAIME, 85, of Pinellas Park, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born in Puerto Rico, he came here several years ago. He was retired from the roofing materials manufacturing industry. Survivors include a daughter, Juanita Jackson, Pinellas Park; three brothers, Enrique, Waukegan, Ill.; Dimas, Chicago; and Mario, Puerto Rico; a sister, Hilda Colon, Cleveland; and a grandchild. Gulf Breeze Cremation and Burial Society, Largo.
SYPOLE, GLADYS N., 89, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003) at IHS of Pinellas Park. She came here in 1972 from her native Chicago. She worked in sales. Survivors include two sons, Robert L. Sypole, Pinellas Park, and Howard L. Sypole, Peabody, Mass.; four grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

St. Pete Beach

FLETCHER, IRENE A., 87, of St. Pete Beach, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at the Springs at Boca Ciega Bay. She came here in 1965 from her native Gary, Ind. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Keith Shirey, and a sister, Lillian Heinz, both of Las Vegas; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
WILD, FRANKLIN J., 82, of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. He came here in 1999 from his native Lawrence, Mich. He was an automotive engineer for Chrysler Corp. An Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, he was a member of the 2nd Air Division Association. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Colette; three daughters, Megan Clark, Manchester, Mich.; Cathy Monegan, Chicago; and Jennifer Wild, Alexandria, Va.; two sisters, Frances Murphy, Clearwater, and Margaret Stromeyer, Lawrence; and three grandchildren. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.
MARSHALL, PIERRETTE, of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Born in Levis, Quebec, she was a seasonal resident for 20 years and moved here in 1999 from Cheshire, Conn. She worked in industrial sales for General Electric Corp. and was a member of its retirement group. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Walter; two sisters, Lilli Filardeau, Ottawa, and Lucette Samson, Levis, Quebec. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.

St. Petersburg

AUBIN, FREDERIC E., 74, of St. Petersburg and Sandy Hook, Conn., died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., he was a seasonal resident since 1996. He was a retail manager for a dairy company. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Gloria; a son, Frederic Jr., Connecticut; a daughter, Deborah Aubin, Sandy Hook; two brothers, Dennis, St. Petersburg, and Henry, Norwalk, Conn.; two sisters, Ellen Rogerson, Bridgeport, and Rita Sales, Norwalk; and three grandchildren. Neptune Society, Palm Harbor.
BLISS, RUTH BILLINGS, 96, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Edward White Hospital. Born in Tunkhannock, Pa., she was a seasonal visitor since the 1970s and moved here three years ago from Pittsburgh. She received a bachelor's degree from Goucher College and a master's degree from Penn State. She was a retired English teacher at Tunkhannock High School. She was a member of Glenshaw Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two daughters, Sara Wynkoop, Louisville, Ky., and Deborah Factor, St. Petersburg; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
CHAN, VELMA, 81, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Pinellas Point. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
CLARK, WILLIAM JAY, 71, of Inglis, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) in Crystal River. Born in Athens, Pa., he moved to Inglis in 1981 from St. Petersburg. He was a builder and an Army veteran. He was a member and past commander of VFW Post 8698, Inglis, and a member of an American Legion Post in Dunnellon. Survivors include his wife, Sarah; a son, Wayne, Hampton, Ga.; five daughters, Lynn Crooks, Dawn Moore and Lori Rhoton, all of St. Petersburg; Denise Lindeman, Crystal River; and Deborah DiGennaro, Poquoson, Va.; a brother, Charles, and two sisters, Helen Ecklund and Denys, all of Inglis; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon.
DELGADO, ASUNCION "NENA," 82, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Grace Healthcare of St. Petersburg. Born in Cuba, she came to the United States in 1966. She was a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, Carlos Delgado, Downey, Calif.; a daughter, Silvia Everhart, St. Petersburg; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
DUBOIS, IRENE, 64, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She was born in Sharon, Conn., and came here in 2000 from Hartford, Conn. She was a supervisor for an insurance company. Survivors include her mother, Marie Caron, and a brother, Calvin Lakin, both of St. Petersburg; and a stepdaughter, Joyce Dubois, Nantucket, Mass. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
FORD, HORACE W., 85, of Mars Hill, Maine, and St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. He was born in Mars Hill and was a seasonal resident of St. Petersburg for many years. He attended the University of Maine and was a produce inspector for the Maine Department of Agriculture until he retired in 1977. Survivors include four daughters, Patricia Wilson, Millinocket, Maine; Victoria Wilson, Stetson, Maine; Valerie Pritsky, St. Petersburg; and Marie Ford, Warminster, Pa.; two brothers, Vernon and William; two sisters, Glenna Pillsbury and Wilma Dudley; nine grandchildren; a stepgrandson; and five great-grandchildren. Duncan Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle, Maine.
GRAUS, LUCILE, 95, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Largo Health Care Center. Born in Owatonna, Minn., she came here in 1952 from McGregor, Minn. She was a retired kindergarten teacher and taught the children of diplomats in the Philippines. She was a member of Garden of Peace Lutheran Church. Survivors include two sons, Gilbert Graus, St. Petersburg, and John Graus, Sarasota; a daughter, Sally Hutchinson, Ocala; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Gulf Breeze Cremation and Burial Society, Largo.
HEWETT, JAMES W., 77, of Bushnell, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Dillon, S.C., he moved to Bushnell in 1980 from St. Petersburg. He retired in 1974 as a sheet metal mechanic for Daniels & Jones Sheet Metal Co., St. Petersburg. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, and a 32nd degree Mason, Nitram Lodge 188, St. Petersburg. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia; a son, Dennis, Kissimmee; two daughters, Ellen Bianco, Bushnell, and Glenda Paxton, Inverness; a sister, Helen Joyner, and a brother, Harry "Buck", both of Kernersville, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell.
IBERER, ALBERT C., 75, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Born in Newark, N.J., he came here in 1993 from Pompton Lakes, N.J. A graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, he was a mechanical engineer for Howard Industries and Remco Toys. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served as a radioman and communications technician. He attended St. John's Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed traveling and bowling. Survivors include three daughters, Patricia A. Barefoot, Largo; Elaine H. Leadey, East Stroudsburg, Pa.; and Maureen E. Iberer, Richardson, Texas; and two sons, Michael C., Hopatcong, N.J., and Thomas A., Newton, N.J. National Cremation Society, Largo.
MARTIN, ALFRED J. "PETE," 79, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside. A Detroit native, he came here from Grosse Point Farms, Mich., where he retired from the police department after 35 years. He was a 1st Special Service Force veteran of World War II and took part in the invasion of Anzio, Italy. He was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Sunset and Tides golf clubs. He was an avid sailor, bowler and golfer. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Ann; a daughter, Patricia Martin, St. Petersburg; three sons, Dennis and Timothy, both of Black Forest, Colo., and Michael, St. Petersburg; three sisters, Jean Cahalan and Carol Cameron, both of Grosse Ile, Mich., and Katherine Bambick, Canton, Mich.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
MILILLO, MARY P., 70, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) in Las Vegas. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., she came here in 1980 from Long Island, N.Y. She was a Pinellas County corrections officer for several years. She was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Michelle Lancaster, St. Petersburg; three sons, Mark Milillo, Orlando; and Mitchell Milillo and Michael Milillo, both of St. Petersburg; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
MITCHELL, ROBERT S., 59, of Sarasota, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Dec. 21, 2002). 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.
RAST, CALEB MICHAEL-ALLEN, infant son of Jennifer Orr and Michael S. Rast, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at All Children's Hospital. Other survivors include his paternal grandparents, Robert and Sue Wink, Pinellas Park, and Chris and Suzanne Chesmore, Hernando; his maternal grandmother, Deborah Orr, St. Petersburg; his maternal great-grandparents, Dwayne and Janice Dahl, Minneapolis; and his paternal great-grandparents, Rod and Tanya Carlson, Hernando. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SHANNON, MILDRED R., 73, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at College Harbor Retirement Community. She came here in 1982 from her native Cincinnati. She was a vice president of Citizen's Bank in Silverton, Ohio. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Deer Park, Ohio. She was a sports enthusiast and avid traveler. Survivors include her husband of 20 years, Sidney T.; three brothers, Richard Raussen, James Raussen and Robert Raussen, and two sisters, Mary Kay Busald and Margaret Sonneman, all of Cincinnati. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.
WHITE, MARJORIE M., 86, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Feb. 3, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. A native of Utica, N.Y., she came here in 1986 from Rockland, Mass. She was a bookkeeper. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Daughters of Scotia 234, and OES Eureka Chapter 5. Survivors include a cousin, Margaret M. Foster, Rockland; and two grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
WILSON, TAHNIYA ARIEN, infant daughter of Artasia N. Pratt and Elbert "Tede" Wilson Jr., of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Feb. 1, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Other survivors include three brothers, Dontavious Pratt, Kevonte Wilson and Dion Pratt, her maternal grandmother, Carretta Allen, her maternal grandfather and stepgrandmother, Craig and Mandy Thompson, and her paternal grandparents, Haggie and Elbert Wilson Sr., all of St. Petersburg. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
WINTERS, CHARLOTTE B., 90, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at Bon Secours Maria Manor. She came here in 1992 from her native Pittsburgh, where she retired as a secretary for Equitable Insurance Co. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband of five years, Floyd D. McLamb; two stepsons, Don McLamb, Indialantic, and Dewitt McLamb, Hayesville, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
WITHERSPOON, JOHNNIE, 51, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Feb. 2, 2003) at home. He came here in 1957 from his native Marion, S.C. He was a saftey manager for BFI for 15 years and operated a cleaning service for the past two years. He was the former operator of Midtown Food Store and Hot Wings Food Service, both in St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran with 15 years of service. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Chong; two sons, Connel, Tampa, and Antonio, St. Petersburg; his stepmother, Isabella Witherspoon, four brothers, Wallie, David, Christopher and Keith, all of St. Petersburg; two sisters, Nora Chin and Tanya Witherspoon-Finnissee, both of St. Petersburg; and two grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Seminole

BARNACHEA, ARSENIA B., 82, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in La Union, Philippines, and came here last year from the Philippines. She was a homemaker and was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Largo. She enjoyed playing bingo and crocheting. Survivors include three sons, Martin Jr., Jesus B. and Bonifacio; three daughters, Dolores B. Morales, Luz B. Barnachea and Marley B. Balderama; three sisters, Josephine B. Abat, Cristina B. Ramos and Elsie B. Morales; 18 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.

South Pasadena

SPECKMANN, TERRY, 57, of South Pasadnea, died Friday (Jan. 31, 2003) at home. He was a native of Sheboygan, Wis., and came here in 1974 from Madison, Wis. He was a loss prevention manager for Kmart in South Pasadena for 12 years. He was a Marine Corps veteran and was Catholic. He was a NASCAR and Green Bay Packers fan. Survivors include a daughter, Amy Speckmann, Madison; two brothers, Steve, Brookfield, Wis., and Jon, Madison; and five sisters, Mary Volk and Suzanne Missureli, both of Madison, Georgene Marks, Bellevue, Neb., Jane Rabin, Waunakee, Wis., and Karel Grafton, Toccoa, Ga. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.