St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BAUERAGE, LT. COL. MAURICE H. "BAUER," 85, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Brentwood Healthcare in Lecanto. Born in North English, Iowa, he came here 35 years ago from Tampa. He was a retired lieutenant colonel with the Air Force, with 27 years of service. He was a 1965 graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in business administration. He was a member of the Inglis/Yankeetown Lions Club, the Shriners, Retired Officers Association and the Republican Club of Inglis. Survivors include his wife, Viola (Bloom); a son, Bruce A., Pecos, Texas; a daughter, M. Nancy Richards, Washington D.C.; a stepson, James Wolfe; and two step-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

COULLIETTE, LURLIE JESSIE CARNES, 93, of Wildwood, formerly of Inverness, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) in Wildwood. Born in Bexar, Ala., she came here in 1940 from Georgia. He was a nurse's aide for Citrus Memorial Hospital for seven years. She was one of the founders of the PTA in Hernando and helped start the Hernando Methodist Church. She was a member of Eastern Star Inverness and member United Methodist Church of Wildwood. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Gayle Arnold, Wildwood; a son, James R. Coulliette Jr., Leesburg; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.

HAMSHAR, FREDRICK G. JR., 85, of Inverness, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at home under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 23 years ago from Piscataway, N.J. He was a retired construction industry welder and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the New Market Volunteer Fire Department and was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Edna (Pryor); a son, Todd F., Summerfield; two daughters, Lynn Maschio, Inverness, and Lori Chilson, Pittstown, N.J.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

VINCENT, ANN M., 91, of Beverly Hills, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) in Inverness. Born in New York, she came here 23 years ago from Flushing, N.Y. She retired as a legal secretary for an attorney in Manhattan for 30 years. She was a member Inverness Elks Club, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary Sadlier Council 6168, Catholic Womens Club and Widows Club at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She was a member and Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, Richard A. Vincent Sr., Smithtown, N.Y.; several nephews; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

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ARENA, GASPER ANTHONY, 72, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here four years ago from Massapequa Park, N.Y. He was a retired truck driver with Sky Haulage Trucking, an Army veteran and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Antoinette; a daughter, Joan Marie Ingeneri, Spring Hill; a son, Allen, Jacksonville; a brother, Mike, Nesconsette, N.Y.; two sisters, Grace Neysen, Patchogue, N.Y., and Josie Maggio, Virginia; and three grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

HARRIS, FRENCH J., 77, of Brooksville, died Saturday (Feb. 8, 2003) at home. Born in Walton, W.Va., he came here 16 years ago from Neversink, N.Y. He was a past president and commissioner of the Neversink Fire Department, charter member and past president of Neversink Volunteer Ambulance Corps, member of Masonic Lodge, charter member of Tri-Valley Lions Club and member of Aden Hunting Club. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Susan (Welch); three daughters, Linda Cowgill, Middletown, Del., Vicky McIntyre, Summittville, N.Y., and Rhonda Hough, Woodbourne, N.Y.; his mother, Dillie Harris, Liberty, N.Y.; a brother, Walter, Plainfield, Ind.; and five grandchildren. Ramsay's Funeral Homes, Liberty, N.Y.

KILARSKI, ANNE S., 84, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Brooksville Health Care Center. Born in Detroit, she came here 13 years ago from Livonia, Mich. She was a homemaker and Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Ted; a daughter, Cindy Chaisson, Michigan; a sister, Helen Adams, Detroit; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

LAYMAN, MARY M., 69, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at home. She came here eight years ago from her native Frostburg, Md. She was a registered nurse at Pasco Regional Medical Center and a member of the Methodist Church of Frostburg, Md. Survivors include her son, Joseph C. Layman, Piedmont, Ala.; a daughter, Mia Buttelman, Brooksville; a brother, Benjamin Myers, Mullington, Md.; a sister, Donna McMurdo, Keyser, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

REAUME, EVELYN MAXINE, 79, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Yale, Mich., she came here 25 years ago from Detroit. She was a retired clerical worker, past member VFW Auxiliary Post 2296 and was Protestant. Survivors include her husband, George A.; a son, Richard William, Warren, Mich.; two grandsons; and one great-granddaughter. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

STROSAHL, WILLIAM A. SR., 80, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Honesdale, Pa., he came here 22 years ago from Candor, N.Y. He was a heavy equipment operator and later worked for the town of Candor in the maintenance department. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Moose, VFW and American Legion Post 907. Survivors include his wife, Lynn; three sons, William A. Strosahl Jr., Candor, N.Y., Donald, Ocala, and Ronald, Holly Hill; three daughters, Rebecca Wiley, Joplin, Mo., Lorraine Perkins, Normal, Ill., and Vickie Ebert, Pittsburgh; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.

WEAVER, EDITH E. JOHNSON, 93, of Spring Hill, formerly of Dunedin, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Timber Pines ALF, Spring Hill. Born in Indiana, she came to Florida in 1968 from Florham Park, N.J. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers Dunedin and First United Methodist Church of Dunedin. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Tarleton, Spring Hill; a sister, Pauline Bradds, Xenia, Ohio; a grandson; and two great-grandsons. Moss-Feaster Funeral Home, Dunedin.

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ALFOSSO, MIGUEL A. DELPHIN, 88, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he moved to Tampa in 1988. He was an engineer and was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Migdalia Delpin, Tampa; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

BARTLETT, RICHARD, 66, of Ruskin, died Thursday (Feb. 6, 2003) in Tampa. Survivors include his wife, Sarah; and four sons, Tom, Sean and Robert Bartlett and Robert Kent. Boza & Roel Funeral Home, Tampa.

COWART, HAZEL, 75, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003). Born in Colguitt County, Ga., she was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Peggy Gipson, Tampa. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

DAVEY, HARRIET BARBARA, 88, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2003). She was a graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, receiving her degree in chemistry. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, the Mortar Board Honor Society and received the Girl Scout Golden Eaglet Award in 1930. She taught English to students around the world and in the USF Upward Bound Program and was a pianist, composer and writer. Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Keeley and Judith Davey Lombana, both of Tampa, and Sally Ling, Deerfield Beach; a sister, Pat Essen, Montana; a granddaughter, Noelle Lombana; and four nieces. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

DeLONES, CHRISTOPHER JOE, 25, of Brandon, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, he was a laborer. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Linda and Wayne Smith, Brandon; father and stepmother, Thomas Sr. and Betty DeLones, Brandon; and two brothers, Michael, Gibsonton, and Thomas Jr., Dover. Everett, Derr & Anderson Funeral Home, Tampa.

DELUCA, JEAN LOUISE LONG, 75, of Seffner, died Sunday (Feb. 9, 2003) at University Community Hospital. Born in Newburg, N.Y., she moved to the Tampa area several years ago. Survivors include her husband, Bruno Anthony; two daughters, Toni Jean Kowalik, Spring Hill, and Jennie Slaughter, Newburg; two brothers, Raymond Long, Wurtsboro, N.Y., and Donald Long, New Windsor, N.Y.; four sisters, Marion Murphy, Newburgh, Doris Gallager, Red Hook, N.Y., Dolly Demar, Watertown, N.Y., and Barbara Sigler, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Zipperer's Funeral Home, Tampa.

FULGUEIRA, LYDIA S., 74, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, she was a cigarmaker. Survivors include a son, Glen; a daughter, Vicki Lay; and three grandchildren, Eric, Nicole and Hanna. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

MCINTYRE, PETER, 52, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2003). Born in Brockton, Mass., he was a scanner for Digital Imaging. Survivors include his wife, Karen; two sons, Jeff and Chris; two stepchildren, Julie Ely and David Veilon; two sisters, Patty Ficca and Susan McIntyre; and six grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, Town & Country Chapel.

NOWAK, LEONA H., 81, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003). She was Lutheran. Survivors include her husband, Francis; a daughter, Nancy Williams; two sisters, Irene Graff and Barbara Hasenjager; three grandchildren, Diane, Karen and Kurt; and one great-granddaughter, Sarah. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

SAND, ALICE S., 100, of Sun City Center, died Sunday (Feb. 9, 2003). She moved to Sun City Center in 1992 from Glens Falls, N.Y. She was a graduate of Syracuse University and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, American Association of University Women and the Panhellenic Society. Survivors include a daughter, Catharine Sulzman, Centerville, Mass.; a son, Robert Sand, New York; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Sun City Center Funeral Home.

TAKO, JENNIE P. "JEAN," 87, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2003). Born in Michigan, she moved to Tampa two years ago. Survivors include a son, Michael J. Tako-Nicolaisen, Tampa; a daughter, Jean L. Pfeffer, Hernando Beach; four brothers, Leonard, Walter, Erwin and Father Joseph Gondek. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, West Chapel, Tampa.

WOOD, MARK ALTON, 46, of Tampa, died Monday (Feb. 10, 2003). Survivors include his mother Bette Joan Wood; maternal grandmother, Edna C. Musa; two brothers, Jamie and Monte; and companion, Maria Volatis. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

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BECKER, CATHERINE, 77, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 12 years ago from Rosedale, N.Y., and was Roman Catholic. Survivors include three daughters, Lorraine Becker, Jo Ann Becker and Nancy Becker, all of New Port Richey. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

BEJGROWICZ, PEARL V., 79, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Feb. 8, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in New York, she came here in 1983 from New Jersey. She was a homemaker and a member Calvary Chapel Worship Center, New Port Richey. Survivors include a sister, Florence D. Eckert, New York City; and a cousin, George Dragonette, Beverly Hills, Fla. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

BERNAZZA, ANN J., 87, of Hudson, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., she came here in 1980 from Hyde Park, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of Moose Lodge Auxiliary 1614 and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, Leonard D. Bernazza Jr., Marietta, Ga.; two daughters, Ann Marie Haase, Guilderland, N.Y., and Charlene A. Mitchell, Bartlett, Tenn.; a sister, Angela Cioffio, Poughkeepsie; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

BROWN, KENNETH J. SR., 56, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2003) at home. Born in New York, he came here in 1986 from Worcester, N.Y. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Protestant. Survivors include two sons, Ryan, Florida, and Kenneth J. Brown Jr., Canada; a daughter, Amanda Brown, Florida; his mother, Lillian Rosato, and two sisters, Linda Basta and Olivia Bruno, all of Las Vegas. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

DeBLASIO, MARTHA, 71, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Freeport, N.Y., she came here 19 years ago from Islip, N.Y. She was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, John; two sons, John Jr., Port Richey, and Joseph, Islip; two daughters, Lisa Green and Debbie Bullwinkel, both of Port Richey; a brother, Frank Domanico; eight sisters, Tina Samler, Kay Frenda, Rowie Romano, Frannie Lauck, Rita Rodney, Theresa Domanico, Gail Pfister and Cindy Coruso; and five grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

DEMETER, RICHARD W., 65, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Feb. 14, 2003) at home. Born in Charleroi, Pa., he came here 14 years ago. He worked as a parts manager and service department reservationist for Karl Flammer Ford, Tarpon Springs. He was a member and Sunday school teacher at the First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Mary Ann; two daughters, Kimberly, New Port Richey, and Jayne Rummey, Port Richey; and two grandsons. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

FOTH, RICHARD, 61, of Holiday, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He came here in 1971 from his native Flushing, N.Y. He was a retired plumber and a member of Plumbers Union 1, Queens, N.Y. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Laura Bandini, Holiday, and Lisa Fogell, Ponce Inlet; a sister, Elizabeth Peragine, Oyster Bay Cove, N.Y.; and four grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.

GOULD, FRED C., 82, of Tarpon Springs, formerly of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Baytree Nursing Center, Palm Harbor. Born in Wellsville, N.Y., he came to New Port Richey in 2001 from Tarpon Springs. He was a retired comptroller. Survivors include a son, Robert, Wellsville; two daughters, Mitzi Windus, Tarpon Springs, and Suzanne Robbins, Honolulu; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.

HOBBS, MARJORIE H., 79, of Hudson, died Friday (Feb. 14, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Fitchburg, Mass., she was a winter resident here since 1950 from Ashburnhan, Mass. She was a homemaker and a member of Christ Church, Fitchburg. Survivors include a husband, Norman; a daughter, Penny Williamson, Putnam, Conn.; a sister, Barbara Goudreau, Hudson; two brothers, Robert Gaetz, Palm Harbor, and Richard Gaetz, Fitchburg; and a grandchild. Prevatt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hudson.

KRESPAN, THOMAS R., 74, of Holiday, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Erie, Pa., he came here 13 years ago from Buffalo, N.Y. He was a retired accountant, an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II and a member of American Legion. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; three daughters, Cynthia McGee, Gainesville, Beverly Maitland, Orange Park, and Stephanie Bennett, Williamsburg, Va.; two brothers, Arthur, Holiday, and Carl, Wilmington, Del.; and three grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

MORRISON, RAMONA "JEANNE," 73, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came here in the 1940s from her native Evansville, Ind. She was a homemaker, leader of the Jewish Community Center Book Club and Methodist. Survivors include her husband, David; a son, David Harris Morrison, St. Petersburg; and a half-brother, Harris DeWese Jr., Radnor, Pa. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

SNOW, STANLEY A., 81, of Holiday, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at home. Born in New Haven, Conn., he came here in 1984 from East Haven, Conn. He was a retired laborer for Union Laborers of America, West Haven, Conn., for 45 years. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was Catholic. Survivors include a brother, Joseph M., Milford, Conn. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday.

STOCKTON, LaMAE B., 82, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Tarpon Bayou Center, Tarpon Springs. Born in California, she came here in 1981 from Utica, N.Y. She retired from General Electric Co., New Hartford, N.Y., and was a member of Joyful Spirit Lutheran Church of New Port Richey. Survivors include two sisters, Katheryn Wright, Mesa, Ariz., and Dorothy Hopsicker, Utica. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

STRICKLER, DONALD M., 64, of Lutz, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. Born in Northfield, Ohio, he came here in 1997 from Atwater, Ohio. He was a steel worker in steel manufacturing. He was an Army and Navy veteran. Survivors include two sons, Jeff, Lutz, and James, Fort Myers; a daughter, Janie Gaston, Fort Myers; and two grandchildren. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

THORNTON, DOUG, 54, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Redford, Mich., he came here in 1998 from Alpena, Mich. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie 3997. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two sons, David, Redford, and Mike, Commerce, Mich.; a brother, Bob, Linden, Mich.; a sister, Nancy Skerchock, Macomb, Mich.; and four grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

ZEICH, ADAM, 92, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Baltimore, he came here in 1970 from Linden, N.J. He was a retired chemical products operator for Exxon for 40 years. He was a member of American Federation of Musicians 802 of New York and 151 in Elizabeth, N.J., and St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; two sons, Alan, Fredericksburg, Va., and Richard, Cape Cod, Mass.; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

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Clearwater

BACKUS, JOSEPHINE F., 90, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She came here in 1977 from her native Wales, Mass. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a sister, Helen Volepe, Bethpage, N.Y. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
EPPLEY, VEST BOWER, 85, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in Newberrytown, Pa., and came here in 1972 from Havre de Grace, Md. He taught 13 years at Havre de Grace High School. He was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was a graduate of Millersville State Teachers College, Duke University and the University of Maryland. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Clearwater, Order of the Moose, Clearwater, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, New Cumberland, Pa. He was a former member of the Optimist and a past president of the Young Democrats. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Ruby Lau; a daughter, Karla Eppley Lindeen, Clearwater; two sisters, Evelyn Criswell, Fishertown, Pa., and Theda Hartman, Largo; and a grandson. Christopher Foster, Clearwater. National Cremation Society, Largo.
MATHIESON, JOHN P., 86, of Orlando, formerly of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2003) at Central Park Village, Orlando. He was born in Scotland. He was an electrician and retired from General Motors. Survivors include his wife, Twila. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Dunedin

McVAY, BILL, 79, of Dunedin, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in Athens, Ohio, and came here in 2001 from Wadsworth, Ohio. He was an artist. He was an Army veteran and served in Burma during World War II. He loved flowers. Survivors include his wife, Joan; two sons, Michael J., Oregon, and Dr. John P., Honduras; a daughter, Elizabeth J. Farrell, Dunedin; a brother, Ted, Wadsworth; a sister, Agnes Balsinger, Barberton, Ohio; and two grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
WEAVER, EDITH E. JOHNSON, 93, of Spring Hill, formerly of Dunedin, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Timber Pines Assisted Living Facility, Spring Hill. She was born in Indiana and moved to Florida in 1968 from Florham Park, N.J. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Dunedin, and Telephone Pioneers, Dunedin. Survivors include a daughter, Janet Weaver Tarleton, Spring Hill; a sister, Pauline Bradds, Xenia, Ohio; a grandson, Robert Tarleton Jr., Santa Monica, Calif.; and two great-grandsons. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.

Largo

BAGGETT, BETTY M., 86, of Largo, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Chicago and came here in 1970 from LaGrange, Ill. She was a homemaker and a Protestant. Survivors include several cousins. National Cremation Society, Largo.
NOBLIN, MARIE, 92, of Largo, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Largo Health Care Center. She was born in Green County, Ark., and came here in 1988 from Paragould, Ark. She was a homemaker and a member of Church of Christ. Survivors include two sons, Joe, Atlanta, and Jim, Sadler, Texas; three daughters, Ramona Austin, Largo, Milly Myers, Seminole, and Paula Bradford, Tampa; two sisters, Emma Dixon, Jonesboro, Ark., and Nancy Maxwell, Muskogee, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home, Seminole.
ROBINSON, LYNN ANN, 40, of Largo, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She came here in 1986 from her native Indianapolis. She worked as a server at Country Kitchen restaurants in Largo and Seminole. Survivors include a daughter, Andrea Robinson, Largo; a son, Anthony, Largo; and a brother, Rusty Howard, Boulder, Colo. National Cremation Society, Largo.
VOSSLER, ARTHUR "ART," 89, of Largo, died Friday (Feb. 7, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Clearwater. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and came here in 1980 from Lockport, N.Y., where he was a manager of Witkop & Holmes Furniture. He also worked as a sales representative for McKinley Liquors, Buffalo. He worked eight years for First Baptist Church of Largo. He was Protestant. He was a 53-year member of Elks Lodge 41 and a member of the Moose, both in Lockport. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Clairbel Sue; a daughter, Bonnie Gassor, Tucson, Ariz.; a brother, Edward, Venice, Fla.; and a sister, Dorothy Illig, Buffalo. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

Palm Harbor

IRWIN, LYNN B., 87, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Palm Gardens of Clearwater. He was born in Bridgeport, Ill., and came here in 1993 from Westmont, Ill. He was a retired service station owner and operator. He was a Mason and attended Heritage United Methodist Church at Countryside, Clearwater. Survivors include his wife, Mary A.; a daughter, Linda S. Cochran, Palm Harbor; four sisters, Helen Jarell, Chatsworth, Calif., Lois Dame, Junction City, Ore., Eileen Rogers, Prescott Valley, Ariz., and Kathleen Pruyn, Texas; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Safety Harbor

HOEK, VIRGINIA MARIE, 78, of Safety Harbor, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She came here in 1964 from her native Galion, Ohio. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Matthias Lutheran Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Jill A. Schwartz, Largo; a son, Michael Eckstein, Holiday; a brother, Ken Chandler, Bucyrus, Ohio; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Tarpon Springs

GOULD, FRED C., 82, of Tarpon Springs and formerly of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at Bay Tree Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Palm Harbor. He was born in Wellsville, N.Y., and moved in 2001 to Tarpon Springs from New Port Richey. He was a retired comptroller. Survivors include two daughters, Mitzi Windus, Tarpon Springs and Suzanne Robbins, Honolulu; a son, Robert, Wellsville; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

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Seminole

SPENCER, JAMES A. SR., 64, of Seminole, died Friday (Feb. 14, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. Born in Washington, D.C., he came here in 1969 from Ottawa Lake, Mich. He was a factory worker and Baptist. He was a National Guard veteran. Survivors include a son, James A. Jr., Seminole; two daughters, Sandra J. Blume and Penny S. Lathrop, both of Crestview; a brother, Willard H. Carney Jr., Waldorf, Md; a sister, Sandra C. Harris, Winter Haven; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Pinellas Park

BILLINGS, MYRTLE E., the Mainlands, Pinellas Park, died Friday (Feb. 14, 2003) at Integrated Health Services of Pinellas Park. She came here in 1970 from her native Milwaukee, where she was a secretary for Milprint Inc. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinellas Park. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Enright, De Pere, Wis.; two sisters, Jeannette Strohm and Adele Cullen, both of Pinellas Park; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Petersburg

BALLA, CHAD J., 34, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He came here in 1999 from his native New Kensington, Pa. He was a St. Petersburg police officer and a member of the Police Benevolent Association. Survivors include his parents, Ronald and Patricia Balla, a brother, Ronald; and his paternal grandmother, Emma Balla, all of New Kensington; his maternal grandparents, Jack and Sylvia Burkett, Tarentum, Pa.; and his companion, Kerry Laun, Odessa. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
BALLERINO, ELENA ESTHER, 78, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Feb. 14, 2003). She came here in 1992 from her native Paterson, N.J. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Elaine Schmidt, St. Petersburg; a son, Raymond Ballerino, Floral Park, N.Y., and three grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
ECKHART, LINDA, 55, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Carrington Place. She came here in 1983 from her native Lansing, Mich. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. Survivors include her companion af 18 years, John Corbett. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
MILLER, FRANCIS H., 86, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at home. He came here in 1966 from Mobile, Ala. He was an Air Force senior master sergeant, serving in World War II and the Korean War. Survivors include two sons, John, Atlanta, and Jim, Houston; three daughters, Jeannette Wilson, Helen King and Carol Chapman, all of St. Petersburg; a stepdaughter, Billie Adcock, Fort Myers; a sister, Marian Funderburk, Mobile; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
ROOKS, CLARA COSBY, 101, of Bangor, Maine, a winter resident of Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at a Bangor health care center. She was a longtime winter resident of St. Petersburg and, more recently, of Tarpon Springs. She was a member of OES No. 5 and an associate member of First Congregational Church of St. Petersburg, where she was a member of the women's association and the Diaconate. Survivors include four nieces, Elen Jane Cole, Tarpon Springs; Marion Burleigh, Millinocket, Maine; Debra Gainer, Thomasville, Ga.; and Donna Scott, Winterport, Maine; a nephew, Allen G. Rooks, Tampa; four grandnieces; and two grandnephews. Brookings-Smith, Bangor, Maine.
SHIELDS, MELVIN, 70, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Manor Health Care. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
SMITH, EARNEST "PONCHO," 54, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. He came here in 1956 from his native Albany, Ga. He was a 1968 graduate of Gibbs High School and played wide receiver for the school's football team. He attended Florida State University for two years. He was a chef and attended chef's school in New Jersey. Survivors include two sons, Fred Mond and Turene Maxwell, and three daughters, Elonda Maxwell, Diane Roberts and Nairobi Blackshear, all of St. Petersburg; three sisters, Annie Smith, St. Petersburg; Mary Cobb, Jacksonville; and Wanda Chance, Oklahoma; four brothers, Andrew Smith, Alfonso Dority, Michael Green and Anthony Dority, all of St. Petersburg; and 10 grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
WEINSAFT, ADELE, 66, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
WILSON, BERNICE, 95, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 13, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born in St. Joseph, Mo., she came here in 1995 from Lincoln, Neb., where she was a retired director of volunteer services at Lincoln General Hospital. She was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole. Survivors include a son, William Allen Wilson, Kingwood, Texas; a daughter, Sally Speer, Indian Shores; two sisters, Manetta Mayor and Virginia Fagenberg; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Seminole.