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April 10, 2003
SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Thursday, April 10, 2003

This list is compiled from the
regional editions of the St. Petersburg Times.

Citrus| Hernando | Hillsborough | Pasco
North Pinellas | South Pinellas

Citrus County Back to top

  • RICE, CLARENCE J., 80, of Crystal River, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. Born in Hitchins, Ky., he came here 30 years ago from Kentucky and was a retired Baptist minister. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served under Gen. George S. Patton. He was a member and chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include his caregiver, Bettie Jo Byrd. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.
  • ROBINSON, ORVILLE F., 89, of Inverness, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Life Care Center of Citrus County in Lecanto. Born in Akron, Ohio, he came here 17 years ago from Atwater, Ohio. He was a retired foreman for B.F. Goodrich Co. with 38 years of service. He was a member of the Foremans Club of B.F. Goodrich and attended Calvary Baptist Church of Crystal River. Survivors include two sons, Gary F., Wadsworth, Ohio, and Kevin L., Akron; a brother, Ralph H., Port St. Lucie; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.
  • ROUSE, MINA O. "MINNIE," 97, of Inverness, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Mariner Health Care Center in Inverness. She came here three years ago from her native Elizabeth, N.J. She retired from CNA Insurance with 30 years of service and was a member of the Evangel Church, Scotch Plains, N.J. Survivors include her son, Wesley, Oviedo; a daughter, Dorothy Esposito, Inverness; a sister, Edith Hering, Sarasota; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.
  • SUTHERLAND, JOANNE ELSA, 88, of Inverness, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness. Born in Germany, she came here in 1983 from Anna Maria and was a retired owner and operator of a variety store. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Neil; a stepson, Lee, Hernando; a stepdaughter, Lila M. Church, Bushnell; a brother, Werner Sonntag, Lima, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.
  • Hernando County Back to top

  • ANDERSON, GILBERT, 74, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (April 2, 2003) at Kindred Hospital in Tampa. Born in Jamaica, West Indies, he came here 11 years ago from Queens, N.Y. He was a retired accountant and employed at Publix at Seven Hills. He was a choir member, deacon and treasurer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Spring Hill. Survivors include his wife, Vera; a daughter, Patricia Anderson, Jacksonville; four brothers, Arthur and Walford, both of Jamaica, Adrian and Lebert, both of England; many nieces and nephews; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.
  • CARLSON, WILLIAM F., 74, of Spring Hill, died Friday (March 28, 2003) at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Conn., after a brief illness. He was born in New Britain, Conn. He was the founder and president of Carlson Fuel Oil and was a service manager for Pembek Oil in Meriden, Conn., with 25 years of service. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council of Spring Hill. He was a member of St. Joseph Church. Survivors include his wife, Marylou (Siering); two daughters, Suzanne Ciofalo, Guilford, Ct., and Sharon Carlson, Cheshire, Mich.; three sons, Clifford and Michael M., both of Meriden, and William, Southington, Conn.; a sister, Lorraine Busca, Spring Hill; a brother, Joseph, Portland, Conn.; many nieces and nephews; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, Meriden.
  • DOBROWOLSKI, STANLEY EDWARD, 89, of Brooksville, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Chicago, he came here 24 years ago from Bridgeview, Ill. He was a retired machinist with J.J. Tourek in Broadview, Ill., with 34 years of service. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Laverna; a son, Joseph, Spring Hill; a brother, Edmund, Ripon, Wis.; three sisters, Helen Kimball and Martha Bull, both of Laona, Wis., and Terry Reynolds, Ripley, Tenn.; and two grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • GERARD, FLORENCE H., 59, of Brooksville, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in Glencove, N.Y., she came here in 1986 from Hicksville, N.Y. She was a nurse's aide with Brooksville Regional Hospital. Survivors include her daughter, Dawne Kwiatkoski, Brooksville; a sister, Virginia, and a brother, John, both of New York. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.
  • KENNEDY, KEVIN J., 69, of Brookridge, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Elmira, N.Y., he came here two years ago from Buffalo, N.Y. He was a musician, taught piano, and was a member of the Musicians Union of Buffalo. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Karen; and a brother, Daniel F., Claxton, Ga. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • RAMEY, IMOGENE LORRAINE, 81, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. Born in Kansas City, Kan., she came here 40 years ago from Brandywine, Md., and was a tailor. She was Pentecostal. Survivors include five daughters, Zenobia, Brooksville, Sandra Murray, Bowie, Md., Angelique Hill, Okeechobee, Diane DeFrance and Nicole Lucas, both of Tampa; a son, Lloyd DeFrance, New York City; a brother, Howard Speak, Spring Hill; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral & Cremation Center, Spring Hill.
  • STEVENS, OLGA E., 73, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. She came here 44 years ago from her native Flushing, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Masaryktown. Survivors include two sons, Owen and Joe, both of Spring Hill; two sisters, Blanche Kubik, Spring Hill, and Jeanette Zizek, Long Island, N.Y.; many nieces and nephews. Turner Funeral & Cremation Center, Spring Hill.
  • THOMAS, GEORGE R., 84, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Fort Wayne, Ind., he came here 23 years ago from Battle Creek, Mich. He was a welder and an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He attended the Fellowship Wesleyan Church. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Judy Lafler, Battle Creek; a stepdaughter, Jeannine Dawson, Hanover, Mich.; two stepsons, John DeBoe, Jonesville, Mich., and Lonnie Lawyer, Battle Creek; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral & Cremation Center, Spring Hill.
  • WOZNICKI, JOSEPH J., 67, of Weeki Wachee, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Detroit, he came here over eight years ago from Rochester Hills, Mich. He retired from manufacturing engineering with General Motors and was a member of the Glen Lakes Golf Club. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; four sons, Mark, Fort Myers, Michael, Union Lake, Mich., Matthew, Morenci, Mich., and Murray, Macomb Township, Mich.; a daughter, Monica Woznicki, Idaho Springs, Colo.; and five grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • Hillsborough County Back to top

  • BICKERT, MARY JANE, 79, of Brandon, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at her home. She was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and moved to Brandon in 1972 from Fort Lauderdale. Survivors include her husband, William; a son, Robert; and three grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • BOOHER, OLIVIA E., 81, of Tampa, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). Born in Panama, she moved to Tampa in 1978. Survivors include her husband, Charles; a son, Ken; and five grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • CASTELOW, NORMAN J. JR., 72, of Brandon, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). He was born in Edenton, N.C., and moved to the Tampa area 32 years ago from Newport News, Va. He was an Air Force veteran and a member of Elks Lodge No. 2383. He worked as a railroad machinist and was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; two sons, Norman Troy, Tampa, and Richard Norman, Hampton, Va.; a daughter, Tonya Lyn Boleyn, Riverview; a brother, Bill, Tampa; and a grandchild. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.
  • HARBIN, HELEN PAULINE, 68, of Brandon, died Sunday (April 6, 2003). She was born in Ellington, Mo., and moved to the Tampa area in 1988 from Illinois. She worked as a housekeeper and was Baptist. Survivors include a son, Douglas C. Harbin, Brandon; two daughters, Carla Waller, Plant City and Carol Limestall, Kingsland, Ga.; a brother, Jim Skaggs, St. Louis; a sister, Lula DeJournett, Ellington; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.
  • KREBILL, GLEN WILLIS, 86, of Riverview, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). He was born in Donnelson, Iowa, and moved to the Tampa area in 2000 from Illinois. He worked as a foreman and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife Mary Lou; a son, Gene, Riverview; two daughters, Karen Jesuit, Moline, ill., and Diane Kuberski, Winchester, Mass; a sister, Faye Bergthold, Fort Madison, Iowa; and five grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.
  • MOORE, HELEN JEAN, 85, of Tampa, died Tuesday (April 2, 2003). She was born in Ehren and moved to Tampa more than 60 years ago. She was a retired domestic worker and a member of First Baptist Church of West Tampa. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Edith Williams-Wells, Franklin Park, N.J.; two sisters, Florine Moore and Ethel Hicks, both of Tampa; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Wilson Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • RODRIGUEZ, MILDRED FRANCES, 91, of Seffner, died Monday (April 7, 2003). Survivors include one son, Rene ; four daughters, Frances Quick, Marguerite Williams, Dorothy Fennell, and Debra Martin; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great- grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • THORPE, ELEANOR JANE, 92, of Brandon, died Thursday (April 3, 2003). She was born in Elizabeth, N.J., and moved to the Tampa area in 1994 from New Jersey. She was a homemaker and a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Somerset, Bermuda. Survivors include a daughter, Darice Pitt, Brandon; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three-great-great grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.
  • WALLACE, AGNES MARIE, 82, of Riverview, died Saturday (April 5, 2003). She was a homemaker and Baptist. Survivors include a son, Curtis Dale; two brothers, Gene and Henry Birge; a sister, Inez Tomlinson; and many nieces and nephews. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • WILSON, JENNIE LEE, 67, of Tampa, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). She was a lifelong resident of Tampa and a homemaker. Survivors include two brothers, Ernest Robb, Tampa, and Lee Porter, Land O'Lakes; two sisters, Martha Hall, Tampa, and Barbara Fagaly, Thonotosassa; and many nieces and nephews. Ambassador Mortuary Services, Oldsmar.
  • Pasco County Back to top

  • BEDSAUL, JAMES D. JR., 56, of Spring Hill (Pasco County) died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home. Born in Philadelphia, he came here 18 months ago from Kemah, Texas. He owned a long distance trucking company and was a refractory worker. He owned a hardware store in Wolf Creek, Mont. He had a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license and was a Navy veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, June T.; three sons, James Dougan, Oldsmar, and Michael and Steven Duxstad, both of Spring Hill; two daughters, Pamela Biller, Palm Harbor, and Allyson Amende, San Antonio, Texas; two brothers, Ronnie Astore, Spring Hill, and Patrick Astore, Helena, Mont.; and six grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.
  • DeBLOISE, JOSEPH E. A., 85, of Port Richey, formerly of Holiday, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. Born in Canada, he came here in 1985 from West Warwick, R.I., then moved to Port Richey this year. He was a retired machine molder for Grinnel Corp. in Cranston, R.I. with 28 years of service. He later retired as a maintenance man for Kenney Manufacturing in Warwick, R.I. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 6476 and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, both of Holiday. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; a daughter, Theresa Benton, New Port Richey; two sons, Robert, West Warwick, and Albert "Junior" of Clearwater; two sisters, Claire Vigneault, Springfield, Mass., and Beatrice Vigneault, Westfield, Mass.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.
  • GRAHAM, ALICE M., 88, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Southern Pines Nursing Center in New Port Richey. Born in Detroit, she came here 33 years ago from Los Angeles. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Rossindo Carter, New Port Richey, and Don Ross, Fresno, Calif.; a brother, Gilbert Lange, Odessa; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hudson.
  • LAWHORN, JOE, 55, of New Port Richey, formerly of Clearwater, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. Born in Lebanon, Ky., he came here in 1998 from Clearwater. He was a parts deliverer for Car Quest Auto Parts, Clearwater. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Williene; four sons, Joseph Randall Lawhorn Jr., Inverness, John Oxley, Pensacola, William Oxley, New Port Richey, and John Steele, Palm Harbor; a daughter, Phyllis Elaine Taylor, Birmingham, Ala.; a brother, Garnett, Florida; two sisters, Helen Gray and Geraldine Thompson, both of Clearwater; and five grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.
  • MOWRY, JULIA C., 92, of Latrobe, Pa., formerly of Holiday, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Latrobe Area Hospital. She came to Holiday in 1972 from her native Derry, Pa. and returned to Pennsylvania in 2000. She was the retired owner/operator of The Country Store in Sprankle Mills, Pa. and was a member of the DAV Post 78 Auxiliary of New Port Richey. She was Protestant. Survivors include two sisters, Elizabeth Uschak, Loyalhanna, Pa., and Helen Corey, Beverly Hills; several nieces and nephews. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.
  • MYERS, SUE ANNE, 68, of New Port Richey, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. Born in Springfield, Ohio, she came here in 1988 from Columbus, Ohio. She was a retired clerical assistant for Parliamentary Reporting Co., New Port Richey. She was a member of Derby United Methodist Church. Survivors include three sons, John Norman, London, Ohio, Jeffrey Alan, Durham, N.C., and Joseph Brian, Washington Court House, Ohio; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.
  • REEDER, JACKIE E., 63, of Port Richey, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home. He came here in 1970 from his native Carlisle, Pa. He was the owner/operator of R.K. Custom Builders of Port Richey since 1975. He was associated with the West Hernando Diagnostic Center of Spring Hill and was an Army veteran. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Roberta "Bobbie" J.; two sons, Edward Keller, Port Richey, and Bret Reeder, New Port Richey; two daughters, Jo Anne White, League City, Texas, and Jennifer Reeder, Tampa; three sisters, Gwen Sunday, Glae Coyle and Charmaine Wise, all of Carlisle; and eight grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.
  • SASSO, VINCENT A., 74, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Queens, N.Y., he came here eight years ago from Long Island, N.Y. He retired from Colonial Sand and Stone, New York City, and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Helen; a daughter, Donna Maloney, Dunedin; a brother, Richard, Plantation; two sisters, Anna Sasso, Plantation, and Joan Walker, West Windsor, N.J.; and four grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.
  • SHANNON, RALPH W., 75, of Port Richey, died Friday (April 4, 2003) as a result of an automobile accident in Inglis. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he came here 34 years ago from Berkeley Heights, N.J. He was a retired officer and district manager with Chelsea Title, New Port Richey. He was a past director at Citizens National Bank & Trust, Port Richey. He was a former mayor of Port Richey and former deputy in Pasco County. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was a member of the Lions Club. Survivors include his son, Ralph M., Hudson; and a brother, Robert M., Hollywood. Arlington Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
  • TOMLIN, CLAUDE S., 67, of Port Richey, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. Born in Danville, Va., he came here in 2001 from Moreno Valley, Calif. He was a retired mechanic with the Ford Co. in Norfolk, Va. and was a Marine Corps veteran. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Anna Grace; two sons, Claude S. Tomlin Jr. and Michael, both of Virginia; two daughters, Annette and Paula, both of Georgia; three stepsons, Thomas Burns, George J. Burns and David B. Burns, all of California; a brother, Jessie, Danville; five sisters, Pauline Poovey, Gracie Reed and Jeroline Tomlin, all of Virginia, Lorene Hawkins, Kentucky, and Jacqueline Tomlin, California; and several grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.
  • ZIGAROWICZ, HELEN, 75, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Integrated Healthcare of Tarpon Springs. Born in Lackawanna County, Pa., she came here 18 years ago from Webster, N.Y. and was a quality control inspector with Shuron Optical. She was Christian. Survivors include her husband, Edward; two sons, Edward Jr., Rochester, N.Y., and Nicholas, Hilton, N.Y.; four daughters, Helen Phalen, Canandaigua, N.Y., Gracie Riley, San Diego, Georgianne Zigarowicz, Rochester, and Katherine Jones, New Port Richey; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.
  • North Pinellas Back to top

    Belleair

    • BECKER, FERDINAND JOSEPH, 77, of Belleair, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Chicago and came here in 1977 from Glenview, Ill. He retired as a contractor and worked for his family-owned Becker Roofing in Chicago and other construction companies. He owned a marina and fishing business on Clearwater Beach. He was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was Catholic and enjoyed football and golf and playing cards. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Janet; two daughters, Nancy Becker, Tampa, and Christine Fox, Minneapolis; two sons, Ed, Largo, and Mark, Dunedin; and eight grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
    • LIEBERT, FRANK E., 85, of Belleair, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in New York City and came here in the 1960s from Greenwich, Conn. He retired as a district sales manager for Reynolds Aluminum and was an Army Air Forces veteran. He was Catholic and a volunteer at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was a member of the Indian Springs Tennis Club. Survivors include a son, Frank Jr., White Haven, Mich.; a daughter, Frayser Pennington, Willard, Md.; and a sister, Kaye Townsend, Norfolk, Va. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • SHERRICK, GWEN, 92, of Belleair, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. She was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., and came here in 1973 from Winnetka, Ill. She received a master's degree from the American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, where she later taught piano, and was a concert pianist. She was a trustee of Shimer College, Waukegan, Ill. She was active in the Republican Party since 1926, serving as precinct captain, election judge, 13th Congressional District Republican committeewoman, the GOP Illinois state chairwoman of the Executive Board of Illinois Federation of Republican Women, and was a member of the board of governors of the United Republican Fund. In 1972 she was a delegate at the Republican National Convention. Locally, she supported several community organizations and was a major benefactor of the Florida Orchestra, Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Long Center. Survivors include caregivers Stella Sharp and Ann Verecchio. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

    Clearwater

    • BRAUND, ANN, 84, of Port Richey, formerly of Clearwater, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. She was born in Ford City, Pa., came to Clearwater in 1963 from Sebring, Ohio, and later moved to Port Richey. She retired as cook at Plumb Elementary, Clearwater High School and St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus. She enjoyed crafts and gardening. Survivors include a son, David Lee, Palm Harbor; two daughters, Georgette Lemming, Port Richey, and Ann Schneider, Spencerville, Ohio; a brother, John Charney, Michigan; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.
    • CARR, JESSIE GOODWIN, 42, of Clearwater, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Jamie L., her mother, Ione E. Goodwin, and two brothers Gregory L. and Jeffery L., all of Clearwater. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
    • CROW, ART B., 68, of Clearwater, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Eustis, and came here in 2002 from Tortola, British Virgin Islands. He was an electronics technician and an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include a son, Art Jr., Lawrence, Mass.; four daughters, Beatrice Pancoast, New Egypt, N.J., Barbara Cottrell, Lakewood, N.J., Laura Crow, Toms River, N.J., and Jessica Crow, Cranbrook, British Columbia; two sisters, Clarice Ames, DeLand, and Mary Alice Laughlin, Orange City; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
    • LAWHORN, JOE, 55, of New Port Richey, formerly of Clearwater, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. He was born in Lebanon, Ky., and moved to New Port Richey in 1998 from Clearwater. He worked as a parts deliverer for Car Quest Auto Parts, Clearwater, and was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Williene; four sons, Joseph Randall Lawhorn Jr., Inverness, John Oxley, Pensacola, William Oxley, New Port Richey, and John Steele, Palm Harbor; a daughter, Phyllis Elaine Taylor, Birmingham, Ala.; two sisters, Helen Gray and Geraldine Thompson, both of Clearwater; a brother, Garnett, Florida; and five grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.
    • LEE, ROBERT WHEELER, 59, of Clearwater, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Mariner Health Care of Belleair. He was born in Yonkers, N.Y., and came here in 1950 from New Hampshire. Survivors include his wife, Jane; two daughters, Jaynanne and Cecelia Wheeler, both of Clearwater; and two sons, Robert and Curtis, both of Gainesville. Cornerstone Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
    • MABINI, SOLEDAD "SALLY," 77, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. She was born in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines and came here in 1969 from Cleveland. She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Antonio; four daughters, Genevieve "Jo" Greene, Clearwater, June Mabini, Palm Harbor, Marilu Mabini, Cleveland, and Maria Ruffino, San Pedro, Calif.; two sons, Ron, Alpharetta, Ga., and Tony, Cary, N.C.; three sisters, Siony G. Espena, Arlington Heights, Ill., and Luning E. Jimenez and Edna Harnaez, both of the Philippines; and four grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.

    Dunedin

    • BROWN, FRANCIS P., 70, of Dunedin, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute, St. Petersburg. He was born in St. Louis, Mich., and came here in 1991 from Hillman, Mich. He was a retired school bus driver and an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin, and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Janice; six sons, Gerald, Largo, Ronald, Daniel and Gary, all of Hillman, Mich., Thomas, Troy, Mich., and Marty, Guam; a daughter, Michelle Brown, Avon, Colo.; 17 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
    • CANOVA, ENRIQUE C. JR., 83, of Dunedin, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home. He came here in 1963 from Washington, D.C. He was a heating engineer and an Army veteran of World War II. He was Presbyterian. Survivors include his wife, Ruth E.; two daughters, Virginia Blackston, Pleasantville, Ohio, and Margaret Armentrout, Richmond, Va.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Clearwater Funeral Home at Belcher, Dunedin.
    • FERRIER, GLADYS K., 73, of Dunedin, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Girard Township, Mich., and came here in 1968 from Jackson, Mich. She worked as a telephone operator and was Protestant. Survivors include three sons, Daniel J. Kyburz, Palm Harbor, and William E. and John C. Ferrier, both of Holiday; a daughter, Kathryn Ferrier, Holiday; a sister, Helen Kyburz, Dunedin; and four grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

    Largo

    • LEMAIRE, ARCHIE WILLIAM, 35, of Largo, died Wednesday (April 2, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg, as the result of a pedestrian-automobile accident Monday (March 31, 2003) at the corner of Druid Road and U.S. 19, Clearwater. He was born in Princeton, Ind., and came here several years ago from Tell City, Ind. He was a cabinet maker. Survivors include his mother, Janet Lemaire, Tell City. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
    • RAGAN, LEONARD, 76, of Largo, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1991 from Queens, N.Y., where he retired after many years as a dry cleaner. He later worked as a security guard for 10 years in New York City. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Jewish and a member of Knights of Pythias. He enjoyed playing cards and pool. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Rosalyn; two sons, Herby, Largo, and Allan, Seaford, N.Y.; a daughter, Teri Ragan Ferry, Palm Harbor; a brother, Norman, Boca Raton; and two grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

    Oldsmar

    • STEWART, ROBERT F., 84, of Oldsmar, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Cheltenham, Pa., and came here from Wells Beach, Maine. He graduated as a chemical engineer from University of Maine and was an Army veteran of World War II. He served in the North African campaign and participated in the invasion of Italy at Anzio. He was a major. He worked many years for Bonafide Mills, Lisbon, Maine, later worked in insurance and for the Lafayette Hotel chain in New England. Survivors include two sons, Robert, Oldsmar, and Lee, Burlington, Vt.; a sister, Muriel "Tooie" Tathem Craven, Woodbury, N.J.; a brother, Don, Geneva, N.Y.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

    Tarpon Springs

    • HORNBECK, RICHARD B., 84, of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa. He was born in Winchester, Ill., and came here in 1971 from Ottawa, Ill. He was an agency manager for an insurance company and owned and operated a farm. He was an avid golfer, motorcyclist and aviation enthusiast. He was an Army veteran of World War II and received the Bronze Star while serving with the 4th Armored Cavalry Division. He was a member of First Christian Church and the Cypress Run Golf Club, both of Tarpon Springs. Survivors include his wife, Veta M.; a son, Richard H., Winter Springs; two daughters, Sharon K. King, Kokomo, Ind., and Sandra J. McEvilly, Goodyear, Ariz.; a sister, Joan Frank, Jacksonville, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

    South Pinellas Back to top

    Gulfport

    • MacDONALD, EDITH, 93, of Gulfport, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Boca Ciega Center. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
    • MOREHEAD, DONALD E., 45, of Gulfport, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home. Born in Barberton, Ohio, he came here 15 years ago from Orlando. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Navy veteran. He was an air conditioning and appliance repairman and installer. Survivors include his parents, Harry and Myrtle Morehead, Gulfport; and his companion, Cathy Woton, Chesterhill, Ohio. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

    North Redington Beach

    • CICCHETTI, JOHN J. JR., 80, of North Redington Beach, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in New Jersey, he came here in 1993 from New Port Richey. He retired as a mechanic from the National Guard and Army. He was a member of the American Legion A. Ruser Jr. Post 237 in Madeira Beach. He was Catholic. Survivors include a son, John J. III, New Jersey; and a brother, Emil, and sister, Dolly Trenzo, both of Florida. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

    Pinellas Park

    • BAGWELL, EVELYN CHRISTINE, 82, of Pinellas Park, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Macon, Ga., she came here in 1983 from Cedar Park, Texas. She retired as a licensed practical nurse. She was a member of the Senior Center. Survivors include two sons, James, Lakewood, Colo., and David, Leander, Texas; a daughter, Christine Easter, St. Petersburg; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.
    • BROWN, EDWARD P., 89, of Pinellas Park, died Saturday (April 5, 2003) at home. He came here in 1978 from his native Milwaukee. He was a gas station manager and a life member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Milwaukee. He was a National Guard veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include a brother, James, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a caregiver, John L. Nocito; nine grandchildren; and a nephew. National Cremation Society, Largo.

    Redington Beach

    • WHITAKER, DIANE MICHELLE, 40, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, a winter resident of Redington Beach, died Friday (April 4, 2003) in Idaho Falls. She was born in Seattle. She was a convenience store manager and a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho Falls. Survivors include her husband, Bart; a son, Cordon Edward, Idaho Falls; a daughter, Kristine Michelle Bjorklund, Minneapolis; her mother and stepfather, Larry and Char Palin, Redington Beach; her father and stepmother, Claude and Cheryl Phifer, Seattle; a brother, Richard Joseph Phifer, Treasure Island; and her paternal grandmother, Doris Hoffard, Seattle. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
    • WRAGE, BETSEY J., 69, of Redington Beach, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital. Born in Old Saybrook, Conn., she came here in 1966 from McHenry, Ill. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Troy, Redington Beach; two daughters, Kim Ottinger and Kathy Mercer, both of St. Petersburg; three brothers, George and Robert Manning, Winchester, N.H., and William Manning, Essex, Conn.; and a sister, Vera Allen, Ivoryton, Conn. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

    St. Petersburg

    • BARBER, ALOIS "MIKE," 89, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Lexington Health Care. He came here in 1959 from his native Erie, Pa. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Survivors include four brothers, Henry, Donald and Peter Teculver and Homer Ireland, all of New York. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services-Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • BATTANE, GRANT, 23, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at home. He came here in 1981 from his native Grosse Pointe, Mich. He was a student. He worked in restaurants. Survivors include his companion, Kimberly Leveille; and his mother and stepfather, Beverly and Carl Dehaven, his father, Gary, and a brother, Stephen, all of St. Petersburg. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
    • BENNETT, JESSE JABREE JR., infant son of Jesse J. Bennett Sr. and Sharita L. Baldwin, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Other survivors include his maternal grandfather, Wayne Bowman, Live Oak; and his paternal grandparents, Debra and Carlton Bennett Jr., Largo. Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • BOWING, RUBY P., 74, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Versailles, Ky., she came here in 1978 from Delaware. She was a flight attendant for Pan American Airways and Capital and North American airlines. She also worked for Summit Aviation in Middletown, Del., and Rollings Leasing Co. in New Castle, Del. She was Southern Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Louis; a brother, Harry Preston, Danville, Ky.; and a sister, Ann Geradi, Broadview, Ill. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
    • CASCARELLI, MICHAEL, 50, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at South Heritage Health and Rehabilitation. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
    • CRAGER, JOHN A. JR., 57, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). Born in Quitman, Ga., he came here in 1975 from Orlando. He owned Total Cost Systems for more than 25 years. He coached baseball for the Northeast Little League, basketball for the Salvation Army Church League and Roberts Community Center and football for the Northeast Bandits. He was an Army veteran and a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. He was a Gators fan. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Karen; a son, John Baron, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Cristen Calamari, Boston; and his parents, John Sr. and Billie D. Crager, Quitman. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • CROUCH, L. GRACE, 90, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home under hospice care. Born in Sterling, Kan., she came here in 1924. She worked at the St. Petersburg Times and WTSP-Ch. 10 for 35 years, retiring in 1976. She was an avid reader and gardener. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Alpaugh, Los Angeles; a sister, Genevieve Graham, Brooksville; and 11 nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • GUMBS, HARRY A., 82, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Largo, died Saturday (April 5, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. Born in New York, he came here in 1959 from Jamaica, N.Y. He was a real estate broker. He was Lutheran. He was a Mason and a member of Elks and Moose lodges and Egypt Shrine Temple. Survivors include a granddaughter, Robin Demesquita, St. Petersburg. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Seminole.
    • KERSEY, ROBERT "RAYMOND," 84, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. Born in Warren County, Ill., he came here 32 years ago from Rhode Island. He was a stationary engineer for the Veterans Administration for 20 years. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Mary C.; a daughter, Sandra Annicelli, Cranston, R.I.; a son, David Wayne DeCiantis, North Providence, R.I.; a brother, Fred, Ohio; and eight grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
    • KOKEN, EDWARD H., 88, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (April 3, 2003). Born in Toronto, he came here in 1948. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II. He was an avid golfer and a member of Lakewood Golf and Country Club. Survivors include two cousins, Thelma Remington, Ohio, and Don Willard, St. Petersburg; and a niece, Pat Allan, Toronto. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • LIPORI, SALVATORE, 91, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1973 from Queens, N.Y. He was a machinist for the New York City Public Works Department and a member of Machinists Union Local 246. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary; two sons, Bart, Carbondale, Colo., and John, New York; two daughters, Judy McGee, Roosevelt Island, N.Y., and Nancy Kennedy, Manhattan, N.Y.; a sister, Lola Aliventi, Brooklyn; and four grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
    • McHENRY, DALE M., 48, of Brooksville, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (April 4, 2003) at home. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, he came to Brooksville in 2002 from St. Petersburg. He worked for BFI Trucking in St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the DAV. He was Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Anita; three daughters, Jennifer and Nichole, both of St. Petersburg, and Brittany, Brooksville; four sisters, Linda Gayle, Wisconsin, Wilma Castro, California, Judy Neal, Ohio, and Alma Hudley, Tampa; a brother, Don, Ohio; and a grandson. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.
    • McNIEL, BELLE (McSKIMMON), 88, of Jaffrey, N.H., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Cheshire Medical Center, Keene, N.H. Born in Massachusetts, she lived here for 18 years before she moved to Jaffrey in 1985. She was a registered nurse at the Polyclinic Hospital in New York City for more than 15 years. She was a graduate of Sturdy Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Attleboro, Mass. Survivors include a sister, Mary K. Duquette, Jaffrey; and a nephew, James Bearce, Marlborough, Mass. Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Jaffrey, N.H.
    • MYERS, MARTHA R., 83, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Edward White Hospital. She came here in 1960 from her native Atlanta. She was a former secretary for the U.S. government. She was a member of Sylvan Abbey United Methodist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Debbie Metzler and Linda Wiseman, both of St. Petersburg; a son, David Myers, Dunedin; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
    • ROSSI, MARY A., 90, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Egret Cove Center. Born in Brownsville, Pa., she moved here 37 years ago from Philadelphia. She was a homemaker and an avid gardener. She was a member of St. Jude's Cathedral. Survivors include a son, Anthony, and two daughters, the Rev. Rose Marie Bittler, and Eleanor Wright, all of St. Petersburg; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
    • SEVER, SHIRLEY STOLZ "GAGA," 76, of Clearwater, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born in Cleveland, she came here in 1934 from Canton, Ohio. She graduated from St. Petersburg High School and attended the University of Kentucky. She was a homemaker and a member of First United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, James "Jim"; two daughters, Jamie S. Fischbach and Wendy S. Bowes, both of Clearwater; a granddaughter; and two grandsons. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services-Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
    • SHULMAN, DONALD C., 53, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he moved to Tampa in 1973 from Chicago then here in 1988. An arts administrator and consultant, he was president of Shulman Consulting. He was a graduate of Emerson College and the Art Institute of Chicago. He was a member of the Florida Holocaust Museum, a past chairman of the Pinellas County Arts Council board and a past president and fellow of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. He was acting director of the Jewish Community Center of Pinellas County. He was associate executive director of the Arts Council of Tampa/Hillsborough County from 1973 to 1978, director of the Delaware State Arts Council from 1978 to 1980 and director of the Kansas City Arts Council from 1980 to 1983. Survivors include his wife, Paula Parrish; and his father, Dr. Bernard H., and a brother, Mathew, both of Lansing, N.Y. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • SMITH, MICHELLE A., 42, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. She was a St. Petersburg native. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1980 and attended St. Petersburg Junior College, where she studied child care. She was a certified nurse's aide and worked at Coquina Nursing Center and Tandem Health Care of St. Petersburg. She was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in the Pastor's Aide Ministry and sang with the Fellowship and Voices of Friendship choirs. Survivors include a son, Delvada McCullough, two daughters, Ieascha Brooks and Tareva Taylor, her father, Ulas Butler, four brothers, Kenneth Brooks, Michael Brooks, Johnny C. Butler and Walter Butler, and two sisters, Bernice Huntley and Jacqueline Brooks, all of St. Petersburg; and two grandchildren. Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • STEBBINS, SALLY JEAN, 60, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Greenville, Mich., she came here in 1984 from Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. She was a commercial draftsman. Survivors include two daughters, Renee M. Turner, Hendersonville, N.C., and Michele Turner, St. Petersburg; and two granddaughters, Hannah M. Brain, Hendersonville, and Maya M. Turner, St. Petersburg. John S. Rhodes, East Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • VEIT, JESSIE JEAN BENNETT, 101, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Westminster Shores Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Rutherford, N.J., she came here in 1955 from the Panama Canal zone. She was a schoolteacher at St. Johnsbury in Vermont. She was a member of St. Mathew's Episcopal Church. She was a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta, PEO and the Panhellenic Society. Survivors include two nieces and a nephew. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • VERBEECK, ESTHER E., 89, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Kindred Hospital Bay Area-St. Petersburg. Born in Salisbury, Mo., she came here in 1970 from Washington, D.C., where she was a schoolteacher. She was a member of the Snell Isle Women's Club and the Republican Club of St. Petersburg. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. James W. Green, St. Louis; two sisters, Pauline McNeall, Savannah, Tenn., and Mae Davis, Valdosta, Ga.; and a grandson, Dan Green, Salinas, Calif. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • WARD, FLORENCE DOREEN, 85, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Dunnville, Ontario, she came here in 1983 from Niagara Falls, N.Y. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three sons, William A., Rochester, N.Y., and Stephen L. and Gordon T., both of Niagara Falls; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory-49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • Tierra Verde
    • HEGELSON, RUTH A., 94, of Tierra Verde, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at College Harbor Nursing Home. Born in Milwaukee, she came here in 1970 from Cincinnati. She was an industrial nurse and a graduate of Marquette University School of Nursing. She was an avid golfer and bridge player at St. Petersburg Country Club. She was a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, Guy, Tierra Verde; a sister, Ester Rheineck, Milwaukee; four grandsons; and five great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
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