St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

DANIEL, LOLA PRIEST, 94, of Red Level, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Cypress Cove Care Center in Crystal River. She was a lifelong resident of her native Red Level and a member of one of Citrus County's pioneer families (Priest). She retired from the Citrus County School System, where she worked as a food service manager. She was instrumental in creating the cafeteria that served the Marine Science Station. She was the oldest member of the Red Level Baptist Church. She was a charter member of the American Legion Post 155 Auxiliary. Survivors include her daughter, Roger Carol Dumas, Crystal River; a son, Nathan, Pineville, S.C.; two brothers, Dean and Wayne Priest, both of Red Level; a sister, Bonnie White, Inverness; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

DOBBS, RUTH G., 82, of Homosassa, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Spruce Pine, N.C., she came here in 1998 from Collinsville, Okla. She was a retired office manager with General Electric in New York and was a homemaker. She was a member of National Decorative Painters Association. She was an Episcopalian. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Sterling; a daughter, Joy Bily, Homosassa; a son, Gerald Lee, San Diego; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

DURFEE, MINNIE LOUISE, 91, of Brooksville, formerly of Inverness and St. Petersburg, died Saturday (June 14, 2003) at Heron Pointe Nursing Home in Brooksville. Born in Detroit, she moved to St. Petersburg in 1945 from her native Detroit and moved to Inverness then to Brooksville. She was a member of the First Unity Church of St. Petersburg, where she was a member of the Women's Auxiliary and Creative Circles who made teddy bears for the Florida Highway Patrol to distribute to accident victims. She was a member of the Eastern Star Eureka Chapter and made gift baskets for the Masonic Home during the holidays. Survivors include two sons, Ronald Princler, Inverness, and Richard Princler, Garden Grove, Calif.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

McCOY, DORIS R., 90, of Inverness, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Santa Monica, Calif., she came here in 1963 from Michigan. She was an aircraft inspector for Northrup during World War II. She was secretary at the Citrus County Extension Service Office. She was a volunteer with Citrus County Meals on Wheels. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Rollision, Inverness; a sister, Beatrice Marie York, Springville, Calif.; three grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes, Inverness.

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FOX, GEORGE, 78, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (June 14, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 20 years ago from Holbrook, N.Y. She was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his sister-in-law, Elaine Marshall, Fort Lee, N.J.; a nephew, Robert Roth; and a great-nephew, Justin Boehm, Wilton, Conn. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Brooksville.

QUINN, ANNA, 83, of Brookridge, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at home. She came here 16 years ago from her native Chicago. She was a retired printing company office worker. Survivors include her husband, Thomas W.; a son, Thomas P., Rolling Meadows, Ill.; three daughters, Maureen and Eileen Quinn, both of Des Plaines, Ill. and Kathleen Whitt, Cabot, Ark.; a brother, John Galandak, Orlando; and five grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapels, Brooksville.

RUPPE, JOSEPHINE, 89, of Brooksville, died Wednesday (June 18, 2003) at Spring Hill Health Center. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here in 1998 from Huntington Station, N.Y. and was a homemaker. She was Catholic. Survivors include her son, Ronald, Hudson; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

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BROWN, EFFIE E. "BOBBIE," 92, of Davenport, formerly of Seffner, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003). She was the former owner of a hotel and tavern and was Baptist. Survivors include a stepson, Martin Mol; a stepdaughter, Beatrice Nitzel; and several nieces and nephews. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

HACKNEY, CHARLES H., 69, of Plant City, died Monday (June 16, 2003). Born in Blount County, Ala., he moved to the Tampa area in 1953. He was a farmer and a member of Willow Oak Church of God. Survivors include his wife, Helen; two sons, Charles Michael and Ronnie D. Hackney, both of Plant City; two daughters, Elaine McCarty and Donnie Jean Hackney, both of Plant City; four sisters, Sue Beal, Lakeland, Pansy Dickson, Madrone Snell and Onzel Potter, all of Plant City; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.

HOOKER, DENNIS "PRELLE," 61, of Dover, died Monday (June 16, 2003). A native and lifelong resident of Dover, he was a mechanic, a member of the National Guard and attended the Assembly of God church. Survivors include his wife, Georgia L.; three sons, Keith L. and Timothy L. Hooker, both of Dover, and Lorne E. Hooker, Lake Wales; his mother, Nadine Hooker, Dover; two grandchildren; and one stepgrandchild. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

JONES, MAIDIE BROWN, 82, of Tampa, died Wednesday (June 18, 2003) at University Community Hospital. Born in Niota, Tenn., she moved to Tampa several years ago from Chattanooga, Tenn. She was a salesclerk for a department store. Survivors include a daughter, Judy McDowell, Tampa. Ambassador Mortuary Services, Oldsmar.

MARTS, BRENDA, 61, of Tampa, died Friday (June 13, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Cincinnati, she moved to Florida five years ago from Ohio. She was an executive secretary for Ohio Bell and was Christian. Survivors include two daughters, Michelle M. Phipps, Tampa, and Kimberly Van Fossen, Ohio; two sisters, Jacqueline Nlotz and Dee Drake, both of Ohio; and four grandchildren. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, Tampa.

MAYDEN, A'LAN FREEMAN "LANNY," 17, of Lutz, died Saturday (June 14, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Rome, N.Y., he moved to the Tampa area in 1991 from Denver. Survivors include his mother, Donna J. Mayden, Lutz; his father and stepmother, Patrick A. and Stacey A. Mayden, Tampa; three sisters, Jessica Jordan, Jill Germond and Julianne Mayden, all of Tampa; four brothers, Aaron Mayden, Andrew Mayden-Bozek, both of Lutz, Jacob and Joshua Mayden, both of Tampa; grandmother, Gerhild Futch, Denver; grandparents, Robert and Leila May, Lutz; and other family members. MacDonald Funeral Home, Tampa.

McCLOUD, MARVIA, 67, of Tampa, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at Kindred Hospital, South. Survivors include two sons, Larry and Derry; a sister; and three brothers. Stone's Memorial Funeral Home, Tampa.

MYERS, MYRTIE M., 91, of Seffner, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born in Inverness, Miss., she was a longtime resident of the Tampa area. She was a homemaker and a member of Seffner Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Roger and Wayne, both of Seffner; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

PEREZ, JAMES P., 44, of Tampa, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003). He was a member of the Steamfitters Union in New York, and a former member of the Freeport Fire Department in New York. Survivors include his wife, Luz M. Perez; two daughters, Laura Ann Perez and Jaimie Lee Perez; his mother, Doris Ehrhart; his father, Paul C. Perez; a brother, Charles T. Perez; grandmother, Louise M. Perez; two stepdaughters, Judith Alvarez and Michelle Torres; a grandchild; and four stepgrandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

RUDAITIS, ALICE, 86, of Tampa, died Friday (June 6, 2003) at Brighton Gardens of Tampa. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here several years ago from Flushing, N.Y. She was a waitress. Survivors include a son, Joseph R. Rudaitis, Mineola, N.Y. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

WALKER, NAN J., 58, of Port Huron, Mich., formerly of Plant City, died Sunday (June 15, 2003). Born in Orlando, she moved to Michigan several years ago from Plant City. She was a member of Colonial Woods Missionary Church and a former member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. Survivors include her husband, Travis Walker; a daughter, Jennifer White, Vienna, Austria; a brother, Stephen Johnson, Orlando; a sister, Mary Griffin, Crestview; and three grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

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CORRISTAN, PAUL R., 86, of New Port Richey, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, he came here 22 years ago from Gross Pointe, Mich. He was a funeral director for A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Detroit and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the New Port Richey American Legion, West Pasco Model Railroad Association and Immanuel Lutheran Church of New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Eileen; a daughter, Pat Sneckenberger, Fort Myers; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

DOLAN, EDWARD P., 94, of Wesley Chapel, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at home. Born in Lynn, Mass., he came here several years ago from Mechanic Falls, Maine. He was a shoe industry pattern maker. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.

GIAMBARBEREE, THOMAS S. SR., 84, of New Port Richey, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. He came here 13 years ago from his native Chicago. He was a retired laborer with the City of Chicago Water Department. He was an Army veteran of World War II with the Third Armored Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the French Legionnaire Medal. He was a member of the American Legion Paradise Post 79 and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his son, Thomas S. Giambarberee Jr., Port Richey; a daughter, Donna Marie Giambarberee, Chicago; two brothers, Joseph, Port Richey, and Samuel, Hudson; two sisters, Lucille Gruby, Delaware, and Tina Smith, Des Plaines, Ill.; and one granddaughter. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

HEINISCH, MILDRED C. "MILLIE," 83, of Holiday, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here in 1987 from Myrtle Beach, S.C. She was an accountant and Methodist. She was a finance officer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 11 years. She was financial director for the Fort Wayne YMCA and former Girl Scout leader in Oakland, N.J. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Carl G.; a son, Allan P., Myrtle Beach; two daughters, Barbara Martin, Myrtle Beach, and Carla Heinisch, Tucson, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Preferred Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

KAMINSKI, JOSEPH F., 84, of Port Richey, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in New York City, he came here in 1979 from Staten Island, N.Y. He was a retired accountant with A.E. Chew International. He was a member of the Timber Oaks Homeowners Association and the First Christian Church of Hudson. Survivors include his son, John, Tampa; a sister, Mary Matteucci, Syosset, N.Y.; and three grandchildren. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

O'TOOLE, EDWARD JR. "WICKER," 67, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (June 18, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1962 from Cliffwood Beach, N.J. He was a retired plumber and a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Chester McKay VFW Post 7987 and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Christine; two sons, Patrick and Edward O'Toole III, both of New Port Richey; his mother, Eileen O'Toole, Holiday; and four grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

PANT, H. THELMA, 86, of Port Richey, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at Windsor Woods Healthcare Center in Hudson. Born in Ionia, Mich., she came here from Grand Rapids, Mich. She was a retired funeral home secretary and was a former president of the National Women's Relief Corps. She was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church of Hudson. Survivors include her half-brother, Ross Downing, Lansing, Mich.; three half-sisters, Kathleen Bieri, Unionville, Mich.; Pauline Bright, Leesburg; and Joan Johnson, Washington, N.C.; two nephews, Michael E. Bieri, Rockford, Mich., and John Orr, Detroit; four nieces, Candace Otte-Ingram, Lapeer, Mich.; Suzanne Waugh, Lehigh Acres; Connie Bieri, Sparta, Mich.; and Janice Orr, Denver; many great-nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson.

PASKOWSKI, MILLICENT, 93, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Schenectady, N.Y., she came here in 1972 from Queens, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, Carl, East Meadow, N.Y.; a sister, Helen Dombrowski, Hartford, Conn.; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

PAYN, ELVA P., 92, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey. She was born in Caledonia Township, Mich. She was a WAVE veteran who served in World War II. She was Protestant. Survivors include her brother, Ward Lawton, Scottville, Mich. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

ROSE, EARL M. "BUD," 79, of Spring Hill (Pasco County), died Thursday (June 12, 2003) at home. Born in Petoskey, Mich., he came here in 1979 from Melvindale, Mich. He was a retired crane operator at the Ford Motor Co. Rouge Plant. He was an Army veteran and served in the Philippines. He was a member of the Retreads Association of Spring Hill and a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church of Spring Hill. Survivors include his wife, Alice; a brother, Jack, Fort Myers; a sister, Denise Wortham, Murray, Ky.; a sister, Marilyn Kourtney, Belleville, Mich. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

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Belleair

BRYANT, BEULAH J., 97, of Belleair, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio, came to St. Petersburg in the 1930s and moved in 1946 to Belleair. She retired after working 30 years with the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa as a manager for the Villas. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clearwater and a volunteer at the church and with the Ladies Auxiliary of Morton Plant Hospital. She was an avid golfer and loved to buy, renovate and then sell old homes. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Irene Blau, Belleair; three grandchildren, Frank Michael Blau II, Belleair, Kim Creasy, Holiday, and Tammy Wittenbeck, Pinellas Park; and five great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Belleair Beach

ALEXANDER, JESSE CLAYTON JR., 87, of Belleair Beach, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Mariner Health of Belleair. Born in Cabot, Ark., he moved here in 1982 from Maryland. He was self-employed and managed a blind concession in the Federal Government Building in Washington, D.C., for 19 years. He attended Monticello Agriculture Mechanical School for two years. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Mable; and six stepchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Clearwater

CHAMBERLAND, RAYMOND A. "RAY," of Clearwater, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at home. He was born in Warwick, R.I., and came here in 1994 from Chicopee, Mass. He retired from Fitzgerald and Deto Food Brokers in Massachusetts. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two sons, David, West Springfield, Mass., and Alan, Pittsfield, Mass.; two sisters, Loraine Adkins, Clearwater, and Irene Morin, Chicopee; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Fort Harrison Chapel, Clearwater.
FANNIN, ALMA "MICKI," 77, of Clearwater, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, and came here in 1973. She was Christian, and an avid bridge player, bowler and sports fan. Survivors include her husband, Carl; a daughter, Kathy Bird, Clearwater a son, Alan, Stone Mountain, Ga.; and a brother, Mike Ford, Cincinnati. Neptune Society, Palm Harbor.
HOPWOOD, RAYMOND ALEXANDER, 63, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 16, 2003). He came here in 1975 from his native Jamaica. Survivors include his wife, Dawn-Marie; two daughters, Amanda Hopwood, Clearwater, and Annalisa Abate, Fairfax, Va.; a son, Peter, Riverview; a sister, Joan Wyss, Homestead,; a brother, William, Mandeville, Jamaica; and four grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
MILLHOUSE, RICHARD "DICK," 59, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He came here in 1999 from his native Sidney, Ohio. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Diane; a daughter, Lori Counts, Clearwater; a son, Tony, Naperville, Ill.; his mother, Dorothea Millhouse, Clearwater; a brother, Carl "Pete," Sidney; and three grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
SOLERO-MILLAN, VICTOR, 70, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. He was born in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, and came here in 1975 from Fort Bliss, Texas., where he retired with the rank of master sergeant after 24 years in the Army. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He also was an interview clerk for the Florida Office of Unemployment. He was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Christina; a son, Lt. Col. Victor Luis Solero, Orlando; a daughter, Betty Jane Solero, Seattle; two brothers, Abraham Solero, Fort Lauderdale, and Jose Solero, Puerto Rico; and six sisters, Inez Solero, Deltona, Lee Solero, Cruz Solero and Antonia Solero, all of New York City, and Lydia Solero and Gladys Solero, both of Puerto Rico. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.

Largo

HESS, HAROLD CHARLES, 80, of Largo, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Cypress Palms Assisted Living Facility, Largo. He was born in Shenandoah, Pa., and came here in 2001 from Dickson, Tenn. He retired as a police officer with the Nashville Police Department. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Largo, and St. John's Lutheran Church, St. John's Men's Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Fraternal Order of Police, all of Dickson. Survivors include a daughter, Marcy Derfus, Largo; and four grandchildren, Kristin Derfus, Largo, Melissa and Jocelyn Derfus, both of Gainesville, and Austin Derfus, San Diego. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
JONES, JOYCE ELEANOR, 70, of Chattanooga, Tenn., formerly of Largo, St. Petersburg and Plant City, died Friday (June 13, 2003) in Chattanooga under the care of Adventa Hospice. She came to this area in 1960 from Indiana, lived first in Plant City, then in St. Petersburg and finally in Largo, where she owned and operated Wigs by Joyce until she retired in 1998 and moved to Tennessee. Survivors include two daughters, Nancy V. Williams, Chattanooga, and Pamela L. Floener, Atlanta; a brother, Floyd Crabtree, Greenwood, Ind.; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Eternal Light Funeral Directors, Atlanta.
SEEMAN, DONALD E., 78, of Largo, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He came here in 1985 from his native Indianapolis, where he retired as a supervisor for Citizens Gas & Coke Utility. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and was Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Juanita M.; two sons, James E., Martinsville, Ind., and Joseph R., Windfall, Ind.; and a brother, Robert, West Palm Beach. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
WOOD, JOEL B., 93, of Largo, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. He was born in Centralhatchee, Ga., and came here in 1975 from Chambersburg, Pa. He was an economics professor at Shippensburg (Pa.) College and retired after 21 years in the the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He graduated in 1983 from University of Georgia. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Largo. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Raye; two stepsons, James Moore, Woodbridge, Va., and Robert Dorlon, Spartanburg, S.C.; four stepgrandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Ozona

URDAL, MARJORIE W., of Ozona, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Cardiff, Wales, and came here in 1980 from Conneaut, Ohio. She was a homemaker, a Lutheran and a member of the Dunedin Trident Society, the Dunedin Garden Club and the British Ladies Society. Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Urdal Silva, Palm Harbor, and Janine Labounty, Painesville, Ohio; a son, Arthur, St. Petersburg; and five grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Palm Harbor

SAUNDERS, CHARLES A. "CHUCK," 78, of Ocala, formerly of Palm Harbor, Wednesday (June 11, 2003) at Estelle's Hospice House, Ocala. A sixth generation Florida native, he was born in Key West and moved to Ocala in 1953 from Palm Harbor. He retired from the Sprint Corp. and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Saunders Michaelis, Palm Harbor, and Deborah A. Saunders, Sarasota; and a sister, Catherine Saunders Patterson, Tulsa, Okla. Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Clearwater.
WARGO, HELEN W., 91, of Palm Harbor, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Chicago and came here in 1970 from Waukegan, Ill. She worked as a proof reader for Encyclopedia Britannica in Lake Bluff and owned and operated the Harbor Inn Restaurant for 18 years in Waukegan. She was Presbyterian. Survivors include a son, Vic Boettle, Seminole; and two grandsons, Greg Boettle, Manhattan, N.Y., and Scott Boettle, Los Angles. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Safety Harbor

SCHLEGEL, JACOB, 74, of Safety Harbor, died Wednesday (June 18, 2003) at Tandem Health Care at Safety Harbor. There are no known survivors. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

Tarpon Springs

ELVINGTON, HELEN "BODACIOUS," 59, of Tarpon Springs and formerly of Seminole, died Saturday (June 7, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Mullins, S.C., and came to Seminole in 1991 from West Columbia, S.C., and moved in 2001 to Tarpon Springs. She was a master hair stylist for Mantrap of Seminole. Survivors include a son, Jamie Tennant, Holiday; two daughters, Cyndi Roof, Lexington, S.C., and Sherry Baker, Cayce, S.C.; her father, Leonard M. Smith, Tarpon Springs; a brother, Mark Smith, Tarpon Springs; three sisters, Carol Veit Charleston, S.C., Peggy Handran, Alice, N.D., and Elaine Smith, Tarpon Springs. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
NICHOLA, JOHN, 72, of Tarpon Springs, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Cyprus and came here in 1987 from Jersey City, N.J. He was a comptroller for the IRS for 10 years and locally was a professor of accounting and business administration at St. Petersburg Junior College. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He attended St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

South Pinellas Back to top

Belleair Beach

ALEXANDER, JESSE CLAYTON JR., 87, of Belleair Beach, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Mariner Health of Belleair. Born in Cabot, Ark., he moved here in 1982 from Maryland. He was self-employed and managed a blind concession in the Federal Government Building in Washington, D.C., for 19 years. He attended Monticello Agriculture Mechanical School for two years. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Mable; and six stepchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Gulfport

BEATTY, CLEON C., 85, of Gulfport, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Dickerson Run, Pa., he came here in 1955 from from Beaver, Pa. He was a senior counselor for Florida Federal Savings & Loan for 25 years. He was World War II Army veteran. He was a 32-year member of Northside Baptist Church and a volunteer chaplain at Palms of Pasadena Hospital for 12 years. He was a member of the Gideons. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Betty; two daughters, Carole Villacampa, Montgomery, Ala., and Barbara Woodson, St. Petersburg; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SCHOENBERGER, JAMES L., 66, of Gulfport, died Wednesday (June 18, 2003) at home. Born in Cincinnati, he came here in 1973 from Patuxent River, Md. He retired from the Navy as a petty officer first class after 20 years and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Fleet Reserve. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Sandra L.; two sons, Tim and James L. Jr., both of St. Petersburg; a daughter, Kelly Elaine Schoenberger, Tampa; and four grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

HAYDEN, LOUISE V., 85, of Pinellas Park, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. He came here in 1973 from his native Canton, Ohio. He was a retired health care administrator and was Catholic. Survivors include a nephew, Richard Ludwig, Cuyahoga, Ohio; and two grandnephews, Charles Ludwig and Douglas Ludwig, both of Ohio. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
MEADE, FRANK J. "DIZZY," 75, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at home. Born in Weltonville, N.Y., he moved to Orlando 40 years ago from Endicott, N.Y., and came here four years later. He was a musician and played the electric guitar and the fiddle with Bill Floyd's Band at Joyland. He also played with Sparky Gillion and the Swingmasters. Survivors include his wife, Margaret A.; two sons, David, Auburn, N.Y., and Brian, Largo; a daughter, Patricia Meade, Pinellas Park; and six grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Pete Beach

ARBUCKLE, GERTRUDE B. "GERTI," 89, of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Independence, Mo., she came here in 1968 from Kansas City, Mo. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. She was a member of OES. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed fishing. Survivors include a granddaughter, Missy McDonald, Palmetto; a grandson, Robinson Fichtner, Centerview, Mo.; and five great-grandchildren. Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach.
BENEFIELD, MARY J., 81, of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. She was born in Vernon and came to the area at a young age. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, J.C. Benefield; a son, Henry Lee, Trenton; a daughter, Beverly Jo Diaz, Gainesville; two brothers; three sisters; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.

St. Petersburg

BALLARD, LULU ANN, 81, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Alhambra Nursing Home. She was born in Ethyl, W.Va., and came here in 1951 from Logan, W.Va. She was a department manager at JCPenney in St. Petersburg for 33 years. She attended Garden Crest Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a daughter, Judith K. Wollman, St. Petersburg; two sisters, Mary Perry, South Charleston, W.Va., and Regina Heugel, Fort Pierce; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
BRYANT, BEULAH J., 97, of Belleair, and formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio, came to St. Petersburg in the 1930s and moved in 1946 to Belleair. She retired after working 30 years with the Belleview Biltmore Resort as a manager for the Villas. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Clearwater and was a volunteer at the church and with the Ladies Auxiliary of Morton Plant Hospital. She was an avid golfer and loved to buy, renovate and then sell old homes. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Irene Blau of Belleair; three grandchildren, Frank Michael Blau II of Belleair, Kim Creasy of Holiday and Tammy Wittenbeck of Pinellas Park; and five great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.
CAMPBELL, WILLIAM J., 77, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 21, 2003) in East Lansing, Mich. He was born in Detroit. He retired as a manager at AFLAC insurance company after 20 years of service. He attended the University of Michigan and was a Navy veteran. He was an avid walker. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Emilie; five daughters, Paulette Campbell, Florida, Marla Richards, Howell, Mich., Lisa Wethern, Virginia, and Jessica Streightiff and Mary Hoffman, both of Illinois; two sons, Albin, Orchard Lake, Mich., and Scott, San Francisco; two brothers, Raymond, Jackson, Wis., and Donald, Portage, Mich.; and 15 grandchildren. Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel, East Lansing, Mich.
COLBURN, DIANNE L., 36, of Belleview, a visitor to St. Petersburg, died Friday (May 16, 2003) at All Children's Hospital. She was born in Waukeegan, Ill. She was an accountant for Holiday Inn in Ocala for two years. Survivors include her husband of 17 years, James; and a son, Tim Colburn, Belleview. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
CORRIGAN, STEPHEN "STEVE," 87, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at Highland Pines Nursing Home, Clearwater. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1987 from New Jersey. He was a retired purchasing agent in the jewelry industry. He was an avid golfer. Survivors include a daughter, Jane Bethmann-Sutch, St. Petersburg; a sister, Daisy G. Valentine, Clearwater; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
CRONK, WALTON C. "BILL," 81, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Boca Ciega Center in Gulfport. He was born in Munising, Mich., and came here in 1966 from Chicago. He was an announcer and promotions director for radio and television stations and then joined the St. Petersburg Times as the first promotions manager for automobile and boat shows in St. Petersburg. He was a member of the Egypt Temple Shrine and was Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Ruth M. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
DURFEE, MINNIE LOUISE, 91, of Brooksville, formerly of Inverness and St. Petersburg, died Saturday (June 14, 2003) at Heron Pointe Nursing Home in Brooksville. Born in Detroit, she moved to St. Petersburg in 1945 from her native Detroit and moved to Inverness, then to Brooksville. She was a member of First Unity Church of St. Petersburg, where she was a member of the Women's Auxiliary and Creative Circles, which made teddy bears for the State Troopers for accident victims. She was a member of OES Eureka Chapter and made gift baskets for the Masonic Home during the holidays. Survivors include two sons, Ronald Princler, Inverness, and Richard Princler, Garden Grove, Calif.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.
LANPHERE, CAROLYN H., 73, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at home. She came here in 1973 from her native Palmetto. She was a retired bank branch manager and a member of the OES. Survivors include a daughter, Sally A. Courtney, Pace; a son, Arthur W. Lanphere, and a brother, Ralph W. Hawkins, both of St. Petersburg; three grandsons; and a granddaughter. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
LEYNSE, PETER C., 85, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Edward White Hospital, St. Petersburg. Born in Waldo, Wis., he came here in 2001 from Ormond Beach. He was an engineer for Norberg Manufacturing. He was an Army veteran. He was a 32nd-degree Shriner and a member of the Lions Club. He was past president of the Blind Bowling Association. Survivors include a daughter, Gail Lamb, and two sons, Wayne and Ken, both of St. Petersburg; a sister, Suzan Leynse, and a brother, John Leynse, both of Sheboygan, Wis.; and three grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MILLER, GEORGE A., 103, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Concordia Manor. He came here in 1978 from his native Philadelphia, where he owned a textile company. He was a life member of the Bowling Angels of St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and an avid golfer. He attended St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Helena Mary Wilson Miller. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
PLUNKETT-LINDQUIST, DOROTHY SENORA, 89, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at home. She moved here in 1972 from her native Chicago. She was the owner of Plunkett's Catering in Chicago. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. She was also a board member of Rainbow Revival Church in Los Angeles. Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Joseph W. Lindquist. Memorial Park Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
RISPOLI, LILY M., 87, of Brandon, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (June 18, 2003) at the Park Club of Brandon Assisted Living Facility. Born in Charlottesville, Va., she came here in 1965 from Washington, D.C., and recently moved to Brandon. She was a nursing assistant. She was a member of the Republican Women's Club. Survivors include a daughter, Claudia Sue Tewell, Fairfax, Va.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Brett Funeral Home and Cremation Service, St. Petersburg.
WHARTON, GREGORY CLAY "GREG," 52, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (June 11, 2003) at home. Born in Bethesda, Md., he came here in 1994 from Silver Spring, Md. He was a clerk at B&N Food Market in St. Petersburg for nine years. He was a Marines veteran. Survivors include his father, William C., Seaford, Del.; his mother, Kathryn Wharton, Felton, Del.; two sisters, Kathryn Crompton, Felton, and Pamela Hunt, Pasadena, Md.; and two brothers, Geoffrey Wharton, Frederick, Md., and William Wharton, Silver Spring, Md. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
WRIGHT, PEGGY S., 44, of Port Charlotte, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 15, 2003) at Bon Secours St. Joseph Hospital, Port Charlotte. Born in Sioux Falls, S.D., she came here in 1981 and moved to Port Charlotte in 2001. She was a former life and automobile insurance agent. Survivors include two daughters, Christine Wright, Punta Gorda, and Amanda Wright, Indian Rocks Beach; a son, Joseph Wright, Largo; her father, Warren Larson, St. Petersburg; her mother, Una Mae Larson, Morriston; a sister, Sally Wright, St. Petersburg; two grandchildren; and a nephew. Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Punta Gorda Chapel.

Seminole

BARTON, EDWARD E., 88, of Seminole, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at home. Born in Camden, N.J., he came here in 1962 from Washington, D.C. He taught accounting at St. Petersburg Junior College for 15 years. He was a retired Army lieutenant colonel and was a Coast Guard veteran. He also was a high school teacher in Hyattesville, Ind. He was Protestant. He was a Western Maryland College graduate and received his master's degree from the University of Florida. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; a daughter, Kay Bensley, two granddaughters, and three great-grandsons, all of Spring, Texas. National Cremation Society, Largo.
SHONECK, ALBERT A., 73, of Seminole, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) at Largo Health Care Center. Born in Meriden, Conn., he was a seasonal resident here from 1969 to 1981 from Dayton, Ohio, and moved here permanently in 1994. He was a civil draftsman for Price Brothers. He also attended three years of tech school and was a utility coordinator for the city of Pinellas Park. He was a Korean War Army veteran. He was a member of Mensa and enjoyed model railroads. Survivors include his wife, Lynnette; two sons, James R. and Andrew J., both of Seminole; two daughters, Diane R. Breen, Palm Harbor, and Hope A. Shoneck, Largo; a sister, Marie Chawzik, Fort Pierce; and two grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Treasure Island

WOLFSON, CHERYL, 45, of Treasure Island, died Tuesday (June 17, 2003) in Gainesville. She came here in 1975 from her native Washington, Pa. She was a registered nurse for 25 years at All Children's Hospital. She was a member of Temple Beth-El in St. Petersburg and its sisterhood. She was a teacher at the Temple Beth-El school. She was a member of Congregation Beth Sholom in Gulfport and past president of its sisterhood. She was past president of the PTA. She was chairman and past president of the School Advisory Council for Lakewood High School, John Hopkins Middle School and Bay Point Elementary School. She was vice president of the Parent Teacher Student Organization at Lakewood High School. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Bernard; her mother, Dorothy McCartney, St. Petersburg; three sons, Edward, Sheldon and Seth, and a daughter, Nikki, all of Treasure Island; and a sister, Donna Fletcher, Franklin, Pa. Beth David South Chapel of David C. Gross Funeral Homes, St. Petersburg.