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Tuesday, August 19, 2003

SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Tuesday, August 19, 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

AREND, WILLIAM FRANCIS, 74, of Lecanto, died Monday (Aug. 18, 2003) in Lecanto. Born in Jackson, Mich., he came here three years ago from Stryker, Ohio and was a retired sales engineer. He was a member of the Homosassa Knights of Columbus Council 6954 and St. Scholastica Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; three sons, Mark, Roswell, Ga., Michael, Bryan, Ohio, and Todd, Avilla, Ind.; a daughter, Michelle Eckland, Bryan; a stepson, Mark Sponsler, Bryan; five stepdaughters, Julie Sponsler, Toledo, Ohio, Tamara Goebel, Montpelier, Ohio, Lisa Harrison and Lori Avina, both of Bryan, and Michele Pendleton, Woodridge, Ill.; two brothers, Robert, Clarkston, Mich., and James, Amarillo, Texas; 10 grandchildren and several step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

DELANO, THOMAS FRANCIS "TOM," 60, of Inverness, formerly of New Port Richey, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Queens, N.Y., he came here 16 years ago from New Port Richey. He was an Army and Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of VFW Post 4337 and DAV Post 70, and a member of Eagles Aeries 3992. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Dorothy "Dottie"; two sons, Shaun, New Port Richey, and Billy, Woodstock, Ga.; a daughter, Lisa Bartlett, New Port Richey; two stepsons, Brent Franker, Inverness, and Jef Franker, Lascassas, Tenn.; a stepdaughter, Sheila Baker, Hernando; three brothers, George, Moriches, N.Y., Noel, Port Charlotte, and John, Camden, N.C.; two sisters, Helene Carson, Jackson, N.J., and Christine Knatz, Hampton Bays, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

FORNERO, SELMA "SALLY," 87, of Homosassa, died Thursday (Aug. 14, 2003) at home. She came here six years ago from her native Collinsville, Ill. She was a homemaker and a member of the United Methodist Church of Homosassa. Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn Crawley, Homosassa, and Judith Covey, Camp Point, Ill.; a son, Roger, Plant City; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

HART, FRED J., 92, of Inverness, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital. He was born in Hungary and moved to St. Petersburg in 1977 from Hempstead, N.Y. He moved to Inverness in 2000. He retired as an electrician for the New York Naval Ship Yard. He was a Navy veteran. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Survivors include three nieces, Ann L. Hren, Gretna, Va., Celia Schweighardt, Huntington, N.Y., and Clare Aukstolis, Plainview, N.Y.; and a nephew, Emery Schweighardt, Northport, N.Y. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.

HOBART, MARILYN A. CHASE, 80, of Inverness, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) of Inverness. She was born in Brunswick, Maine. She owned the Antique Auto Museum, Jay, Maine, and was a member Seventh-day Adventist Church. Survivors include her sister, Lucy Allard, Inverness. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inverness.

KINDER, CATHERINE VIRGINIA "KATY," 81, of Floral City, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) in Floral City. Born in Gallagher, W.Va., she came here in 1961 from Allen Creek, W.Va. She was a cook at Woody's Bar-B-Que in Floral City. She was Baptist. Survivors include four daughters, Sandra McClure, Floral City, Joan Haag, Tampa, Janet Walters, Inverness, and Ann Corning, Potwin, Kan.; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inverness.

RANSOM, GAIL EILEEN, 65, of Crystal River, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) in Crystal River under the care of her companion and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in Riverton, Conn., she came here in 1990 from Pleasant Valley, Conn. She was a commercial wedding cake baker and decorator, and was a charter member of Wahoo Sertoma Cub. She was Christian. Survivors include a son, Tom J. Kennedy, New Hartford, Conn.; three daughters, Alane Kennedy, Loreen Bissell and Sandra Kennedy, all of Winsted, Conn.; a sister, Sharon Ransom, Winsted; three brothers, D. Richard Ransom, Riverton, George Ransom, Winsted, and Rex Ransom, Spring Hill; many nephews and nieces; four grandchildren; and a companion of 18 years, Wil Croze. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

SNOW, RALPH W., 82, of Ocala, formerly of Lecanto, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) in Ocala. Born in Kalamazoo, Mich., he was a seasonal resident of Lecanto in the late 1980s. He moved to Ocala 13 years ago from Brooklyn, Mich. He was a retired dispatcher for City Car Releasing in Detroit with 28 years of service. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a member of VFW Santos Post 4781 Ocala and the Eagles. He was Christian. Survivors include his son, Robert W., Clinton, Mich.; a daughter, Mary Ann Peake, Plainfield, Ill.; a stepson, Alan Prudhomme, Loxahatchee; a stepdaughter, Yvonne Tice, Illinois; several nephews and nieces; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

STRANGE, W.B. "BILL," 69, of Inverness, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Citrus Health Center of Inverness after a lengthy illness. Born in Mulberry, he came here in 1966 from the Winter Haven area. He founded W.B. Strange Accounting and Tax more than 33 years ago. He was a graduate of the University of Florida. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Inverness. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Donna; a daughter, Kimberly Strange, Orlando; two brothers, Cecil and Robert, both of Plant City; a sister, Marguerite Stanley, Mulberry; several nieces and nephews. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory, Inverness.

THOMAS, RENZO H. "SHORTY," 73, of Dunnellon, formerly of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at home. Born in Dowling Park, he came to Dunnellon 18 years ago from Palm Harbor, where he lived for 28 years. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for the City of Clearwater with 28 years of service. He was a member of Ramsey Bend Hunting Club of Steinhatchee and the Curlew Baptist Church of Palm Harbor. Survivors include his wife, Jeannette; two daughters, D. Renee Nestor, Bentonville, Ark., and Michele J. Burch, Indialantic; two sons, R. Terry Thomas, Palm Harbor, and Joseph B., Boston, Ga.; five brothers, Buddy, Taladega, Ala., Eugene B., Crystal River, Willard B., Larry and David, all of Jena; three sisters, Dorothy Phillips, Newberry, Louvenia Thomas, Jena, and Clarisse Thomas, New Port Richey, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Fero Funeral Home, Dunnellon.

Hernando County Back to top

CALDWELL, WILLIAM ROBERT, 79, of Brooksville, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. Born in Pawtucket, R.I., he came here nine years ago from Seekonk, Mass., and was a radiology administrator. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Raymonde; a son, William Raymond, Pawtucket; a daughter, Marilyn D. Brownell, West Warwick, R.I.; a brother, Robert, Clayton, Miss.; many nieces and nephews. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

CONCANNON, SALLY, 89, of Spring Hill, formerly of Clearwater, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here in 1988 from Clearwater. She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and the Women's Guild of St. Cecelia Catholic Church. Survivors include three daughters, Betty Schuhmann, Spring Hill, Lois Miller, Otis, Mass., and Genevieve Paris, Lanesboro, Mass.; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Home with Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

GEBHART, GREGORY D., 64, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. Born in Decatur, Ill., he came here two years ago from San Diego. He was a small business owner and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Survivors include his wife, Venezia; a son, Garett, Spring Hill; a daughter, Gayle Gebhart, San Diego; and seven grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

KARCH-KICKA, LOUISE M., 92, of Bethlehem, Pa., formerly of Masaryktown, died Sunday (Aug. 10, 2003) at Manor Care Health in Bethlehem. She was born in Czechoslovakia and had lived in Masaryktown for 20 years. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Masaryktown. Survivors include three daughters, Irene Kurtz and Mildred Ridgick, both of Bethlehem, and Louise Matthews, Levittown, Pa.; four sisters, Stephanie Verba and Anne Hetrick, both of Hellertown, Pa., Mary Kneise, Connecticut, and Helen Benzak, Bethlehem; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

LEWIS, LEILA, 83, of Brooksville, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Tangerine Cove ALF in Brooksville. Born in Bridgeton, N.J., she came to Florida 25 years ago and was a retired homemaker. She was a member of the Northcliffe Baptist Church and Sunday School Class in Spring Hill. Survivors include her cousin, Pauline Williams, Hialeah. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

LYNCH, ADDA MAE, 88, of Ridge Manor, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Kindred Hospital in Tampa. Born in Promise City, Iowa, she came here in 1971 from Boone, Iowa. She was a retired bookkeeper and former president of Ridge Manor Community Center. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church. Survivors include her son, James, Fayetteville, Ga. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

MALTBY, MAXINE L. "MICKEY," 81, of Weeki Wachee, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville. She came to Florida 20 years ago from her native Clinton, Ill. She was the retired owner of Maxine's Beauty Shop in Clinton. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, active with their Backyard Bible Club for Children, participated in Bible studies and the various women's groups. Survivors include her husband, James A.; three sons, James William, Mahomet, Ill., Gerald Wayne, Taylorville, Ill., and John Wesley, Carlisle, Iowa; two brothers, W.R. Owens, Prescott, Ariz., and Donald Owens, Clinton; a sister, Marie Blue, Clinton; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

Hillsborough County Back to top

BLOUNT, JOEL A., 75, of Tampa, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003). Survivors include his wife, Verna; a son, Arthur Dean Blount; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Adams & Jennings Funeral Home, Tampa.

CLINE, HARRY WILLIAM SR., 78, of New Port Richey, formerly of Plant City, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at home. Born in Kendallville, Ind., he came here five years ago from Plant City. He was a sales manager with Stalmaker Farm and Ranch Supply, Tampa, and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a Gators fan and a member of Church of Christ. Survivors include two sons, Harry Jr., Hayesville, N.C., and Stephen, Plant City; three daughters, Phyllis Daniels, Clewiston, Linda Lee, St. Petersburg, and Debra Cline, New Port Richey; a sister, Helen Hansen, Spring Hill; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

CUMBESS, SYLVIA LOUISE, 89, of Plant City, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003). Born in Georgia, she moved here in 1953 from Miami. She was a homemaker and a member of Faith Temple Assembly of God. Survivors include a son, Barney Cumbess, a brother, J.W. Warren, two sisters, Joyce Giddens and Marie Kline, all of Plant City; and four grandchildren. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.

FEAGIN, WILLIAM H. JR., 81, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Aug. 13, 2003) at Kindred Hospital Central. Born in Americus, Ga., he was a lifelong resident of Tampa. He was an Army veteran of World War II, retired as an inventory manager with ABC Liquors and was a member of American Legion Post 139 and VFW. Survivors include two sons, William H. Feagin III, Palm Harbor and Robert Feagin, Weston; a brother, Thomas E., San Antonio, Fla.; and two grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, Town & Country Chapel, Tampa.

JENISTA, EUDENA "DEE," 82, of Valrico, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003). Born in Mount Ash, Ky., she moved here four years ago from Charleston, S.C. She was an avid golfer and a member of Riverhills Country Club. Survivors include her husband, John R.; three daughters, Barbara Falstad, Englewood, Sandra Slane, Pittsburgh and Linda Jenista-Martin, Gaithersburg, Md.; a sister, Eulavee Manning, Lancaster, Calif.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Riverview.

KORFF, HARRY O. III, "TREY," 42, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003). Born in Salisbury, Md., he was a lifelong resident of Tampa and St. Petersburg. He was a graduate of Robinson High School and Western Carolina University in North Carolina. He was a former service manager for Gold Coast Video and was employed by Debt Management of St. Petersburg. Survivors include a son, Matthew; his parents, Ida and Royce Johnson; and a sister, Marina Spears. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

LOWING, SHARON E., 58, of Inverness, formerly of Tampa, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala. Born in Rhode Island, she moved from Tampa to Peachtree City, Ga., and moved to Inverness in 1980. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Scholastica Catholic Church, Lecanto. Survivors include her husband of 39 years, David; two daughters, Deborah Lowing, Spring Hill, and Denette Floud, Inverness; a son, David, Westminister, S.C.; and six grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

VERMEULEN, ANDRE H., 80, of Tampa, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003). A lifelong resident of Tampa, he was a banker. Survivors include his wife, Adelaide; two sons, Paul and Michael Vermeulen; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, Tampa.

YOUNG, ROBERT, 75, of Tampa, died Saturday (Aug. 9, 2003). He moved here several years ago from Detroit. Survivors include four brothers, Charles, Robert, Paul and James; and two sisters, Pat and Dorothy. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

Pasco County Back to top

CLINE, HARRY WILLIAM SR., 78, of New Port Richey, formerly of Plant City, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at home. Born in Kendallville, Ind., he came here five years ago from Plant City. He was a sales manager with Stalnaker Farm and Ranch Supply in Tampa. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Freida; two sons, Harry W. Cline Jr., Hayesville, N.C., and Stephen, Plant City; three daughters, Phyllis Daniels, Clewiston; Linda Lee, St. Petersburg; and Monteen Cline, New Port Richey; a sister, Helen Hansen, Spring Hill; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

DELANO, THOMAS FRANCIS "TOM," 60, of Inverness, formerly of New Port Richey, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice, New Port Richey. Born in Queens, N.Y., he came here 16 years ago from New Port Richey. He was an Army and Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of VFW Post 4337 and DAV Post 70, and a member of Eagles Aerie 3992. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Dorothy "Dottie"; two sons, Shaun, New Port Richey, and Billy, Woodstock, Ga.; a daughter, Lisa Bartlett, New Port Richey; two stepsons, Brent Franker, Inverness, and Jef Franker, Lascassas, Tenn.; a stepdaughter, Sheila Baker, Hernando; three brothers, George, Moriches, N.Y.; Noel, Port Charlotte; and John, Camden, N.C.; two sisters, Helene Carson, Jackson, N.J., and Christine Knatz, Hampton Bays, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

FREDERICKS, HENRY J., 87, of Bayonet Point, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. Born in Newark, N.J., he came here 26 years ago from Lombard, Ill. He was a service representative for Chrysler Corp. He repaired clocks and was a member of Clock Makers Association. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Florence; a daughter, Nancy Lane, Prospect Heights, Ill.; a brother, Robert, Toms River, N.J.; three sisters, Madeline Cory, Menlo Park, N.J.; Florence Swallow, Maine; and Marie Boehm, Port Richey; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

GOLIA, INGEBORG O. H. "INGE," 87, of Port Richey, died Sunday (Aug. 10, 2003) at Forest Glen Lodge, New Port Richey. Born in Rostringen, Germany, she came here in 1972 from Trenton, N.J. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two nieces, Kirsten Wackernah, Karlsruhe, Germany, and Birgid Siegele, Berlin, Germany; a cousin, Edith Ellermann-Emden; a great-niece and two great-nephews. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

HEFNER, VICTORIA, 90, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Pearl River, N.Y., she came here 28 years ago from Astoria, N.Y. and was a homemaker. She was Christian. Survivors include two nieces, Doris Stuart, Ohio, and Margaret Coleman, Florida; and a nephew, Robert Papes, Florida. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

HOPPES, PAUL THOMAS SR., 73, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He came here in 1972 from his native Kokomo, Ind. He was a business owner and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his three sons, John and Joseph, both of New Port Richey, and Paul, Tallahassee; three daughters, Ruth Howington, Mary Skinner and Joanna Hoppes, all of New Port Richey; two brothers, John, Monticello, Ind., and Jim, Kokomo; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a companion, Enid L. Dunn. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

KNUTSON, SARA M., 81, of Largo, formerly of Dade City, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at home. She was born in Dade City and was a lifelong area resident. She was a social work supervisor for the state of Florida. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Largo. She was a graduate of Florida State College for Women. She was a member of The Clearwater Parliamentarians, Pinecrest Women's Golf Association, United Daughters of the Confederacy Mary Curtis Chapter. She was a fifth generation member of the Huckabay family, who were Pasco County pioneers. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Richard A.; a son, Richard Andrew Jr., Largo; a daughter, Catherine Ann Brown, St Augustine; and two grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

LEGRAND, DORIS P., 90, of Hudson, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at home. Born in Rumford, Maine, she came here in 1981 from Arlington, Vt. She was a nutritionist with the UVM Extension of the state of Vermont. She was a Navy WAVES veteran, and member of the VFW and American Legion, both of New Port Richey. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara L. Bragg, East Montpelier, Vt.; two sons, Peter E., Spokane, Wash., and Mark E., Montpelier, Vt.; and four grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

MONTIE, ROBERT W., 55, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at home. He came here in 2001 from his native Shenandoah, Pa. He was a welder and member of the United Autoworkers Union. He was a member of the 500 Fish and Game Club. Survivors include his wife, Rosemary; a son, Robert, Palm Harbor; his mother, Ruth Montie, Auburndale; two brothers, Paul, South Point, Ohio, and Ray, Auburndale; and one grandchild. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

SHYMANSKI, ANTHONY T., 82, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. He came here 30 years ago from his native Detroit. He was a retired foreman with Ford Motor Co. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. He served under Gen. George Patton. He was a member of the Purple Heart Association, VFW Post 184, American Legion Paradise Post, Ford Motor Club and Moose. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Edith; four stepsons, Norman Shamion, Michigan; Edward Shamion, Eagle, Idaho; Robert Shamion, Sundance, Wy., and Jack Shamion, Iron River, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Sally Couillard, Milwaukee; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

WEBER, JACK LAWRENCE, 80, of Bayonet Point, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Milwaukee, he came here nine years ago from Thiensville, Wis. He owned A.H. Weber Co. and was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Spring Hill American Legion and Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Frances; a son, Thomas Sammons, Spring Hill; and a brother, Edward Charles, Three Lakes, Wis. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

ZACHER, FLORENCE IRENE, 82, of Dade City, died Thursday (Aug. 14, 2003) at Brooksville Regional Medical Center. She was a lifelong resident of her native Dade City and was a food server. She was Baptist. There are no known immediate survivors. Coleman & Ferguson Funeral Homes, Dade City.

North Pinellas Back to top

Spring Hill

CONCANNON, SARAH "SALLY," 89, of Spring Hill, formerly of Clearwater, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at home. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Spring Hill in 1988 from Clearwater. She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and the Woman's Guild of St. Cecelia Catholic Church of Clearwater. Survivors include three daughters, Betty Schulmann, Spring Hill, Lois Miller, Otis, Mass., and Genevieve Paris, Lanesboro, Mass.; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Hill.

FANGMAN, ANNETTE "SAM," 34, of Summerfield, formerly of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Aug. 13, 2003) at home. She moved to Summerfield in 2000 from her native Clearwater. She was Catholic. Survivors include her parents, Constance and Douglas Fangman, Ocala; a sister, Kelly Fangman, Summerfield; her paternal grandfather, Robert Kleier, Clearwater; and her maternal grandparents, Nancy and Joe LeConey, Floral City. National Cremation Society, Fruitland Park.

GLADSON, DONALD M., 82, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Aug. 12, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Bridgeport, Ind., and came here in 1981 from Indianapolis. He retired as a clerk after 33 years with the Indianapolis Union Railway Co. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served 27 months as a chief motor machinist mate on the USS Gustafson. He was a charter member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church of Clearwater and his neighborhood association. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters, Vicki Collins and Patte Owings, a sister, Kathleen Denny, a brother, Kenneth, two grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters, all of Indianapolis. National Cremation Society, Largo.

JEAN, MARY P. (COMSTOCK), 95, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. She was born in Great Barrington, Mass., and came here in 1956 from North Wales, Pa. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Clearwater, a 40-year volunteer at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Delta Delta Delta at the University of Vermont. Survivors include three daughters, Julia J. Hitchcock, Belleair Beach, and Mary J. Cremata and Margaret E. Parrish, both of Orlando; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Chapel, Clearwater.

KELLEHER, ELEANOR M., 63, of Jacksonville, formerly of Clearwater, died Thursday (Aug. 14, 2003) in Jacksonville. She was born in Huntington, W. Va., and lived most of her life in Florida. Survivors include four sons, Jerry and Fred Kelleher, and Frank and Mike Furuya; four daughters, Gen Lococo, Iwa Sizemore, Debbie Jocko and Twana Martin; and 19 grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

MERRIFIELD, WILLIAM F., 60, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Trenton, N.J., and came here in 1973 from Miami. He retired from retail sales. He was Presbyterian and an avid reader. He enjoyed travel, deep sea fishing and restoring old cars. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Marcia; a brother, Daniel, Independence, Kan.; and a sister, Donna Merrifield Dotson, Chelsea, Mich. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

MIFSUD, SAMUEL, 100, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at HarbourWood Nursing Center, Clearwater. He came to this country in 1928 from his native Malta and moved here in 1965 from Dearborn, Mich., where he retired after 37 years with Ford Motor Co. He was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Tony, Huntersville, N.C.; and a granddaughter, Dawn Mifsud, Lakewood, Ohio. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.

PLUMM, SOPHIE, 81, of Clearwater, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at the Oaks of Clearwater. She was born in Chicago and came here in 1996 from Port Charlotte. She was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Etta Baron, Dunedin; three grandchildren, Donna, Tammy and Lynn; and four great-grandchildren. American Heritage Cremation Society, Clearwater.

Largo

KEATING, HAZEL M., 95, of Largo, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Wright's Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Largo. She was born in Philadelphia and came here in 1970 from Shelburne Falls, Mass. She worked as a seamstress for a costume company and co-owned and operated a coffee shop and gift shop. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Seminole, the Orange Lake Village Club and Twedts Bowling League. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Valeski, Largo; three grandsons; and two great-granddaughters. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
McCLARY, HENRIETTA M., 83, of Largo, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) in a local nursing facility. She came here in 1959 from her native Salters, S.C. She was Pentecostal and a member of Christ Church of Universal Love, Largo. Survivors include a son, Jesse, Largo; four daughters, Edith Gamble, Largo, Emma McCray, Tampa, Carrie Lee Bailey, Charlotte, N.C., and Mae Bell Salters, Queens, N.Y.; five brothers, Jerome Swinton, St. Petersburg, O'Neal and James Swinton, both of Salters, and Capas and Leroy Swinton, both of Baltimore; two sisters, Margie Lee Swinton, Baltimore, and Evelina Gamble, Lake City, S.C. Woody's Funeral Home, Clearwater.
RAND, GENE R., 58, of Largo, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Bethlehem, Pa., and came here in 1972 from Washington, D.C. He retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of gunnery staff sergeant and received two Purple Hearts from the Vietnam War. He was Lutheran and a member of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Republican Presidential Task Force 1982. Survivors include a sister, Barbara K. Rowan, Milford, Pa. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.

South Pinellas Back to top

Gulfport

DJURJY, NINA, 85, of Gulfport, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. She was born in Ukraine and moved here in 1978 from Long Island, N.Y. Survivors include a son, Boris Didenko, Babylon, N.Y.; a daughter, Tamara Nosyk, St. Petersburg; a sister, Jean Mehedova, Ukraine; and two grandchildren. C.E. Prevatt Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

MAY, FREDA R., 69, of Pinellas Park, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at a son's home under hospice care. Born in Fleming County, Ky., she came here in 1970 from Cincinnati. She was an assembly line worker for General Motors in Columbus, Ohio. She was Baptist. Survivors include three sons, William May, Pinellas Park, and Lloyd May and Buddy May, both of St. Petersburg; a daughter, Tina Leverock, Brownsville; and 10 grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.

St. Pete Beach

GAU, FLORENE M., 86, of St. Pete Beach, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at Nurse's Helping Hands of Pinellas Park. She was born in Madison, Ill., and moved here in 1971 from Niskakayuna, N.Y. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Survivors include two sons, M. Gregg Gau, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Curt F. Gau, St. Petersburg; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

BROWN, GARY LINDEN, 62, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at home. He was born in Little Rock, Ark., and came here in 1969 from Orlando. He served in the Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering from Georgia Technical Institute. He was a senior project engineer for Honeywell in Clearwater since 1969. He was named the 1979 Engineer of the Year by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Tampa Bay Section. He was an active member of the PTA and Band Boosters at Azalea Elementary, Azalea Middle and Boca Ciega High schools. He was a member of the St. Petersburg Tennis League, a baseball coach for Azalea Little League, was active with the Boy Scouts of America and was a volunteer tutor in the Pinellas County Schools. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and was involved in Friends of Strays. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Patricia W.; four sons, Gary L. Jr., Bowie, Md., Caryl B., Frankfurt, Germany, Andrew W., Tampa, and Alan C., Orlando; and four grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.
BUSCH, SOPHIE L., 84, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at her home. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1974 from Old Tappan, N.J. She was a Comptometer operator. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and its Women's Guild. She was an avid bowler and bingo player. Survivors include a niece, Ann D'Alauro, Lords Valley, Pa. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
CAMPBELL, EDVIA V., 95, of Santa Ana, Calif., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Aug. 12, 2003) at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Calif. She was born in Presque Isle, Maine. She was a graduate of Colby College. She retired from the American Red Cross after 36 years. After she moved to St. Petersburg, she was a volunteer for the American Red Cross for 10 years. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and its Women's Guild. She enjoyed traveling. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Saddleback Chapel, Tustin, Calif.
CHANDLER, HAROLD JAMES JR. "CHUCK," 81, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at home. He was born in Brattleboro, Vt., and moved here in 1985 from Big Stone Gap, Va. He retired as an electrical contractor for Chandler Electric in Gulfport after 17 years. He was a special agent in the Army for seven years during World War II. He attended Jehovah's Witnesses Gulfport. Survivors include three sons, Dennis, Phoenix, Duke, Gulfport, and David, Staunton, Va.; a daughter, Sharon Chiordi, Gulfport; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
COLE, DONALD RAY, 66, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Epperly, W.Va., and moved here in 1969 from Washington, D.C. He was a surveyor for 35 years and was a member of Faith Assembly of God. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Joyce L.; three daughters; Mona Budaszewski, Clearwater, and Donna King and Judy Cole, both of St. Petersburg; two sons, Ray, East Stroudsburg, Pa., and Luke, St. Petersburg; a brother, Lee, Beckley, W.Va.; two sisters, Nell Plomatos and Margaret Grey, both of St. Petersburg; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
HART, FRED J., 92, of Inverness, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Citrus Memorial Hospital. He was born in Hungary and moved to St. Petersburg in 1977 from Hempstead, N.Y. He moved to Inverness in 2000. He retired as an electrician for the New York Naval Ship Yard. He was a Navy veteran. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Survivors include three nieces, Ann L. Hren, Gretna, Va., Celia Schweighardt, Huntington, N.Y., and Clare Aukstolis, Plainview, N.Y.; and a nephew, Emery Schweighardt, Northport, N.Y. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
HATCH, WESLEY WILLARD "WES," 60, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. He was born in St. Petersburg. He was a handyman and was Baptist. Survivors include an uncle, Charles Hatch, Trenton. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
KORFF, HARRY O. III, "TREY," 42, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003). Born in Salisbury, Md., he was a lifelong resident of Tampa and St. Petersburg. He was a graduate of Robinson High School in Tampa and Western Carolina University in North Carolina. He was a former service manager for Gold Coast Video and was employed by Debt Management of St. Petersburg. Survivors include a son, Matthew; his parents, Ida and Royce Johnson; and a sister, Marina Spears. Blount & Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.
LINDGREN, ELSIE, 100, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Aug. 13, 2003) at Egret Cove Center. She was born in Oxford, Conn., and came here in 1969. She worked for G.C. Murphy Co. Survivors include two sons, William D. Lindgren, Ansonia, Conn., and Gustaf Lindgren, St. Petersburg; two daughters, Ruth Johnson, Largo, and Marlene Gluck, Seminole; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Jenkins-King Funeral Home, Ansonia, Conn.
McDONALD, CHANDLER W. "MAC," 94, of Corinth, Texas, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) at Denton (Texas) Regional Medical Center. He was born in Painesville, Ohio. He was a civilian employee for the military. He was a member of Unity Church of Denton, the American Bowling Congress and the Varsity Seniors Bowling League, all in Denton. Survivors include a daughter, Palme M. Kneedler, Corinth; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home, Denton, Texas.
McGILL, ISAAC, 92, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Edward White Hospital. He was born in Miland, Ga., and moved here in the 1950s from Ray City, Ga. He worked for McBride Construction Co. He was Baptist. Survivors include a daughter, Annie Ruth Tyson, St. Petersburg; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
MARCUCCI, ELIZABETH L. DeCOSMO, 46, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Kirksville, Mo., she came here in 1959 from Texas. She was a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines and was based in Detroit. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 16 years, Alfred "Duke"; two sons, Rocco and Zachary, her father and stepmother, Dr. John B. and Judith DeCosmo, her mother, Eileen H. DeCosmo, three brothers, Dr. John B. DeCosmo III, Gregory DeCosmo and Cristopher DeCosmo, all of St. Petersburg; and three sisters, Valerie Baxendell and Courtney DeCosmo, both of St. Petersburg, and Maria Campbell, Jacksonville. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MARTIN-BERRY, IVETA JONES, 67, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Bayfront Medical Center. A St. Petersburg native, she was a 1953 graduate of Gibbs High School. She retired as a pharmacist for Winn-Dixie. She founded Blacks Against Dangerous Drugs in the 1980s. She served on the steering and advisory committees for Davis Bradley Family Service Center in St. Petersburg. She was a board member and past treasurer for the Coalition For a Safe and Drug Free St. Petersburg. She was chairman of the Campbell Park Neighborhood Association and the Campbell Park Neighborhood Family Service Center. She was a member of the task force for the establishment of the Johnson Branch Library. She was a founding member of Faith Memorial Baptist Church and an associate member of Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Herbert Berry; seven sons, Michael Jones, Fort Washington, Md., Alvin Jones, Horris Martin and Norris Martin, all of St. Petersburg, James Martin Sr., Middleton, Ohio, Nightie Crosby, Clarksville, Tenn., Nightie Martin Jr., Minneapolis; three daughters, LaVal Martin, Patricia Berry and Corrine Freeman Barber, all of St. Petersburg; three brothers, Henry Jones Jr., Tampa, and Larry Jones and Robert Jones, both of St. Petersburg; a sister, Patricia Jones Chavous, St. Petersburg; 26 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
SIMMONS, LOUELLA, 94, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Aug. 13, 2003) at Boca Ciega Center. Born in Recovery, Ga., she came here in 1985 from Miami. She was a domestic worker in private homes. She was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and its Deaconess Board. Survivors include a brother, R.J. Fennell, Tallahassee; two sisters, Winnie Barton, Knoxville, Tenn., and Janie Warren, St. Petersburg; two aunts, Elmira Jackson and Jessie O. Bradley, both of Chattahoochie, Tenn.; and her caregiver, Richard Thompson, St. Petersburg. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
THOMPSON, MIRIAM RUTH, 69, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at St. Anthony's Hospital. She was born in Kewanee, Ill., and came here in 1986 from Moline, Ill. She was a retired personnel manager with Kmart in St. Petersburg. She was president of Gateway Square Building 6 Condo Association and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Madeira Beach Chapter. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Carl D.; three sons, Douglas Thompson, Atlanta, LaVern Thompson, Cambridge, Ill., and Timothy Thompson, Port Byron, Ill.; a daughter, Nilla Olefson, Sweden; and a brother, Donald Duck, Raleigh, N.C. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
THREADGILL, SAMUEL J., 79, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at College Harbor Retirement Community. A Miami native, he came here in 1998 from Dawsonville, Ga. He was a Navy veteran. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland and worked in the building industry for many years. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and was named the Pinellas County Habitat 2003 Volunteer of the Year. He was a member of St. Albans Episcopal Church in St. Pete Beach, and remained active with St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Dahlonega, Ga. He enjoyed woodworking and photography and was an avid fisherman. Survivors include a son, Samuel Jr., Gainesville, Ga.; a daughter, Susan Barnes, Gulfport; two brothers; and two grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.
VINIERATOS, LEWIS PANDAL, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) in the emergency room at Bayfront Medical Center. He came here in 1959 from his native Northfork, W.Va. He was the owner and operator of Pandal's Italian Restaurant at 1625 Fourth St. S, from 1960 to 1980. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Hazel S.; a son, Curtis L., and three grandchildren, Michele Vinieratos, Scott Vinieratos and Brandon Vinieratos, all of St. Petersburg. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
WARREN, ELEANOR H., 90, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Aug. 14, 2003) at Suncoast Manor Health Center. She was born in Alstead, N.H., and came here in 1949 from Claremont, N.H. She worked for Belle Beauty Salon for 25 years and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg. Survivors include a son, Robert Buss, Kodak, Tenn.; a daughter, Hermona Kimball, Hixson, Tenn.; five granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
WHITE, WILLIE LEE, 92, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Aug. 16, 2003) at Hospice House Woodside. He came here in 1940 from his native Amsterdam, Ga. He owned a lawn service business and was Baptist. Survivors include a son, Michael Whitehead, St. Petersburg; two daughters, Ossie McCullough, Philadelphia, and Nell Whitehead, St. Petersburg; his caregiver, Mattie Schafield, St. Petersburg; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Seminole

LAOURA, 77, of Seminole, died Sunday (Aug. 17, 2003) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. She was born in Cyprus, Greece, and came here in 1990 from New Jersey. She was a member of St. Stephanos Greek Orthodox Church. Survivors include a son, Michael C. Michael, and two grandsons, Nick Michael and Harry Michael, all of Seminole. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.

DUNN, FRANCIS E. "FRANK," 68, of Seminole, died Friday (Aug. 15, 2003) in Sewanee, Tenn. He was born in Stickney, S.D., and came here in 1998 from Fairview Heights, Ill. He retired from the Air Force after 25 years and retired from Boeing Aircraft. He attended Oakhurst United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; a son, Scott, Seminole; two daughters, Sheila Dunn-Heri, Brunswick, Ga., and Shelley Eversole, Seminole; two brothers, Dr. Lauren, Ellendale, N.D., and David, Virginia Beach, Va.; three sisters, Florence Ramsey, Augusta, Ga., Olive Ellen Brewer, Fort McCoy, and Barbara Clausen, Shoreview, Minn.; and a grandchild. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.