St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST DEATHS

Saturday, May 13, 2000

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

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

FRASER, MARY ELVIRA, 94, of Lecanto, formerly of Inverness, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Brentwood Health Care Center. Born in Ontario, she came to Florida 29 years ago from Detroit. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Inverness. There are no known survivors. Chas. B. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

GIBSON, RUBY ELLEN, 47, of Homosassa, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at home. Born in Parkersburg, W.Va., she came here two years ago from Ohio and was a homemaker. She was Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Harold Gene; two sons, Timothy Wayne, Ohio, and Roger Eugene; a daughter, Tammy Ann Braggs, Ohio; her stepfather, Ted Gibson, Ohio; one granddaughter; and two stepgrandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

MCKENDRY, JOHN R., 82, of Timber Pines, Spring Hill, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at the Hospice House. Born in Philadelphia, he came here 14 years ago from Olympia Fields, Ill. He was retired from Allis-Chalmers Corp. and was a member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include four daughters, Susan Shih, Westmont, Ill., Judith Hickey, Hamden, Conn., A. Virginia McKendry, Randallstown, Md., and Jean M. Baker, Bel Air, Md.; nine grandchildren; and companion, Bonnie Evans, Timber Pines. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness.

VICK, HUNTER NICOLE, infant daughter of Shannon and Angela Vick, of Homosassa, died Sunday (May 7, 2000). She was born in Gainesville and was Catholic. Other survivors include her paternal grandparents, Ray and Donna Vick, Citronelle; her maternal grandparents, Paul and Jean Barker, Homosassa; and her great-grandparents. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Hernando County Back to top

DOUGHTY, RUTH ANN, 84, of Spring Hill, died Friday (May 12, 2000). Born in Portland, Maine, she came here 27 years ago from Poland, Maine. She was a librarian and member of the Spring Hill Golf Club. Survivors include a son, Edward, Fayetteville, N.C.; a brother, Elmer Dunn, Santa Cruz, Calif.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Spring Hill.

EICHLER, ELIZABETH W., 77, of Spring Hill, died Friday (May 12, 2000) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in New Jersey, she came here 15 years ago from Hicksville, N.Y. She was vice president of operations for Merrill Lynch, Garden City, N.Y., and a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Sweeting, Brockport, N.Y.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes and Crematory, Spring Hill.

FAVARA, ANTHONY J., 77, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Born in Boston, he came here 12 years ago from Beverly, Mass., and was a retired police officer for the city of Beverly, with 31 years of service. He was Protestant. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 10209, Spring Hill. Survivors include six daughters, Mary Stephenson, Cynthia Donlon and Peggy Ann Giles, all of Beverly, Jean Pomroy and Carol Ann Michaud, both of Haverhill, Mass., and Patricia Donlon, Danvers, Mass; two sisters, Terry Kiely, Danvers, and Mary Grimes, Beverly; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes & Crematory, Seven Hills.

KAUTZ, ELAINE, 85, of Valrico, formerly of Spring Hill, died Thursday (May 11, 2000). Born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, she came here 17 years ago from Salem, N.H. She was a clerk for the Internal Revenue Service and was a Canadian Air Force veteran of World War II. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband, Howard, Spring Hill; two daughters, Katherine Bornemann, Seguin, Texas, and Carolyn Quintal, Valrico; a sister, Dorothy Best, Parrsboro, Nova Scotia; and one granddaughter. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes & Crematory, Brooksville.

Hillsborough County Back to top

BARRANTES, JOSE LUIS, 29, of Tampa, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in San Vito, Costa Rica, he came here in 1999. He was a truck driver. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Neryeth; a daughter, Milenia, Tampa; his parents, Guida and Anita; four brothers, Roy, Erick, Marcos and Alberto; and a sister, Diana. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.

BEHNKE, MARIE A., 89, of Tampa, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Vencor Central Hospital. Born in Wisconsin, she came here in the 1940s. She was a homemaker and a rancher. She was a member of Highland Methodist Church. Survivors include a son, Richard, Tampa; two grandsons, Ross and Justin Behnke; and two nieces, Sue Clark and Nan Woodburn. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Armenia Chapel, Tampa.

BOOTH, JOHN R., 59, of Plant City, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Born in Oak Grove, he lived here most of his life. He was a truck driver and a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Patricia; three daughters, Wanda Calhoun, Kimberly Szostkiewicz and Lisa Booth, all of Plant City; five brothers, Enoch, Brooksville, Willie, Hernando, Herman, Homosassa, and Cecil and Henry, both of Dunnellon; a sister, Susie Boyd, Homosassa; and two grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

BOYLES, RHUMELLE FERGUSON, 81, of Tampa, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Leaksville, N.C., she came here in 1988 from Eden, N.C. She was a homemaker and Protestant. Survivors include a son, Richard G., Thomaston, Ga.; a daughter, Billie Don Flynn, Lutz; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

BRANCH, WILLIAM RAY, 35, of Riverview, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) at home. Born in Tampa, he lived here all his life. He was a self-employed commercial fisherman and was Baptist. Survivors include a son, William Ray Jr., Brandon; a daughter, Mary Sue Branch, Riverview; his mother, Mary, Riverview; a brother, Rick, Riverview; and a sister, Daisy. Hamilton Funeral Home, Riverview.

BUFFINGTON, HERBERT MILTON, 78, of Plant City, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Born in Flat Rock, Ala., he came here 15 years ago. He was a retired security officer for Oak Ridge National Laboratories in Tennessee. He was an Army Air Corps veteran and a member of Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Kay; two sons, Herbert Milton Buffington Jr., Atlanta, and Charlie Johnson, Knoxville, Tenn.; four daughters, Cherry Huskey, Hudson, Donna Garbin, Robertsdale, Ala., Kathy Johnson Danyo, Plant City, and Patricia Johnson Phillips, Windermere; five brothers; three sisters; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

EWELL, DANIEL, 78, of Seffner, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) in Tampa. Born in Washington, D.C., he came here in 1953 from Maryland. He was a contractor. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Carmella; three sons, Daniel, Charles and Randall, all of Tampa; two stepsons; four brothers, Harrison, Stanley and Allen, all of Maryland, and Leonard, Clearwater; two sisters, Eunice Fairchild, Maryland, and Esther Della Collins, Holiday; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

FERNANDEZ, ALBERT, 93, of Tampa, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Tampa, he lived here all his life. He was a manager for 35 years for Hood Furniture Co. and 20 years as a salesman for Kane's Furniture. Survivors include his wife, Marquerite; a son, Tom L., Valrico; a brother, Enrique, Tampa; and several nieces and nephews. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

GRIZZARD, CLAYTON WYNDELL, 65, of Tampa, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) in Tampa. Born in Rentz, Ga., he came here 40 years ago from Macon, Ga. He was a retired carpenter and a member of the Carpenter's Union Local No. 140. He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Sarah C.; two daughters, Barbara Helen Parker, Zephyrhills, and Marie Juanita Leggon, St. Petersburg; two sons, Whyndell Earl, Seffner, and Ronald Eugene, Riverview; two brothers, Hubert E., Macon, and Andrew J., Miami Beach; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

HARLESS, JESSICA NICOLE, 11, of Tampa, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Tampa, she lived here all her life. She was a student at Tampa Bay Elementary School. She was Christian. Survivors include her mother, Heather Lee Harless; her father and stepmother, Lloyd William Harless III and Jennie A. Harless; a half-brother, Nicholas Lloyd Harless; two half-sisters, Melissa Lissett and Allison Ann Harless; her maternal grandmother, Karen Lee Eggeling, Kansas City, Mo.; her maternal grandfather, Arthur Lee Pollak, Londonderry, N.H.; and her paternal grandparents, Lloyd W. Jr and Janice Harless. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

JOHNSON, GUSTAV A.D., 93, of Tampa, died Friday (May 12, 2000) in Tampa. Born in McKees Rocks, Pa., he came here in 1990 from Homosassa Springs. He was a maintenance foreman at a concrete plant. He was Lutheran. Survivors include a son, Dale A., Tampa; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa.

MILLER, STANLEY RHINEHART, 69, of Tampa, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) in Tampa. Born in Brockdell, Tenn., he came here in 1991 from the Philippines. He was a retired senior master sergeant in the Air Force. He was a member of the V.F.W., the D.A.V. and was a Korean War and Vietnam veteran. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Elena L.; four sons, Rolland, Tampa, Ronnie, Greenville, S.C., Allan, Tampa, and Ricky Walters, Blountstown; two daughters, Beverly and Pamela Miller, both of Greenville; two brothers, Phillip, Orlando, and Don, New Jersey; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

MONTGOMERY, RAYMOND, 86, of Tampa, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at University Community Hospital. Born in Highland Park, Mich., he came here in 1986 from Redford, Mich. He was a retired executive secretary for Ford Motor Co. He was a member of North 56th Street Chapel. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy E.; three sons, Laura Lee Taylor, Findlay, Ohio, Carol Ann McKendrick, Westland, Mich., and Mary Ellen Fox, South Lyon, Mich.; a sister, William Ina Colwell, Tampa; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.

POUNCEY, CAMILIA "TERRY," 79, of Texas, formerly of Tampa, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) in Texas. She was born in Elmont, N.Y. She was a nursing aide. Survivors include her husband, Carl E.; a son, Thomas E., Houston; three brothers, Sal and Frank Notaro, both of New York, and John Notaro, Florida; four sisters, Jean Pinera, Texas, Barbara Jerez, Florida, Vi McCoy, Oregon, and Ann Thornhill, Virginia; a grandchild; and a great-grandchild. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

SINGH, ROSIE B. "CHUNKIE," 72, of Brandon, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born in Trinidad, she came here in 1990 from Boston. She was a clerk for New England Life. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Clive, Brandon, and Harry, Margate; three daughters, Susan Beddoe and Isabel Sharif, both of Brandon, and Judy James, Tampa; a brother, Lloyd Bissessar, Montreal; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

SUMMERALL, BONNIE LILLIAN, 96, of Valrico, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Integrated Health Services of Brandon. Born in Coolidge, Ga., she lived here most of her life. She was Baptist. Survivors include two sons, Darwin "Red" Gore and Wallace C. Gore, both of Valrico; a sister, Lucille Griffin, Coolidge; and three grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

Pasco County Back to top

CORNELL, DEBRA ANNE, 22, of Port Richey, died Thursday (May 11, 2000). Born in Port Jefferson, N.Y., she came here nine years ago from Holtsville, N.Y., and was a homemaker. She was Baptist. Survivors include a son, Alexander J. Peterson, Port Richey; her parents, Ken and Barbara Cornell, Port Richey; and her paternal grandparents, Bob and Joan Cornell, Port Richey. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

MOLTER, JOAN S., 60, of New Port Richey, died Friday (May 12, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Annapolis, Md., she came here three years ago from Deale, Md. She was an executive secretary for the Department of Energy, worked for the U.S. Naval Academy and was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, Port Richey. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Magnolia Valley Civic Association, the Pasco County Women's Golf Association, and the AARP. Survivors include a sister, Caroline M. Myer, Issue, Md. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

MUSYKA, OLIVE G., 81, of New Port Richey, formerly of Crystal River, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Richey Manor Nursing Home, New Port Richey. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., she came here four years ago from Crystal River. She was a secretary in the aviation industry and attended Faith Assembly UCA, New Port Richey. Survivors include two sons, Richard Shiell, St. Petersburg, and William Shiell, Minneapolis; a daughter, Letitia Paquette, New Port Richey; two sisters, Dottie Foytek, Naugatuck, Conn., and Betty Kershaw, Stratford, Conn.; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

PATTERSON, EMMETT BISHOP, 80, of Zephyrhills, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at home. He became a winter resident 12 years ago, coming from his native Marietta, Ohio, and was a steel fabricator. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Betty; a son, Gary A., Grove City, Ohio; a daughter, Connie Lou Patterson Dayton, Locust Grove, Ga.; a sister, Ruth Patterson Cox, Marietta; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

PINTO, JEROME, 66, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 16 years ago from Passaic, N.J. He was a truck driver for Lykes Transport, Dade City, was former owner of Jay's Lunch, Passaic, and was a Navy veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Penny; two sons, David, Providence, R.I., and Todd, Oklahoma City, Okla.; two daughters, Susan Okundaye, Bushkill, Pa., and Hedi Pinto, Providence, R.I.; a brother, Frank, New York City; three sisters, Judy Ingram and Ann Rapagliga, both of New York City, and Artie Pinto, Las Vegas; and one grandson. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

QUINLISK, LUCILLE M., 84, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Heartland of Brooksville. Born in Sinclairville, N.Y., she came here 26 years ago from New York and was a homemaker. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband, William; two brothers, Ben Edwards, Jamestown, N.Y., and Neil Edwards, Casa Grande, Ariz.; and a sister, Lela Faulkner, Sinclairville. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

RICHERT, WILLIAM E., 84, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Harborside Healthcare Gulf Coast, New Port Richey. He came here 15 years ago from his native Detroit, where he was a truck driver for Shippers Dispatch with 30 years of service. He was Lutheran. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie 3153, New Port Richey, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 299, Detroit, and the Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida. Survivors include two nieces, Joyce E. Pankner, New Port Richey, and Tamara Paolucci, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

SEARS, SIDNEY H. JR., 73, of Holiday, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Hospice House, Hudson. Born in Ashworth, Mass., he came here 12 years ago from Hinsdale, N.H., and was a retired electrician for Erving Electric Co. He was Congregationalist. Survivors include his wife, Frances M.; a son Ronald, Greenfield, Mass.; a daughter, Shelly Behan, Hinsdale; three stepsons, Robert Chotain, Longmeadow, Mass., Ted Chotain and Dan Chotain, both of Hinsdale; two stepdaughters, Patricia Kasal, Waukegan, Ill., and Pamela Kirkwood, Hinsdale; a sister, Arlene Tyrell, Windsor, Mass.; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Arlington Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

SLAYMAN, NORMAN, 94, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Loving Heart Assisted Living Facility. Born in Huttonsville, W.Va., he came here six years ago from Aliquippa, Pa. He was a retired Methodist minister. Survivors include his wife, Susie; two sons, Herman, Nokomis, and Glen, West Palm Beach; three daughters, Wilma Gear, New Port Richey, Donna Henson, Santa Ana, Calif., and Phyllis Pitt, Ramona, Calif.; a brother, James, Charlestown, Md.; a sister, Inecia Whiteman, New Philadelphia, Ohio. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

TATE, BARBARA, 58, of Lewes, Del., formerly of Hudson, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. She was past president of the Methodist Women, Hudson, and served as chaplain's aid. Survivors include her husband, Gary; two sons, David, Havre de Grace, Md., and Stephen, Fredericksburg, Va.; her parents, Clair and Emma B. Lippert Edwards, New Port Richey; a sister, Linda Davies, Lutz; and four grandchildren. Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, Del.

North Pinellas Back to top

HURLEY, CARL F., 76, of Clearwater, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at home. He came here in 1978 from his native North Adams, Mass. He worked 32 years as an assembler for General Electric in Pittsfield, Mass. He was a member of North Adams Methodist Church and an avid traveler. Survivors include his wife, Nancy L.; a son, Carl F. Jr., Palm Harbor; a niece, Linda Armstrong, North Adams; and two granddaughters, Shannon Dicara, Clearwater, and Brenda Hurley, Safety Harbor. National Cremation Society, Largo.

RABIROFF, CAROL LAWRENCE, 67, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at Arbors at St. Petersburg. She was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., and came here in 1988 from Long Island, N.Y. She worked as a medical transcriber for the Nassau County Medical Center in New York. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Jon, Tavares; a brother, L.R. Lawrence, Seminole; and two nieces and two nephews. E. James Reese Funeral Home, Seminole.

ZABRISKIE, ROSE S. BENSON, 76, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. She was born in Bloomington, Ill., and came here in 1957. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa and editor of the Argus newspaper. She was a member and organist at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Clearwater, where she served as president of the Relief Society. She was also a temple worker in the Atlanta and Orlando temples. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth L.; four daughters, Rose Ann Benson, Clearwater, Mary Jane Babbel, Bryn Mawr, Pa., Marjorie Sue Neuenswander, Pickerington, Ohio, and Rebeca Jo Hansen, Castle Rock, Colo.; two sons, Gordon S. Benson, Palm Harbor, and W. Fred Benson, Provo, Utah; two stepsons, Steven and Dale Zabriskie, Longwood; two stepdaughters, Sharon Barden, Merrimack, N.H., and Susan Homa, Hollis, N.H.; a sister, Marjorie Collins, Birmingham, Ala.; 45 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Dunedin

BUCY, DEAN BRYAN, 42, of Dunedin, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) in Safety Harbor. He came here in 1981 from his native Hialeah. He owned Cabinets By Design, Safety Harbor. He was an Army veteran and a Baptist. Survivors include a son, Carl Gene, Dunedin; a daughter, Jocelyn Bucy, Clearwater; his parents, Gene and Beverly Bucy, St. Petersburg; two brothers, Dale A., St. Petersburg, and Duane H., Sevierville, Tenn.; a sister, Denise Nowery, Atlanta; and a companion, Linda Biegat, Dunedin. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
WALTERS, RALPH W., 89, of Dunedin, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born in Knox County, Ind., and came here in 1972 from Freelandville, Ind. He worked 25 years in public service for the power plant in Edwardsport, Ind. He was an associate member of the Kirk of Dunedin. His memberships included Bethel United Church of Christ, Indiana, American Legion Post 0192, Edwardsport, and Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Lorena M.; two brothers, Norman, Linton, Ind., and Lewis, Bicknell, Ind.; and several nephews. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Largo

KUCHTA, EVELYN C. "AUNTIE EV," 88, of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Largo, died Saturday (May 6, 2000) at Alta Mesa Nursing Center, Fort Worth. She moved to Largo in 1961 from her native Cleveland and last November moved from Largo to Fort Worth. She was a private duty nurse's aide and had worked for Mease Manor in Dunedin. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Largo, and sang in its choir. Survivors include a sister, Mary Jane Moody, Fort Worth; a brother, James Kotapish, Chagrin Falls, Ohio; 15 nieces and nephews; a grandson; and three great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
REED, OLIN W., 77, of Largo, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Palm Garden of Pinellas, Largo. He was born in Clendenin, W.Va., and came here in 1955 from West Virginia. He was a highway designer and worked 28 years for the Florida Department of Transportation. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a Methodist, and a member of Masonic Lodge 126, Clendenin. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Marion G.; two daughters, Susan R. Guerry, Tallahassee, and Myra J. Kahan, Nashville, Tenn.; a son, Gerald D., Costa Mesa, Calif.; two sisters, Dorothy Robinson and Elizabeth Funfstuck, both of Charleston, W.Va.; a brother, David, Denver; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
WIGHT, ELDA ANNE, 91, of Largo, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at home. She was born in Woodville, Ohio, and came here in 1973 from Denville, N.J. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Largo. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Lorraine Wight, Largo; three grandchildren, Robert Wight, St. Petersburg, Amanda Thompson, Pennsylvania, and Paula Hixson, Wesley Chapel; and five great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Palm Harbor

BARTLETT, RUTH S., 89, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at St. Mark Village, Palm Harbor. She was born in Vienna, Ill., and came here in 1974 from Paxton, Ill. She owned and operated a grocery store in Montgomery, Ill., for many years. She was a member of the 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., Jennifer Commes and Elizabeth Faremouth, both of Chagrin Falls; and five great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
FORD, DONALD H., 78, of Palm Harbor, died Friday (May 12, 2000) at home. He was born in Mount Vernon, Ill., and came here in 1976 from Cleveland. He worked as a truck driver for Spector Freight Co., Chicago. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a Baptist and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2473, Clearwater, and Teamsters 407, Cleveland. Survivors include his wife, Betty; four sons, Donald Ray, Clearwater, Gene, New Port Richey, Darrell and Randy, both Palm Harbor.; and five grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
KAPPARI, CLEMENTINA, 93, of Palm Harbor, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and came here in 1995 from Lima, Peru. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two daughters, Lily Varon, Clearwater, and Denise Kaufmann, Toronto; and several grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.
TUSBAUGH, MADGE M., 73, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Kenmore, Ohio, and came here in 1981 from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She was a homemaker and a member of Dunedin Alliance Church. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Robert D.; three sons, Dale, Grays Lake, Ill., Terry, Mexico City, and Jeff, Valrico; a brother, Robert Miller, Clarksville, Tenn.; two sisters, Dorothy Blair, Petersburg, Va., and Betty Salmon, Lake Mary; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
WALLACE, EVELYN L., 88, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She came here in 1955 from her native Lawrence, Mich. She was a homemaker, a gardener, a lifetime member of Order of the Eastern Star and a member of Curlew Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Rheta Barnes, Palm Harbor; a son, Robert, Lawrence; a sister, Helen Weston, Decatur, Mich.; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Seminole

KELLY, EDITH R., 103, of Seminole, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Beverly Health Care of Largo. She came here in 1955 from her native New York City. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Harold, Toms River, N.J., and Robert, Seminole; a daughter, Ada Taylor, Largo; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo

Tarpon Springs

GRIFFIN, ROY JAMES, 70, of Tarpon Springs, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Vencor Hospital Central Tampa. He came here in 1945 from his native Chipley. He worked for the city of Tarpon Springs and was a member of Bethany Temple Church of God, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include his wife, Lois M.; five sons, John W., Carrolton, Ga., Jimmy L., Wells, Maine, James E., Palm Harbor, Ricky L., Holiday, and Terry A., Tarpon Springs; two daughters, Betty S. Karvounis, Holiday, and Debbie A. Richards, New Port Richey; two brothers, Robert and J.M., both of Chipley; four sisters, Rachel Wells and Fanny Weakley, both of New Port Richey, Ruth Smith, Cottondale, and Dolly Alsobrook, Chipley; 30 grandchildren; and seven great-grandhcildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.

South Pinellas Back to top

Pinellas Park

PARKS, DOROTHY K., 78, of Pinellas Park, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. Born in Pittsburgh, she came here 20 years ago from Akron, Ohio, where she retired in 1976 after 31 years with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Survivors include a daughter, Ann Hall, Green,Ohio; two sons, Robert, Green, and Richard, Mississippi; two brothers, Lawrence Kiehart, Pennsylvania, and Bernard Kiehart, South Carolina; many nieces and nephews; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, Akron, Ohio.

St. Petersburg

CORRIERO, RITA M., 77, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Fall River, Mass., she came here in 1990 from Virginia Beach, Va. She was a presser for Independent Dry Cleaning and a Catholic. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Everett; three daughters, Rita Lambert, St. Petersburg, Carol Breese, New Bedford, Mass., and Brenda DelGigante, Westport, Mass.; four brothers, Edward and Wilfred Vadeboncoeur, both of Fall River, Henry Vadeboncoeur, Somerset, Mass., and Arthur Vadeboncoeur, Virginia Beach; three sisters, Mary Walker, Virginia Beach, Irene Isabel, Fall River, and Lorraine Galego, Somerset; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
CURTIS, DORA JEAN, 69, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (May 9, 2000) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in La Salle, Ill., she came here 10 years ago from Ohio. She was a homemaker and a Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Robert; a son, Greg Gatten, South Charleston, Ohio; a daughter, Ruth Angelo, Dayton, Ohio; two sisters, Ruth Kallams, Illinois, and Norma Carter, Minnesota; and six grandchildren. Belleair Cremation and Burial Society.
HORNICK, SONYA L., 91, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at a Mount Pleasant hospital. She was born in New York City. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Bohn, Mount Pleasant; and two grandchildren. J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Chapels and Crematory, Mount Pleasant, S.C.
KALCIK, FRANCIS JOSEPH, 64, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (May 8, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He came here in the 1980s from Crete, Neb. He was a member of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include three brothers, Dennis, Bolivar, Mo., George, Crete, and Don, Lincoln, Neb. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
PUGLISI, ATTILIO G. "PUG," 77, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) while visiting a daughter in North Carolina. He was born near Mount Etna in Sicily and came to this country at age 5, growing up in Schenectady, N.Y. He came here in 1956. He was an artist and craftsman who designed a miniature wetland for the Science Center and adorned his adopted city with intricate mosaics. He studied at Winthrop School of Ceramics, Washington, D.C., and was a retired designer for Cypress Gardens and SeaWorld. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Nancy; two daughters, Jo Anne Puglisi, Orlando, and Diane Granger, Wilmington, N.C.; and four grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
ROGERS, TIWAN LAMIER "T," 27, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center from injuries in a motorcycle accident. A St. Petersburg native, he worked as a pressman for Webb Offset Direct Printing and was a member of Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church. Survivors include four sons, Tiwan Jr., Dominque, X'zavius and Isaiah Rogers, two daughters, Shantavius Rogers and Shakira Brown, his mother, Norma Jean Bell, his father, Alphonso Rogers, and two brothers, Keith and Alphonso, all of St. Petersburg; three sisters, Kia Wilkins and Chasity Rogers, both of St. Petersburg, and Meka Lawrence, Jacksonville. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
SLEVIN, DEBORAH JEAN, 51, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (May 7, 2000) at home. She came here in 1979 from her native Bronx, N.Y. She was an executive secretary and a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband of 25 years, Donald "Zippy"; a daughter, Jessica Slevin, Clearwater; a son, Daniel, St. Petersburg; a stepdaughter, Stephani Micochero, Jacksonville; her mother, Kathleen Smith, New York; two brothers, Greg and Bill Smith, and two sisters, Christina Stickert and Kathleen Smith, all of New York; and several nieces and nephews. International Mortuary Services, Pinellas Park.
SMITH, LAURABELLE H. "LAURA B," of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (April 29, 2000) at Colonial Care Center. Born in Gowanda, N.Y., she came here in 1970 from Jamestown, N.Y. She was an accountant for Bell Aircraft in New York and a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg. Survivors include a sister, Onnolee Keller, Piffard, N.Y.; and two stepsons, Thomas and Arthur Smith, both of New York. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.
VEST, RUTH NAOMI PARKER, 93, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (May 10, 2000) at home. Born in Cullman County, Ala., she came here several years ago from Crane Hill, Ala. She was a homemaker and a 79-year member of Bethany Baptist Church. She was an avid gardener. Survivors include three daughters, Deloris Avery, Gertie Hart and Donna Zachaczyk, all of St. Petersburg; a son, G.M. Vest, Seminole; a sister, Eunice Williams Reynolds, Huntsville, Ala.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Ambassador Mortuary Services, Oldsmar.

Seminole

KELLY, EDITH R., 103, of Seminole, died Thursday (May 11, 2000) at Beverly Health Care of Largo. She came here in 1955 from her native New York City. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Harold, Toms River, N.J., and Robert, Seminole; a daughter, Ada Taylor, Largo; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo

Treasure Island

GRAY, GERALD N. "JERRY," 74, of Treasure Island, died Friday (May 12, 2000) at home. Born in Goshen, N.Y., he came here in 1974 from Huntington, N.Y., where he retired as an electrician after 40 years and was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 308 and 25. He also was a teacher for many years with National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and an Episcopalian. He was a Meals on Wheels volunteer for nine years. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; a daughter and son-in-law, Jan G. and Bruce E. Marriner, Brandon; and two granddaughters, Brook L. and Kayce L. Marriner. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.