St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

ALDEN, MARY ELLEN, 76, of Floral City, died Monday (March 10, 2003) at Citrus Health and Rehab, Inverness. Born in Atlanta, she came to Citrus County 30 years ago from Hialeah. She was a nursing assistant at Hialeah Hospital for 15 years. Survivors include two sons, George, Merritt Island, and Augustus Jr., Canadaigua, N.Y.; two daughters, Theresa Temes and Lynda Luc, both of Floral City; a sister, Virginia Akins, McDonugh, Ga.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

APONTE-MENDEZ, DAGOBERTO, 77, of Beverly Hills, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). Born in Anasco, Puerto Rico, he came here seven years ago from Homosassa and was an apartment building custodian. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Clara Santiago Aponte; a daughter, Sylvia Pisculli, Beverly Hills; a brother, Eramo Aponte-Mendez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; a sister Dalila Ramirez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; and three grandsons. Hooper Funeral Homes INc., Beverly Hills.

BAFARO, FRANK J., 83, of Homosassa, died Friday (March 7, 2002). Born in Chicago, Ill., he came 20 years ago from Oak Brook, Ill. He was a retired civil engineer for Consoertowsend and Associates. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Crystal River. He was an Army veteran of World War II in the European, African and Middle Eastern theaters. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans 139, Florida; the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, both of Illinois. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ermine Buch Straumann Bafaro; a son, John, Summerfield; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

FRIEND, ROSE K., 94, of Crystal River, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7 2003). Born in Germany, she moved to St. Petersburg 44 years ago from Syracuse, N.Y., then to Crystal River two years ago. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Alfred E. Jr., Crystal River. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.

STAFFORD, LOUISE V., 94, of Crystal River, died Wednesday (March 5, 2002) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Cleveland, she came here 10 years ago from Kissimmee. She was a retired tailor with her own shop in St. Petersburg. She was a member of of St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Crystal River. She was an electrician on aircraft during World War II at McDill Air Force Base, Tampa. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Dexter, Crystal River; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Brown Funeral Home and Crematory, Crystal River.

STRANDES, ROBERT G., 85, of Homosassa, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). Born in Utica, N.Y., she came here 21 years ago from Callicoon, N.Y. He was a telephone installer and repairman. He was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Crystal River. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served on the USS South Dakota. Survivors include two sons, Robert T., Boulder, Colo., and Warren J., Homosassa; and a sister, Mildred Durkin, California. Hooper Funeral Homes Inc., Homosassa.

TOWNSEND, GERALD JAMES, 76, of Beverly Hills, died Tuesday (March 4, 2003). Born in Boston, he came here 13 years ago from Rockville, Md. He was a film processor. He was a member of the Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club, a life member of the American Legion 136, Greenbelt, Md., the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Silver Spring, Md., and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Inverness. There are no immediate survivors. Hooper Funeral Hommes Inc., Beverly Hills.

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HAGGERTY, PATRICK JAMES, 78, of Brookridge, Brooksville, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Hernando Hospice Care Center. Born in Highland Park, Mich., he came here nine years ago from Jackson, Mich. He was a retired optician. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Mary; a daughter, Patricia Peets, Englewood, Ohio; a sister, Phyllis Stauffer, Waterford, Mich.; a brother, Lowell, Houghton, Mich.; and one granddaughter. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

MASON, DOROTHY ALICE, 54, of Cookeville, Tenn. formerly of Brooksville, died Thursday (March 6, 2002) at Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn. She was born in Brooksville and was an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. She received her doctorate in mathematics at the University of Florida. She was an organizing charter member of the Annuttaliga Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a member of Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honorary society and First United Methodist Church of Brooksville. Survivors include her mother, Dorothy Celia McKethan "Dottie" Mason, a brother, Joseph M. "Joe" Mason Jr., two nieces, Mary Katherine and Celia Anne Mason, all of Brooksville. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

TROIDE, EDMOND, 69, of Spring Hill, formerly of New Port Richey, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at home. Born in Connecticut, he moved to Spring Hill a year ago from New Port Richey. He was a copy writer for GRA-FX Design of Tampa Inc. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He wrote Woodman's Wile, a short story published in Alfred Hitchcock's Magazine. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Jean; a son Ned, Spring Hill; a daughter, Janel Heflin, Land O'Lakes; a brother, Lars, Canada; and two granddaughters. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Hudson.

TUCZAK, PETER, 45, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Bayonet Point Health and Rehab Center. Born in Poland, he came here 38 years ago. He was an employee for Tuczak Construction. He was a member of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Survivors include his parents, Katherine and George, both of Spring Hill; and a sister, Olga MacLellan, Greenville, N.C.

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ARNOLD, JAMES "BILL" HUBERT, II, 60, of Brandon, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). He moved to Tampa two years ago from Virginia Beach, Va., and worked as a real estate agent. Survivors include his mother, Sylvia Arnold, Brandon; and a brother, Robert Arnold, Augusta, Ga. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

BAILEY, CLAYTON B., 92, of Sun City Center, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). He retired as division manager for Sears, Roebuck & Co. He was a graduate of Norwalk High School and a former member of the Rotary Club of Sun City Center, and past president of the Sandusky Exchange Club. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sun City Center and Zion Lutheran Church in Sandusky, Ohio. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jean; two daughters, Beverly Boutnan of Celeryville, Ohio, and Brenda Gerding, Tampa; two sons, John Bailey of Ten Mile, Tenn., and Michael Bailey of Sandusky; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Sun City Center Funeral Home.

BOLDOC, ROBERT, J., 69, of Tampa, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). Survivors include two sons, Bob and Bill Boldoc, both of Tampa; a brother, Lloyd; and a granddaughter, Katherine E. Le-Vasseur. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

ESCARPENTER, MARIA ISABEL, 90, of Tampa, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). A resident of Tampa for 22 years, she is survived by her son, Anthony, and other family members. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

HOWTON, KYLE M., 18, of Tampa, died Friday (March 7, 2003). She was a lifelong resident of Tampa and attended Plant High School. Survivors include parents, Darrell F. and Drew Howton; paternal grandparents, Darrell Y. Howton, Jr. and Caroline U. Howton, both of Tampa. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel.

JONES, ESTELLE, K., 86, of Tampa, died Friday (March 7, 2003). Born in Mitchell, Ga., she moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1938. She was a baker in the Hillsborough County school system and a member of First Baptist Church of Riverview. Survivors include her son, James Luce; and three grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

LASSWELL, TIMOTHY JAMES, 53, of Tampa, died Friday (March 7, 2003). A lifelong resident of Tampa, he is survived by two brothers, Fredrick D. Lasswell, III and Dr. David L. Lasswell. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel.

OWENS, FAYE BEATRICE, 67, of Tampa, died Thursday (March 6, 2003). She was a member of Town & Country Church of the Nazarene. Survivors include her son, Scott; two daughters, Kelly Owens and Cheryl Calvert; brother, Don Saylor, sisters, Georgia, Dorothy and Lawana; and four grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

STUDER, LUCILLE POPE, 90, of Thonotosassa, died Saturday (March 8, 2003). Survivors include her son, William Earl, Jr., Fort Myers Beach; a daughter, Shirley Talbott, Thonotosassa; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

TASCHEREAU, DONALD WILFRED, 65, of Tampa, died Thursday (March 6, 2003). He moved to Tampa from Safety Harbor 20 years ago. He worked as a truck driver for Kimmins Contracting, was a Navy veteran and Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Judy Thies; a son Jack, Palm Harbor; two daughters, Susan, Tampa, and Donna, Waterbury, Conn.; a stepson, Daniel Brewster, Waterbury, Conn.; two stepdaughters, Shari Kirkland and Carla Brewster, both of Waterbury, Conn.; and three sisters, Theresa Ash, Safety Harbor; Dorothy Miller, Bethel, Conn., and Nancy Merritt, Okeechobee. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

TIDWELL, SHELBA, J., 62, of Tampa, died Sunday (March 9, 2003). She was born in Pike County, Ala., and moved to the Tampa Bay area in the late 1940s. She was an accountant and Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Sidney, Sr.; son, Sidney, Jr.; brothers, R.J. Allen and James Allen; and two grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

WILSON, ETHEL TUNNELL, 90, of Tampa, died Thursday (March 6, 2003). Born in Long Island, N.Y., she worked as an executive secretary and was Catholic. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, Tampa.

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COWELL, DANIEL L., 42, of New Port Richey, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in Fort Lauderdale, he spent most of his life in Temple Terrace. Survivors include his wife, Karen; four sons, Daniel Jr., Kentucky, Christopher Lee, New Port Richey, Joshua Adam and Jacob Anthony, both of Holiday; his father, Harry, Maggie Valley, N.C.; four brothers, James, New Port Richey, Michael, San Antonio, William, and David, both of Maggie Valley; a sister, Tamara Smith, Land O'Lakes; and one grandchild. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

CREE, MARTIN R. SR. "BUD," 82, of New Port Richey, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at Life Care Center of New Port Richey. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he came here two years ago from Beachwood, N.J. and was an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance Co. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was Roman Catholic. Survivors include a son, Bob, New Port Richey; a daughter, Merri Lee Becker, Bayville, N.J.; a sister, Dolores Hendrickson, Toms River, N.J.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Service, New Port Richey.

HEDGES, TERESA MARIE, 42, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Chicago, she came here seven years ago from Elkorn, Wis. She was Lutheran. Survivors include two sons, Steven Lee Hedges, Hudson, and Jeremy Hedges, New Port Richey; her father and stepmother, Dennie Lee Sr. and Nancy Hedges, Delphi, Ind.; a brother, Dennie Lee Hedges, Spring Hill; a sister, Linda Lee Miller, Hudson; and four stepsisters, Cathy Scholz, West Allis, Wis., Debra Zaborowski, Libertyville, Ill., Pamela Godwin, Gilberts, Ill., and Virginia Tousey, Lake Zurich, Ill. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

KEENAGHAN, RAYMOND F., of Bayonet Point, died Wednesday (March 5, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Hudson. Born in Providence, R.I., he came here 18 years ago from Narragansett, R.I. He owned a plumbing and heating business and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Karla; a son, William, New Port Richey; a daughter, Deborah Szpila, North Attleboro, Mass.; two sisters, Mary Keenaghan, Pawtucket, R.I., and Geraldine Quirk, Cumberland, R.I.; and three grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

MAULSBY, FRANCES DEPP, 68, of Holiday, died Tuesday (March 4, 2003) at Heather Hill Nursing Home. Born in Punxsutawney, Pa., she came re 20 years ago from Indianapolis. She was a real estate broker and a licensed chiropractor. She was a member of Holiday Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Dennis R.; two sons, Mark, Tampa, and Matthew, Warsaw, Ind.; five daughters, Vicki Fisher and Tracey Rhoads, both of Warsaw, Denise Cayce, New Palestine, Ind., Janelle Jeglenski, Tampa, and Cheryl Maulsby, Holiday; a sister, Hazel Peele, Dallas; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services Inc., Largo.

LARSEN, RUTH L., 84, of Port Richey, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Hernando Pasco Hospice Care Center, New Port Richey. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 21 years ago from Sloatsburg, N.Y. She was a bookkeeper at Brooklyn Hospital. Survivors include two sons, George O. III, Port Richey, and Roger J., Fern Park; three daughters, Regina Notaro, Yonkers, N.Y., Marija Gianetti and Elizabeth Alfieri, both of Rochester; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

LARZELERE, HERBERT F., 70, of Trinity, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at home. Born in Lily, Wis., he came here 15 years ago from Long Valley, N.J. He was vice president of the claims department for Eagle Star Insurance Co., New York City. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and the recipient of the Bronze Star. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Monica A.; three sons, Mark, Phoenixville, Pa., Randy, Warwick, Md., and Larz, Madison, Wis.; two brothers, Harry, Manitowoc, Wis., and George, Wittenberg, Wis.; three sisters, Ruth Beversdorf and Mary Zilman, both of Wittenberg, and Donna Schraufnagel, Cudahy, Wis.; and five grandchildren. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

WESTERMAN, JAMES "JIM," 80, of Hudson, died Monday (March 10, 2003) at Heather Hills Hospice Unit, New Port Richey. Born in Chicago, he came here 10 years ago from Zephyrhills. He was a retired construction superintendent for American Engineering, Arlington Heights, Ill., and was a member of the Sheetmetal Workers International Local 73. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9655 and the American Legion Post 867, both of Forest Lake, Ill., and a member of the Eagles, Hudson, He was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, James A., Round Lake, Ill., and Darren L., Chicago; a daughter, Cherilyn Geist, Spring Grove, Ill.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

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Clearwater

CHAPMAN, JOHN R., 84, of Clearwater, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He came here in 1983 from his native Fremont, Ohio, where he retired as maintenance supervisor with Holiday Inn. He was an Army veteran of World War II and Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; a daughter, Candyce Blankenship, Dunedin; a son, John R., Fremont; a stepdaughter, Patricia Powell, Cumberland, Md.; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Seminole.
HASBROUCK, ELIZABETH "BETTY," 97, of Clearwater, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in New York City and came here in 1942 from Tenafly, N.J., She served as an air defense observer for the Clearwater Civil Defense in World War II. She was a member of Chapel by the Sea, Clearwater. She was a past president of the Navy Mothers organization and a past member of the League of Women Voters and the Library Board. Survivors include a son, David M. Jr., St. Petersburg; a daughter, Dorothy H. Nott, Live Oak; two brothers, Andrew Leyble, New Jersey, and Frank Leyble, Long Island, N.Y.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
HASH, AGNES M., 86, of Clearwater, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Sunset Point Rehabilitation Center, Clearwater. She was born in Chatsworth, Ga., and came here in 2002 from Chattanooga, Tenn. She was a real estate agent. Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Lickliter and Tonja Mercer, both of Clearwater; a son, Juel, Ringgold, Ga.;; a brother, Jack Moore, Cartersville, Ga.; a sister, Estelle Moore; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home & Cremation Options.
HILL, DORIS A., 78, of Clearwater Beach, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Manor Care Dunedin nursing home. She was born in Cincinnati and came here in 1994 from North Little Rock, Ark. She was a floral designer and participated in the annual Festival of Trees, Clearwater. She was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church at Countryside, Clearwater. Survivors include three brothers, Carl and Glenn Arnold, both of Dunedin, and Gene Arnold, Hialeah; a sister, Audrey McKinney, Peachtree City, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
JAMES, HELEN G., 92, of Clearwater, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Riverside, R.I., and came here in 1976 from Coventry, R.I. She was a retired restaurant server and a Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Christopher; a daughter, Shirley Petrucci, Oldsmar; two sons, Wilford DeOrsey, Hudson, and Richard DeOrsey, Cranston, R.I.; a sister, Doris Mega, Exeter, R.I.; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
REDEMSKE, MARVIN BENJAMIN, 66, of Clearwater, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He came here in 1975 from his native Chicago and worked 27 years as a garden shop manager at Kmart on Gulf-to-Bay, Clearwater. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Jungkuntz, Schaumburg, Ill.; a brother, Calvin, South Dakota; and a sister, Ellen Nambo, Chicago. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, Cemetery & Cremation Services, Seminole.
SHAPIRO, FABIAN, 51, of Clearwater, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Burlington, Vt., and came here in 1989 from Schenectady, N.Y. She was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include her husband, Jack; her mother, Joan Farnham, Seminole; two brothers and two sisters. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Dunedin

HILDNER, DOROTHY M., 79, of Dunedin, died Thursday (March 6, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Belleair. She was born in St. Louis and came here in 1978 from Cadillac, Mich. She was a homemaker, a volunteer crossing guard and bookkeeper. She graduated from Valparaiso University where she was a member of Gamma Phi Sorority. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Welcome Newcomers, Windlasses Sailing Club and the St. Andrew's Lassies Golf Club, all in Dunedin. Survivors include two sons, George and Charles, both of Dunedin; a daughter, Doreen Hildner, Cadillac; a brother, John Windhorst, Minnesota; and two grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
MORSE, GRACE, 97, of Dunedin, died Thursday (March 6, 2003) at Integrated Health Services of Clearwater. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, and came here in 1969 from Long Island, N.Y., where she worked as a corsetiere. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.

Largo

ANDERSON, JOHN W. JR., 87, of Largo, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Clearwater. He was born in Providence, R.I., and came here in 1990 from Warwick, R.I. He retired as a supervisor after 30 years with the New England Tel & Tel, and served as a lieutenant in the Rhode Island National Guard. He attended Calvary Episcopal Church, Indian Rocks Beach. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Athena; a son, William Thomas, Smithfield, R.I.; and three grandchildren. American Heritage Cremation Society, Clearwater.
ROGERS, FREIDA G., 88, of Largo, died Monday (March 10, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Newton, N.C., and came here in 1961 from Stewart Air Force Base, Smyrna, Tenn. She was a homemaker and member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Largo. She enjoyed reading and bridge. Survivors include two daughters, Donna R. McGurk, Tallahassee, and Barbara R. Brown, Hallandale; four grandchildren, Amanda O'Connell, Orlando, Trevor Brown, Fort Lauderdale, and Tom and Kim McGurk, both of Atlanta; and two great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.
WATSON, CHARLES C., 82, a winter resident of Largo, died Monday (March 10, 2003) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. He was born in Cincinnati and came here seasonally since 1986 from Mount Healthy, Ohio. He retired in 1972 from Ford Motor Co. after 25 years in the quality control division, and was a member of Assumption Catholic Church of Mount Healthy and United Auto Workers Local 863. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Mildred; a son, Charles Quienton Watson, Kissimmee; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Oldsmar

BENOIT, DOUGLAS G. SR., 63, of Oldsmar, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at home. He was born in Montpelier, Vt., and came here in 1982 from Rochester, N.Y. He was a retired barber and a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Palm Harbor. Survivors include his wife, Dolores; two daughters, Deborah Breton and Donna Magazu, and a son, Douglas Jr., all of Palm Harbor; a brother, David, Hilton, N.Y.; a sister, Beverly Grimard, Stockton, N.J.; and four grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

Palm Harbor

GALLO, ANTHONY, 89, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Manor Care Dunedin nursing home. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1976 from Emerson, N.J., where he retired as an advance sales associate after 39 years with Canada Dry Corp. He attended Kirk of Dunedin and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Holiday and past member of Elks Lodge 2284, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Kay; two sisters, Agnes Caprio and Margaret Meridith, both of Highland, N.Y.; and three nieces. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
JOHNSON, LYLE R. JR. "RICKY," 40, of Burbank, Calif., formerly of Palm Harbor and Tampa, died Friday (Feb. 28, 2003) at home. He came to Palm Harbor in 1971 from his native Warren, Ohio, moved to Tampa in 1989 and to Burbank in 1995. He attended Dunedin High School, was a psychologist and Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Jamie; two stepdaughters, Alexis and Chloe, both of California; his mother and stepfather, Elsie and James Webster, New Port Richey; his father and stepmother, Lyle and Betty Johnson, Largo; two sisters, Wilma Rentzell, Tampa, and Sherry DeVito, Purchase, N.Y.; a brother, Randy, Fort Collins, Colo.; his paternal grandmother, Madaline Johnson, Ashtabula, Ohio; and a step-granddaughter. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
MARKOVICH, MIKE, 85, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (March 6, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Lowellville, Ohio, and came here in 1992 from Struthers, Ohio. He retired as supervisor after 15 years with General Fireproofing, Youngstown, Ohio. He was an Army veteran of World War II and Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Rose; a daughter, Gerrie Copeland, Clearwater; a sister, Stella Chopa, and two brothers, Vince and Ed, all of Struthers; and four grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
THIESER, CAROLYN M., 83, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She came here in 1985 from her native Rochester, N.Y. She was a retired registered nurse in schools and hospitals. She was a member of Brighton Presbyterian Church in Rochester where she taught Sunday school. Survivors include a daughter, Ellyn June Ryman, Hudson; a son, James "Jim," Poultney, Vt.; a sister, Ruth Seebach, Sun City, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Tarpon Springs

SMALIS, MARIA, 50, of Tarpon Springs, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at home. She was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and came here in 1990 from Pittsburgh. She worked as a travel agent and was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include her husband of 29 years, Kosma; a daughter, Vasilia Edwards, and her mother, Irene Antoniadis, both of Holiday; two brothers, Michael Antoniadis, Apollo Beach, and Demetrios Antoniadis, Brandon; and a grandson, Thomas Edwards, Holiday. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

South Pinellas Back to top

Seminole

PAYNE, BERNARD L., 89, of Seminole, formerly of Gulfport, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at home. A Chicago native, he moved to Gulfport in 1973 from Bethesda, Md., and moved to Seminole in 1990. He was a director of regulations for the Internal Revenue Service. Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Maillar, Baltimore; a sister, Moyne Harcleroad, Tucson, Ariz.; a granddaughter, Sonja Burn, Baltimore; and a great-grandson, Adam Maske. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.

Kenneth City

BOWLING, LLOYD, 64, of Kenneth City, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Robbins, Tenn., he came here in 1982 from Pasadena, Texas. He was the owner and operator of Lloyd's Plumbing for more than 20 years. He was Baptist. He was a member of the St. Petersburg Moose Lodge and served in the Navy from 1955 to 1961. Survivors include two sons, Ronnie A., Eastman, Ga., and Neal A., St. Petersburg; a brother, Ernest, Indianapolis; and his companion of 14 years, Louise M. Barkley. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

SAUER, MELVIN N., 70, of Pinellas Park, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at home. He was born in Detroit and came here in 1957 from Utica, Mich. He was a retired drywall finisher. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He enjoyed fishing. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Margaret; a son, Nairn Newell, Pinellas Park; a sister, Lorrain Linn, Denver; a brother, Arthur Sauer, Pinellas Park; a grandson, Nairn Newell Jr.; and a great-granddaughter. Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Clearwater.
SCHMITT, JEROME F. SR., 81, of Pinellas Park, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. A Baltimore native, he was a winter resident since 1984 from North Attleboro, Mass., where he was the former owner and operator of Sayles Dairy Bar and a member of the Visually Impaired Association. He was a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic for Hasbro Inc. in Pawtucket, R.I., and a former employee of Cumberland Farms in Canton, Mass. He was Roman Catholic and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mary A.; two daughters, Mary F. Laplante, North Attleboro, and Barbara J. Lumnah, Cumberland, R.I.; three sons, Jerome F., North Attleboro, Louis R., Warwick, R.I., and John E., South Attleboro, Mass.; a brother, Herbert, Glen Burnie, Md.; two sisters, Regina Popp and Helen Blake, both of Baltimore; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Pinellas Park.

St. Petersburg

BLAKEY, BRENDA L., 45, of Baltimore, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. She came here in 1977 from Leesburg. She was a restaurant server. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, William J. and Melanie Leach, St. Petersburg; her mother, Betty Bicknell, Alexandria, Va.; and a grandson. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
BRADSHAW, DENISE MARIE, 52, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. A native of Bronx, N.Y., she came here in 1958. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 1971 with a degree in sociology and was an operations analyst for the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement. Survivors include a daughter, Hope T. Edwards, Largo; a son, Scott R. Bradshaw, and her mother, Therese B. Oliva, both of St. Petersburg; and a grandson, Jason E. Edwards, Largo. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
BUCHANAN, FRANCIS SHELTON "BUCK," 89, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of St. Petersburg. Born in Adams County, Ohio, he came here in 1980 from Cincinnati. He was owner and operator of Towne Parking in Cincinnati and in St. Petersburg. In Ohio, he was a Shriner, a member of the Ohio Scottish Rite and the Masonic Organization of Cincinnati. He was a member of the OES in Lawrenceburg, Ind. Locally, he was on the advisory board of the Salvation Army, the Pass-a-Grille Yacht Club and the Exchange Club of St. Petersburg. He was a member of Second Church of Christ, Scientist. Survivors include his wife, Betty Jean; three daughters, Carolyn Race, Clearwater, Kay Johnson, Westminster, Md., and Francie Berland, Glen Rock, N.J.; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
COCKAYNE, JOAN A., 64, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. She was born in Pawtucket, R.I., and came here in 1976 from Seekonk, Mass. She worked in the hotel industry and was an Episcopalian. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Joseph; a son, David J. Cockayne, Safety Harbor; a daughter, Lisa Ann Benoit, St. Petersburg; a sister, Carol Ann Charette, Fort Myers; and two grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
DAVIS, RUTH, 94, of Miramar, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Hollywood Medical Center, Hollywood, Fla. A New York City native, she came here in 1949 from Bronx, N.Y., and moved to Miramar in 1995. She was a homemaker and a former member of Congregation B'nai Israel in St. Petersburg. Survivors include a daughter, Gail Burger, Miramar; two grandchildren, Jeffrey Burger and Stacey Feldman; and two great-grandchildren. Beth David South Chapel of David C. Gross Funeral Homes, St. Petersburg.
ENGLER, JUDY C., 46, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at home. She came here in 1972 from Cleveland. She was a member of Kenneth City Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed camping, fishing, reading and movies. Survivors include her husband of 13 years, Gerrit; two sons, Billy Wilkinson, St. Petersburg, and Ryan Wilkinson, Michigan; two stepsons, James Blumenthal and Nicholas Blumenthal, and two stepdaughters, Janet Cox and Nancy Engler, all of St. Petersburg; four brothers, Danny Bowman, Carrie Mullins, Ronnie Mullins and Charlie Bailey; four sisters, Wonda Jean Carnes, Sue Robinson, Cathy Bowman and Darlene Rodes; and a grandchild. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
FRIEND, ROSE K., 94, of Crystal River, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7, 2003). Born in Germany, she moved to St. Petersburg in 1959 from Syracuse, N.Y., and moved to Crystal River two years ago. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Alfred E. Friend Jr., Crystal River. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
HILL, ELIZABETH L. "BETTY," 91, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at the Masonic Home of Florida. She was a native of Key West, lived in Tampa for many years and moved to the Masonic Home in 1993. She was a graduate and valedictorian of Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where she received her degree as a registered nurse. She and her husband were the owners and operators of Live and Let Live Drug Store from 1945 to 1960. She was Methodist. She was a charter member of the West Hillsborough Lioness Club, the Wellswood Civic Club and The Allapattah OES. She was an avid traveler. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Pelusio, Clearwater; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Largo Chapel, Largo.
JACKSON, DEBORAH J., 52, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She came here in January from her native Bronx, N.Y. She was a supervisor for the New York City Department of Health. She was a member of Mount Pisagh Baptist Church in New York, where she was a member of the choir, the usher board and a Bible study class. Survivors include seven sons, Maurice Williams, Sean Williams, Robert Dunbar and Richard Dunbar, all of St. Petersburg, Roy Williams and Christopher Ruiz, both of the Bronx, N.Y., and Joseph Ruiz, Queens, N.Y.; a daughter, Yolanda Ruiz, St. Petersburg; a sister, Marilyn Dunbar, Bronx, N.Y.; her mother, Lillian Dunbar, Manhattan, N.Y.; and 28 grandchildren. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
JONES, NELLIE D., 88, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. She came here 38 years ago from her native Campbellton. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Central Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Survivors include five sons, David Jones, Wallkill, N.Y., Charles E. Jones, Seffner, and Earl Jones, James Jones and Wayne Jones, all of St. Petersburg; four daughters, Verelean Jones, Rachael L. Robinson, Carolyn Jones and Liddie Jones, all of St. Petersburg; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.
KENNEDY, HENRY JAMES SR., 62, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. He came here in the early 1960s from his native Louisville, Ala. He was the owner of Henry's Painting Company for 15 years and was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Lenora; four sons, Tellis, Cincinnati, and Henry J. Jr., Clyde and Terry, all of Atlanta; four daughters, Patricia Kennedy, Laticia Kennedy and Michelle Nelson, all of St. Petersburg, and Jennifer Kennedy, Atlanta; a stepdaughter, Regina McWhite, St. Petersburg; four brothers, Robert, Wallace and Cleveland, all of Louisville, and Charlie, Cleveland; four sisters, Mary C. Stevenson and Louise Woods, both of Alabama, and Eula Lee Helms and Annie Bethune, both of St. Petersburg; and many grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
MARTIN, JILLIAN ANN, 24, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) in Tampa from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was a St. Petersburg native and a former sales clerk for List Source USA. She attended Lealman Bible Church and formerly attended Dixie Hollins High School and Gibbs High School. Survivors include a son, Hunter Moreland, her mother, Sandra Martin, and a sister, Tamara Martin, all of St. Petersburg; her father, Donald E. Martin Sr., Lake Panasoffkee; a brother, Donald E. Martin Jr., Wesley Chapel; her maternal grandparents, William and Jackie Hoppert, Inverness; and her paternal grandmother, Wilma Jean Vanverkaay, Clearwater. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
McMILLEN, MARCIA KAYE, 60, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (March 3, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside. She came here in 1955 from her native Navarre, Ohio. She was a travel agent and was Protestant. She was a member of VFW Post 9272 Auxiliary, American Legion Post 273 Auxiliary and VFW Post 4256. Survivors include her husband, Robert; a son, Winston "Hap" McCall, Ruidoso, N.M.; two daughters, Rene Kesig and Lorraine Martin, both of St. Petersburg; a brother, Horace Henderson, Richardson, Texas; a sister, LouRaine Henderson, Bradenton; and six grandchildren. Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater.
MIGLINO, JOHN N., 76, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (March 6, 2003). Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1967. He owned Independent Taxi for 29 years. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the occupation of Japan. He was a volunteer at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was a member of Cathedral of St. Jude. Survivors include two sons, John and Russell, both of St. Petersburg; two daughters, Rosanne, St. Petersburg, and Joanne, Tallahassee; and two sisters, Teresa Miglino and Annette Bongiorno, both of St. Petersburg. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
SANFORD, ELLIOTT ERWIN JR. "BUDDY," 61, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born in Beverly, Mass., he came here in 1991 from Gloucester, Mass. He was a truck driver for 45 years and worked for Tony Herring Three J's Trucking. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Sandra; a daughter, Kristine Sanford, Plant City; a stepdaughter, Susan Ellis, and a stepson, Kevin Mackey, both of Gloucester; four sisters, Jerri Dolan, Albuquerque, N.M., Jean Poe, Tampa, Lillian Pollard, Farmington, N.H., and Mary Sanford, Beverly; a brother, Earl, Virginia Beach, Va.; and four stepgrandchildren. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
SEVENACK, DIANE, 61, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (March 10, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. She was born in Newark, N.J., and came here in 1972 from Long Island, N.Y. She was the former office manager for Dr. John Shover. She was Jewish. Survivors include a son, Stefan Sommers, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Wendy Sommers, Pinellas Park; a brother, Barry Metzger, New York City; and two grandchildren, Drake and Ian, both of Pinellas Park. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
TEW, JOHN H., 95, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Arbor Oaks. Born in Pittsburgh, he came here in 1978 from Hawaii, where he was a restaurant manager for many years. Survivors include his wife, Alice; a stepdaughter, Marjorie E. Adams, Tonawanda, N.Y.; and a stepgranddaughter, Janice C. Armentrout, Bethesda, Md. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
VITINS, IRMA, 89, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Riga, Latvia, she came here in 1977 from St. Paul, Minn. She was a high school language teacher and a graduate of the University of Latvia. She attended the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of St. Petersburg and was a member of the Latvian American Association. There are no known survivors. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
WARREN, HAZEL S., 82, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (March 8, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside. Born in Frankfort, Ky., she came here in 1989 from St. Louis, where she was a secretary for General Motors for many years. She was Protestant and was a sister of OES Miriam Lodge in St. Petersburg. Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Skaggs, West Plains, Mo.; three sisters, Kathryn Owens and Dorothy Zugmaier, both of St. Louis, and Rosemary Ballard, St. Petersburg; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
WEINSTEIN, ESTELLE G., 75, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at the Springs at Boca Ciega Bay, South Pasadena. She came here in 1950 from her native New Haven, Conn. She retired after 28 years as a sales person at Maas Brothers department store in St. Petersburg. She was Jewish. Survivors include two sons, Capt. Alan Weinstein, Spring Hill, and Stuart Weinstein, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Joyce Schofield, Palmetto; a sister, Selma Gaby, St. Petersburg; and four grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
WILLITS, WILLIAM LINCOLN, 87, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Chester, Pa., he came here in 1973 from Concordville, Pa., where he was a member and treasurer of Concord Religious Society of Friends for many years. He was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. After graduation, he operated a farm and was the owner of a wholesale mushroom company. He was a director of the Concord Township School District for more than 30 years. He was a director of the National Bank of Malvern, Pa., for more than 20 years and served a president from 1978 to 1981. He was a member of Pasadena Yacht and Country Club and was an avid golfer and boater. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lydia Highley Willits; two daughters, Barbara W. Shipp and Lydia W. Bartholomew, both of West Chester, Pa.; a sister, Betty W. Schroeder, Fort Myers; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

South Pasadena

MURRAY, ENID L., 57, of South Pasadena, formerly of Tampa, died Friday (March 7, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital of natural causes. Born in Riverside, Calif., she came here in 1996 from Tampa. She was a waitress at the Ramada Inn in Treasure Island. She was Protestant. Survivors include her father, Warren Briggs, South Pasadena; and a son, Arthur Murray Jr., Oklahoma. Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater.

Treasure Island

MUGRIDGE, MARTHA ELIZABETH, 79, of Treasure Island, died Sunday (March 9, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater. She was born in Granite City, Ill., and came here in 1972 from Norfolk, Va. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Fleet Reserve. and was a riveter during World War II. Survivors include a daughter, Janet Whitney, Clearwater; a brother, Francis Polette, Illinois; and two sisters, Hilda Jackson, Puerto Rico, and Gerry Graham, Jeffersonville, Ind. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and Cemetery, Seminole.