St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Wednesday, June 28, 2000

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

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

BERRY, THOMAS E., 76, of Beverly Hills, died Monday (June 26, 2000). Born in Knoxville, Tenn., he came here 17 years ago from Southgate, Mich., and was a retired steel worker. He was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Lucille; two sons, Donald, Allen Park, Mich., and David, Monroe, Mich.; a daughter, Virginia Mendelsohn, Glen Arbor, Mich.; a sister, Barbara Lou Baldwin, Knoxville; five granddaughters; and 10 great-grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

DENNY, AUDREY DEEKS, 81, of Lecanto, died Saturday (June 24, 2000). Born in Toronto, she came here 30 years ago from Santa Barbara, Calif. She was a graduate of Wayne State University and a retired teacher from Michigan State University. Survivors include three sons, Richard, Phoenix, Douglas, Cleveland, and Michael, Northport, N.Y.; a brother, Stanley H. Deeks, Hernando; and one granddaughter. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Beverly Hills.

DORAN, DOROTHY MARY, 75, of Inverness, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Citrus Memorial Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 23 years ago from Brentwood, N.Y. She was a retired cafeteria manager for the Brentwood School District. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include her husband, Francis; a son, Joseph, Ocala; two daughters, Barbara O'Connor, Maple Shade, N.J., and Kathleen Woods, Acworth, Ga.; and five grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

HODGES, MARION H., 92, of Lecanto, formerly of Gulfport, died Sunday (June 25, 2000). Born in Clinton, Maine, she came here eight years ago from Gulfport and was a retired registered nurse. She was a member of Unitarian Universalist Church, St. Petersburg, and a life member of St. Petersburg Opera Guild. Survivors include two nieces, Eleanor Lester, Lecanto, and Elaine Payson, Sun City West, Ariz. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Homosassa.

KNUFF, MARY ELIZABETH, 59, of Dunnellon, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. Born in Pontiac, Mich., she came here four years ago from Temperance, Mich., and was a homemaker. She was a member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Citrus Springs, and the Women's Evangelical Lutheran Church Group of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Temperance. Survivors include her husband, Michael E.; two sons, Michael E., Monroe, Mich., and Thomas M., Erie, Mich.; a daughter, Kimberly B., Toledo, Ohio; two brothers, Phillip Metevia, Tennessee, and Henry Metevia, Pontiac; two sisters, Ethelyn Anne Kimrey, Houghton Lake, Mich., and Denise Green, Union Lake, Mich.; and two granddaughters. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Dunnellon.

MERRILL, DANIEL LEE, 37, of Inverness, died Saturday (June 24, 2000). Born in San Diego, he came here 12 years ago from Michigan. He was an automobile mechanic and attended Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Inverness. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl L. Essex; two daughters, Danielle and Shannan, both of Michigan; a stepson, Caleb Alexander, Inverness; two stepdaughters, Mary and Heather Alexander, Inverness; his parents, Alfred and Shirley Tucker Merrill, Hernando; a brother, Robert, Michigan; and a sister, Charlene Holgrem, Hernando. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Homosassa.

SHINN, GEORGE CHARLES, 67, of Crystal River, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital. Born in Trenton, N.J., he came here 11 years ago from Ewingville, N.J., and was a retired chef. He was a member of Crystal River United Methodist Church and its choir. He was a Navy veteran and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his mother, Marion Shinn, Crystal River; and a brother, Marvin, Maine. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

Hernando County Back to top

DeRISO, ANTHONY JOSEPH, 53, of Spring Hill, died Sunday (June 25, 2000). Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here three years ago from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and was a retired electrician. He was Catholic. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; a son, Anthony Jr., Scottsdale, Ariz.; his father, Frank, Middletown, N.Y.; and a brother, Neil, Middletown. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes and Crematory, Seven Hills.

DORFENKEL, DR. BEN "PAPPY," 81, of High Point, Brooksville, died Tuesday (June 27, 2000) at home. He came here as a winter resident from his native Chicago for 20 years and was a permanent resident for the past four years. He was a retired optometrist and Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; a son, Alan, Highland, Ind.; a daughter, Donna Halpren, Schereville, Ind.; two stepsons, Robert and Michael Bray, both of Chicago; a sister, Doralle Dubin, Minneapolis; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Brooksville.

EGAN, DIXIE LEE, 50, of Dunnellon, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala. Born in South Bend, Ind., she came here 18 years ago from Niles, Mich. She was manager at the Rainbow River Campground. She was Christian and graduated from the Citizens Academy of Marion County Sheriff's Office-Class XVII. Survivors include her husband, Matthew L. Egan; two sons, James Richard Black and Matthew III, both of Ocala; four daughters, Susie Hopkins, Dunnellon, Jody Renee Heath-Cross, Ocala, Jeni Cluff, La Veta, Colo., and Tammy Bowles, Fernandina Beach; two brothers, Claude Heacox "Dick," Williston, and Carl Heacox, Niles; and 10 grandchildren. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Dunnellon.

HAMPTON, RONNIE, 44, of Brooksville, died Saturday (June 24, 2000), the result of an automobile accident. Born in Mobile, Ala., he came here 15 years ago from Mulberry Grove, Ill., and was a roofer in the construction industry. He was Baptist. He was a member of Moose Lodge 1676, Brooksville. Survivors include his wife, Robbie; a daughter, Leila Darcangelo, Brooksville; his mother, Sara Davis, Armstrong Creek, Wis.; four brothers, Keith, Palm Bay, Billy Jr., St. Petersburg, and Charles Hampton and Tommy Davis, both of Caseyville, Ill.; four sisters, Judy Holmes, Mayfield, Ky., Rene Smith, Salem, Ill., AnnaMarie Benne, Caseyville, and Linda Broadwell, Allentown, Pa.; and one granddaughter. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

MOULD, THOMAS E. JR. "TOM," 75, of Brooksville, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at the Hospice House, Hudson. Born in Cleveland, he came here 36 years ago following his retirement from the Air Force as a master sergeant. He worked for the Sun Journal for 11 years as sports editor, news editor and later the managing editor. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, School Board employee for 12 years, a community school coordinator, and director of the retired senior volunteer project for 11 years. He was president of the Brooksville Rotary Club, a member of the Brooksville Housing Authority Advisory Group, the Hernando Association for Retarded Citizens Advisory Board, and the Brooksville Regional Hospital Enrichment Center Advisory Board. Survivors include his wife, Ann; two sons, Thomas, Princeton, W.Va., and Terry Allen Curtis, Brooksville; three daughters, Sheila Rhea Whittington, Princeton, Jeffie Ann Holland, Baxley, Ga., and Shirley Jean Curtis, Walton, Ky.; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Brewer Memorial Funeral Home, Brooksville.

NAGY, CHARLES ROBERT, 64, of Thonotosassa, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at Hospice House, Dade City. Born in Madison Heights, Mich., he came here 16 years ago from Yale, Mich. He was a supervisor for a landscaping contractor. Survivors include a son, Cary, Lake Worth; two daughters, Lorrayne Betts and Elizabeth Zelt, both of Sterling Heights, Mich.; his mother, Vicky Williamson, Elmont, Mich.; a brother, Richard, Lewiston, Mich.; and six grandchildren. Hodges Family Funeral Care, Dade City.

WOOD, SHARON LUCILLE, 37, of Spring Hill, formerly of Tampa, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Hospice House, Hudson. Born in Dade City, she came here one year ago from Tampa. She was a manager at Motel 6 and a member of Church of God. Survivors include her husband, Clint Everent; a son, Robert James Leonard, Tampa; two daughters, Jennifer Nicole Leonard and Angela Jeanette Leonard, both of Tampa; her parents, Robert and Barbara Rogers, Spring Hill; a brother, Richard D. Rogers, Tampa; three sisters, Krystyne Schroeder, Foley, Ala., Karen Rogers, Hudson, and Ginger Rogers, Wauchula; and her maternal grandmother, Lucille Allen, North Fort Myers. Loyless Funeral Home, Lutz-Land O'Lakes.

Hillsborough County Back to top

BUTLER, MARY F., 49, of Valrico, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Omaha, Neb., she came here 11 years ago. She was a homemaker and was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Douglas; a daughter, Leslie Butler, Valrico; parents, Richard and Theresa Saitta, Omaha; two brothers, Steven and Richard Saitta III, both of Omaha; and six sisters, Terri Archer, Medicine Bow, Wyo., and Rosie Sherman, Kathy Saitta, Patti Stecki, Elizabeth Shokoski, and Christine Ostler, all of Omaha. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Riverview.

CALENDINE, JAMES F., 76, of Seffner, died, Monday (June 26, 2000) at home under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born in Malta, Ohio, he came here in 1969. He was a retired truck driver. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and was a member of Seffner United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Connie Sniff, Columbus, Ohio; and five sisters. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

CARLISLE, LUGINE, 70, of Zephyrhills, formerly of Plant City, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. Born in Opp, Ala., he moved to Zephyrhills four years ago from Plant City and was an automobile salesman. He was Protestant. He was an Army veteran who served in the South Pacific. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Michael, Dover, and Tracy, Zephyrhills; three daughters, Teresa Wilson, Plant City, Tonya, Sacramento, Calif., and Deandria, Zephyrhills; his mother, Mary Carlisle, Zephyrhills; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

DORMANY, LARRY STEPHEN, 47, of Tampa, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at home. Born in Lakeland, he came here 15 years ago from Plant City. He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Plant City. Survivors include his parents, Larry Stewart and Letha Dormany, both of Plant City; and a sister, Karen Mica, Tallahassee. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

GARNER, EUNICE LORENE, 67, of Tampa, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Brandon Regional Hospital. Born in Chancellor, Ala., she came here 22 years ago. She was a waitress and was Baptist. Survivors include a son, Wayne Wilson, Valrico; two daughters, Lorene Carter, Perry, and Betty Stevens, Miami; a brother, Gary Vaughn, Plant City; five sisters, Gloria Varnadore, Turkey Creek, Rhonda Brownlee, Apopka, and Diane Gohr, JoAnne Godwin, and GayJean Glover, all of Orlando; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Hamilton Funeral Home, Riverview.

GONZALEZ, EDWARD "EDDIE" L., 88, of Lithia, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born in Brooklyn, he was a lifelong resident of this area. He was a maintenance worker for Mary Carter Paint Co. He was a Navy veteran of World War II in the Pacific. For many years he operated service stations. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine; two sons, John, Brandon and Edward Jr., Tampa; two stepsons, Malcolm Ellis Sammons, Rotunda West, and W. Michael Sammons, Venice, Fla.; a daughter, Peggy Newton, Tampa; a stepdaughter, Roxi Johansmeyer, Seffner; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Riverview.

HARTT, HILDA MAE, 67, of Riverview, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. Born in Coldridge, N.C., she came here in 1967. She was a homemaker and was a member of Providence Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Walter; a daughter, Sandra Snyder, North Carolina; and two grandchildren. Hamilton Funeral Home, Riverview.

MCCLAIN, WILLIE, 79, of Tampa, died Tuesday (June 27, 2000) at University Community Hospital on Fletcher. Born in Tiptonville, Tenn., he came here in 1941. He was an auto mechanic and was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two sons, John W., Lutz, and Wayne D., New Hampshire; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Mark III Funeral Home, South Tampa Chapel.

QUINONES, JESUS ANDRES, 3, of Tampa, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born here, he lived here all his life. Survivors include his mother, Deisy Ortiz, Tampa; a brother, Oscar David Quinones, Tampa; a sister, Deisy Helena Quinones, Tampa; and maternal grandmother, Magdalena Vallecila, Colombia. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Armenia Chapel, Tampa.

RAMSEY, OLIVE "OLLIE," 62, of Tampa, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home under the care of LifePath Hospice. She was born here and remained a lifelong resident. She was a food server for the Hillsborough County School Board. Survivors include two sons, Neil M. and Mark Edward Huntley, both of Tampa; a daughter, LeeAnn Huntley, Tampa; and a grandchild. Adams & Jennings Funeral Home, Tampa.

ROBEY, HARRIET MARIE, 64, of Tampa, died Sunday (June 25, 2000). Born in Chester, Pa., she came here in 1986. She was retired from Malio's Restaurant as a salad chef and was Baptist. Survivors include her companion, Howard Smith; two nieces, Sharon and Carol; and two nephews, Buddy and Garry. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

ROMERO, HILDA, 65, of Valrico, died Monday (June 26, 2000). Born in Puerto Rico, she came here in 1983. She was a manager for a pharmaceutical company and was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Raul Sr.; two sons, Raul Jr., Valrico, and Nelson, Dunedin; three brothers, Mario, Kissimmee, Louis, New Jersey, and Raymond Soto, Georgia; a sister, Dora Soto, Valrico; and four grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

SPILLERS, MARTHA, 81, of Plant City, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. Born in Tifton, Ga., she came here 40 years ago. She was a custodian for the Hillsborough County School System and was Baptist. Survivors include a great-niece; two great-nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

SUMNER, FAY, 84, of Riverview, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) in Bryson, N.C. Born in Turkey Creek, she was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. She was the owner and operator of East Bay Food Services and Sumner's Restaurant. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Brandon. Survivors include two daughters, Anna "Polly" Sweat, Riverview, and Alice S. Learie, Tampa; a sister, Gertrude Katz, Riverview; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Riverview.

TACKETT, MARGARET L., 77, of Dover, died Friday (June 23, 2000) in Michigan. Born in Jackson, Ohio, she came here in 1970 from Michigan. She was a homemaker and was a member of Dover Church of God. Survivors include three sons, Bill, Dunnellon, Murl, Ellijay, Ga., and John, Tampa; four daughters, Margie Montie, Kentucky, Marie Lyson, Willis, Mich., Faye Lafferty, Frederic, Mich., and Georgia Lafferty, Mancelona, Mich.; four sisters, 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City.

WOOD, SHARON LUCILLE, 37, of Spring Hill, formerly of Tampa, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Hospice House, Hudson. Born in Dade City, she came here one year ago from Tampa. She was a manager at Motel 6 and a member of the Church of God. Survivors include her husband, Clint Everent; a son, Robert James Leonard, Tampa; two daughters, Jennifer Nicole Leonard and Angela Jeanette Leonard, both of Tampa; her parents, Robert and Barbara Rogers, Spring Hill; a brother, Richard D. Rogers, Tampa; three sisters, Krystyne Schroeder, Foley, Ala., Karen Rogers, Hudson, and Ginger Rogers, Wauchula; and maternal grandmother, Lucille Allen, North Fort Myers. Loyless Funeral Home, Lutz-Land O'Lakes.

Pasco County Back to top

BACHAND, ERNEST E., 80, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (June 27, 2000) at Tarpon Bayou Center, Tarpon Springs. Born in Detroit, he came here 17 years ago from Gaylord, Mich. He was owner/operator of a painting and wallpaper company. He was a member of the New Port Richey Eagles and Elks. Survivors include a daughter, Helena McPherson, Temperance, Mich.; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

BALL, GWENDOLYN R., 71, of Port Richey, died Thursday (June 8, 2000). Born in Troy, N.H., she came here eight years ago from Keene, N.H., and was an assembler. Survivors include a son, David, Gilsum, N.H.; two daughters, Jeanne Cray, Keene, and Carole Doucette, New Port Richey; 10 grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

BLANCHET, ELIZABETH M., 91, of Ramsayville, Ontario, formerly of Holiday, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Sursfield Colonial Home, Sursfield, Ontario. Born in Petit Rocher, New Brunswick, she lived here for 20 years and was a salesperson in a bakery shop. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Holiday. Survivors include a brother, Leonard Frenette, Ottawa; and a sister, Marie Roy, Gloucester, Ontario. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

CLARK, CATHERINE STAMM, 85, of Dade City, died Tuesday (June 27, 2000) at home. Born in Charleroi, Pa., she came here 42 years ago. She was co-owner of Clark Motors, Dade City, and a retired senior accountant for R&M Concrete Corp. Survivors include a son, Philip, Dade City. Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

COLE, ROBERT L., 94, of New Port Richey, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Mount Bethel, N.J., he came here 34 years ago from North Plainfield, N.J. He was a carpenter. Survivors include a son, Robert L. Jr., East Stroudsburg, Pa.; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

DAVIS, DAVID DARREL, 30, of Zephyrhills, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. Born in DeLand, he came here 15 years ago from Mayo and was a mason for a construction company. Survivors include a daughter, Summer Leeanne, San Antonio; his parents, Earl and Florence Davis, Mayo; two brothers, Alan and Raymond, both of Mayo; three sisters, Shirley Grubbs and Carol Blue, both of Perry, and Loretta Gallo, Dade City; and his companion, Donna Wilbanks. Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

DeSARNO, ALBERTA, 83, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at home. Born in Jersey City, N.J., she came here 18 years ago from Neptune, N.J., and was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Assembly of God and a volunteer at the Blind Center and area nursing homes. Survivors include a son, George Brand "Bucky," Eatontown, N.J.; two daughters, Beverly Brister, Thomasville, Pa., and Audrey Spierens, the Netherlands; a sister, Evelyn Stuart, Crystal River; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

FLYNN, IRENE V., 78, of New Port Richey, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. Born in Orange, N.J., she came here 12 years ago from New Jersey and was town clerk for West Caldwell, N.J. She was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, Port Richey, the Ladies Auxiliary West Essex First Aid Squad, and a Hospice volunteer. Survivors include her husband, Peter; three sons, Daniel and Gary, both of Caldwell, N.J., and Michael, Avon, Conn.; and four grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

GOOD, WILLIAM "BILL," 76, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at National Healthcare, Hudson. Born in Murrysville, Pa., he came here six years ago from Clifton, N.J. He was a manufacturing engineer for General Electric Co., Paterson, N.J. He was an Army veteran of World War II and prisoner of war survivor. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 263 F&AM, Little Falls, N.J., the 8th Air Force Historical Society, and the 457th Bomb Group. Survivors include his wife, Jennie; a son, Dwight, Las Vegas; and a daughter, Kathryn Good, Morristown, N.J. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

HUFFMAN, CHRISTIANE WOLCOTT, 39, of Spring Hill, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. Born in St. Petersburg, she came here three years ago from Tarpon Springs. She was a medical transcriptionist and member and assistant organist of All Saints Episcopal Church. Survivors include her husband, Ken, Port Richey; and her parents, Christopher and Lucy Wolcott, Tapron Springs. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

JUDD, THELMA MAE, 72, of Hudson, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at home. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., she came here six years ago from Corfu, N.Y., and was a homemaker. She was Protestant. Survivors include her husband, Milo; two sons, Paul and James Harlach, Corfu; a daughter, Debbie Smith, Corfu; her father, Raymond Gloss, New Port Richey; a sister, Evelyn Foley, Port Richey; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Hudson Avenue Chapel, Hudson.

KOPCZYK, FLORENCE ANN, 73, of New Port Richey, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. She came here 18 years ago from her native Chicago and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Dennis Orloski Post 184 Polish Legion of American Veterans, both of New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, John J.; a son, John D., Chicago; a daughter, Nancy A. Theesfield, Palm Harbor; a brother, Edward Porembski, Chicago; and three grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

KRUGER, STEPHEN BRIAN, 57, of Port Richey, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at home. Born in Kankakee, Ill., he came here nine years ago from California and was a cook for Texaco, Port Richey. He was Catholic. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Cindy; a daughter, Brenda Nicole Edmonds, San Diego; and one grandson. Dignified Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

LASKO, STEPHEN M. JR., 67, of Newton Falls, Ohio, and Zephyrhills, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Zephyr Haven Nursing Home. Born in Akron, Ohio, he came here several years ago and was a retired tool-and-die maker for General Motors. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Sandra J.; three sons, Stephen M., St. Charles, Mo., Joseph, New Weston, Ohio, and George, Lebanon, Ohio; three daughters, Theresa Coyle, Wasilla, Ark., Julia Ballas, Warren, Ohio, and Katherine, San Francisco; and nine grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

RITCHIE, DOROTHY L., 83, of Holiday, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in New York City, she came here 22 years ago from Chicago. She was a secretary for Continental Can Co., New York and Chicago, and a member of the Church of the Palms Lutheran Church. Survivors include a son, William, Austin, Texas; and one grandson. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

STIVERS, CHARLES L. "BUD," 56, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (June 24, 2000). Born in Bedford, Ky., he came here 12 years ago from New Port Richey. He was a manager of a mobile home park. He was a member of the Spring Hill Baptist Church, assistant teacher in the adult Sunday School, Awana Leader and teacher to the Children's Church. Survivors include his wife, Diane; two sons, Brian, Knoxville, Tenn., and Brandon, Lexington, Ky.; three daughters, Carly, Spring Hill, Shannon Biggie, Lexington, N.C., and Shelby Bassett, San Diego; two brothers, Ronald and Terry, both of Paducah, Ky.; a sister, Sheri, Paducah; and six grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Spring Hill.

North Pinellas Back to top

LITTERAL, DORIS J., 84, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. She was born in Wayland, Ky., and came here in 1984 from North Liberty, Ind. She was a homemaker and factory worker and Baptist. Survivors include three daughters, Lorrie Litteral and Debra Major, both of Clearwater, and Sue Ricketts, Hudson; two sons, David G., San Diego, and Robert L., Indiana, Pa.; two brothers, William and James Clagett, both of San Diego; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Service, Largo.

LYNCH, THERESA, 94, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Palm Garden of Largo nursing home. She was born in Covington, Ky., and came here in 1975 from Moorestown, N.J., where she worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. She was a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor, and a former member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include two sons, William L. Jr., Clearwater, and Cletus, Pemberton, N.J.; a daughter, JoAnn Cucinotta, Boynton Beach; a sister, Martha Butler, Covington; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

MILLER, ANNE H., 90, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. She came here in 1970 from her native Springfield, Ill. She was a homemaker. She was Baptist and a member of Elks Lodge 2217, Pinellas Park, and the Lake Press Club of Springfield. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn Underwood, Clearwater; and a son, Richard T., Springfield; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. American Heritage Cremation Society, Clearwater.

NOBLE, MARJORIE, 80, of Clearwater, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park. She came here in 1954 from her native West Haven, Conn. She worked for Neighborly Senior Services in Clearwater and was a seven-year volunteer for American Red Cross Telecare. She was Presbyterian. Survivors include two sons, William, Port Richey, and Raymond of North Caroline; a sister, Edith Merrill, Dunedin; four grandchildren two step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.

PEET, ELEANOR K., 84, of Clearwater, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Newark, N.J., and came here in 1976 from Caldwell, N.J., where she retired as secretary after 12 years with the James Caldwell High School. She was a member of Union Street United Methodist Church of Clearwater. Survivors include a brother, Raymond Krusen, Manahawkin, N.J. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Crystal Beach

JENNINGS, WILLIAM GEORGE JR., 58, of Crystal Beach, died Friday (June 23, 2000) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Rumson, N.J., lived most of his young life in West Long Beach, N.J. and came here in 1978. He was semi-retired and worked in sales. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1963. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War with the rank of first lieutenant in the First Air Cavalry. He was an active member of United Methodist Church of Palm Harbor, the Methodist Men, and Chi Psi Fraternity. He was a church liaison to the Methodist Children's Home and the Leesburg retreat coordinator. Survivors include his wife, Janice Jennings; a son, John Christopher, Crystal Beach; his mother, Conchetta Jennings, Palm Harbor; and two aunts, Angela Svenson, Sarasota, and Pauline Pyke, Orlando. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

Dunedin

SCHRADER, OUIDA M., 73, of Dunedin, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at home. She came here in 1985 from her native Pacayune, Miss. She was a homemaker and Baptist. Survivors include two daughters, Sheila Vogel, Dunedin, and Lisa Conca, New Port Richey; two sons, John, Charlottesville, Va., and Rick, Levittown, Pa.; two sisters, Theda Stegall, Baton Rouge, La., and Mary Ann Dickerson, Picayune; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
VANDERSCHOOT, PETER PAUL, 79, of Dunedin, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Harborside Healthcare, Clearwater. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1983 from Westmont, N.J. He retired from the Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II. He also retired as an office manager of accounts and audits for First Penn Corp., Philadelphia. He was Catholic and a member of the American Legion and th Fleet Marine Force. Survivors include a brother, John, Forest Hills, N.Y. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
WONDERS, CAROLYN ELIZABETH, 71, of Dunedin, formerly of Tampa and Orange Park, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Blakely, Ga., and came to the Tampa area in 1970, moved to Houston in 1976 and came to Dunedin in 1982 from Houston. She was a florist and owned and operated Flower Land Florist Shop and Luellen Flower Shop, both in Tampa, and the Corral Florist Shop, Houston. Survivors include three daughters, Janice Robin Medlin, Dunedin, Beverly B. Manning, Orange Park, and Karen E. Gordon, Los Alamos, N.M.; two sons, Kimble Allan Medlin, Jacksonville, and Steven Wonders, Houston; a brother, James G. Black Jr., Tampa; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. International Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.

Indian Rocks Beach

PIERCE-KELLY, ALICE WATERS, 87, of Indian Rocks Beach, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at Tamden Health Care of Brandon. She was born in Ege Ind., and came here in 1954 from Boston. She owned and operated a real estate brokerage. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks Beach, the Women's Council of American Business Women's Association, and the DAR. Survivors include a son, Webster Pierce, Brandon; a brother, Carl Waters, Evansville, Ind.; and two sisters, Geneva Wade, Indianapolis, and Ruth Nicholson, Evansville. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

Largo

ARAUJO, THERESA, 83, of Largo, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Bronx, N.Y., and came here in 1973 from Pomona, N.Y. She was Catholic. Survivors include two daughters, Louise Amato, Largo, and Lorraine Speilmann, Palm Coast; two sons, Hilary and Kenneth, both of Palm Coast; a brother, Richard Wagner, Miami; two sisters, Catherine Holtzer of Wisconsin and Helen Laub of New Jersey; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
McGRATH, MARY AGNES, 84, of Largo, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Worcester, Mass., and came here in 1987 from Weymouth, Mass., where she retired as an office manager for a large law firm. She was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church and the Martha Mary Guild. Survivors include a sister, Anna H. McGrath, Largo; two brothers, James L. McGrath, Hingham, Mass., and Daniel F. McGrath, Milton, Mass.; nine nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and great-nephews. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.
RANDOLPH, MYRTLE, of Largo, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Colonial Care Kenneth City, St. Petersburg. She was born in Jacksonville, and came here in 1971 from New York City, where she worked as a supervisor for Holdt Reinhardt and Winston, a publishing company. She was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include a caregiver, Marjorie Donnelly, St. Petersburg. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
RICHES, CAROLE ISABELLE, 34, of Largo, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast at Largo Medical Center. She was born in New York City and came here in 1998 from Augusta, Ga., where she earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Augusta State University. She also attended State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, N.Y. She owned and operated Greenstreets Restaurant in Indian Shores and was Episcopalian. Survivors include her husband, Rob; her mother, Margaret Eales, Clearwater; her father, Joseph V. Proctor, Tulsa, Okla.; a brother Joseph A. Proctor, Clearwater; two sisters, Margaret Wemyuss, Northport, N.Y., and Elizabeth Richards, Augusta, Ga.; and three nieces and a nephew. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Palm Harbor

PALASICK, MICHAEL J., 54, of Palm Harbor, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Largo Medical Center. He came here in 1982 from his native Johnstown, Pa. He was a computer engineer and a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Deanna; a son, Michael, Charlotte, N.C.; a brother, Charles, and a sister, Gloria Crum; and three grandchildren. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Chapel, Clearwater.
THOMPSON, TALMAGE P., 76, of Palm Harbor, formerly of Port Richey, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He came to Port Richey in 1996 from Miami and in 1998 he moved to Palm Harbor. He retired as an operating engineer of building construction and maintenance and was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers. There are no known survivors. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
WOLFE, MADELINE S., 97, of Palm Harbor, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at St. Mark Village continuing care community, Palm Harbor. She was born in Gloucester, Mass., and came here in 1960 from Quincy, Mass., where he retired as a business manager. He was a member of St. Mark Village Chapel. Survivors include a niece, Nancy Earl of Vermont. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.

Safety Harbor

POCIUS, JOSEPH P., 76, of Safety Harbor, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Chicago and came here in 1982 from Woodridge, Ill., where he retired as a manager after 36 years with Illinois Bell Telephone Co. He was a Marine veteran of World War II. He was Roman Catholic and a member of VFW Post 10093, Safety Harbor, the Amateur Radio Station, the American Radio Relay League and American Legion Bell Post 242, Chicago. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Olive; a daughter, Jennifer Pocius, Spring, Texas; a sister, Virginia Becvar, Orland Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Seminole

KASS, BEVERLY A., 85, of Seminole, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at home. She was born in Pittsburgh and came here in 1970 from Orland Park, Ill. She was a homemaker and a volunteer for Mended Hearts and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Survivors include a cousin, Robert Ivanuskas, Carson City, Nev. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
MAGEE, PAUL B., 93, of Johnson City, N.Y., formerly of Seminole, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, N.Y. He was born in Hornell, N.Y., and came here after he retired in 1971 as an electrical engineer for General Electric where he had worked 28 years in various New York state offices and Scranton, Pa. He graduated from Syracuse University. He was a member of Oakhurst United Methodist Church of Seminole and Waverly Lodge 301 F&AM, Scranton. Survivors include two daughters, Marjory M. Fray, Nazareth, Pa., and Sandra M. Bear, Vestal, N.Y.; a son, Richard P., Berthoud, Colo.; a sister, Dorothy Foote, Geneva, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Heintzelman Funeral Home, Schnecksville, Pa.

Tarpon Springs

FRISCIA, JANE N., of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1983 from Queens, N.Y., where she retired as an account analyst for the telephone company. She was a volunteer Pink Lady at at Helen Ellis and a member of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Andrew, Tarpon Springs, and James, Portland, Ore.; a sister, Frances Domingo, Clearwater; a brother, Dominick Barone, Port Richey; and four grandchildren. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.
HUFFMAN, CHRISTIANE WOLCOTT, 39, of Spring Hill, formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. She was born in St. Petersburg and lived in Tarpon Springs until she moved in 1997 to Spring Hill. She was a 1978 honor graduate of Tarpon Springs High School and she worked as a medical transcriptionist. She was a member and for many years she served as assistant organist at All Saints Episcopal Church, Tarpon Springs. Survivors include her husband, Ken Huffman, Port Richey; and her parents, Lucy and Christopher Wolcott, Tarpon Springs. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

South Pinellas Back to top

KERR, MICHAEL, 39, of Pinellas Park, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) in Sparkle Lake Park as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Born in Saginaw, Mich., he came here 13 years ago from Germany, where he served in the military. He was a purchasing agent for C&D Printing Co. Survivors include two sons, Michael and Jeremy, and two daughters, Chrissy and Kimeco Kerr, all of Pinellas Park; his mother, Helen Kerr, Saginaw; three brothers, Stanley, Tampa, and Larry and Tim, both of Saginaw; two sisters, Lynette Baranski, Saginaw, and Colleen Paulson, Washington state; and two grandchildren. Gulf Breeze Cremation and Burial Society, Largo.

St. Pete Beach

ROPOLAS, THE REV. STEPONAS ALFONSAS, 77, of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Bon Secours-Maria Manor. Born in Lithuania, he came to the United States in 1950 and to St. Pete Beach from Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1992. He was ordained a priest of the Order of Franciscan Fathers in 1946 in Munich, Germany, and most recently served at St. Casimir's Lithuania Mission, St. Pete Beach. Survivors include a sister, Stefanija Bukauskas, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and two cousins, Zinaida Grigaitis, Hot Springs, Ark., and Nijole Ivanauskiene, Lithuania. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Beach Chapel, St. Pete Beach.

St. Petersburg

FRANKLIN, JOHNNY "JOHN," 58, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (June 23, 2000) at home. He came here as a child from his native Tallahassee. He was a parole officer for the Florida Department of Corrections. He was a graduate of Middletown High School, Gibbs Junior College and Bethune-Cookman College and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He coached Pinellas County Youth Football for Lakewood Junior Spartans and Gibbs Junior Gladiators and was a basketball coach for Lake Vista Recreation Center. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, June; a son, Nekenja; and his mother, Lula Brown Franklin. Williams and Sons Funeral Home, Tampa.
HILD, BONNIE J., 61, of Clearwater and St. Petersburg, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home. She came to the St. Petersburg area in 1981 from her native Pekin, Ill. She retired as a medical transcriptionist in Tampa. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Ronald; two sons, Robin A. and Randy B., both of Pekin; two daughters, Rona D. Hetrick, Tierra Verde, and Dana L. Wills, Lakeland; a brother, Bobby Brechtold, Clearwater; two sisters, Anna Mae Vivig, Pekin, and Mary Jane Smith, Colorado; and five grandchildren. John S. Rhodes, East Chapel, St. Petersburg.
JOHNSON, BLAINE A., 28, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Shands at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Born in Rochester, Mich., he came here in 1995 from Tampa, where he was a graduate of University of South Florida. He was a computer programmer and analyst and a member of Community Chapel Church of God, Zephyrhills. Survivors include his mother, Carolyn L. Kaufman, Lake Placid; a sister, Donna L. Curlee, and a niece, Holly Curlee, both of Warren, Mich. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MOORE, KATHLEEN HARVEY, 84, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Roanoke, Va., she came here in 1949 from Erwin, Tenn. She retired as a dispatcher after 17 years with GTE, St. Petersburg, and was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Carole Umbarger, Cartersville, Ga.; two sisters, Margaret Griffon, St. Petersburg, and Dorothy Henderson, Largo; a niece and a nephew; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
MURRAY, JAMES T., 71, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at home under hospice care of emphysema. Born in Bronx, N.Y., he came here in 1957 from North Merrick, N.Y. He retired in 1989 as a carpenter after 25 years with General Electric, Largo, and was a member of its Quarter Century Club. He was a volunteer at St. Petersburg General Hospital and was an avid bowler and member of the GE Men's League. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Dorothy "Dot," four daughters, Kathleen M. Gardner, Palm Harbor, Dee Robinson, Pinellas Park, Patti Lonsberry, Hinesville, Ga., and Karen Karbowski, St. Petersburg; a son, James T. II, Seminole; a sister, Catherine Kneer, Seaford, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MYERS, RAYMOND F., 80, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (June 24, 2000) at the Arbors at St. Petersburg, Seminole. Born in Plumstead Township, Pa., he came here in 1982 from Doylestown, Pa. He retired as an inspector after 32 years with SPS Technologies and was an Army veteran of World War II, achieving the rank of sergeant. He was a member of AARP and VFW Post 9272, Seminole. Survivors include a son, Dennis, Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Darline Young, Paris, Texas; and four grandchildren. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home & Cemetery, Seminole.
ORTIZ, ERODINA, 88, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Swanholm Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, she came here in 1972 from Brooklyn, N.Y., where she retired from Barton Candy Co. She was Catholic. Survivors include three daughters, Lillian Ramirez, St. Petersburg, Doris Conquet, Jamaica, N.Y., and Mary Ann Santiago, Long Island, N.Y.; two sons, Fred Ortiz, St. Petersburg, and John Ortiz Jr., Astoria, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
POHLOT, ANDREW P., 71, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 18, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors include a sister, Ann Prichart. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
SMART, KENDALL G., 82, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (June 26, 2000) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in Nova Scotia, he came here in 1943 from Fitchburg, Mass. He retired in 1985 from the Pinellas County Parks Department at Fort De Soto Park and was a member of Park Street Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Maxie; a niece and a nephew. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.
TANNER, EUNICE MAE, 87, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (June 25, 2000) at Bay Pointe Nursing Pavilion. She came here in 1951 from her native Uvalda, Ga. She was a member of Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where she served with the Missionary Society. She was a member of OES. Survivors include a daughter, Berlena Hudson, St. Petersburg; a brother, Otis Shipman, and a sister, Emma L. Jackson, both of Uvalda; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

Treasure Island

RICCARDI, DONALD P., 77, of Treasure Island, died Thursday (June 22, 2000) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Hibbing, Minn., he came here in 1963 from Stamford, Conn. He was owner of several electronic businesses and was an avid golfer. He was an active member of Knights of Columbus and a past president of Civitan Club. Survivors include a daughter, Kathryn McGee, Boca Raton; a son, Donald, St. Petersburg; his companion, Patsy McKinney, Treasure Island; and four nephews, Victor, Dennis and Thomas, all of Connecticut, and Gary, Kansas City, Mo. Forest Lawn Funeral Home North, Pompano Beach.