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April 11, 2003
SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Friday, April 11, 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

  • BAKER, THOMAS, 70, of Inverness, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) in Inverness. Born in New York City, he came here in 1989 from North Babylon, N.Y. He was a member of the Steam Fitters Union Local 638 of Long Island, N.Y., and was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Ellenbrook; two sons, Kenneth, Pensacola, and Richard, Inverness; two brothers, Ronald and Jack, both of Marietta, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.
  • BRANDON, BONNIE L., 67, of Hernando, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness. Born in Olive Branch, Ill., she was a seasonal resident from Muncie, Ind. She worked as an office secretary at and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Dunnellon. Survivors include her husband, Jerry N.; three daughters, Jeri Follin, Muncie, Kim Sheller, Leesburg, Ind., and Jama Wilson, Larwell, Ind.; a brother, Kenneth Holmes; a sister, Essie Moody; and four grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.
  • COBB, CODY SPENCER, 6, of Brooksville, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Petersburg. He was born in St. Petersburg and moved to Brooksville one year ago from Port Richey. He attended Suncoast Elementary School and was on the honor roll. He was Baptist. Survivors include his father, George Cobb Sr., his mother, Dawn Jenneve, two sisters, Ashley D. Wray, and Valarie J. Cobb, all of Brooksville; two brothers, George C. Cobb Jr., Brooksville, and Donald C. Jenneve, St. Petersburg; his grandmother, Sharon Prater, and grandfather, Francis Haught, both of Brooksville; paternal grandparents, Valarie and Rich Pomnitz, Crystal River; great-grandmother, Treva Archer, Lima, Ohio; his uncle, Timothy Cobb, Lima,; and two cousins. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.
  • HINES, DELWIN DENZEL, 74, of Inverness, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Wilmore, Ky., he came here in 1997 from Upper Marlboro, Md. He was a retired general contractor who owned and operated Del-Raeco Construction in Adelphi, Md. for over 30 years. He was a member of the Citrus County Republican Committee and was affiliated with the Hernando Church of the Nazarene. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Vivian (Bullis); two daughters, Cyndi Noell, St. Leonard, Md., and Valerie Hines, Lusby, Md.; five brothers, Wendell, Inverness, Daryl, Warren, Ohio, Rolland, Mentor, Ohio, Myron, Orwell, Ohio, and Lowell, Jefferson, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.
  • LAMERSON, DON KENDALL, 73, of Hernando, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Lansing, Mich., he came here in 1997 from Leesburg. He owned Naturlizer Shoes in Lake Square Mall, Leesburg. He was an Air Force veteran and attended the House of Power Church of Dunnellon. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Connie; four sons, Don Lamerson II, Farmington, Mich., Ken, Lakeland, James, Hernando and John, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Karen Reynolds, Butler, Ky.; a brother, Robert, Plymouth, Mich.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.
  • MARKEY, DONALD JR., 76, of Crystal River, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Ashland, Ohio, he came here in 1973 from Hawthorne, Calif. He was a retired draftsman engineer for Mattel Toy Factory and was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Vera; a son, Ralph James, Golden Gate; a daughter, Ruth Neiss, Rock Island, Tenn.; and two grandsons. Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, Crystal River.
  • WILLIAMS, MILDRED, 89, of Crystal River, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital in Crystal River. Born in Homosassa, she was a lifelong resident of this area. She was a homemaker and a member of Providence Baptist Church of Lecanto. Survivors include three sons, Don Locklar, Jacksonville, Tony Williams and Tim Williams, both of Crystal River; a daughter, Diane Chester, Casselberry; two brothers, Ronnie Brown, Satellite Beach, and J.C. Brown, Bartow; 13 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.
  • Hernando County Back to top

  • BASOM, ALBERT R., 78, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Altoona, Pa., he came here in 1993 from Wexford, Pa. He retired from Pittsburgh Plate Glass and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Joan; a daughter, Janice Hinman, Rome, N.Y.; and a grandson, Aaron MacLaughlin, New York City. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.
  • BENNETT, L. RON, 83, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of Bayonet Point. Born in Troy, N.Y., he came in 1988 from Chicago. He was a veteran of the Korean War in the Navy and Marine Corps. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 10209, Chaplain for District 21, a member of American Legion 186 and the Cooties, and a Third Degree Knight of Columbus. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou; three step-daughters, Pamela Bormann, Chicago, Debbie Schramm, Hudson, and Gwen Gore, Spring Hill; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home & Cemetery, Hudson.
  • 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 Kwiatkowski, Brooksville; a sister, Virginia, and a brother, John, both of New York. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.
  • LUCASH, STEPHEN MICHAEL JR., 16, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) near Weeki Wachee due to a vehicle accident. He was born in Gainesville and was an 11th-grade student. Survivors include his father, Stephen M. Lucash Sr., Spring Hill; his mother, Helen Fredere, a brother, Matthew Lucash, a sister, Jacqueline Lucash, and a half-sister, Paris Patterson, all of Brooksville; paternal grandparents, Bernard and Rosalind Lucash, Spring Hill; maternal grandmother, Sandra Hoalcroft, Winston-Salem, N.C.; many aunts, uncles and cousins, Turner Funeral & Cremation Center, Spring Hill.
  • PEARCE, JEANNETTE F., 85, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in Scranton, Pa., she came here 17 years ago from Tacoma Park, Md. She was a retired accountant for the Cloverdale Corp. with 20 years of service. She was a past officer of the American Association of Women's Accounting and a member of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima and St. Cajetan. Survivors include a brother, John Forrester, Vienna, Va.; two sisters, Loretta Larry and Kathryn Forrester, both of Toms River, N.J.; three nieces and two nephews. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.
  • STARCHER, WILLIAM DAVID, 42, of Kissimmee, formerly of Brooksville, died Friday (Jan. 17, 2003). Born in Spencer, W.Va., he moved to Kissimmee four years ago from Brooksville and worked in the hospitality industry. He was Baptist. Survivors include two sons, William Aaron, Crescent City, Calif., and Joshua David, Hudson; his parents, Charles and Marlene Starcher, Elyria, Ohio; maternal grandmother, Ethel Tanner, Salem, Ohio; and two brothers, Eddie and David, both of Elyria. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.
  • THERIOT, LLOYD A., 83, of Brookridge, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in LaRose, La., he came here 13 years ago from Fort Myers. He was the retired owner and operator of a general store and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He earned a bachelor's degree at Louisiana State University and was a charter member and past president of VFW Post 8538. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and LaRose-Cut Off Fire Department, and was a LaRose Regional Planning Commissioner. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church of Brooksville. Survivors include his wife, Eve Marie. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.
  • Hillsborough County Back to top

  • BOURGEOIS, GENEVA "BETTY," 87, of Tampa, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). She owned and operated Nelson's Service Station in Jackson Heights for many years and was a member of East Chelsea Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Merritt, Shelby, N.C., and Darlene Irwin, Riverview; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, Tampa.
  • BROCK, JOE VERNON, 69, of Plant City, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003). He was a lifelong resident of Plant City and worked as a boilermaker. Survivors include four daughters, Paula Trow, Brenda King, Debra Doolittle, all of Tampa, and Beverly Hill, Georgia ; four brothers, Gerale, Jimmy, Howard and Tommy, all of Plant City. Wells Memorial Funeral Home.
  • CLAY, SHARON RISHI-MAHARAJ, 40, of Tampa, died Saturday (April 5, 2003). She was a member of Calvary Community Church. Survivors include her parents, Ramsey and Shirley Rishi-Maharaj; three daughters, Charisma Guildarie and Anisha and Arisha Krause, all of Tampa; two sons, Mark Abdulah Guildarie and Archie Clay, both of Tampa; two brothers, Rick Rishi Maharaj and Shawn Rishi Maharaj, both of Fort Lauderdale. Everett, Derr & Anderson Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • CODISPOTI, VINCENT PAUL, 42, of Tampa, died Friday (April 4, 2003). Born in Massillon, Ohio, he worked as a mortgage broker. Survivors include his parents, V. Paul and Patricia L. Codispoti, a brother, Christopher; and a sister, Christina. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel.
  • GAVIN, HENRY F., 82, of Sun City Center, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and worked as a teacher. He was a grand knight and district deputy in Lynbrook, N.Y., a member of the Sun City Center Golf Association and Hillsborough County chapter of the Elks. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; and many nieces and nephews. Sun City Center Funeral Home.
  • HERNANDEZ, LORENZO, 90, of Tampa, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Carmen; two sons, Lino and Herminio; two daughters, Carmen and Lourdes; a brother, Juan; 36 grandchildren ; 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.
  • SNAPP, PYRO GAUSE, 92, of Lakeland, formerly Plant City, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). She was born in Donaldsonville, Ga., and moved to the area at age 12. She worked as a teacher in east Hillsborough County schools for 38 years and was an active member of Hopewell Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, G. Hubert Snapp, Plant City; a daughter, Melba Wheeler, Lakeland; three brothers, B.L. Gause, Ocala, McArthur B. Gause, Plant City, and Earl M. Gause, Lake City; two sisters, Bronnie M. Moorison, Jonas Ridge, N.C., and Vivian C. Cameron, Plant City; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Plant City.
  • SULECKI, JOYCE GIBSON, 72, of Tampa, died Sunday (April 6, 2003). She was born in Roanoke, Va., and moved to Tampa from Kingsport, Tenn., several years ago. She worked as a beautician. Survivors include one daughter, Kim Giancola, Euclid, Ohio. Ambassador Mortuary Services, Oldsmar.
  • WALL, JOSEPH A., 82, of Plant City, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003). Born in Georgia, he came to the Tampa area in 1955 from Brewster. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Eunice; two sons, Charles, Plant City and Curtis, Lakeland; a daughter, Linda Barron, Plant City; a sister, Edna Butler, Plant City; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.
  • WARE, MARJORIE M., 85, of Tampa, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). She worked as a registered nurse and homemaker and was a member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Lambert M. and John F., both of Tampa; a daughter, Nancy Ware Thran , St. Petersburg; a sister, Frances Bukota, Lakeland; a brother, Ray Moates, Panama City; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, Tampa.
  • WILSON, ROBERT L., 85, of Brandon, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Faye Mitchell and Gail Lewis; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.
  • Pasco County Back to top

  • ALSDORF, WILLIAM A., 85, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home. Born in Canada, he came here 19 years ago from Melrose Park, Ill. He was a retired electrician and a member of King of Glory Lutheran Church of New Port Richey. Survivors include two sons, David Philps and James Alsdorf, both of Melrose Park, Ill.; a sister, Marjorie Houghton; and four grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.
  • 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.
  • COLLETT, JAMES DEAN, 44, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey. Born in Fort McPherson, Ga., he came here in 2000 from Smyrna, Ga. He was a framer and an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Connie, a son, James Jared, and a daughter, Amanda Crystal Collett, all of New Port Richey; his mother, Sue Collett, Sparta, Ga.; two brothers, Johnny, Milledgeville, Ga., and Timothy, Lansing, Mich.; two sisters, Carolyn Norton, Marietta, Ga., and Deborah West, Greenville, S.C.; several nieces and nephews; and one granddaughter. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.
  • DIXON, PAUL, 83, of Zephyrhills, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. Born in Big Stone Gap, Va., he came here in 1979 from East Hartford, Conn. He worked in the coal mines of Virginia and was an industrial plumber for Pratt & Whitney. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Bertha; a son, Ronald Dixon, Salem, Ore.; three stepsons, Dana Duby, East Hartford, Conn., Dale Duby, East Haddam, Conn., and Dean Duby, Ellensburg, Wash.; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Pantano, East Granby, Conn.; a sister, Hester Burton, Virginia; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.
  • HETHERINGTON, DALE R., 55, of Laceyville, Pa., formerly of Port Richey, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at home. He was born in Philadelphia. He was employed in the logistics departments at Procter and Gamble Paper, Mehoopany, Pa. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Coleen E. (Green); two daughters, Jennifer Branham, Tallahassee, and Dyan Hudson, New Port Richey; a son, Dale R., Philadelphia; a sister, Marion Merwin, Hudson; two brothers, Stephen, Cherry Hill, N.J., and Mark, Palmer, Mass. Sheldon Funeral Homes, Laceyville, Pa.
  • JAMISON, GLADYS C., 83, of Holiday, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey. Born in Cedar Hill, N.Y., she came here in 1981 from Albany, N.Y. She was a retired supervisor and a member of Evangel Assembly of God. There are no known immediate survivors. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.
  • LYONS, ELIZABETH C., 76, of Holiday, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. She came to Holiday in 1992 from her native Bucyrus, Ohio. She was a lab technician for Swan Rubber Co. with 25 years of service. She was a member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church of Tarpon Springs. Survivors include her son, Robert L., Tarpon Springs; a sister, Mary Louise Arnold, Bucyrus; and four grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.
  • MADI, DOROTHEA H. POST, 84, of Holiday, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. Born in Philadelphia, she came to Holiday in 1972 from Cape May, N.J. and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. She was a member of the Moose Auxiliary 1614 Tarpon Springs and was past secretary of Lakeside Village Homeowners Association. Survivors include her husband, Risley J.; three daughters, Barbara McQueen, Patricia Williams and Susan Linke; and several grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
  • McCANN, JOHN F., 67, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. He came here recently from his native New York City. He was a mason for the New York Transit Authority with 18 years of service. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member VFW Post 95. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Marian G.; a son, Dennis, New York City, a stepson, Allen Hopter, New York; two stepdaughters, Donna Gordon, Brunswick, Ga., and Judy Fusco, Port Richey; a brother, Danny, Massapequa, N.Y.; a sister, Ellen Vitola, Arizona; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.
  • PENNEY, BERENICE "BUNNIE," 90, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. Born in Marblehead, Mass., she came here 17 years ago from Lynn, Mass. She was a member of Community United Methodist Church. Survivors include her son, Curtis, Naperville, Ill.; and two grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.
  • PHELAN, ELIZABETH J. WILBERT, 77, of Hudson, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) in Hudson. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., she came here 17 years ago from Carmel, N.Y. She was a secretary and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Robert; three sons, Gregg W. Wilbert, New Fairfield, Conn., Dennis G. Wilbert, Seattle, and Keith A. Wilbert, Harwinton, Conn.; a brother, Thomas J. Brown, Port Richey; and eight grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hudson.
  • WEESER, ELIZABETH J. "BETTY," 83, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Forest Glen Lodge in New Port Richey. She came here 20 years ago from her native Brooklyn. She was a secretary for Bell Telephone for many years and was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include her niece, Sister Marie Weeser, Tampa. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.
  • North Pinellas Back to top

    Belleair

    • 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 as a precinct captain, election judge, 13th Congressional District Republican committeewoman, 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. She 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, Fort Harrison Chapel, Clearwater.

    Clearwater

    • ADAMS, ADA N., 84, of Clearwater, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and came here in 1976 from West Hartford, Conn. She taught in the Hartford and West Hartford school systems and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. She was a member of Christian Science Church of Largo and a volunteer in the church's reading room. Survivors include three sons, Andrew A., St. Petersburg, Joel C., West Hartford, and Mark G., Bristol, Conn.; three brothers, Stott Gordon, Bluffton, S.C., John Gordon, Hampton, Ga., and Charlie Gordon, Franklin, Tenn.; and six grandchildren. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Road Chapel, Clearwater.
    • DZWONKOWSKI, WILLIAM J., 48, of Clearwater, formerly of Bradenton, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at home. He came here in 1955 from his native Brooklyn, N.Y. He worked as a cardiovascular technologist for Morton Plant Mease Health Care. He was Catholic and a former member of the Jaycees, Cape Coral. Survivors include his mother, Roberta, Sebring; a daughter, Michelle Dzwonkowski, Cape Coral; a son, William, Bradenton; two brothers, Robert, Sunrise, and Stanley, Jupiter; and a sister, Linda A. Mason, Clearwater. National Cremation Society, Largo.
    • HARKINS, RONALD, 49, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He worked as a flooring installer. Survivors include his wife, Karen; a daughter, Nicole Harkins, Gainesville; his parents, Richard and Mary Harkins, Largo; two sisters, Geri Swafford, Land O'Lakes, and Carol Davis, Largo; and a brother, Richard, Cottondale, Ala. National Cremation Society, Largo.
    • LYONS, OTILDA M., 95, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Wright's Nursing Home, Largo. She was born in Cincinnati and came here in 1979 from Livonia, Mich. She was a bookkeeper for a wine distributor. She was a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor. Survivors include two stepsons, Christopher, Sterling Heights, Mich., and Thomas, Detroit; two nieces, Lois Ludwinski, Clearwater, and Nancy Schott, Bath, Ohio; and two nephews, Richard Ludwinski, Largo, and Kurt Ludwinski, Milford, Mich. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • PARKER, MARY ANNE, 69, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Nashville and came here in 1978 from Harrisburg, Ill. She is a retired businesswoman and member of First United Methodist Church, Harrisburg, Ill. Survivors include two sons, Frank P., Holiday, and Charles P., Largo; two daughters, Mary Helen Parker, Clearwater, and Colleen Parket Traversa, St. Petersburg; a brother, Preston Murphy, South Portland, Maine. National Cremation Society, Largo.
    • PHILLIPS, MARY MOORE GAY, 89, of Blairsville, Ga., formerly of Clearwater, died Sunday (April 6, 2003) at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, Ga. She was born in Clay County, Ala., and moved to Blairsville in 2001 from Clearwater. She was a retired schoolteacher and a member of First Baptist Church, Athens, Ala., and Clearwater Community Church. Survivors include a daughter, Gay Carter, Marble, N.C.; three grandchildren, Jeff Carter, Tampa, Kevin Carter, Orange Park, and Stacy Bourne, Roanoke, Va.; and two great-grandchildren. Cochran Funeral Home, Blairsville, Ga.
    • ROBINSON, RANDALL EARL "RANDY," 54, of Clearwater, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Tandem Health Care of Safety Harbor. He was born in Redford Township, Mich., moved in 1956 to Tampa, where he graduated from Chamberlain High School, and moved to Clearwater, where he worked as supervising contractor for Coastal Builders for 28 years. Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Carol; his mother, A. Louise Robinson, Tampa; a sister, Patricia Hutchinson, Tampa; and two brothers, William, Clearwater, and David, Lutz. Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater.

    Dunedin

    • FERRIER, GLADYS K., 73, of Dunedin, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Countryside Health Care, Palm 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.
    • GOELZ, DOROTHY D., 87, of Dunedin, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Chicago and came here in 1978 from Oak Lawn, Ill. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Robert A., New Port Richey; a daughter, Judith Ann Horner, Pinellas Park; three brothers, Otto Deschaaf, Benton Harbor, Ralph Deschaaf, Chicago, and Wilifred Deschaaf, Arizona; a sister, Helen Forest, Benton Harbor; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home,
    • Palm Harbor.
    • WARTH, JAMES ROBERT, 66, of Dunedin, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Rushville, Ind., and came here in 1975 from Warner Robins, Ga. He worked for Lockheed-Martin and the Air Force for 21 years. He was Baptist. He was a member of Dunedin Lodge 192, American Legion Post 275 and the Masons. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Clara; three sons, James Robert Jr., Tampa, Richard Alan, Dunedin, and Roger Franklin, Spring Hill; a brother, Paul, Dunedin; a sister, Janet Spence, Dunedin; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
    • WOELLNER, DAVID A. JR., 53, of Dunedin, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. He was born in Dearborn, Mich., and came here in 1974 from Connecticut. He was an insurance agent. He was a member of the Marine Industries Association and First United Methodist Church of Dunedin. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and was an avid volunteer and sailor. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Barbara; two daughters, Amanda Woellner and Katie Woellner, both of Dunedin; a sister, Barbara Mintz, Connecticut; and his father, David, Sebring. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

    Largo

    • MATUSIK, PAUL, 89, of Largo, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He was born in Rockland Lake, N.Y., and came here in 1996 from Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., where he was a supervisor for Anaconda Wired Cable Co. He was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo, and enjoyed photography, fishing, woodworking and shuffleboard. Survivors include a son, Donald, St. James, N.Y.; a daughter, Paulette Conlan, Stuart; a sister, Mildred Matusik, Largo; and three grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • PALTRINERI, ALPHENA A., 98, of Largo, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Cypress Palms, Largo. She was born in New Brunswick, Canada, and came here in 1996 from Wellesley, Mass., where she worked as an insurance broker for Lehrer and Madden, Inc. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Wellesley. Survivors include a son, Eugene A., Sandwich, Mass., and Venice, Fla.; a daughter, Joan Paltrineri, Greensboro, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • STRUBE, EDNA M., 92, of Largo, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Highland Pines Rehabilitation, Clearwater. She came here in 1976 from her native New York City, where she worked as a schoolteacher for 32 years. She was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church of Largo. Survivors include a son, Henry David Jr., St. Petersburg; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

    Palm Harbor

    • GIBSON, DOLORES ANN, 71, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. She was born in Cleveland and came here in 2000 from Angola, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a Roman Catholic. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth and William, both of New Port Richey; four daughters, Anita Heeter, Angola, Veronica Harper, Palm Harbor, Kimberly Keene, New Port Richey, and Mary Martin, Orlando; a sister, Jane Patterson, Angola; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
    • MAHER, JOHN B. "JACK," 71, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He came here in 1995 from his native Buffalo, N.Y. He was a retired manager of OTB of New York state. He was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and Highland Lakes Golf Club, both of Palm Harbor, and Knights of Columbus in Palm Harbor and Buffalo. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Lydia; a son, John C., Buffalo; three daughters, Laurie Nice, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Jackye Mandell, Buffalo, and Kerry Krupa, Virginia Beach, Va.; a brother, Michael I. Maher, Santa Rosa, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.
    • WAGER, STEVEN F., 58, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, and came here in 1993 from Laguna Niguel, Calif. He was a sales representative for Wager Co. of Florida. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Nancy M., Palm Harbor, two sons, Brent and Chad, both of Michigan; a daughter, Stephanie, Michigan; a brother, Kent, Lake Mary; a sister, Sheri Barley, Nevada City, Calif.; his parents, Jack and Evelyn, Longwood; and a grandchild. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

    Seminole

    • GRUENER, STANLEY J., 82, of Seminole, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. He was born in Cincinnati. He retired from Kahn's Hillshire Farm, where he was a large accounts manager for 27 years. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Rita; two daughters, Teresa Ditmeyer, Sarasota, and Pauline Hollander, Cincinnati; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • STARKE, ELMORE B., 78, of Seminole, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at Oak Manor Nursing Center. Born in Bronx, N.Y. he came here in 1979 from Peekskill, N.Y. He was an elevator mechanic. He attended St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Mary J.; two sons, Scott Koenig, New Jersey, and Edward Starke, Colorado Springs, Colo.; two daughters, Nancy Barbosa, Seminole, and Susan Preiss, Mount Arlington, N.J.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • VAN HOUTEN, JANE, 73, of Seminole, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She came here in 1969 from her native Paterson, N.J. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Dale Van Houten, Seminole; and two brothers, Nick Weiss, Pompton Lakes, N.J., and Bill Weiss, Waymart, Pa. National Cremation Society, Largo.

    Tarpon Springs

    • GADDY, PATSY ANN, 69, of Annapolis, Md., formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at a daughter's home in Hebron, Md. She was born in Crisfield, Md., and worked as a secretary at Davidsonville-Mayo Health Center for the Anne Arundel County Health Department in Maryland for 14 years. She enjoyed shopping, biking and swimming. Survivors include two sons, Mark S., Annapolis, and Michael J., Atlanta; two daughters, Bonnie Denise Gaddy Littleton, Hebron, Md., and Holly Gaddy Whittington, Annapolis; two brothers, Benson L. McCready, York, Pa., and Berry McCready, Berlin, Md.; a sister, Barbara Connor, Santa Cruz, Calif.; and eight grandchildren. Hardesty Funeral Home, Annapolis, Md.

    South Pinellas Back to top

    Pinellas Park

    • CLEMENT, RUTH P., 94, of Pinellas Park, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Abbey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born in Sneads Island. She was a registered nurse and a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Survivors include a stepson, Jimmy Clement, Pinellas Park. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.
    • HUNTER, RUBY P., 91, of Pinellas Park, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. She came here in 1926 from her native Waynesville, Ga. She was Protestant. Survivors include a sister, Edith Bowersox, Monterey, Calif.; and two nephews, Bob Lynch, St. Petersburg, and Grant Calloway, Mims. C.E. Prevatt Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

    St. Petersburg

    • DICKEY, INEZ P., 88, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Washington, Ind., she came here in 1972 from Indianapolis, where she was a gift wrapper for William H. Block Co. for 17 years. Survivors include a son, William D., Shoals, Ind.; two sisters, Elizabeth Hawkins, Bloomington, Minn., and Lulu Hohr, Greenwood, Ind.; nine grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
    • FANCHER, FREDERICK LYONS JR., 77, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003). Born in Binghamton, N.Y., he came here in 1950 from Montrose, Pa. He was a truck driver for a St. Petersburg ice company. He was a World War II Navy veteran and was Baptist. Survivors include a sister, Patricia A. Fancher, St. Petersburg. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
    • HOLT, LEARNER, 47, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at home. Born in Hazard, Ky., she came to this area in 1985 from Ohio. She enjoyed painting. Survivors include a daughter, Samantha Holt, St. Petersburg; three brothers, Osie Hicks, Fairborn, Ohio, and Arnold Hicks and Darrell Hicks, both of Dayton, Ohio; and two sisters, Audrey Gibson, Dayton, and Ruby James, Knoxville, Tenn. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • JOHNSON, ALBERTHA "PENNY," 66, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She came here in 1970 from her native Raleigh. She retired from Days Inn and was Baptist. Survivors include a son, Alvin Lumpkin, St. Petersburg; her mother, Lura Jenkins, Williston; a brother, Wilbert Jenkins, Raleigh; three sisters, Hattie Rowe, Williston, and Johnnie Mae Pelham and Sophoronia Woods, Raleigh; and a granddaughter. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • McFARLANE, ALICE L., 104, of St. Petersburg died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Bons Secours Maria Manor. She came here in 2000 from Detroit. She was a homemaker and a Methodist. Survivors include a daughter, Janet MaCris, St. Petersburg; two sons, Donald, Detroit, and Ted, Imlay City, Mich.; a sister, Myrtle Case, Livonia, Mich.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • MEYER, LORAINE FRANCES, 93, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (April 8, 2003) at Abbey Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Born in Newport, Ky., she came here in 1968 from Cincinnati. She was a homemaker and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. There are no known survivors. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-McLeod Chapel, St. Petersburg.
    • PARRIMON, HENRY WILLIS, 58, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. He was a St. Petersburg native and attended Gibbs High School. He was a former employee of George's Swimming Pools. Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Parrimon-Waters and Bridgette Parrimon-Poole, and two sisters, Gloria Jean Niblack and Diane Griffin, all of St. Petersburg; and six grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • POLOVCHENA, EDNA C., 73, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at the Laurel's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Worcester, Mass., she moved here in 1973 from Long Island, N.Y. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Walter; two sons, William H., Long Island, and Walter G., Rock Hill, S.C.; three daughters, Linda Joy Polovchena, Clearwater, Melody Ann LaMonica, Dallas, and Tracey Lynn Robbins, St. Petersburg; three brothers, William A. Ahern and Gene Ahern, both of Long Island, and Richard Ahern, Orlando; a sister, Constance B. Frye, Miami; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • RICHARDS, ALICE GERTRUDE, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She came here in 1951 from her native St. John's, Newfoundland. She was a former nanny and a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church and its ladies guild. Survivors include three sisters, Helen Richards, Mary Richards and Mercedes Richards, a niece, Debbie Spenik, and a nephew, Dave Richards, all of St. Petersburg. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
    • SIMMONS, EVA, 87, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Bay Pointe Nursing Pavilion. She came here in 1941 from her native Cocoa. She was a domestic worker. She was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Pastor's Aide Ministry. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Eugene; a sister, Eloise Moments, St. Petersburg; a nephew, Charlie Blossom, St. Petersburg; and a niece, Felicia Washington, St. Petersburg. Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • SPERRY, LEWIS DEAN, 77, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (April 2, 2003). Born in Walton, Ind., he came to Florida in 1960. He was a car salesman. He was an Army veteran and a member of American Legion Post 118. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; four daughters, Paula Sperry, Marilou Keener, Dana Speake and Lisa Haenel; a sister, Jo Ellen Sordelet; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Tampa.
    • THOMAS, DEACON WILLIE BUFORD, 83, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (April 7, 2003) at Bay Pointe Nursing Pavilion. Born in Hahira, Ga., he came here in 1972 from Little Rock, Ark. He was a retired cement finisher. He was a deacon of Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church and an Army veteran. Survivors include two sons, Bishop Kelly Allen, Foxboro, Mass., and James Thomas, St. Petersburg; four sisters, Willie Beatrice Thomas and Vanessa Wilson, both of St. Petersburg, and Tracy Thomas and Kristina Thomas, both of Little Rock, Ark.; two brothers, the Rev. Lemar, Thomasville, Ga., and Andrew, Jacksonville; four sisters, Alberta Williams, St. Petersburg, Lillie Pearl Noble and Dorothy Hunter, both of Thomasville, and Leo Thomas, Boston, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Hadley's Funeral Home, Thomasville, Ga.
    • WARSING, JEANNE FILE, 76, of Great Barrington, Mass., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) after a long illness. She was born in Philadelphia. She attended Beaver University in Jenkinstown, Pa. She enjoyed traveling and gardening. Survivors include two daughters, Dianne Lopez, Great Barrington, and Karen Pearson, Acworth, Ga.; and four grandsons. Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, Great Barrington, Mass.
    • WOODARD, IDA MAE, 54, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. She came here in 1969 from her native Troy, Ala. She was a former housekeeper at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. She was Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Alfred; a son, Willie Witherspoon Jr., St. Petersburg; two daughters, Effie West, Albany, Ga., and Nancy Johnson, St. Petersburg; her mother, Irene Blue, Brunswick, Ga.; her father, Joe Coleman, St. Petersburg; two brothers, Edward Lynn Jones, St. Petersburg, and Kenneth Blue, Brunswick; a sister, Barbara Jean Coleman, St. Petersburg; and seven grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

    Seminole

    • GRUENER, STANLEY J., 82, of Seminole, died Wednesday (April 9, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. He was born in Cincinnati. He retired from Kahn's Hillshire Farm, where he was a large accounts manager for 27 years. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Rita; two daughters, Teresa Ditmeyer, Sarasota, and Pauline Hollander, Cincinnati; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
    • STARKE, ELMORE B., 78, of Seminole, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at Oak Manor Nursing Center. Born in Bronx, N.Y. he came here in 1979 from Peekskill, N.Y. He was an elevator mechanic. He attended St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. He was a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Mary J.; two sons, Scott Koenig, New Jersey, and Edward Starke, Colorado Springs, Colo.; two daughters, Nancy Barbosa, Seminole, and Susan Preiss, Mount Arlington, N.J.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
    • VAN HOUTEN, JANE, 73, of Seminole, died Thursday (April 10, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She came here in 1969 from her native Paterson, N.J. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Dale Van Houten, Seminole; and two brothers, Nick Weiss, Pompton Lakes, N.J., and Bill Weiss, Waymart, Pa. National Cremation Society, Largo.
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