St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

BUNN, JEAN E., 78, of Inverness, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) in Inverness. She came here in 1983 from her native South Lyon, Mich. and was a hairdresser. She was Protestant. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Brengle, Inverness, and Karen Pratt, Dexter, Mich.; a son, Martin, South Lyon; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.

GROVE, LUCILE R., 98, of Crystal River, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at River Oaks Living Center in Crystal River. Born in Setuatchee, Tenn., she came here in 1988 from Coral Gables and was a retired life insurance agent. She was Protestant. She was a 1925 graduate of Florida State College for Women (FSU) in Tallahassee and past national president of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She was a member of the DAR, Tallahassee. Survivors include two stepsons, Geoffrey A. Grove, Crystal River, and William D. Grove, Los Olivos, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Beverly A. Cabrera, Demascus, Md.; and three step-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

LaVELLE, DORAIN "HANK," 84, of Homosassa, died Friday (March 28, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Wenatchee, Wash., he came here in 1976 from Long Island, N.Y. He flew for Pan American World Airways for 37 years. He was a member of the Sugarmill Golf & Country Club and the West Citrus Elks Lodge. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, J. Faye (Lanier); a son, Jeff, Pleasanton, Calif.; a daughter, Sandy Dignes, The Woodlands, Texas; and four grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Hernando County Back to top

AUGUSTYNOWICZ, DOLORES X., 69, of Brooksville, died Saturday (March 22, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 35 years ago from Closer, N.J. and was a secretary. She was Catholic. There are no known immediate survivors. Turner Funeral Homes, Brooksville.

DIMARTINO, MILDRED, 87, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) at Union General Hospital in Georgia. She was born in Haskel, N.J. and was a sewing machine operator. She was a member of Eastern Star, AMARANTH, and First Baptist Church of Spring Hill. Survivors include two sons, Nick, Suches, Ga., and Ralph, Coconut Grove; two brothers, Anthony, Clifton, N.J., and Albert, Belleville, N.J.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

FORESI, MARIO, 76, of Brooksville, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Clymer, Pa., he came here 15 years ago from Southgate, Mich. He was a letter carrier for 25 years and was a welder repairman with Ford Motor Company for over 20 years. He was Navy veteran of World War II and a member of VFW. He was a past member of High Point Lions and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Rick, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Marc, Flat Rock, Mich.; three daughters, Sandra Nelson, Grosse Isle, Mich., Vicki Zeleji, Southgate, and Nancy LaPorte, Riverview, Mich.; two brothers, Serge, Howell, Mich., and Anthony, Allen Park, Mich.; a sister, Lucille Pascarella, Southgate; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.

GROTH, EILEEN M., 63, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Oceanside, N.Y., she came here recently from Rockville Centre, N.Y. She was a retired sales representative from Doubleday Book Publishing with more than 20 years of service. She attended St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Christopher, Newburyport, Mass., and Joseph W. Groth Jr., West Springfield, Mass.; a daughter, Sally Ann Sitro, Staten Island, N.Y.; two sisters, Kathleen Whalen, Clermont, and Sally Salkewicz, Spring Hill; and four grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Spring Hill.

HAGERMAN, CHARLES LEWIS, 79, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Racine, Wis., he came here 10 years ago from Plant City. He worked at Food Machinery Corporation in Lakeland and was an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was Catholic. Survivors include three sons, Steven James, Wisconsin, Michael John, Plant City, and Brett Lewis, Ohio; three daughters, Susan Gail Hagerman, Bradenton, Kimberly Jean Thomas and Kathe Beth McCurry, both of Plant City; a sister, Gertrude Westphal, Lombard, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

HAWKINS, LETTIE MAUDE (COUCH), 82, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in Toms Creek, Va., she came here 16 years ago from Coeburn, Va. She retired as county treasurer and served on the Coeburn Town Council. She was the recipient of the Victor E. Martinelli Outstanding Treasurers Award in 1984 by the County Treasurers and Finance Officers of the United States. She was a lifetime member and treasurer of the Treasurers Association of Wise County, Va. She was a member of the Coeburn Fine Arts Foundation and awarded the Outstanding Service Award in 1984. She was Presbyterian. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Cowling, Spring Hill; two brothers, Sidney Couch, Spring Hill, and Joel Couch, Fort Walton Beach; and two grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

LANGILLE, MURIEL BEATRICE, 83, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Wenham, Mass., she came here in 1978 from Lexington, Mass. She was a retired operating room licensed practical nurse and employed by Free Hospital For Women, Brookline, Mass. She was a member of Northcliff Baptist Church. Survivors include her son, John Douglas, Fort Lauderdale; two daughters, Linda Ann Carney, Westford, Mass., and Carolyn Jane Johnson, Connecticut; a sister, Louella Cole, Largo; and four grandchildren. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home & Cemetery, Hudson.

MITTEN, MARCELLA J., 68, of Spring Hill, died Friday (March 21, 2003) at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she came here seven years ago from Long Island, N.Y. She was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Walter; two sons, Christopher and Douglass, both of East Norwalk, Conn.; a daughter, Melissa Guardaro, Valley Cottage, N.Y.; a brother, Don Savino, Las Vegas; several nieces and nephews; and five grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

SACKETT, JACK C., 79, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Hallstead, Pa., he came here five years ago from Norwick, N.Y. He was the police chief with the Norwich Police Department. He was a Marine Corps veteran and participated in several battles in the South Pacific. He was a member of the Rotary, the Indian Iroquois League and the Philatelic Society. He was Protestant. Survivors include Jeannine; two daughters, Valerie Wood, Cincinnati, and Colleen Sackett, Oxford, N.Y.; a brother, Edward, Utah; a sister, Gloria Coffan, New York; several nieces and nephews; several grand-nieces and nephews; and four grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

VINCENTI, ROSE, 76, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, Brooksville. Born in Boston, she came here in 1994 from Pembroke, Mass. She worked in the fashion industry and was a member of the Ladies of the Knights of Columbus. She was Catholic. Survivors include her son, Edward, Tuftonboro, N.H.; one grandson and four granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

Hillsborough County Back to top

BOURGEOIS, HELEN R., 79, of Tampa, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) at University Community Hospital, Carrollwood. Born in New Orleans, she came here in 1997 from New Orleans. She was a retired registered nurse, an Army veteran of World War II and member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Tampa. Survivors include a sister, Norma B. Ballard, Tampa. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

BURKHOLDER, OLWEN, 93, of Plant City, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) in Plant City. Born in Canada, she came to the Tampa area in 1979. She was a mobile home park owner and member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. Survivors include two daughters, Ann Bloch, Lenox, Mass. and Nora Butler, Plant City; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

CINTRON, LETICIA, 74, of Tampa, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003). She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, George; a son, George, Jr.; two daughters, Elena Santiago and Kathy Perez; two brothers, Harry Santiago and Orlando Moreno; and three grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

KING, GUY, 90, of Tampa, died Thursday (March 27, 2003). He was a service station owner and was Catholic. Survivors include several friends and family. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

NYE, LARRY EARL, 63, of Valrico, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born in Junction City, Ore., he came to Florida in 1986. He was an Air Force veteran. Survivors include his wife, Edith A.; a daughter, Betsy Kushner, Tampa; two sons, Keith, Valrico and Bryan, Riverview; his father and stepmother, Orrin and Ruth Nye, Junction City; a sister, Melba Nye, Euless, Texas; and five grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

Pasco County Back to top

BREWSTER, HERMAN "BUD," 95, of Hudson, formerly of Holiday, died Friday (March 28, 2003) in Hudson. Born in West Virginia, he came here in 1990 from Princeton, W.Va. He was an engineer manager with the U.S. State Department. He served at U.S. embassies in Burma, Korea, Japan and Turkey. He was one of the last to be evacuated from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. Survivors include several cousins; and caregivers, Jack and Donna Brummett, Hudson. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

DAVIS, ERNEST C. SR., 77, of Port Richey, died Friday (March 28, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Sarver, W.Va., he came here 16 years ago from Hampton, Va. He retired from wholesale sales delivery and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a former West Pasco Salvation Army officer. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Elvaria "Ella"; two sons, Lloyd, Largo, and Ernie Davis Jr., Charleston, S.C.; four daughters, Marietta Baumgardner and Rosalie Davis, both of Newport News, Va., Sandra Hamkammer and Patricia Struchen, both of Chesapeake, Va.; three sisters, Suzanne Rodeheaver and Frances Hagedorn, both of Morgantown, W.Va., and Willodene White, Newton Falls, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

HUMBERTSON, JEAN, 89, of Zephyrhills, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) at Heartland of Zephyrhills. Born in Nova Scotia, she came to this area in 1962 from Pittsburgh. She was a homemaker and a member of Bible Tabernacle Church. Survivors include three brothers, Albert Woodstuff, West Virginia; Edward Woodstuff, Zephyrhills; and John F. Woodstuff, Inverness; a sister, Lillian Jurkaitis, Pittsburgh; a nephew; and two nieces. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

METHERELL, TREMAN RUSSELL JR., 68, of St. Cloud, formerly of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (March 22, 2003) at Madison Pointe Nursing Center, New Port Richey. Born in Pennsylvania, he lived most of his life in the New Port Richey area. He was a grocery clerk and an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Beverly J.; and a stepdaughter, Pam Kerwin, Orlando. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

MYRICK, CLINTON D., 78, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at home. Born in Sanford, N.C., he came here 15 years ago from Anchorage, Alaska. He retired from the Army Special Forces and served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a member of Chester McKay VFW Post and the Special Forces Association. Survivors include his wife, Sun; a son, Michael, Covington, Va.; a daughter, Deborah Crews, Sanford, N.C.; two stepsons, Roy Leonard, Tampa, and Casey Leonard, Orlando; a brother, Walter, Apex, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

POPP, ROBERT D., 84, of Zephyrhills, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) in Zephyrhills. He was born in Rochester, N.Y. and was a 1940 graduate of Syracuse University. He taught and coached for 41 years. He is in the New York State Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements in coaching high school sports. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was active in the Lions Club, Boy Scouts and the First Congregational Church. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jeannette (Clark); three daughters, Barbara Baker, Conyers, Ga.; Mary Marsh, Shelbyville, Tenn.; and Patricia Loughman, Albany, N.Y.; two sons, James, Cedar Crest, N.M., and Robert, Alpharetta, Ga.; numerous grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

SWAIM, FRED, 83, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Hudson. Born in Terre Haute, Ind., he came here 19 years ago from Geneva, Ill. He was an inspector for Burgess Norton and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include two daughters, Dawn Swaim and Jennifer Swaim, both of New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

WINGERT, WILLIAM A., 80, of Holiday, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at home. Born in Pittsburgh, he came here in 1978 from Fenton, Mich. He was an inspector for General Motors and was a member of the United Auto Workers Union. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He volunteered at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital. He was a member of Holiday Lake Civic Association and St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, John C., New Port Richey, and William D., Fenton; four daughters, Judith A. Monroe, Grand Ledge, Mich.; Diane L. Wingert, Swartz Creek, Mich.; Linda W. Levely, Royal Oak, Mich.; and Mary A. Jergenson, Apply Valley, Minn.; two brothers, John C., Brazil, and Daniel, Pittsburgh; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday.

North Pinellas Back to top

Belleair

ARTINGSTOLL, GRAHAM, 76, of Belleair, died Saturday (March 22, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in London and came here in 1969 from New York. He worked as a sales office manager for Smith Industries Aerospace. He was active for many years in community theater, locally at the Francis Wilson Playhouse, Clearwater. He was an actor, set productions person and member of the board of directors. Survivors include a brother, Anthony; two nephews and a niece. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Clearwater

AZZARONE, LUCY C., 83, of Clearwater, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Springfield, Mass., and came here in 1986 from Amarillo, Texas. She was a homemaker and a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Domenick L.; a son, Albert M., Richmond, Va.; a daughter, Maria Azzarone, Long Beach, Calif.; a brother, Dominick Sarno, Agawam, Mass.; three sisters, Anna Warren, Longmeadow, Mass., Beatrice House, Hampden, Mass., and Joanne Heidleman, Oxnard, Calif.; and a granddaughter. Clearwater Funeral Home & Cremation Options.
GIBSON, SAMUEL P., 76, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Kindred Hospital-Central Tampa. He was born in Atlantic City, N.J., and came here in 1989 from Capital Heights, Md. He worked as a pressman for the federal government and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, JoAnn; five sons, Andy Gibson, Clearwater, Guy Gibson, Dunedin, Tony Grello, Arlington, Va., Paul Gibson, Owings, Md., and Jeff Gibson, Chesapeake Beach, Md.; three daughters, Leslie Lyons, Port Charlotte, Lisa Grimes, Chesapeake Beach, and Laura Gibson, Fairfax, Va.; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Crystal Beach

BREDEMEIER, THE REV. CHRISTIAN W.A., 94, of Crystal Beach, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in Hamlin, Germany, and came here in 1957 from Limona. He received a bachelor's degree from Tampa University and attended Nyack (N.Y.) Seminary. He was a former pastor of Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church, Chicago, and Limona Evangelical United Brethren Church, Brandon. For 20 years he was chaplain at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He founded and was a former pastor of Crystal Beach Community Church and was conference superintendent for the Florida Conference of Evangelical United Brethren. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, the Crystal Beach Community Church, and the Tarpon Springs Rotary Club. Survivors include his wife, Frances P.; a daughter, Betty Earle Huffman, Allentown, Pa.; a stepdaughter, Virginia P. Gardner, Arlington Heights, Ill.; a stepson, Dr. Michael E. Paulk, Tempe, Ariz.; a sister, Irmgard Leistner, Minden, Germany; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

Dunedin

FOUTS, SHIRLEY H., 87, of Dunedin, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at home. She was born in Thomaston, Ga., and came here in 1978 from Alaska. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Donald C., Arizona; three brothers, Donald E. Stinson, Florida, and Douglas T. Stinson and Calvin W. Stinson, both of Georgia; two sisters, Peggy Hollis, Maryland, and Cathryn Stinson, Georgia; and two grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
HAMM, JENNIFER MARY, 32, of Dunedin, died Sunday (March 23, 2003)at home. She was born in Jefferson, La., and came here in 1999 from California. She was a college student at EduTech Centers, Clearwater. She was Catholic. Survivors include her companion, Paul Bateman, Dunedin; a son, Devin Bateman, Dunedin; a sister, Lori Hamm-Molinsky, Metarie, La.; and a brother, Lawrence Charles Hamm Jr., New Orleans. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Indian Rocks Beach

WILLETT, RONALD LEE, 57, of Indian Rocks Beach, died Sunday (March 23, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, after he was found unconscious a few blocks from his home with blunt trauma to the head. He came here in 1980 from his native Flint, Mich. He was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Largo. He was an Air Force veteran. He was a certified public accountant and owned RLW Financial Services in Indian Rocks Beach. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Accountants, the Gulf Beaches Chamber of Commerce, the Young Republican Club in Largo, Rotary Club International of Belleair Bluffs, the Largo Chamber of Commerce and served on boards and committees for the city of Indian Rocks Beach. He was a volunteer for the annual Beauty and the Beach festival. Survivors include a son, Tony, Phoenix; a daughter, Monica Spiegel, Birmingham, Ala.; two brothers, Robert, Hudson, and Jack, Billington, Mich.; a stepsister, Minnie Baughman, Port Richey; three grandchildren; and a companion, Debra Frisk. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Largo

BUCK, ESTHERENE, 66, of Largo, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She came here in 1940 from her native Live Oak. She owned and operated the Orange Tree on Treasure Island. She was Christian and a member of Cross Bayou American Legion Auxiliary to Post 252, Seminole. Survivors include a brother, Raymond, Hudson; a sister, Jean McLean, Brandon; and a grandson, Dennis Michael Neal, Largo. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
CLAWSER, NELL L., 81, of Largo, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Durham County, Va., and came here in 1964 from Carlisle, Pa. She was a homemaker and a member of Community of Christ, Pinellas Park. Survivors include three sons, Cornelius Clawser, Pinellas Park, Michael Clawser, Hernando, and John Watts, Michigan; three daughters, Jane Sundblad, Hernando, Nancy Wolaver, Micco, and Lynda LaFon, Knoxville, Tenn.; two sisters, Barbara Gardner, Baltimore, and Joyce Powell, Beaufort, S.C.; 28 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
NICHOLS, CATHY J., 47, of Largo, died Saturday (March 22, 2003) at home. She was born in Chatham, Ala., and came here in 1977 from Orange, Texas. She worked as a medical lab technician and was Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Robert J. Ferri, Largo; a son, Dion W. DeLauder, Largo; a daughter, Michelle M. Young, Treasure Island; her mother, Mary V. Lesnansky, St. Petersburg; four sisters, LaVerta Anderson, Tarpon Springs, Tammy DeVore and Donna L. Moran, both of St. Petersburg, and Helen Watts, Breaux Bridge, La.; three brothers, Charles and Salvadore Anderson, both of Breaux Bridge, and George Anderson III, New Orleans; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
WALLING, VIRGINIA LOUISE, 96, of Largo, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She came here in 1920 from her native New York City. She was a teacher and librarian at Clearwater Junior High School and area dependent schools for the military for many years. She was Episcopalian. Survivors include a sister, Margaret Walling McLaughlin, a niece, Ruth M. Wainscott, and two nephews, William "Bill" McLaughlin, and Wallace S. "Stan" McLaughlin, all of Largo. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Palm Harbor

BERNTH, JACK P., 83, of New Port Richey, formerly of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at home. He was born in Birmingham, Mich., and moved to New Port Richey in 1992 from Palm Harbor. He worked as a toolmaker for Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local 36, the Polish-American Pulaski Association of Holiday and the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Orloski Post 184, New Port Richey. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife, Helen Marie; a son, Thomas, New Port Richey; a daughter, Jackie Carson, Gulfport; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
LANDERS, DR. STUART C., 66, of Palm Harbor, died Tuesday (March 25, 2003) at Highland Pines Nursing Manor, Clearwater. He came here in 1990 from his native Cleveland. He was a dentist and a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War with the rank of lieutenant. Survivors include a son, Rodger D., Odessa; a daughter, Aimee B. Landers, Miami; and a sister, Margo Witttenberg, Cleveland. National Cremation Society, Largo.
SCELZA, ALEXANDER, 74, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Countryside Health Care Center, Palm Harbor. He was born in Elmont, N.Y., and came here in 1993 from Smithtown, N.Y. He retired as superintendent for Ambassador Construction in New York City. He was a member of Palm Harbor Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Dorothy; a daughter, Carolyn Scelza, Palm Harbor; a son, Russell, Scranton, Pa.; a brother, Anthony, Smithtown; and two grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Safety Harbor

UHLER, HARLAN "REX," 64, of Safety Harbor, formerly of Tampa, died Sunday (March 23, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Conway Springs, Kan., came to Tampa in 1982 from Peoria, Ill., and moved in 1994 to Safety Harbor. He was a mechanical engineer and retired in 1998 after 33 years with the Falk Corp. He was a Navy veteran with the rank of ensign and served as chief engineer aboard the USS Lyman K. Swenson from 1962 to 1964. He graduated in 1961 from Kansas State University. He was a former board member of the Safety Harbor Museum of History. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Sally; a son, Jeffrey, Clearwater; a daughter, Kris Uhler, Evanston, Ill.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

South Pinellas Back to top

Seminole

SOLLID, FAYE, 89, of Seminole, formerly of Clearwater, died Monday (March 24, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. Born in Milwaukee, Wis., she came here in 1966 from Arlington, Va. She was a homemaker and a member of Seminole First Baptist Church. She earned a master's degree and was a member of the Clearwater Beautification Committee, the Audubon Society, the Parliamentarians and several genealogical organizations. She lived in India for five years as part of a U.S. aid program. Survivors include a son, Jon Erik Sollid, Los Alamos, N.M.; a sister, Hetty Kramer, Tiffin, Ohio; three granddaughters, Sonje Beal, Syracuse, Utah, Shije Sollis, Norwalk, Conn., and Erika Jane DeSantis, Greenwich, Conn.; and 11 great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Gulfport

EGGLESTON, MARTHA DOROTHY, 78, of Gulfport, died Friday (March 21, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Watertown, N.Y., she came here in 1972 from Hastings, Mich. She was an Avon representative for more than 20 years. She was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, James Ryan, St. Petersburg, and Ray Gilbert, Baldwinsville, N.Y.; three brothers, Danny Grieco, St. Petersburg, Louis Grieco, New York, and Nicholas Grieco, Oxford, Mass.; and seven grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
ESCLUSA, ANTONIO, 70, of Gulfport, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. Born in Barcelona, Spain, he came here in 1993 from Boynton Beach. He was a hotel manager in Miami. Survivors include a caregiver, Al R. Zawacki, Gulfport. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, Gulfport Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SEAMAN, CLINTON OLEN, 70, of Gulfport, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Pacoima, Calif., he came here in 1990 from Turner, Maine. He retired in 1975 after 20 years as a trooper for the Maine State Police. He co-owned Turner Auto Parts and the Great Outdoors, a recreation area in Turner. He was a Korean War Navy veteran. He was a founding member of a 4-H snowmobile club. He enjoyed hunting, reading, dancing and his pets. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Joan; two sons, Michael and Scott, and a daughter, Mary Seaman, all of Turner; and a granddaughter. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

HINTZKE, THEODORE JOHN III, 45, of Pinellas Park, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at home. He came here in 1996 from his native Miami. He was a carpenter. Survivors include a daughter, Aimee Hintzke, Rogersville, Tenn.; his parents, Sylvia and Theodore Hintzke Jr., Miami; a brother, David, Miramar; and a sister, Sharon Rio, Palm Harbor. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

BETZ, CATHERINE C., 92, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 28, 2003) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. She came here in 2000 from her native Philadelphia. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Joan Butkus, St. Petersburg; a granddaughter, Donna Moore, Griffith, Ind.; a grandson, Gary Schmidt, Redington Beach; and three great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
DANCIL, PAMELA GENESE, 49, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. She was a St. Petersburg native and a 1971 graduate of St. Petersburg High School. She attended St. Petersburg Junior College, studying veterinarian medicine. She was a dietary aide at Westminster Shores Nursing Home and attended Holiness Church. Survivors include two sons, Terrell Dukes and Troy Johnson, and three daughters, Tiffany Flournoy, Tara Clark and Toya Johnson, all of St. Petersburg; her father and stepmother, Willie James and Sarah Dancil, Maryland; a sister, Stacey Dancil, Houston; a stepbrother, Jay Dancil, Maryland; and 11 grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
HAGGERTY, JOSEPH R., 86, of Reynoldsville, Pa., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) in Tallahassee. Before retiring he worked in Tampa with the Federal Housing Administration. He was a glider pilot in World War II and a member of the World War II Glider Pilot Association. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. Survivors include two daughters, Jonita Stepp-Greany, Tallahassee, and Marita Haggerty, Clearwater; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Culley's Meadowwood Funeral Homes, Tallahassee.
LEARY, ODETTE, 99, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (March 20, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. She moved here in 1959 from her native Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was a librarian. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral, Museum of Fine Arts, Stuart Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Friends of the Library, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Lower Pinellas Chapter. Survivors include three cousins, Gertrude Maxsom, Jenson Beach, Virginia Prins, North Babylon, N.Y., and Robert Stillwell, Lakeland. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
MITCHELL, EFFIE CLAYTON, 85, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (March 21, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. She came here in 1922 from her native Falmouth and was a 1935 graduate of St. Petersburg High School. She and her husband, Marion L. Mitchell, owned Mitchell's Quality Meat Co. in St. Petersburg from 1950 to 1985. She was a charter member of Pasadena Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher of 4- and 5-year-olds for 30 years and helped with adult class management for an additional 20 years. At the time of her death, she was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church and the Joint Heirs Sunday school class. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Marion L. "M.L."; two daughters, Patricia M. Bynum, Enoree, S.C., and Janet M. Carney, Gulfport; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandsons. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
SCARBERRY, MARY S., 65, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (March 20, 2003) at home. She came here in 1958 from her native Pittsburgh. She worked in the deli and bakery at Kash n' Karry in St. Petersburg for 20 years. She was Catholic. Survivors include four sons, Chris Scarberry and Robert Scarberry, both of Pinellas Park, Dennis Scarberry, St. Petersburg, and Jimmy Scarberry, Parrish; a brother, Eddie Schneider, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Patsy Costello, St. Petersburg, and Clare Furry, Chiefton; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
WILLIS, PANSY V., 83, of Fountain Inn, S.C., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (March 26, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Woodruff, S.C. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Joe; two sons, Barry Seminole, and Steve, Fountain Inn; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.

South Pasadena

OLIN, CLAIRE, 77, of South Pasadena, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Philadelphia, she came here in 1987 from Westhampton, N.J. She was a schoolteacher and a member of the Brandeis Women's Committee. Survivors include a daughter, Saralyn Oberlin, Alexandria, Va.; a brother, Harvey Rabin, Bethesda, Md.; and three grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.

Treasure Island

PHELAN, MARIE T., 81, of Treasure Island, died Thursday (March 27, 2003) at home. Born in Ireland, she came here in 1981 from Ottawa, Ontario, where she was an assistant deputy minister in the Canadian government for 33 years. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, William J.; and a sister, Joan Walsh, Formby, England. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.