St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BUSH, MARY ELIZABETH, 81, of Homosassa, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at home under the care of family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Homer, Mich., she came here two years ago from Bradenton. She was a retired child educator in the daycare industry and a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Richard, Plainwell, Mich.; six daughters, Catherine Grace, Homosassa, Shirley Perkins, Grand Rapids, Mich., Elizabeth Yoak, Niwot, Colo., Ellen Bush, Lawton, Mich., Sarah Keiser, Livonia, Mich., and Patricia Harshbarger, Bradenton; three brothers, Maurice Benham, Homer, Mich., George Benham, Apache Junction, Ariz., and Frank Benham, Laingsburg, Mich.; two sisters, Louise Bartell, Sarasota, and Ruth Pulsipher, Battle Creek, Mich.; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

HUGHES, ELSIE, 80, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Cypress Cove Care Center, Crystal River. Born in the Bahamas, she came here four years ago from Mount Angel, Ore. She was a retired registered nurse and Protestant. Survivors include her son, Robert Bruce, Portland, Ore.; two brothers, George Bruce, Crystal River, and Herbert Bruce, Seminole; several nephews and nieces; and three grandchildren. Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, Crystal River.

KENNEDY, CAPT. ROBERT WARREN, 76, of Crystal River, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Cypress Cove Care Center, Crystal River. Born in Riverside, R.I., he came here 32 years ago from Annadale, Va. He served in the Navy and was a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He taught math and helped to found the Navy Jr. ROTC at Crystal River High School and was Plant Engineer for Florida Power Crystal River Nuclear Plant from 1978-80. He was a former scout master for Troup 407, and a member of Crystal River Civitan Club, Retired Teachers Association, Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, and a member of United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife of 53 year; Susan; five sons, William, Fairfax, Va., James, Crystal River, Matthew, Sterling, Va., David, Manchester, N.J., and Andrew, Lecanto; two sisters, Barbara Stone, Imperial Beach, Calif., and Francis Wood, Dundee; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

LaFRENIERE, ROBERT, 90, of Holder, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) in Holder. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1964 from Huntington, N.Y. He was a retired chiropractor in private practice for 30 years in Jamaica, N.Y. He was a former member of the Lions Club and member of the First Baptist Church, Ocala. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Marre; three sons, Kenneth E. LaFreniere, South Plainfield, N.J., Stephen J. LaFreniere, Longwood, and Scott Bissell, Nashville, Tenn.; two daughters, Vicki Mulhearn, Gainesville, and Stacey Lang, New Market, Md.; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

LANTZ, WANDA ELLEN, 82, of Lecanto and Largo, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) in Largo. She came here 23 years ago from her native Lantz, W. Va. She was a member of Gertrude Chapel Church and attended Gulf to Lake Church, Crystal River. Survivors include a brother, Ernest Lantz, Lantz, W. Va. ; a step-daughter, Linda Vaughn, Largo; two grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

MACKENZIE, THOMAS MUNRO, 83, of Inverness, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he came here nine years ago from St. Augustine. He retired after 20 years with the New York City Transit Authority. He was an Army veteran of World War II, an avid fisherman and Protestant. Survivors include a son, George, and a daughter, Susan Lee, both of Inverness; a sister, Betty Okerstrom, Amityville, N.Y.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

MCLEAN, JOHN D., 79, of Floral City, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Portageville, Mo., he came here 20 years ago from Mount Morris, Mich. He was a retired pipe fitter with 30 years of service for General Motors Corporation, a Navy veteran of World War II and Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

MONTELEONE, MARIE B., 64, of Beverly Hills, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at home under the care of her husband and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here in 1989 from Freeport, N.Y. She was an anesthetist at Sever Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River and an Air Force veteran. She was past president of Citrus Springs Ladies Golf Association and a member of Certified Registered Nurses Association and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Peter; a son, Peter, Queens, N.Y.; two brothers, John Russo, Malvern, N.Y., and Carl Russo, East Northport, N.Y.; and a sister, Frances Anselmo, Bloomsberg, N.Y. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness.

OGLE, STEVEN MICHAEL, 53, fo Dunnellon, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) in Ocala. A native of Ocala, he was a railroad construction worker and a Army veteran of Vietnam. He as a member of the Paralyzed Veterans Association, DAV of Dunnellon, VFW Post 4864, Citrus Springs, and Riverland Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Martha; three sons, Michael, Beaumont, Texas, Wayne, Belleview, and James, Dunnellon; two daughters, Amber Dollar, Dunnellon, and Jessie Shales, Palatka; his mother, Elizabeth Miner Ogle, Sun City Center; and two grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inverness.

TAVERNA, VITO J., 83, of Inverness, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Regabuto, Italy, he was a hair stylist at The Lolly Pop in Queens, N.Y. He was a member of Knights of Columbus 6391 and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Jean; a daughter, Vita Morea, Smithtown, N.Y.; two sons, Ralph and Anthony, both of Buffalo, N.Y.; three step-children, Frank Colaci, Citrus Springs, Irene Giana, West Babylon, N.Y., and William Colaci, Manhasset, N.Y.; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness.

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CUNNINGHAM, ANNA J., 84, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Heron Pointe Health and Rehab, Brooksville. Born in Winchendon, Mass., she came here 26 years ago from Sterling, Mass. She was a homemaker. Survivors include four sons, James, Maine, Roy, Massachusetts, David, Connecticut, and Thomas; a daughter, Shirley Cunningham, Brooksville; a brother, Herbert Murphy, Winchendon; a sister, Alice Clevelan, Leominster, Mass.; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Turner Funeral and Cremation Center, Spring Hill.

JACOBY, DOROTHY, 84, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Feb. 22, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Johnstown, Pa., she came here several years ago from Johnstown. Survivors include her daughter, Dorothy McDermott, Spring Hill. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

McELLIGOTT, IRENE V., 96, of Brooksville, died Sunday (Feb. 23, 2003) at home. Born in Traverse City, Mich., she came here 28 years ago from Chicago. She was a founder of the Spring Hill Senior Citizens Enrichment Club. She was involved in the community and was a member of ARC. She was Catholic. Survivors include five nieces, Joyce Fix, LaGrange Park, Ill., Dawn Wilk, Illinois, Nancy Little, Palos Heights, Ill., Reen Kent, Kalamazoo, Mich. and Deanne Whitten, Brooksville; many great-nieces and nephews; and many great-great-nieces and nephews. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

PEINIGER, MARIE, 91, formerly of Brooksville, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Integrated Health Services, Orlando. Born in Chicago, she moved to Orlando after 20 years in the Spring Hill and Brooksville area. She was a retired school teacher and former member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. Survivors include three daughters, Diane Brandley, Hope Valley, R.I., Sharon Salcedo, Mexico City, and Judi Rudolph, Lakeland; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville.

TEWS, ROBERT A., 81, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1981 from North Lake, Ill. He was retired from Western Electric, a Navy veteran of World War II, and Lutheran. He was a member of Aripeka Elks Lodge 2520, Providence Masonic Lodge 711, Tarpon Springs Moose Lodge 1429, and American Legion Post 684, Chicago. He was former president of Telephone Pioneers of America and active with Talking Books for the Blind and Hug-A-Bears. Survivors include his wife, Marionette; a sister, Ethel Jensen, Elmwood Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

THOMPSON, RALPH EDWIN, 81, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville. Born in Superior, Wis., he came here 10 years ago from Caledonia, N.Y. He was a retired researcher for Ansul Chemical, Hooker Chemical and Jones Chemical companies. He was a member of Caledonia Lions Club, a former singer with the Barber Shop Choir, and Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, E. Virginia; two sons, Kenneth, Quechee, Vt.,, and Charles, Roundbeach, Ill.; two daughters, Karen Roberts, Camarillo, Calif., and Carol Moffitt, Honeyoye Falls, N.Y.; a brother, Donald, Randolph, Wis.; a sister, Jane, Madison, Wis.; and seven grandchildren. Turner Funeral Home, Brooksville.

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DOUCETTE, RICHARD J., 78, of Seffner, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at University Community Hospital. He moved to the Tampa area from Connecticut four years ago. He was a U.S. Army veteran and an executive for Malnove Inc. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Ann; two sons, Thomas and Tedd; three daughters, Daria Dow, Marylisa Therrien and Amybeth Zolton; a brother, Robert; two sisters, Janet Mazzone and Marcella Allaire; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

FABER, ANTON L., 79, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Edris M.; and two sisters, Dr. Ada Akkerman-Faber and Loes Pechar-Faber. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

GIBBS, LEOTA, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Survivors include two daughters, Norma Gaskill and JoAnn Harden; a brother, Duane Nisse; two sisters, Virginia Wellman and Barbara DeMuth, both of Michigan; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, Tampa.

KENYON, ANA, 81, of Temple Terrace, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). A native of Puerto Rico, she moved to Temple Terrace from Elmira, N.Y., in 1977. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Lashiew and Brenda Backsman; a son, Warren; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. C.E. Prevatt Funeral Home, Temple Terrace.

LANZA, JOSEPH C., 90, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Mercedes; a son, Oscar; two daughters, Laura Lopez and Barbara Lanza; and seven grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

LIVESAY, BARBARA JEAN, 71, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Born in Detroit, she she moved to the Tampa area from Michigan in 1977. Survivors include five sons, Ed, Tim, Dave, Patrick and Michael; three daughters, Barbara, Carol and Karen; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

ROBERTSON, RAYMOND W., 81, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). He retired after a civil service career. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth Cox, Indianapolis; three grandsons; and five great-grandchildren. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

SKINNER, ASALEA "LEE," 68, of Tampa, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Survivors include two daughters, Denise Hendricks and Dianna Alverson; and five grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, Tampa.

TAVAREZ, SAMUEL, SR., 73, of Valrico, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, he was a longtime resident of the Tampa area. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the the Korean War. He was a member of First Hispanic Church of Brandon. Survivors include his wife, Jovita; two sons, Samuel Jr. and Evel; two daughters, Eva Diaz and Carmen Rivera; a brother, Juan Ramon; two sisters, Loida Reyes and Gloria Concepcion; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

THOMAS, LUCY DICORTE, 80, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). She was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. Survivors include a daughter, Judy A. Howard; a brother, David DiCorte, New Port Richey; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, Tampa.

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AUSTIN, SARAH S., 91, of Hudson, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Missouri, she came here a year ago from Lakeland. She received a master's of education degree from Michigan State University and was a teacher. She was a member of PEO and First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a son, Bram Smith, New Port Richey; a daughter, Cinda Wells, Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Bill Bramer, Kansas City; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

COSTA, JOHN, 88, of Port Richey, died Sunday (Feb. 23, 2003) at home. Born in New York City, he came here 16 years ago from Mount Sinai, N.Y. He was the former owner of an automobile repair shop and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his son, John Jr., High Point, N.C.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

FLAGG, DONALD EARL, 84, of Hudson, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Augusta, Maine, he was an engineer for a telephone company. He was an Army veteran of World War II. A graduate of Boston University, he was first president of Southeast Chapter of 10th Mountain Division; a member of Masonic Lodge, Auburn, Maine; Royal Arch Masons, Portland, Maine; and Kora Shrine Temple, Lewiston, Maine. He was an avid golfer who shot two hole-in-ones in 1999. Survivors include a sister, Elinor Rowe, New Port Richey; a niece; two grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

FLOOD, BERNICE RUTH, 78, of Port Richey, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. Born in Sneedville, Tenn., she came here 28 years ago from Detroit. She was an administrator for a nursing home, an avid golfer with many tournament honors and holes-in-one, and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. Survivors include a husband, James; two sons, Bill Yocum, Andersonville, Tenn., and Jim Flood, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Patricia Row, Oak Ridge, Tenn.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hudson.

HANCE, FLORENCE M., 94, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Feb. at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Edwards, N.Y., she came to Florida in 1971 from Elmira, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of Orange Lake Village, Largo. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Perkins, Diamond Bar, and Beverly McConnell, New Port Richey; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Home, Serenity Gardens Chapels, Largo.

OSMAN-HENDERSON, PAMELA SUE, 50, of Tarpon Springs, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home. Born in Kalamazoo, Mich., she came here a year ago from Houston. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Chapel Worship Center, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, Terry; a daughter, Tonia Bodon, Tarpon Springs; her mother, Juanita Osman, New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

PYNE, MARY E., 94, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (March 1, 2003) at Madison Pointe Rehab and Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Warren, N.Y., she came here in 1978 from Yonkers, N.Y. She was a registered nurse and Catholic. Survivors include a niece and a caretaker, Virgina MacDonald, Little Egg Harbor, N.J. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

WHYTOCK, RICHARD, 82, of Holiday, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. Born in Perth, Scotland, he came here four years ago from Tarrytown, N.Y. He was an inspector for General Motors, Tarrytown. He was a member of the Church of England. Survivors include a sister, Margaret Dollery, Perth; several nieces and nephews; and his caretaker, Mary Grieve, Holiday. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

YACKULIC, GEORGE L., 82, of Holiday, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Gulfside Regional Hospice House. Born in Czechoslavakia, he came here in 1982 from Pompton Plains, N.J. He retired after more than 20 years as a machine shop supervisor for Edwards Engineering Co., Pompton Plains. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Fr. Farrell Council 6476, DAV Post 78 and NOTR "RATS" 540, both of New Port Richey, Holiday Lakes Estates Civic Association, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helen; a son, George, Pompton Plains; two daughters, Joan Parise, Sun Prairie, Wis., and Barbara Verrone, Fairlawn, N.J.; and six grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.

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Clearwater

COVEY, GLADYS J., 90, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Mariner Health of Belleair. She was born in Lawrence County, Ind., and came here in 1973 from Indiana. She was a member of Central Church of Christ. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
DECASSERES, KEITH DUDLEY, 92, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Feb. 23, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica and came here in 1975 from Jamaica. He was a lawyer and a member of Countryside Christian Center, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Richard, Toronto; two daughters, Rosalie Bell, England, and Marjorie Temme, Clearwater; a brother, Trevor, British Columbia; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. International Casket and Urn Gallery, Clearwater.
HERNDON, WILLIAM L., 87, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at University Community Hospital-Carrollwood. He was born in Lookout, W.Va., and came here in 1960 from Oak Hill, W.Va. He retired after 20 years of service as a refrigeration engineer for H.P. Hood & Sons, Dunedin. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Ellen; five daughters, Barbara C. Herndon, Mary Beth Herndon and Marcia D. Campbell, all of Tampa, Norma J. Callaham, Lake Wales, and Joyce E. Baumgartner, New Port Richey; two brothers, Clarence, Oak Hill, and Milton, Charleston, W.Va.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
MORRISON, MARY DIANE, 70, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Cairo, W.Va., and came here in 1956 from Clarksburg and Weston, W.Va. She was a homemaker and an active 40-year member of Lakeview Baptist Church, Clearwater. Survivors include her husband of 27 years, Joe; a daughter, Mary Fees, Tempe, Ariz.; a son, Raybon Cole, Clearwater; a stepdaughter, Becky Mowen, Clearwater; two stepsons, Don and Randy Morrison, both of Clearwater; a sister, Marilyn Ziegler, Surprise, Ariz.; a brother, Leon D. Robinson, Longmont, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
O'BRIEN, EFFIE H., 82, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She came here several years ago from her native Virginia and was a bookkeeper. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Mary Zier, Bellevue, Ky. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
STURGIS, DOROTHY W., 87, of Clearwater, died Monday (Feb. 24, 2003) at Mariner Healthcare of Clearwater. She was born in Plainfield, N.J, and came here in 1982 from Richmond, Va. She is a homemaker and a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Largo. Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis S. McCarthy, Ellenton; and two grandsons, Wayne Hoyle, St. Pete Beach, and Edwin Hoyle, Arlington, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, Largo.
WARDWELL, PHYLLIS NASON, 70, of Clearwater and Orland, Maine, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Brewer, Maine, and was a winter resident of Clearwater for 30 years. She was a retired secretary in the oil industry. She was a member of Orland United Methodist Church and a past Worthy Matron and past District Deputy of Order of the Eastern Star Riverside Chapter, Orland. She was a volunteer for the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Orland. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Raymond W.; two daughters, Deborah J. Boretsky, Columbus, Ga., and Dianna J. Pecic, Alexandria, Va.; her mother, Elsie Nason; three grandchildren, Heather Pecic, Denver, and Adam and Andy Boretsky, both of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Dunedin

DENNIS, HAZEL I., 83, of Dunedin, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Mease Continuing Care, Dunedin. She was born in Aaronsburg, Pa., and came here in 1979 from Williamsport, Pa. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Palms, Palm Harbor. Survivors include a son, Kim A. Ramin, Pennsylvania; a stepson, William H. Dennis, Pennsylvania; a daughter, Donna Williams, Dunedin; a stepdaughter, Ann L. Jackson, Pennsylvania; a sister, Edna Eberhart, Dunedin; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.
JENKINS, MARGARET W., 93, of Dunedin, died Monday (Feb. 24, 2003) at Manor Care Dunedin. She was born in Taylor, Pa., and came here several years ago from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three brothers, Daniel Jenkins, Clearwater, Arthur V. Jenkins, Palm Desert, Calif., and David S. Jenkins, Sandpoint, Idaho; a sister, Dana Carroll Davies, Virginia; 11 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

Largo

ROMANIAK, FRANK J., 86, of Largo, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He came here in 1973 from his native Chicago. He was a retired district manager for Prudential Inusrance Co. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Largo, and American Legion, Chicago. Survivors include a son, Walter L., La Grange, Ill.; a daughter, Jeanette Mentzer, Largo; two brothers, Ted, Lisle, Ill., and Ed, Mercer, Wis.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.

Oldsmar

BELOTE, EDWARD TEETSELL, 81, of Oldsmar, died Friday (Feb. 21, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Painter, Va., and came here in 1948 from Stratford, Conn. He retired as chief aircraft inspector for Hangar One, now Raytheon, Tampa, in 1988. He was a private pilot and former captain in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a member of Florida Suncoast MG Car Club, and the Veteran Motor Club of America, Road Runners Chapter. Survivors include a son, Monte, Tampa, a brother, Philip, Dunedin; and a grandson, Jacob Belote, Tampa. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Palm Harbor

CONRAD, CARL A., 94, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Jan. 30, 2003) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. He was born in Philadelphia and came here in the 1980s. He was a retired executive for AT&T, New York, and a graduate of Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and an avid golfer and traveler. Survivors include a son Richard, Vermont; and two grandchildren, Russell Conrad and Eleanor, both of Thailand. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
FOLEY, AILEEN JOHNSON, 76, of Palm Harbor, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at home. She was born in Pikeville, Ky. and came here in 1979 from Dayton, Ohio. She worked as a sales clerk for Publix and was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include a son, Tim, Palm Harbor, a daughter, Debbie Willoughby, Palm Harbor; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
PRUITT, ELEANOR BERYL, 85, of Palm Harbor, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Countryside Health Care Center, Palm Harbor. She was born in Maple Ridge, Mich., and came here in 1978 from Flint, Mich. She was a homemaker a member of Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor and Order of the Eastern Star and was an avid golfer. Survivors include Roy J; three sons, Thomas, Sarasota, William, Reed City, Mich., and John, Del Rio, Texas; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
SCOWCROFT, ROBERT L., 84, of Palm Harbor died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Providence, R.I., and came here in 1983 from North Hollywood, Calif. He was a retired sales manager for several national companies and owned and operated a business with his wife. He was a Marine Corps fighter pilot during World War II, served as a flight instructor during the Korean conflict and retired with the rank of major in 1959. Survivors include a daughter, Marcia Scowcroft, Needham, Mass.; a brother, Milton Q., Mount Pleasant, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
VAN KEUREN, RICHARD J., "RICK," 49, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and came here in 1994 from New York. He was an air conditioner repairman for Bank of America, a member of the Christian Science Church and an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Sandi; his parents, Wallace P. and Edele, Plattsmouth, Neb.; three brothers, Glen, Plattsmouth, and Todd and David, both of Omaha, Neb.; and a sister, Denise, Omaha. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.

Tarpon Springs

OSMAN-HENDERSON, PAMELA SUE, 50, of Tarpon Springs, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at home. She was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., and came here a year ago from Houston. She was a homemaker and member of Calvary Chapel Worship Center, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, Terry G. Henderson; a daughter, Tonia May Bodon, Tarpon Springs; her mother, Juanita Osman, New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

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Kenneth City

BARBIERI, LUCY, 85, of Kenneth City, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at home. Born in Newark, N.J., she came to this area in 1976 from Pine Brook, N.J. She was a homemaker. She was member of Transfiguration Catholic Church and Sons of Italy John Paul I Lodge 2427. She was a volunteer at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Survivors include a daughter, Rosemarie Dymkowski, Kenneth City; a son, Dominic Barbieri, Canton, Ga.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

ROBINSON, JOSEPH "ALEC," 85, of Pinellas Park, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute, St. Petersburg. Born in New Castle, England, he came here in 1983 from Chicago. He retired from Western Electric after more than 30 years. He was a member of St. Gile's Episcopal Church in Pinellas Park and was an avid golfer. Survivors include a niece, Joan Duich, Pinellas Park; and a nephew, George Robinson, Chicago Ridge, Ill. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

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 36 years, Patricia; and a son, Shawn, and a daughter, Gayle, both of St. Petersburg. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
FULWOOD, CARRIE, 85, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (March 1, 2003) at home under hospice care. She came here in 1967 from her native Olanta, S.C. She was a homemaker and a child care provider. Survivors include a son, Charles Fulwood, Washington, D.C.; two brothers, William Rose, Washington, D.C., and Wilbur Moore, Florida; a sister, Frances Brown, Sumter, S.C.; three grandchildren, Jacquelyn Olivis, St. Petersburg, Reginald Fulwood, Boca Raton, and Kamil Fulwood, New Jersey; and three great-grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
LEE, EULA MAE, 67, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg. She came here in 1955 from her native Calvary, Ga. She was a domestic worker in private homes and a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include six sons, Roger "Pic" Lee, Tampa, Adolph Conley, Derrick Lee, Michael Lee, and Stephen Tuton, all of St. Petersburg, and Terry Lee, Calvary; three daughters, Sandea Tombs, Tallahassee, and AlJean Bryant and Yvette "Diane" Lee, both of St. Petersburg; two brothers, C.W. Sims, Bainbridge, Ga., and Albert Lee, Fort Pierce; a sister, Virginia Baker, Asbury Park, N.J.; 24 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
LITTLE, THELMA MAE, 67, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. Born in Wantage Township, N.J., she came here in 1982 from Franklin, N.J. She worked for a baby clothing manufacturer. She was Christian. Survivors include two daughters, Victoria Jean Hyde, St. Petersburg, and Valarie Fritts, Pinellas Park; a son, John Little, Seminole; two sisters, Marian Dickerson, Zephyrhills, and Marla Jarosh, Wesley Chapel; two brothers, Roger Matthews, Sussex, N.J., and Theodore Mathews, Monroe, N.C.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
SCOTT, LOTTIE MAE, 73, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg. Born in Waycross, Ga., she came here in 1950 from Daytona Beach. She attended Gibbs High School and worked in food service at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. She was a housekeeper at VA Medical Center at Bay Pines for 23 years, retiring in 1991. She also worked for Neighborly Senior Services. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she served on the hospitality committee and was a member of the prayer group. She was a member of the Legion of Mary and the auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She received the St. Jude the Apostle Award in 2001. Survivors include three sons, Edward C. Scott, Elton R. Scott and Ricardo Harris, all of St. Petersburg; five daughters, Estrilia Merry and Evonnie Frazier, both of St. Petersburg, Deloris Scott, Clearwater, Felicia Y. Keys, Brandon, and Tracey Merritt Cruickshank, Pinellas Park; and 16 grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
SCUSSEL, DAVID WILSON, 55, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg, of heart failure. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1960 from Land O'Lakes. A 1965 graduate of St. Pete Catholic High School, he earned his master's degree in economics from the University of Florida in 1969. He served in the Peace Corps from 1970 to 1973 in Peru. He was vice president of development for Bruce Williams Homes. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Jeanne Trudeau; two daughters, Beth Scussel and Katie Scussel; a brother, John, Land O'Lakes; and a sister, Gloria Mix, Ocilla, Ga. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth St. Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SMITH, GLENNA BOWMAN, 85, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg. Born in Nepaug, Conn., she came here in 1972 from Utica, N.Y. She was an educator in Massachusetts, New York and at Bay Pointe Elementary School in St. Petersburg. She was a member of the Florida Sandpipers Club. Survivors include two sons, Hugh C. Smith and Donald Smith, both of Lakeland; three daughters, Cynthia B. Jerome, Golden Valley, Ariz., Frances Judd, Terre Haute, Ind., and Nancy Burrel, Natick, Mass.; a brother, Roy Bowman, St. Petersburg; 14 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
SMITH, MARY E., 79, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg. She came here from her native Georgia. She was a domestic worker. Survivors include a daughter, Deloris Harrison, Long Island, N.Y.; and 12 grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
MAYS, THERESA A., 53, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was a St. Petersburg native. She was a legal secretary in Clearwater and was Christian. Survivors include a daughter, Tracy Sams Buchanan, and a brother, Robert Mays, both of Largo; and a sister, Marian Henson, Seminole. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and Cemetery, Seminole.
MEYERS, JOSEPH F. "JOE," 77, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg. He came here in 1948 from his native Brooklyn, N.Y. He retired as a manager at Buster Brown Shoe Store in St. Petersburg and a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Survivors include three sisters, Sister Marie Damian and Virginia Schaefer, both of Bradenton, and Alice Meyers, St. Petersburg. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MOORE, LILLIAN, 82, of Brush, Colo., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003) at Sunset Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Dawson, Ga. She retired as a food service manager. She was a member of Clearview Baptist Church in St. Petersburg and enjoyed gardening. Survivors include a son, Andrew Glenn Jr., Lithia; a daughter, Anne Schill, Bailey, Colo.; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
RACKLEY, HARRY J., 71, of Inverness, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2003). He was born in Delaware, Ind., moved to St. Petersburg from Cincinnati in 1958 and moved to Citrus County in 1965. 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 an elder, property committee chairman, corporate officer and Bible study teacher at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. 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 Rackley, Hernando, Don Roberts, Lillian, Ala., and Dick Roberts, Mexico; and four grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.
VERWHOLT, FLORENCE S., of Fort Lauderdale, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Feb. 27, 2003). Born in New Haven, Conn., she lived in St. Petersburg for 33 years and recently moved to Fort Lauderdale. She was the office administrator at Royal Palms Funeral Home in St. Petersburg. Survivors include a daughter, Nancy A. Whalen, Plantation. National Cremation Society, Fort Lauderdale.

Seminole

MILLS, THOMAS PAUL, 58, of Seminole, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. Born in Union City, Mich., he came here in 1976 from Coldwater, Mich. He was a real estate broker and owned Century 21 -- Mills First Real Estate. He also owned Mills Title Inc., Mills Appraisal Inc. and Mills Mortgage Inc. He was a past member of the Suncoast Board of Realtors. He was a founding member of the Christian Broadcast Network and a member of Pathways Community Church. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Sharon L.; five daughters, Kimberly Mills, Dover, N.J., Debra Truex, Bronson, Mich., Valerie King, Coldwater, and Cathy Standberg and Kimber Sawicki, both of Seminole; two sisters, Debra Bolawski, Bronson, and Theresa Mills, Coldwater; three brothers, Pat, Coldwater, Mike, Marshall, Mich., and Bruce, Hamtramck, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.