St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST DEATHS

Wednesday, May 10, 2000

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

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

FRITZEEN, CORINE H., 99, of Inverness, died Saturday (May 6, 2000). Born in Sweden, she came here 38 years ago from Springfield, Ill. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Inverness. Survivors include a son, Eric H. Jr., Inverness; a daughter, Hellen Holland, Nashville, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inverness.

HARDING, FRANK R., 83, of Crystal River, died Wednesday (May 3, 2000). He came here 23 years ago from his native Pontiac, Mich., and was retired from General Motors Corp. He was Catholic. Survivors include two brothers, John Edward, Crystal River, and Jack; a sister, Frances Bell, Monticello, Ky.; and a granddaughter. Brown Funeral Home, Crystal River/Lecanto.

HORTON, OVETA, 74, of Inverness, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Dunedin, she came here 10 years ago from Cocoa. Survivors include four sons, Larry, McDonough, Ga., John, Inverness, Robert and Joey, both of Covington, Ga.; three daughters, Barbara Sikish, Orlando, Nora James, North Carolina, and Judy Van Gorp, Cocoa; four brothers, Ted Robbins, Zephyrhills, Glen Robbins, Homosassa, Bramel Robbins, South Carolina, and Fonza Robbins, Largo; two sisters, Bonnie Bailey, Homosassa, and Mary Carter, Brooksville; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

PHILLIPS, FERDINAND, 79, of Beverly Hills, died Sunday (May 7, 2000). Born in Cincinnati, he came here 15 years ago from Miami. He was a retired payroll officer for Ryder Systems and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Bernice "Bunny" Badanes; two daughters, Karen Phillips, Beverly Hills, and Jennene McGovern, Bradenton; a brother, Harvey, New Hope, Minn.; and a grandchild. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Beverly Hills.

STEVENS, WILLIAM RICHARD, 83, of Inverness, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in East Orange, N.J., he came here 15 years ago from Laurel, Md., and was a stock clerk for F.W. Woolworth stores. He was Protestant. Survivors include a daughter, Lynda Thomas, Inverness; a brother, Robert, Roswell, N.M.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

WILSON, SHANNON B., 29, of Inverness, died Sunday (May 7, 2000). Born in Elkins Park, Pa., she came here five years ago from Philadelphia. She was a sales clerk at Wal-Mart, Homosassa. Survivors include her husband, Brad; two sons, Hunter Christopher and Dylan William, both of Inverness; her parents, Frank Bender and Linda Bedwell Bender, Beverly Hills; and a brother, Shaun Bender, Philadelphia. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inverness.

Hernando County Back to top

ARTER, MYRTLE M., 93, of Three Seasons Park, Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. Born in Canton, Ohio, she came here 17 years ago from Tampa. She was a retired nurse and member of First United Methodist Church, Brooksville. Survivors include a niece, Colleen Morocco, Somerset, Pa. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

CAPAFORT, RUTH ELEONORA, 80, of Spring Hill, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, she came here eight years ago from North Babylon, N.Y., and was a retired waitress. She was Lutheran. Survivors include two daughters, Christine Martin, Spring Hill, and June Daniel, Carmel, N.Y.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Robert & Son Cremation Service, Spring Hill/Brooksville.

GATTO, SHIRLEY JEAN, 70, of Spring Hill, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in Chicago, she came here 12 years ago from Mount Kisco, N.Y. She was a retired bookkeeper for Mount Kisco Express and Storage with 30 years service and was a member of the Spring Hill Art League. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Paul; and a grandson. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes and Crematory, Seven Hills.

WALTERS, FRANCIS E. "SNAPPER," 74, of High Point, Brooksville, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in New Philadelphia, Pa., he came here 17 years ago from Fairfield, Ohio. He was a retired distributor for Snap-On Tools and a member of Mariner United Methodist Church, the Lions Club and the Golf Association, both of High Point, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1069, Fairfield, and the Monkey Mutual Aid Society and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, both of Hamilton. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; a son, Larry, Fairfield; a daughter, Karen Jones, Lakeland; and five grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Brooksville.

WYATT, PRESTON H., 59, of Brooksville, died Friday (May 5, 2000) at home. Born in Philadelphia, he came here 13 years ago from New Jersey and owned a lawn maintenance company. He was Presbyterian. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two sons, George Treloar, Yokota, Japan, and Russell Treloar, Philadelphia; a daughter, Deborah Kovacic, Center County, Pa.; three sisters, Thelma Brown, Spring Hill, Gwen Smith and Barbara Kachnic, both of New Jersey; and 11 grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

Hillsborough County Back to top

BALOW, GEORGE, 71, of Sun City Center, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at South Bay Hospital. He was born in Chicago and moved to the Tampa area in 1985. He was a retired insurance adjuster. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Green Briar Association. He was a member of Sun City Center Golf & Racquet Club. and Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include wife, Mary D. Balow. Lewers Funeral Home, Ruskin.

BROWNING, WILLIAM E. "BILL," 56, of Tampa died Saturday (May 6, 2000). He was born in Tampa and remained a lifelong resident. He was a lineman for GTE. He was a member of Paralyzed Veterans of America and was an Army veteran of Vietnam. Survivors include a son, Roger, Orlando; two sisters, Geraldine Gonzalez, Wimauma, and Barbara Jackson, Lutz; a brother, Floyd, Ocala. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa.

CAMPBELL, LEWIS OWEN, 72, of Tampa, died Sunday (April 23, 2000) at Vencor Hospital. He was born in Herrin, Ill. He served in the Air Force. Eastside Funeral Home, Tampa.

DUVAL, MERITT A., 89, of Tampa, died Thursday (May 4, 2000). He was born in Oswego, N.Y., and was a truck driver. He was a veteran of World War II and was Protestant. He also was a volunteer firefighter, and he was involved with the Boys Club and Fraternal Order of Police. Survivors include four sons, Harvey and Merritt, both of Hannibal, N.Y., Robert, of Oswego, and Richard, of Binghamton, N.Y.; one stepson, Joseph Jones; one daughter, Joanne Mazzione, Las Vegas; one stepdaughter, Joyce Urga, Tampa; 22 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Armenia Chapel, Tampa.

FLOWERS, HORACE, 71, of Tampa, died Tuesday (May 2, 2000). He was born in Tampa and remained a lifelong resident. He was Baptist. He was an exterminator and an Army veteran. Survivors include his mother, Ella, Tampa; three daughters, Patty and Kim, both of Riverview, and Pamela Sue, North Carolina; a brother, Bobby, Mineral Bluff, Ga.; two sisters, Doris Wisner of Brooksville and Peggy Shultz of Tampa; and eight grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

GANTER, EUGENE, 68, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at University Community Hospital. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and moved to Tampa in March from Elma, N.Y. He was an accountant and an Army veteran. He was Presbyterian. Survivors include his wife, Virginia; four sons, Eugene, Eric, Jack, and Jonathan, all of Tampa; and three sisters, all of New York. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

GREEN, ZETA MAE, 77, of Tampa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Vencor Hospital. She was born in Mississippi. She was a homemaker and was Pentecostal. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.

HALL, GEORGE B., 87, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000). He was a typographer. He was born in Hall City, Fla., and moved to Tampa 52 years ago from Sarasota. He was the founder of George Hall Typography. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; two sons, George B. Hall III, Valrico, and Robert, Tampa; two granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

LOCKHART, DONNIE MEL, 45, of Lutz, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. He was born in Tampa and was a lifelong resident. He was a postal clerk and an Air Force veteran. He attended Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and belonged to the American Postal Workers Union. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Kay; two sons, Justin, Wesley Chapel, and Keith, Lutz; two daughters, Katie, Wesley Chapel, and Kristen, Lutz; his mother, Mary Frances Asbell, Tampa; a brother, Lonnie Del, Melbourne; a sister, Karen Ann Fenske, Tampa; and two grandchildren. C.E. Prevatt, Temple Terrace.

LUCE, SUSIE R., 95, of Brandon, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Tandem Health Care of Brandon. She was born in Danville, Ky. She worked for Kentucky School for the Deaf and was a homemaker. Survivors include two daughters, Juanita Metcalf, Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Virginia Alex, Brandon; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

MACALUSO, GABRIEL PETER, 2, of Tampa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was a lifelong Tampa resident and was Catholic. Survivors include his parents, Pete and Tiffany; and a grandmother, Mary Bennett, Lutz. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Armenia Chapel.

MANNING, JILL K., 39, of Lutz, died Monday (May 8, 2000). She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and lived in Tampa most of her life. She was a business owner. Survivors include her husband, James; two daughters, Penny and Brandy, both of Lutz; a son, Douglas, Lutz; her mother, Delores Roussey, Port Charlotte; two brothers, Robin Kadlec and Rick Kadlec, both of Lutz; a grandmother, Ramona Lange, Lutz; and a granddaughter. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel.

MERRITT, ROBERT F., 68, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at his residence under the care of LifePath Hospice. He was born in Bradford, Pa., and moved to Tampa from Mesquite, Texas, in 1981. He was a musician. Survivors include a son, Robert G. Merritt, Tampa; a brother, Roy, Ontario, N.Y.; two sisters, Sally Walsh, of Williamson, N.Y., and Donna Layton, Hazelhurst, Pa.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, Town 'N Country Chapel.

ORTIZ, FRANCISCO SANTIAGO, 87, of Tampa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000). He was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, and moved to Tampa 10 years ago. He was an auto mechanic. Survivors include his wife, Maria; two sons, Francisco Jr. and Jose Luis Massa, both of Puerto Rico; three daughters, Maria M. Laluz and Micdalia Ogeda, both of Tampa, and Modesta Santiago, Puerto Rico; a brother, Pochomo Santiago, of Puerto Rico; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

POPE, ELTON M., 91, of Tampa died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at University Community Hospital. He was born in Tift County, Ga., and moved to Tampa in 1941. He was a retired farmer and meat cutter for Lykes Bros. He was a member of Palm River Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine; two sons, Jackson and Ulmer, both of Tampa; four daughters, Imogene Newsom, Bainbridge, Ga., Mary Nell Wilson, Tampa, Betty Eliason, Gladwin, Mich., and Linda Reinhart, Fostoria, Ohio; two brothers, Lloyd, Tifton, and Robert, Macon, Ga.; two sisters, Ruth Stone, Tifton, and Kate Thompson, Macon; 20 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

SHAPARD, EUGENE LIPCOMB, 74, of Plant City, died Saturday (May 6, 2000). He was born in Lakeland and was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. He was Baptist. Survivors include a friend, Betty Snow, Macclenny. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.

SMITH, FRANCIS D., 85, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000). He was born in Juiz De Fora, Brazil, and moved to Tampa in 1981. He was a pathologist and attended Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a daughter, Caroline S. Whitlock, of Owosso, Mich.; a brother, Emerson W. Smith, of Hummels Town, Pa.; and three grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa.

SPROWL, ROBERT JOHN, 68, of Tampa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at his residence. He was born in Lorain, Ohio, and moved to Tampa from Huron, Ohio, in 1966. He was a retired owner of Sprowl Adgifts of Tampa. He was Catholic. Survivors include wife, Lois; two sons, Robert Jr., Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Bruce, Atlanta; four daughters, Susan Butler, Seffner, Sally Imhoff, Clermont, Beth Skillman, Land O'Lakes, and Sarah Mitchell, Tallahassee; a sister, Barbara Litell, Huron; and 13 grandchildren. Loyless Funeral Home, Lutz-Land O'Lakes Chapel.

STRAUB, EDWARD J., M.D., 60, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home under care of LifePath Hospice. He was a physician. He was born in Detroit and moved to Tampa in 1969 from Indiana. He was the medical director for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Temple Terrace Fire Rescue and Plant City Fire Department. He was a member of the American Medical Association. He served in the Army. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; a son, Christopher, Tampa; four daughters, Melissa and Lindsey Straub, Lisa Thomann and Leslie Rodriguez, all of Tampa; a brother, Richard, Las Vegas; and two grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

SUAREZ, BILL, 73, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000). He was born in Tampa and was a lifelong resident. He was a plumber. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Ida; three sons, Sirio "Bob" and Peter Thomas, both of Riverview, and Harry Thomas, of New Orleans; two brothers Rene and Toby, both of Tampa; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

TERVORT, LESTER M., 81, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. He was born in Payson, Utah, and moved to Tampa in 1958. He was a retired surveyor for the Hillsborough County Soil Conservation Board. He was a Christian Scientist and an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Survivors include a son, Jim, Zephryhills; a daughter, Susanne Dillon, Tampa; three brothers, Jack, Salt Lake City, Glen, Idaho, and Charles, Texas; two sisters, Lois Lee, Utah, Mary Lively, of Washington; a longtime companion, Ethel Stacy; and three grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

THOMPSON, PATRICIA A., 72, of Tampa, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) at Town & Country Hospital. She was born in York, Pa., and moved to Tampa from Baltimore in 1964. She was a homemaker and was in the WAVES of the Navy. She belonged to Grace Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband, Carl; a son, Jeffrey, Tampa; a daughter, Shelley Redding, Land O'Lakes; and two grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, Town 'N Country Chapel.

WHEATLEY, RUBY MARIE, 74, of Tampa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Brandon Hospital. She was born in Tampa and remained a lifelong resident. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Brandon. Survivors include her husband, Eugene; her mother, Sadie Bell, Tampa; a son, Stephen, Jacksonville; three daughters, Bari Mitchell, Boring, Ore., Darea Oxendine, Gainesville, and Kimberly Huntington, Moreno Valley, Calif.; a sister, Barbara Damanon, St. Petersburg; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Tampa.

Pasco County Back to top

CALE, DONALD H., 74, of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Tandem Health Care Center, New Port Richey. Born in Duquesne, Pa., he came here 21 years ago from West Mifflin, Pa. He was a retired chemistry laboratory foreman for U.S. Steel, Homestead, Pa., and a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, New Port Richey. He was an Army veteran of World War II and member of the West Pasco Radio Club. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; a son, James, Pittsburgh; a daughter, Bonnie Riley, Findlay, Ohio; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

FIASCHI, JULIA, 81, of Zephyrhills, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she came here 12 years ago from Perth Amboy, N.J. She was an assembly line worker for a glove manufacturer and member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Zephyrhills. Survivors include her husband, Leo; a daughter, Maria Paino, Brooksville; a brother, William Leone, Long Island, N.Y.; a sister, Theresa Sutera, Boca Raton; and two grandchildren. Kelly Memorial Home, Zephyrhills.

JACOBSEN, HELEN M., 81, of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 8, 2000). Born in Racine, Wis., she came here five years ago from Minneapolis. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, New Port Richey, and the Einstein Society. Survivors include a brother, the Rev. Jack Jacobsen, New Port Richey; and 16 nieces and nephews. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

JONIEC, MARY E., 78, of Zephyrhills, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Royal Oaks Nursing Home, Dade City. Born in Chicago, she came here 22 years ago from Calumet Park, Ill., and worked for a paint company. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Peter Del Cotto, Zephyrhills; two brothers, Rudy Andras, Dolton, Ill., and Joe Andras, Lansing, Ill.; two sisters, Pauline Goodchild, Holiday, and Josephine DeVasier, Inverness; and a grandchild. Kelly Memorial Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

LACOMBE, GEORGE J., 79, of Coventry, R.I., and Holiday, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Harborside Nursing Home, New Port Richey. Born in Warwick, R.I., he was an excavating contractor and founder of Lacombe Construction, Coventry. He was an Army veteran of World War II, participating in the battle of Iwo Jima. He was a deputy sheriff with the Kent County Sheriff's Department and constable with the West Warwick Police Department. He was a member of the West Warwick Police Lodge 6 FOP and the New Port Richey Shuffleboard Club. Survivors include his wife, Beulah May Mallery; two sons, Robert, Coventry, and Dennis, West Warwick, R.I.; three daughters, Margaret DeCesare, Coventry, Carol Leavitt, Warwick, and Susan Lamothe, West Warwick; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Raoul G. Henault & Son Funeral Home, West Warwick, R.I.

LONG, ETHEL MCGUIRE, 89, of Palm Harbor, formerly of Holiday, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in Thomasville, Ga., she moved eight years ago from Holiday to Palm Harbor and was a homemaker. She was Baptist. Survivors include a sister, Laura L. Knight, Dade City. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

MEYER, EDRIC H., 86, of Hudson, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Windsor Woods Convalescent Center, Hudson. Born in Jersey City, N.J., he came here 21 years ago from New Jersey and was a taxi driver. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include a son, Richard, Franklin, Mass.; and a grandson. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

ODUM, WALTER H., 77, of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in Alexandria, Tenn., he came here 16 years ago from Hudson, Ohio. He was a retired chief of police for Sagamore Hills, Ohio, and attended Suncoast Baptist Church, New Port Richey. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and member of the International Chiefs of Police. Survivors include his wife, Doris; three sons, Harold Eugene, Munroe Falls, Ohio, Dennis Eugene, Akron, Ohio, and Ronald Louis, York, S.C.; two daughters, Phyllis Elaine Sommer, Richfield, Ohio, and Vickie Lynn Ruth, Canfield, Ohio; two sisters, Jeannette Harris and Gladys Fulghum, both of Nashville, Tenn.; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

SCUDERI, ANNA JULIA, 69, of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., she came here 12 years ago from Camillus, N.Y. She was a homemaker and member of the Home Builders Association Ladies Auxiliary and the Solvay Lions. Survivors include a son, Joseph M., Syracuse; two daughters, Pauline Thibodeau and Peggy Castleman, both of New Port Richey; three brothers, Charles Parody, Liverpool, N.Y., William Parody, North Syracuse, N.Y., and Donald Parody, Syracuse; two sisters, Frances Parody, Solvay, N.Y., and Carmen Bengar, East Syracuse, N.Y.; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

SORENSEN, RUDOLPH F., 82, of Port Richey, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in San Francisco, he came here 25 years ago from New York City. He was a boat captain for New York City and a Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Margaret. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

STONE, RUSSELL WILBUR, 87, of Zephyrhills, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at East Pasco Medical Center. Born in Swanzey, N.H., he came here 28 years ago from Keene, N.H. He was owner-operator of Russ' Volkswagen dealership and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an Army veteran of World War II and 50-year member of the American Legion Post 118, Zephyrhills. Survivors include his wife, Rita; three daughters, Barbara Stoodley, Southbridge, Mass., Karen Sage, Hot Springs, Ark., and Diane Latvis, Bristol, Conn.; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Kelly Memorial Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

WEIGAND, WILLIAM F., 60, of Holiday, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Bronx, N.Y., he came here five years ago from Piscataway, N.J., where he was a retired district manager for Bell Laboratories with 30 years' service. He was Catholic. He was an Air Force veteran and member and treasurer of the Edgewood Home Owners Association, Holiday. Survivors include two sons, Michael, Piscataway, and David, Somerset, N.J.; a sister, Patricia M. Van Pevenage, Holiday; and three grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

North Pinellas Back to top

WEATHERFORD, HILERY H. "YANCEY," of Belleair Beach, died Friday (May 5, 2000) at Palm Garden of Pinellas, Largo nursing home. He came here in 1971 from Mexico and retired from a management position in the textile industry. He was a member of Church of the Isles Congregational, Indian Rocks Beach, Egypt Shrine Temple, Tampa, and Cherokee Lodge 66 F&AM, Rome, Ga. Survivors include three grandchildren, Max A. and Mark H. Daniel, both of Dallas, and Mary Charron, Austin, Texas; and five great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Clearwater

COWEN, JAMES, 69, of Clearwater, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at home. He was born in Bedford, Ohio, and came here several years ago from Hubbard, Ohio. He worked as a meat cutter. He was a veteran. Survivors include his wife, Shirley. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
FORD, KENNETH W., 52, of Clearwater, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Houston and came here in 1983 from Bartlett, Tenn. He retired as senior director of operations for Risk Management Corp. He previously retired from the Navy as senior master chief after 20 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he received three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Neralee; a son, Curtis, Clearwater; four daughters, Marissa Umberger and Krista Ford, both of Clearwater, Angelina Ochea, Napa, Calif., and Lea Umberger, Washington, D.C.; his mother, Joe Marie Winters, San Antonio, Texas; two brothers, Jimmy, San Antonio, and Jess, Tucson, Ariz.; and two sisters, Joan Parker, Clearwater, and Barbara Ford, San Antonio. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
FORSYTHE, CHARLES EUGENE, 68, of Harker Heights, Texas, formerly of Clearwater, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Temple Hospital, Temple, Texas. He was born in Centralia, Ill., and lived here from 1968 to 1989, when he moved to the Virgin Islands. He retired in 1993 as a telephone fiber-optics splicer and was an Army veteran. Survivors include a daughter, Kimberly J. Forsythe, Clearwater; a son, C. Michael; his mother, Dorothy Forsythe, and two grandchildren, Lindsay and Ryan Forsythe, all of Jupiter; two aunts, Valeria Coffman, Harker Heights, and Juanita Haslett, Centralia; and an uncle, Wayne Crane, Harker Heights. Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, Temple Texas.
KANESKI, NELLIE H., 84, of Clearwater, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Glastonbury, Conn., and came here in 1978 from East Hartford, Conn., where she retired after 34 years with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. She was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, John J., Dunedin; a daughter, Marie Gardner, East Hartford; a sister, Ann Harris, Glastonbury; her companion of 46 years, Joseph Wilson, Clearwater; two grandsons, John M. Kaneski, Dunedin, and Loren J. Gardner, Clinton, Conn.; and two great-granddaughters. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
JOSEPHSON, MOLLIE, 102, of Clearwater, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Russia and came here several years ago from New York City. She worked as a supervisor for Lane Bryant. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.
NAPIER, HAROLD T. "JOHN," 60, of Gaithersburg, Md., formerly of Clearwater, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. He was born in Williamson, W.Va., and lived here for several years before moving in 1990 to Gaithersburg. He was a retired vice president and general manager of a glass company and a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Sandra M.; a son, Jon, St. Augustine; his parents, Edna and Harold C. Napier, Roanoke, Va.; a stepdaughter, Valerie Fuath, Wales, Wis.; two stepsons, Brian Bautz, Shorewood, Wis., and Steve Bautz, New Port Richey; and a brother, Oscar R., Atlanta. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
PASINI, JOHN, 75, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) at Arbors at Safety Harbor nursing home. He was born in Italy and came here in 1987 from Staten Island, N.Y. He was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, Martin, Plainsboro, N.J., and Frank, Dedham, Mass.; two brothers, Peter, New York City, and Renzo, Italy; and two grandchildren, Francesca and Nicolas. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
POEHLING, ESTHER MARIE, 85, of Clearwater, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in St. Paul, Minn., and came here in 1999 from Madison, Wis. She was a homemaker and a member of Midvale Lutheran Church. Survivors include a son, Peder M., Oshkosh, Wis.; three daughters, Jacquie Adams, Clearwater, Patti Jay Schickel, Sheboygan, Wis., and Karla Linn, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; a sister, Lillian Poppengerger, LaQuinta, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
RILEY, ALMA R., 83, of Clearwater, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Seymour, Ind., and came here in 1949 from Columbus, Ind. She worked as a patcher many years ago at the former cigar factory in Clearwater and was a homemaker and Baptist. Survivors include two daughters, Betty Ezell, Live Oak, and Opal Mitchell, Seymour; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Dunedin

LIVERNOIS, LUCIENNE B., 90, of Dunedin, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Arbors at Safety Harbor nursing home. She was born in Three Rivers, Quebec, and came here in 1991 from Locania, N.H. She was a homemaker and dressmaker. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin. Survivors include two sisters, Jeanette Kotarba, Barefoot Bay, and Hermance Tremblay, Chelmfort, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, Largo.
LOSONCZY, BENJAMIN A., 90, of Dunedin, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Manor Care Dunedin nursing home. He was born in Nagybecskerek, Hungary, and came here in 1978 from New Jersey, where he was a machine designer at Standard Tool, Lyndhurst, N.J. He was a volunteer music teacher at Dunedin Middle School and received a state volunteer award for his work. During the big band era, he was a professional musician. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin. Survivors include two sons, Stephen, Clearwater, and Thomas, Bernardsville, N.J.; a daughter, Helen Andreu, Jackson Heights, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
MYERS, DOROTHY MAETTA, 80, of Dunedin, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Mease Continuing Care, Dunedin. She came here in 1978 from her native Beaver Falls, Pa. She was a homemaker and a member of First United Methodist Church of Dunedin. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, William J.; two sons, Larry P., Round Rock, Texas, and Terry L., Warren, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Scott, Lee Ann, Cheri, Heather and Amy Myers. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
NUXOLL, CHARLES J. JR., 68, of Dunedin, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He came here in 1976 from his native Cincinnati. He was a retired maintenance supervisor. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Suzanne; three daughters, Shari Olivencia, Dunedin, Deborah Nuxoll, Clearwater, and Cynthia L. Sauter, Cincinnati; a son, Charles J. III, Holiday; a sister, Marjorie Clark, Fairfield, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Largo

FOWLER, THEDA E., 87, of Largo, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Lakeside Terrace Nursing Center, Osprey. She was born in Leetonia, Ohio, and came here in 1969 from Newark, Ohio. She worked as a continuity writer for radio stations in Ohio. She was a member of Presbyterian Church of Newark. Survivors include two daughters, Judith Ann Saracco, Sarasota, and Janet Sue Lewis, Hampton, Va.; a son, Robert N. Fowler, Wadsworth, Ohio; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.

Palm Harbor

BARTLETT, RUTH S., 89, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at St. Mark Village continuing care community, Palm Harbor. She was born in Vienna, Ill., and came here in 1974 from Paxton, Ill. She owned and operated a grocery store for many years in Montgomery, Ill., and was a member of Kirk of Dunedin. Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Tibbitts, Madison, Conn., and Diane Commes, Chagrin Falls, Ohio; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Tibbitts, West Hartford, Conn., Kathryn Burt, New Canaan, Conn., and Jennifer Commes and Elizabeth Faremouth, both of Chagrin Falls; and five great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
WEATHERFORD, LELAND C. SR., 66, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Petal, Miss., and came here in 1974 from Jacksonville. He was a certified public accountant and worked for U.S. Home Corp., Clearwater. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was Baptist and a member of the Lions Club of Jacksonville. Survivors include his wife, Lucretia "Kish"; three sons, Leland C. Jr., Palm Harbor, Charles E., Arlington, Texas, and John C., West Palm Beach; two daughters, Vicky Stewart, Jacksonville, and Kelly Weatherford, Palm Harbor; a brother, Sidney Edward Lee Weatherford, Hattiesburg, Miss.; two sisters, Mary Dell Slack, Decatur, Ala., and Betty Ruth McKenzie, LaGrange, Ga.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

Seminole

GALLAGHER, CATHERINE, 78, of Seminole, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Vencor Hospital -- St. Petersburg. She was born in New York City and came here in 1979 from New Jersey. She was a homemaker and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Seminole. Survivors include three sons, Walter and Patrick, both of Seminole, and James W., Kearny, N.J.; three daughters, Margaret Gallagher, Seminole, Eileen Peyton, Honolulu, and Catherine De Luc, Escondido, Calif.; a brother, John Daunt, Long Island, N.Y.; and two sisters, her twin Dorothy Bider, Seminole, and Ann Ambrosio, Cocoa Beach; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Largo Chapel.

South Pinellas Back to top

HENNING, JOHN R., 97, of Gulfport, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. He came here in 1975 from his native Newfane, N.Y. He was the former owner of Newfane Lumber and Manufacturing Co., Lockport, N.Y., where he was also a past president of the Intercommunity Memorial Hospital board of directors. He served on the board for Lockport Savings Bank for 17 years and was chairman of the mortgage committee. He was chairman of the advisory board for the Manufacturers and Traders Trust Co., Lockport Exchange Branch. He was a member of Newfane Methodist Church, and was a past master of the Newfane Masonic Lodge. He was a graduate of Syracuse University, N.Y. Survivors include a son, John C., Nokomis; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

HERNE, WILLIAM W., 49, of Gulfport, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Tampa, he was a lifelong resident of Gulfport. He was a marine engineer for Red Circle Transport for more than 10 years. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of the American Maritime Officers Union. Survivors include a sister, Karen Edge, and a brother, Perry Edge, both of St. Petersburg; a niece, Laura Edge, Fort Myers; and his companion, Victoria Malsnee, Gulfport. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

Kenneth City

THOMAS, JOHN R., 90, of Kenneth City, died Friday (May 5, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Scranton, Pa., he came here in 1985 from Factoryville, Pa. He was a mechanic for Greyhound Bus Lines for 25 years and was a member of Jackson Street Baptist Church, both of Scranton. Survivors include two sons, John R. Jr., Friendswood, Texas, and Wilbur G., Breinigsville, Pa.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

PEQUITA, ANTONE F. "TONY," 81, of Mainlands Unit 4, Pinellas Park, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. Born in New Bedford, Mass., he came here in 1996 from Boca Raton. He was a retired printer for Dexter Co., Windsor Locks, Conn., and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Giles Episcopal Church and the Elks Lodge, both of Pinellas Park. He was a past president of the Unit 3 Social Club, a past member of the Unit 3 Board of Directors, a member or the Unit 3 Men's Club and a past second vice president of the Mixed Golf League. He was a member of the VFW, Ocala, and the American Legion, Boca Raton. Survivors include his wife, May; a son, Robert, Windsor Locks; three stepsons, Paul Jameson, Middlebury, Conn., Scott Jameson, Windsor Locks, and Russell Jameson, Burlington, Conn.; a stepdaughter, Linda O'Bannon, Punta Gorda; three brothers, Earnest, New Bedford, Joseph, Port Charlotte, and John, Lakeland; and eight grandsons. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.

St. Pete Beach

DUTTON, JESSE G., 86, of St. Pete Beach, died Friday (May 5, 2000) at home. Born in Greentown, Ind., he came here in 1987 from Rochester, Ind. For 25 years, he was a manager and projectionist at five movie theaters in Kokomo, Ind., and was the owner and operator of Hi-Fi Record Shop, Kokomo. He retired from United Artist Theater in Logansport, Ind. Survivors include his wife, Joan; two daughters; Diane Dutton Tuyub, Izamal, Mexico, and Cheryl Connor, San Antonio, Fla.; two granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

BATTLE-PERNELL, THELMA, 95, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home under the care of hospice. Born in Okolona, Miss., she came here in 1997 from Brooklyn, N.Y., where she had lived for 60 years. She attended Rust College, Holly Springs, Miss. and Boston University, and earned her bachelor of arts degree from Teacher's College at Columbia University in 1962. She developed the music program at Okolona College. She taught music at Rust College and for the WPA Program and the YWCA, both in New York, and also gave private music lessons. Survivors include a daughter, Anita Vinson, St. Petersburg; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

BINKOV, NATALIE, 83, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at Menorah Manor. Born in Hoboken, N.J., she came here in 1956 from Miami. She was a homemaker, and was a member of Hadassah. Survivors include a son, John, Richmond, Calif.; and a daughter, Susan Binkov, Brooklyn, N.Y. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.

BOWLEY, MAYNARD S., 89, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (April 20, 2000) at Edward White Hospital. Born in Augusta, Maine, he came here in 1980 from Kennebunk, Maine. He was a highway supervisor. He was a member of Albright United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, and was a member of the Masons' York Lodge, Kennebunk. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Janet S.; three daughters, Judith Woods, Lynnfield, Mass., Beverly Meserve and Patricia Graham, both of Kennebunk; a son, Stephen, Kennebunk; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

CAMPFIELD, ROSA, 74, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at South Heritage Nursing Center. Born in Sylvania, Ga., she here in 1993 from Miami, where she retired as an office manager after 15 years with Wolfie's restaurant. Survivors include two brothers, Edward Carter, Savannah, Ga., and Robert Lee Carter, Girard, Ga.; and two sisters, Marie Strouse and Ann Drakeford, both of St. Petersburg. Creal Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

HECHTKOPF, JARED S., 53, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He was born in Norfolk, Va., and came here in 1988 from Port Washington, N.Y. He was president of Kobie Marketing and former president of HighTouch Technologies, both of St. Petersburg. From 1988 to 1989, he was president of the Home Shopping Club. He formerly worked for Citicorp of New York. he was a communications graduate of Syracuse University and received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Bonnie; two sons, Bram and Quinn; his mother, Evelyn Hechtkopf, and a brother, Jed, both of Dillon, S.C. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.

HILL, LEON H. JR., 55, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 3, 2000) at home. Born in Roseboro, N.C., he came here 38 years ago from Fayetteville, N.C. He was a real estate title insurance searcher. He was an Air Force veteran. Survivors include a daughter, Shanna Hill, Seminole; and two sisters, Mary Wood and Edith Evans, both of Fayetteville. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

KEMMSIES, HERBERT, 68, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center. He came here in 1990 from his native Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was a civil engineer and a union member. He was a member of Lutheran Church of Nova Friburgo, Brazil, and was a member of C.R. Flamengo. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Ilona; two sons, Dr. Walter H., England, and Victor A., St. Petersburg; a brother, Walter O., Brazil; three nieces; two nephews; and a grandson. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

MOORE, NELSON E. "GENE," 64, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He came here in 1954 from his native Baltimore. He was a heavy equipment operator for Florida Power Corp. for 38 years. He was a 1954 graduate of St. Petersburg High School, and he was Episcopalian. Survivors include a sister, Margaret Mudge, St. Petersburg; a niece, Deborah Bryant, Jasper, Ga.; and a nephew, Michael Boggs, Rocky Face, Ga. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.

QUEEN, ROBERT "BUD," 65, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. He came here in 1990 from his native Toledo, Ohio. He was a sheet metal worker and a member of Union Local 6. He was a member of Robinson Locke Masonic Lodge, Toledo. Survivors include a daughter, Karen S. Wainer, a son, John C., and a sister, Judy Letson, all of Toledo; a brother, Donald, Swanton, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

RABIG, FRANCES H., 83, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., she came here in 1973 from Rockaway Point, N.Y. She was a homemaker and was a member of Church of the Brethren, St. Petersburg. Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Harley J.; two sons, Harley J. Jr., Gretna, La., and Bill R., Cooper City; a daughter, Toni Passaro, St. Petersburg; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

ROCHE, HENRY, 59, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (May 2, 2000). There are no known survivors. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

RORIE, EDDIE, 33, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. There are no known survivors. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

SANTOS, ANTONE V. "BING," 85, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. He was born in East Providence, R.I., and came here in 1982 from Providence, R.I., where he was a city employee and a member and former president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Federation for the Blind. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Town Apartments Men's Club and served as secretary of Building E at Town Apartments, all of St. Petersburg. He played the harmonica and entertained at many senior adult activities. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Josephine; three daughters, Gloria A. Carrocci, New York City, Linda E. Delair, San Francisco, Paula M. Bonzagni, Narragansett, R.I.; and two grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-McLeod Chapel, St. Petersburg.

WELLS, JOHN T., 48, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (May 4, 2000) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He came here in 1972 from his native Atlantic City, N.J. He was a Navy veteran and was Catholic. He was a short-order cook. Survivors include a brother, James M., Santa Cruz, Calif.; a sister, Patricia Barlow, Phoenix. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.

WILLIAMS, DONNIE WAYNE, 49, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Clearwater, died Thursday (May 4, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center. He came here in 1954 from his native Adel, Ga. He was a plasterer for Unique Stucco, Tarpon Springs. He was a Jehovah's Witness and a member of the Central Congregation, St. Petersburg. Survivors include two sons, Ashton D. and Phillip N., and two daughters, Summer L. Watson and Jillian N. Williams, all of St. Petersburg; his mother, Essie Mae Williams, and an aunt, Gracie White, both of Clearwater; two brothers, Tommie L., Clearwater, and Earnest E., Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sisters, Betty L. Alexander, Tarpon Springs, and Emma L. Hipps and Francis L. Williams, both of Clearwater; and two grandsons. All County Funeral Home, Lake Worth.

WRIGHT, KATHY L., 38, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at National Healthcare Center, St. Petersburg. She came here in 1975 from her native Dayton, Ohio. She was a member of the First Church of God. Survivors include her mother, Janelle, St. Petersburg; three brothers, Dr. Richard K., Santa Monica, Calif., Larry D., Houston, and James, Dayton; two sisters, Nancy Koch, Plant City, and Carol Ann Crawford, Cincinnati; and several nieces and nephews. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.