St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

GALLO, FRANK JOSEPH SR., 76, of Inverness, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. He came to Florida 17 years ago from his native New Canaan, Conn. He was a retired sergeant from the New Canaan Police Department with 28 years of service. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Lauma (Kauzens); three sons, Frank J. Gallo Jr., Paul D. and John C. Gallo, all of New Canaan; a daughter, Pamela E. Etheridge, Marietta, Ga.; a brother, Charles A. Gallo Sr., New Canaan; and a sister, Josephine Correnty, Santa Rosa, Calif. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

RACKLEY, HARRY J., 71, of Inverness, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Delaware, Ind., he moved to St. Petersburg in 1958 from Cincinnati, then moved in 1965 to Citrus County. He was the owner of Ace Hardware in Inverness and Hernando. He attended St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of Florida. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was a member, elder, chairman of the property committee and corporate officer at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, where he also was a Bethel Bible Study teacher. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Ruth Anne (Smith); a son, Scott, Farmington Hills, Mich.; a daughter, Jenifer Solida, Inverness; his mother, Pearl Roberts Rackley, Dunnellon; three brothers, Robert, Hernando, Don Roberts, Lillian, Ala., and Dick Roberts, Mexico; and four grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.

RENAUD, CONCETTA, 69, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Flushing, N.Y., she came here 12 years ago from Cocoa. She was a receptionist/clerk for Your Hair Fashion of Brooksville. She was a member of New Hope Assembly of God Church of Brooksville. Survivors include her husband, Robert; four sons, Lt. William Kelber, USS Grapler, and Torpedoman Second Class Raymond R. Renaud, both of Norfolk Va., Robert R. Renaud, Orlando and Staff Sgt. Randall R. Renaud, Hill AFB, Utah; a daughter, Carolyn Wood, Tacoma, Wash.; a brother, Joseph Trovato, Citrus Hills; an aunt, Betty Trovato, Inverness; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

SINNAR, DONALD JOHN, 84, of Lecanto, died Saturday (Feb. 22, 2003) in Lecanto. Born in Salt Lake City, he came here in 1995 from Lakeland. He was a retired pile driver in the construction industry in Maryland for 25 years. He was a member of the Pile Drivers Local 2311. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a chief petty officer who specialized as an underwater demolition technician. He was a member of the Lakeland Retired Officers Association, was a past member of Lakeland VFW and Lakeland Moose Lodge. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Frances L.; a son, Donald W., Villa Park, Calif.; a daughter, Joan Sinnar, Huntington Beach, Calif.; two stepsons, Albert Catloth and Randall Catloth, both of Beverly Hills; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

SWANSON, ETHEL LINNEA, 93, of Citrus Hills, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Cambridge, Mass., she came here in 1996 from Marblehead, Mass. where she was a 45-year resident. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. Survivors include her daughter, Harriet Mirabella, Citrus Hills; a brother, Ernest Berg, Vallejo, Calif.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

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BUFFINGTON, RAY MANNING, 83, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at home under the care of his family and Hernando-Pasco Hospice. He came to this area 13 years ago from his native Newport, Pa. He was a manager of installation for United Telephone and an Army veteran of World War II. He was past commander of American Legion Post 177, a a member of Newport Lodge 381 F&AM, Royal Arch Chapter 238, VFW Post 34 and Christ Lutheran Church of Brooksville. Survivors include his wife, Jean; two sons, Jere L., Poway, Calif., and William R., Newport, Pa.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.

COMBS, ELIGE, 78, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home. Born in Van Lear, Ky., he came here 13 years ago from Toler, Ky. He was a retired coal miner and a member of the United Coal Miners Union. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lillian; two sons, Jerry, Ypsilanti, Mich., and Ronald, Spring Hill; a daughter, Sandra Beck, Hudson; three sisters, Helen Harsbarger, Champmanville, W.Va., Dolly Jones, Melbourne, and Lucille Vance, Russell, Ky.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

CROSS, MELVIN E., 77, of Weeki Wachee North, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in Bitely, Mich., he came here 24 years ago from Hesperia, Mich. He retired from Teledyne Motors, Muskegon, Mich., and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Protestant and attended Highland Baptist Church of Weeki Wachee. Survivors include his wife, Hope; a son, Ronald Dale, Hesperia; two daughters, Darlene Kay Morgan, Port Charlotte, and Tanya Diane Dillenbeck, Sparta, Mich.; three stepdaughters, Furlo Bengtsson, Kimba Morse and Mikelene Runsey, all of Hesperia; two sisters, Naomi McHugh, Brooksville, and Velma Soaman, Big Rapids, Mich.; four brothers, Ray, White Cloud, Mich., Graham, Muskegon, Mich., Harry, Hersey, Mich., and Herb, Bitely, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

CUOMO, NICHOLAS, 91, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Feb. 24, 2003) at Brooksville Health Care Center. Born in Manhattan, N.Y., he came here 18 months ago from New York City. He was a union carpenter for over 50 years and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Jennie; a daughter, Josephine Corrado, Spring Hill; a stepson, Robert DeBonis, New York; and 20 grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

GARLAND, ISABELLE W., 82, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at home. She was a lifelong resident of Brooksville. She was a fruit packer and a member of the Gulf Ridge Park Baptist Church of Brooksville. Survivors include her son, Charles, Temple, Ga.; a daughter, Joyce Garland, Brooksville; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brookville.

GOWER, FRANK, 83, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Spring Hill Health Center. Born in East Strasburg, Pa., he came here 20 years ago from Randolph, N.J. He retired from the Carpenters Union Local 620 in Madison, N.J.. He was a member of the Dover, N.J. Eagles Club and Grace Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Myrtle; a son, Frank Gower Jr., Bud Lake, N.J.; a daughter, Barbara Bogert, Williamstown, N.J.; two stepdaughters, Jacqueline Watson, Marlon, N.J., and Pamela Graham, Lake Shawnee, N.J.; a stepson, Andrew Dunne III, Cape Cod, Mass.; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

LaROCCO, JOSEPH, 64, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here three years ago from West Islip, N.Y. He was a retired aircraft equipment repair technician and a Navy veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, David W., West Islip, N.Y., and Joseph T., Columbus, Ohio; three brothers, Robert, Spring Hill, Michael, Bayshore, N.Y., and Richard, Commack, N.Y.; a sister, Joan Tedeschi, Spring Hill; and two grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Spring Hill.

O'BRIEN, DIANE, 60, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in Passaic, N.J., she came here over five years ago from Livermore, Calif. She was a member of the Timber Pines Tennis Club. Survivors include her husband, Charles; two sons, Randy Schaufelberger, St. Petersburg, and Scot Schaufelberger, Livermore, Calif.; a daughter, Robyn Houtling, Mooresville, N.C.; a sister, Barbara Hickey, Medford, N.J.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

TREPES, CONSTANCE B., 77, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Spring Hill Health Center. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., she came here 14 years ago from Long Island, N.Y. and was a homemaker. She was Lutheran. Survivors include her husband, John; a daughter, Suzanne Gougler, Clifton Park, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

WILLIAMSON, THERESA, 93, of Spring Hill, died Sunday (Feb. 23, 2003) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Grapeville, Pa., she came here 11 years ago from Wyandotte, Mich., where she was retired from Wyandotte General Hospital. She was Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Suzanne Stayskal, Hudson, and Rose Winkler, Spring Hill; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.

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ANGULO, RENE EMILIO, 54, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, he was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and owned P & R Moving Company. Survivors include a companion, Nancy Evans; a daughter, Jennifer; his mother, Angela Angulo; a brother, Roger; a grandson, Miguel; and other family members. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

KENNEDY, VIVIAN MARGARET, 84, of Plant City, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Born in Wadley, Ga., she was self-employed and a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Kennedy, Palm Harbor, Shirley Ratcliff, Plant City, and Mary Lee Kirkland, Holly Springs, N.C.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

RIVERA, RAYMOND, 76, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he moved to Tampa 22 years ago. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Maria; a daughter, Diana Rae Rivera; a son, Edward Rivera; agrandchild; and three great-grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

ROGERS, EMMA, 78, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). She was a member of Bayshore Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Stanley J. Rogers, New Port Richey; a daughter, Marilyn Jackson, Tampa; a sister, Nannearl Carey, St. Cloud; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

SIMPSON, ARTIS D., 80, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Born in Jamestown, Ky., he moved to Florida in 1966. He was a Shriner and Methodist and worked as a marine mechanic. Survivors include a son, Major Freels, Indianapolis; two daughters, Sheila Burkhart, Brandon, and Judy Campbell, Indianapolis; five brothers; two sisters; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

WEST, RONALD L., 61, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). Born in Fort Summner, N.M., he moved to Tampa in 1987. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked as a mechanic. Survivors include a daughter, Roseanne West-Birotte, Houston; two sons, William West and James West, both of Grandview, Mo.; a sister, Barbara Shelton, Austin, Texas; and a granddaughter, Madison Birotte, Houston. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

WICKER, ALICE, 75, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003). Born in Cloverdale, Va., she moved to the Tampa area several years ago. She was a homemaker and a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include a son, Gerald Wicker, Tampa; two sisters, Rachel Fink, Cloverdale, Va., and Dalphine Redd, Silver Springs, Md.; and a brother, Lawrence Lovell, Cloverdale, Va. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.

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ALEXANDER, LEWIS H., 90, of Hudson, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Phippsburg, Maine, he came here in 1974 from Maine. He was a retired commercial fisherman and a Merchant Marine veteran. He was a member of the Trinity Church of the Nazarene, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Martha; a son, William, Hamilton, N.J.; two daughters, Kathryn Savage and Ruth Lennox, both of Hudson; two sisters, Virginia Titcomb, Spring Hill, and Albertina Thompson, Portland, Maine; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

DISHONG-GUARINO, ELLEN GENE, 59, of Hudson, died Thursday (Feb. 20, 2003) at home. Born in Detroit, she came here in 1986 from Ohio and was a homemaker. She was Christian. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Gilletley, Tipp City, Ohio; a son, Tim Dishong, Gloversville, N.Y.; two stepdaughters, Cathy and Mary Anna Guarino; four stepsons, Robert, Louis, Russell and John Guarino; two brothers, Frank Ainsworth, Portage, Ind., and Robert Ainsworth, Carlisle, Ind.; two sisters, Marnetta Maricle, Sterling Heights, Mich., and Emma Parsons, Troy, Ohio; and several grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

ELSHOLZ, HOWARD, 75, of Zephyrhills, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Hamtramck, Mich., he was a winter resident here since 1989 from Rudyard, Mich. He was a retired millwright at GM Truck and Bus in Flint, Mich., for 31 years and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Methodist. He was a life member at both the Bay City Scottish Rite Consistory and Cedar Lodge 60 F&AM. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Fay A.; two sons, Howard "Rusty" and Jeffery H., both of Clarkston, Mich.; a daughter, Terry L. Nordgaard, Grand Blanc, Mich.; two sisters, Hazel Carrier, Marysville, Mich., and Joyce Vennette, Zephyrhills; many nieces and nephews; and five grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

GONZALEZ, OVIDIA, 89, of Port Richey, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of Bayonet Point. Born in Guanica, Puerto Rico, she came here two years ago from Cape Coral. She was Pentecostal. Survivors include three sons, Juan R. Gonzalez, Puerto Rico; Walter Miranda, St. Petersburg; and Victor Vasquez, Tarpon Springs; six daughters, Maria Pelizza, Port Richey; Rosa Diaz, Brentwood, N.Y.; Maria Torres, Cape Coral; Nilda Gonzalez, Central Islip, N.Y.; Carmen Cardona, Titusville; and Isabel Torres, Medford, N.Y.; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

HOFFMANN, NAN B., 85, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Turtle Creek, Pa., she came here 20 years ago from Penn Hills, Pa. She was a homemaker and was a member of Gulf Highlands Civic Association and St. Mark's Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a brother, Joseph Ira Walton, Tuscon, Ariz.; and two nieces, Shirley Cole, Elizabeth, Pa., and Nancy Burger, Penn Township, Pa. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

JENSEN, CHRIS "JACK," 75, of Zephyrhills, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) in Dade City. Born in Sandwich, Ill., he came to this area in 1952 from Illinois. He owned an automotive paint and body shop. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Zephyrhills VFW Post 8154. Survivors include his son, Steve, Zephyrhills; a daughter, Jodee Sullivan, Orange, Calif.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

KAIDAN, HARRY, 85, of Zephyrhills, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) in Zephyrhills. Born in Detroit, he came here in 1977 from South Gate, Mich. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union and was an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Dearborn Lodge 172 F&AM, and was past commander South Gate, Mich. VFW Post 9283. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Helen; two daughters, Nancy Kaidan, Mena, Ariz., Tina Lowery, Grosse Ile, Mich.; a son, Daniel Paul Kaidan, Chester, N.J.; a sister, Kay Kmet, Marlette, Mich.; four grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

KNIPE, CLYDE P., 87, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home under the care of Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Born in Bethel, Ohio, he came here 25 years ago from Ravenna, Ohio. He was a printer at Kent State University and was an Army veteran of World War II, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He was a member and past president of New Port Richey Lions Club, a master Mason at the F&AM Lodge and a member of Community Congregational Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lois; a son, Charles, Saugus, Calif.; two daughters, Barbara Susan Kreisher, Jacksonville, and Claudia Ann Carner, Westerville, Ohio; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

KUCHARSKI, PHYLLIS J., 71, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came here 14 years ago from her native Milwaukee. She was a member of St. Josaphat Basilica, Milwaukee. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Arthur; a son, Michael, Oak Creek, Wis.; two daughters, Pamela Ostrowski, Caledonia, Wis., and Natalie McHugh, Milwaukee; a brother, Ted Pokrzywa, Pewaukee, Wis.; and four grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

MOREA, ROBERT V., 75, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in New York City, he came here nine years ago from Hicksville, N.Y. He was a mechanic for the U.S. Postal Service and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Calvary Chapel. Survivors include his wife, Bernadette; three daughters, Eileen Biedrzycki, Lake Mary; Laura Markou and Kathy Codella, both of New Port Richey; a son, Robert V. Morea Jr., Marietta, Ga.; and nine grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

MYER, RUTH M., 85, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Ann Arbor, Mich., she came here 12 years ago from Roscommon, Mich. She was a homemaker and a life member of the Roscommon VFW Auxiliary 4159. She was Lutheran. Survivors include her brother, Carl Grob, New Hudson, Mich.; several nieces and nephews including Gerald Grob, Saginaw, Mich. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

OATMAN, SAIMA, 93, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Southern Pines Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Crystal Falls, Mich., she came here two years ago from Green Bay, Wis. and was a homemaker. She was Lutheran. Survivors include three daughters, Phyllis Raterman, Dayton, Ohio; MaBelle Lancelle, Green Bay; and Geraldine Millheim, New Port Richey; a sister, Sylvia Rudis, Crystal Falls; 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

SLUSSER, JOHN CHARLES, 75, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. Born in Gary, Ind., he came here six years ago from Orlando. He was a cook and an Army veteran serving from 1946 to 1947. Survivors include four sons, Johnny Lee Allen, Goldam Johnson, and Bobby Joe Johnson, all of New Port Richey, and Tim Slusser, Jacksonville; two daughters, Brenda Fay Johnson and Mary Ellen Bowman, both of Orlando; two brothers and two sisters; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

WEYERBACHER, ADOLPH "SHORTY," 84, of Hudson, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Boonville, Ind., he came here 20 years ago from Detroit. He retired from General Motors Cadillac Division and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the VFW, AMVETS and American Legion. He was Protestant. Survivors include five sons, Joseph Weyerbacher, Lawrence Weyerbacher, and Don Wheatcraft, all of Indiana, Tom Wheatcraft and Richard Wheatcraft; two daughters, Christine Higginson, Tennyson, Ind., and Vickie Kerr, Canada; three sisters, Florence Barnett and Ethel Gore, both of Boonville, Ind., and Lillie Kelly, Akron, Ohio; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his companion, Barbara, New Port Richey. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home & Cemetery, Hudson.

WILKENS, FREDERICK CLYDE, 85, of Zephyrhills, died Saturday (Feb. 22, 2003) in Dade City. Born in Willard, N.Y., he came here in 1979 from Auburn, N.Y., and owned a plumbing and heating company. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was 0Episcopalian. Survivors include his wife, Ellen; a son, Stephen F., Zephyrhills; a daughter, Bette Ann Tucker, Skaneateles Falls, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

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Clearwater

ANDERSON, SAMUEL M., 73, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at home. He was born in Xenia, Ohio, and came here from Bellbrook, Ohio. He was a longtime teacher at Bellbrook Junior High School and a former manager of Sugarcreek Credit Union and former clerk at Sugarcreek Township, Ohio. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was a former member of Bellbrook United Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Douglas and Gregory, both Bellbrook; three daughters, Sandra Land, Dayton, Ohio, Kathryn Smith, Wadsworth, Ohio, and Gretchen Mitchell, Bellbrook; three brothers, Dr. Elston, Corpus Christi, Texas, Robert, Worchester, Pa., and Donald C., Xenia; three sisters, Nancy Jean Burns, Wayne, Pa., Dorothy Hein, Lenexa, Kan., and Elizabeth Anderson, Tampa; several nieces and nephews; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
BOOTH, JAMES HUBERT, 69, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He came here in 1976 from his native Lake Wales, Fla. He was a manager of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories. He was a 20-year Army veteran and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He receive meritorious service, commendation and achievement medals. Survivors include his wife, Marsha; three daughters, Kristine Krull, Oldsmar, Stephanie Balderas, Naples, Italy, and Susan Olds, Dover, Del.; a son, Scott Powers, Orlando; and four grandchildren. International Casket & Urn Gallery, Clearwater.
BROMAN, RAYMOND C., 86, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Bolton, Mass., and came here in 1957 from Kirkwood, N.Y. He was the retired owner-operator of a lawn service. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Edith; a son, Charlie "Cat," Clearwater; a stepson, Ronald Chalker, Old Town, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
COVEY, GLADYS J., 90, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Mariner Health of Belleair. He was born in Lawrence County, Ind., and came here in 1973 from Indiana. He was a member of Central Church of Christ. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
GOWDEY, CLARENCE W., 98, of Clearwater and Bloomingburg, N.Y., died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He had been a seasonal resident here since 1973 from his native Bloomingburg. He was a retired banker with the Bank of New York. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Clearwater and Lions Club, Middletown, N.Y. He was an avid dancer and gardener. Survivors include a son, Peter W. Gowdey, Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Donna Lou Tuthill, Palmdale, Calif.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Road Chapel, Clearwater.
GURDA, JEROME "JERRY," 61, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg. He came here in 1985 from his native Cleveland. He worked 11 years as an advertising director for Island Medical Automation, St. Petersburg. Survivors include a daughter, Debra J. Lewis, Crystal Lake, Ill.; two sons, Donald "Butch," McHenry, Ill., and David E., Crystal Lake; his mother, Margaret Gurda, Pinellas Park; a brother, Thomas, Austin, Texas; and two grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
HANCOCK, PAUL E., 74, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Westchester Gardens, Clearwater. He was born in Foster, Ky.. and came here in 1988 from Cincinnati. He worked 25 years for Ford Motor Co. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Faye; three sons, Roy, Bill and Keith, all of Kentucky; two daughters, Sherri Clay, Florida, and Denise Flowers, Georgia; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
THORLEY, MARY L., 73, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Integrated Health Services, Clearwater. She was born in Dover, Ohio, and came here in 1977 from Dellroy, Ohio. She was a homemaker and a Methodist. Survivors include two sons, Jerry L. and Gene, both of Clearwater; two sisters, Nelva Toot, Carrollton, Ohio, and Betty Leeper, Sherrodsville, Ohio; and two brothers, David Naylor, Sherrodsville, and Paul Naylor, Carrollton. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

Dunedin

BRYANT, EDNA E., 87, of Dunedin, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Nethers, Va., and came here in 1967 from Maryland. She was retired from the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company, Maryland. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dunedin and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 21. Survivors include two sons, Fred H., Newland, N.C., and Robert M., Dunedin; two daughters, Sandra Lee Giove, Ormond Beach, Fla., and Susan Diane Chamberlain, Largo; two sisters, Peggy Chapman, Standardsville, Va, and Kay Weakley, Charlottesville, Va.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.

Indian Rocks Beach

RYAN, PATRICIA, 65, of Indian Rocks Beach, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. Born in Presque Isle, Maine, she came here in 1989 from Baton Rouge, La., where she was a professional clown for 13 years and director of the Christian Clown Co. She served in the Air Force as a flight attendant with the Military Air Transport Service. She was a member of Harvest Temple Church in Largo. She was on the board of directors for Indian Rocks Beach Action 2000 and on the Beautification Board. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Barletter, and a son, Paul Neff, both of Baton Rouge; her mother, Phyllis Ryan, and a sister, Jean DuBois, both of Merrimac, Mass.; and two grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Largo

LEMKE, ROBERT E., 87, of Largo, died Saturday (Feb. 22, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. He came here in 1953 from his native Swanville, Minn. He was a retired owner-operator of Driftwood Apartments/Motel in Indian Rocks Beach. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He was Lutheran. He was active in Indian Rocks Beach city and community organizations, including the Indian Rocks Beach Historical Society, zoning board and was a past president of the civic association. He was a 33rd degree Mason and a member of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge 291, Madeira Beach, Scottish Rite Consistory, Tampa. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Helen, a son, James E., Largo; a daughter, Margaret Ann Rice, Seminole; a sister, Miriam Knutson, Little Falls, Minn.; two grandchildren, John P. Rice, Seminole, and Kathy Boswell, Washington, D.C.; and two great-grandchildren.
POLEY, MILDRED F., of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of Safety Harbor. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1972 from Cambria Heights, N.Y. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Ronald G., Ithaca, N.Y., and Kenneth G., Clearwater; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
RICHARZ, SHIRLEY ANN, 67, of Clearwater, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Highland Pines Rehabilitation Center, Clearwater. She came here in 1964 from her native Milwaukee. She was a church secretary at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clearwater. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Gerald; two sons, Frank Scott, Clearwater, and Jeffrey Jay, New Port Richey; and a brother, Frank Schiessl, Brown Deer, Wis. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.

Palm Harbor

SINGLETON, BRONWYN F., 82, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Manor Care Nursing Home, Palm Harbor. She was born in Brookville, Pa., and came here in 1984 from Manassas, Va. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor and a volunteer for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Bob; a son, Mark, Oak Ridge, Tenn.; a daughter, Sylvia Carlson, Gainesville; four brothers, Arthur Ferringer, Theodore Ferringer, Daniel Ferringer and Rueben Ferringer, all of Brookville; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.

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Seminole

HOFFMAN, JOHN E., 72, of Seminole, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Wrights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Largo. Born in Elton, Pa., he came here in 1969 from Erie, Pa. He was a data supervisor for GTE for more than 35 years in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a past president and member of the Seminole Lions Club, serving as chairman of its sight and vision committee and receiving the club's highest honor, the Melvin Jones Award. He was a charter member of the Pioneers Telephone Club. He was Methodist. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Audrey; two sons, Mark A., New York City, and Scott D., Seminole; two daughters, Denise L. Wedding, Pinellas Park, and Jean L. Berry, Seminole; and two grandchildren. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and Cemetery, Seminole.
KRZAN, FLORENCE C., 73, of Seminole, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Tandem Health Care. She came here in 1967 from her native Chicago. She worked as an office clerk. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Casimir; three sons, Michael, Santee, Calif., Richard, Seminole, and David, Ocala; a daughter, Linda Bass, Wesley Chapel; and two sisters, Lorraine Garest and Lillian Pontiac, both of Las Vegas. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Tarpon Springs

ANKROM, RICHARD W., 71, of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (Feb. 24, 2003) at home. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, where he retired from a career as a police officer. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and a Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; two sons, Robert, Tarpon Springs, and Jerry, Safety Harbor; a daughter, Minda Moore, Largo; a sister, Sue Redmond, Sour Lake, Texas; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.
WILLIAMS, ANTHONYE, 30, of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (Feb. 17 , 2003) at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Dunedin and a member of Church of Christ, Safety Harbor. Survivors include his mother, Mae C. Saunders, Tarpon Springs; his father, Larry Coleman, Clearwater; five brothers, William Saunders, New Port Richey, Jeremy Saunders, Holiday, Lemont Porter, Deron Coleman and Larry Coleman Jr., all of Clearwater; three sisters, Dedire Saunders, Katrina Coleman and Stephanie Coleman, all of Clearwater; grandfathers, Charlie Cook and Herman Taylor, both of Tarpon Springs; grandmother, Geraldine Taylor, Tarpon Springs; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Serenity Memorial Funeral Home, Crystal River.
WINTERHALTER, MILDRED E., 92, of Tarpon Springs, died Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2003) at Manor Care, Palm Harbor. She was born in Franklin Township, Pa., and moved here in 1996 from Scotch Plains, N.J. She was a former member of Scotch Plains Methodist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Jane Isaacs, Tarpon Springs, and Susan Clark, Lees Summit Mo.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorial Funeral Home, Fanwood, N.J.

Madeira Beach

BURTON, MARGARET, 94, of Madeira Beach, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. Born in Bryan, Ohio, she came here in 1960 from Defiance, Ohio. She was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include a son, Gene R. Hutchins, Franklin, N.C.; a daughter, Sondra L. Hale, Inglewood, Calif.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

LY, CHI, 62, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, she came here in 1997 from Wayne, Pa. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. Survivors include three daughters, Quyen Carter, Wayne, Lisa Diep, Stratford, Pa., and Nguyet Mach, St. Petersburg; three sons, Dong Ly, Philadelphia, Hung Ly, Belair, Md., and Thuyen Ly, St. Petersburg; three brothers; and 10 grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SCALZO, JOSEPH J., 81, of Cushing, Maine, formerly of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003) at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Rockport, Maine. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 37 years in his native Rochester, N.Y. He came here in 1979 after retiring as postal supervisor and moved to Rockland in 2001. He served with the 1896th Engineer Aviation Battalion during World War II and earned the rank of sergeant. He was a member and legislative advocate of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Survivors include a son, Eugene J., Owls Head, Maine; a stepson, Anthony Zello, Rochester; a granddaughter; and two great-granddaughters. Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland, Maine.

St. Petersburg

BARKO, JOHN J., 64, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home. Born in Pennsylvania, he came here in 1987 from Rocky River, Ohio. He was an insurance underwriter and an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Patricia; a son, Shawn, and a daughter, Gayle, both of St. Petersburg. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
BARLOW, WILLIAM EDMUND "RED," 73, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. A native of St. Petersburg, he graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1948 and earned an associate degree from St. Petersburg Junior College. He worked for the Clearwater Sun and the St. Petersburg Times for 10 years, then retired from the Suncoast News as circulation manager for its west Florida papers. He served in the Army Reserve from 1949 to 1966 and on the board of Love and Care Nonprofit Animal Association for 15 years. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Nelda; two daughters, Bonnie Barlow and Sally Kebler, and four sons, Marc, Scott, William and Stuart, all of St. Petersburg; a sister, Dorothy Leavengood, Redington Beach; a brother, Floyd, Seminole; and four grandchildren. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
DEMOSKI, MICHAEL, 86, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Manor Care Health Services. Born in Jersey City, N.J., he came here in 1981 from Philadelphia. He was a horticulturist. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include a son, Michael, Brewster, N.Y. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
DRIS, PETER, 91, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. Born in Greece, he came here in 1966 from New York City. He was an electrical inspector in New York City and St. Petersburg, retiring in 1976. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the American Legion and the Civil Air Patrol. Survivors include a son, Dr. Stephen, Cape Coral; a daughter, Anne Lawler, St. Petersburg; a sister, Frances Kappas, New York; and three grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory-49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
GONZALEZ, MARIO, 88, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, he came here in 1973 from Long Island, N.Y. He was a retired factory worker, an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Church of the Transfiguration. Survivors include three sons, Mario Jr., Horby, Sweden, Allan, Roanoke, Va., and James, St. Petersburg; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
GROSSE, MARY E., 86, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. Born in Salina, Ohio, she came here in 1977 from Buffalo, N.Y. She was a retail salesperson. She was Lutheran. Survivors include two sons, William Grosse, Largo, and David L. White, Buffalo; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
JOHNSON, CHARLES ARTHUR, 66, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Kenova, W.Va., he came here in 1993. He was an Air Force veteran. Survivors include two sons, James and Anthony, both of Kenova; two daughters, Jamie Mullins, Kenova, and Megan Johnson, West Allis, Wis.; his mother, Pauline Sperry, Kenova; and a grandchild. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
KOPEC, EVELYN A., 88, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Edward White Hospital. Born in Braddock, Pa., she came here in 1969 from Hobart, Ind. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Thomas Morgan, Las Vegas; a daughter, Mildred Bolinger, St. Petersburg; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
LIND, ARTHUR W. "ART," 90, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Treasure Island, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. A retired Columbus, Ohio, firefighter, he was Treasure Island fire chief for 11 years, retiring in 1975. He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 67, Magnolia Masonic Lodge 20, Scottish Rite, Fireman's Masonic Club, American Society of Safety Engineers, American Legion Southway Post 144, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2550 and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1912. Survivors include several nieces and nephews; and a caregiver, Alice Hegwood, Treasure Island. Maeder-Quint-Tiberi Funeral Home, Columbus, Ohio.
MULLINS, LULU, 85, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Littleton, W.Va., she came here in 1970 from Indian Head, Md. She was a civil service clerk in St. Petersburg. She was Catholic. Survivors include two stepsons, Jon Mullins, Plano, Texas, and William Mullins, Waldorf, Md.; and a brother, Carl Marshall Sr., Littleton. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
POORMAN, WAYNE EUGENE, 73, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at home. Born in Fort Wayne, Ind., he came here in 1987 from Tiffin, Ohio. Survivors include three sons, Wayne R., Clearwater, Mike, Wellington, Colo., and Ken, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Gloria "Sue", St. Petersburg; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
STEFANOVICH, THEODORE B., 75, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Feb. 23, 2003) at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa. He came here several years ago from his native Homestead, Pa. He was an automobile mechanic and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include two sisters, Pearl Zyzanski and Helen Cralbowski, both of Lansing, Mich. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
TRAN, HOANG MINH, 62, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Edward White Hospital. He came here in 1994 from his native Vietnam. He was a general in the South Vietnamese Army for 13 years, fighting with U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Minh Tam Temple. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Hai Thi; five sons, Dung, Hung, Son, Long and Vu, all of St. Petersburg; three daughters, Anh Hoang Tran, Anh To Tran and Anh Lan Tran, all of St. Petersburg; four brothers, Mang, Vietnam, Man and Tuyet, both of St. Petersburg, and Tong, Atlanta; and five grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Treasure Island

MOSSNER, HEINZ HERMAN, 73, of Treasure Island, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at home. Born in Germany, he came here in 1999 from Detroit, where he was an interior decorator and wallpaper hanger. He played soccer for nearly 35 years in Brotzingen, Germany, and enjoyed fishing. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Ruth; two daughters, Gudrun M. Hite, Sterling Heights, Mich., and Marion E. Gimmilliaro, Germany; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.