St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Monday, July 17, 2000

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

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

MORAN, RUTH GEDALJE, 81, of Inverness, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Citrus Memorial Hospital. She came here 27 years ago from her native Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a member of the Hernando Church of the Nazarene. Survivors include a son, Thomas, Glendale, Ariz.; a brother, Arthur Gedalje, Washingtonville, N.Y.; three sisters, Arlene Fischer and Martha Gedalje, both of Washingtonville, and Mae O'Brien, Pompano Beach; and three grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

PIAZZA, JOSEPH E. JR., 57, of Spring Hill, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at home. Born in Freeport, N.Y., he came here eight years ago from Suffolk County, N.Y., and was a retired police officer for Nassau County and a Marine Corps veteran. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine; a son, Joseph III, New York; a daughter, Denise Rinehart, Selden, N.Y.; his parents, Joseph and Ann Piazza, Beverly Hills; and two grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Spring Hill.

Hernando County Back to top

McGUIRK, CLAYTON G., 85, of Brooksville, died Saturday (July 15, 2000). Born in Canaan, N.Y., he came here 28 years ago from Massachusetts. He was a Methodist and a member of the VFW, Spring Hill. Survivors include a son, John, Brooksville. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes, Brooksville Chapel.

SHERMAN, ELEANOR M., 82, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. Born in Amsterdam, N.Y., she came here 21 years ago from Rhinebeck, N.Y. She was a Protestant. Survivors include a son, Larry Greene, Spring Hill; a daughter, Patricia Foster, Kingston, N.Y.; a sister, Mildred Walker, Gloversville, N.Y.; two brothers, Richard Argersinger, Ocala, and Fred Argersinger, Gloversville; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill Chapel.

STOWELL, LARRY J., 60, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (July 11, 2000). He came here 17 years ago from his native Rochester, Mich., and was a school custodian for the Houghten school district. He was a Protestant. Survivors include three sons, Lawrence, Madison Heights, Mich., Thomas, Flint, Michigan, and Ronald, Michigan; a daughter, Cheryl Wilson, Sterling Heights, Mich.; his mother, Mildred Stowell, Spring Hill; a brother, Harold, Spring Hill; and three grandchildren. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home, Hudson.

Hillsborough County Back to top

DOMINGUEZ, RUDY M., 71, of Tampa, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born here, he remained a lifelong resident. He owned a radio repair shop. He was in the Naval Reserves and was Christian. Survivors include mother, Christine Dominguez, Tampa; and a sister, Christina M. DeCoe, Tampa. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

ETZLER, DOROTHY L., 88, of Brandon, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Hawthorne Care Center. Born in Charlevoix, Mich., she came here 56 years ago. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Survivors include two daughters, Dolores Etzler, Valrico, and Judy A. Morris, Lakeland; a brother, Frank Eugene Cromp, Boyne City, Mich.; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

GROSE, CHARLES W. "BILL," 57, of Tampa, died Thursday (July 13, 2000) at Town & Country Hospital. Born in Marion, Ind., he came here in 1973 from Orlando. He was a service tech for a copier company and a Methodist. Survivors include his companion Mison Rollman; two daughters, Bonnie Anthony, Springhill and Connie Culberton, Tampa; mother, Ruby Grace Sullivan, Orlando; and five grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, Town & Country Chapel, Tampa.

HUSON, ROLAND, 55, of Lithia, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Tampa General Hospital. Born in Fargo, N.D., he came here two years ago. He was a salesman for M & I Data Services and a member of Nativity Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Diane; two sons, Corey, Minneapolis and Kevin, Lithia; three daughters, Tracy Differding, Fargo, Melissa Do, Virginia Beach; and Morgan Huson, Lithia; mother, Ellen Huson, Moorhead, Minn.; three sisters, Patti Huson, St. Helens, Ore., Monica Kersting, West Fargo, N.D., and Kim Carlson, Jamestown, N.D.; and three grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

MINTON, JACKIE "CAUSEY" ELBERT, 62, of Valrico, died Friday (July 14, 2000) in Lithia. Born here, he remained a lifelong resident. He was owner and operator of Causey's Auto Electric and a Navy veteran. Survivors include three sons, Kevin, Dover, Jackie, Valrico, and Tom, Lithia; a brother, Gary Comer, Chesapeake, Va.; a sister, Barbara Armstrong, Tampa; and four grandchildren.

PEREZ, JOE, 69, of Tampa, died Thursday (July 13, 2000) at University Community Hospital -- Tampa. Born here, he remained a lifelong resident. He was a Tampa police officer and a Christian. Survivors include his son, Joe, Brandon; and four grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

SULLIVAN, ROBERT L. SR., 86, of Tampa, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at University Community Hospital -- Tampa. Born in Cookville, Tenn., he came here in 1925. He was an installer for GTE. He was a World War II and Korean War Navy veteran and was Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; a son, Robert L. Sullivan Jr., Atlanta; a daughter, Sharon Hall, Tampa; a sister, Mattie Clyatt, Casar, N.C.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, Town & Country Chapel, Tampa.

TESTASECCA, CARMEN, 92, of Tampa, died Friday (July 14, 2000). Born here, she remained a lifelong resident. She was a cigar roller and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Survivors include nieces, nephews and cousins. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

TRUFFA, CAROL A., 51, of Valrico, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Chicago, she came here in 1995. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Survivors include her husband, John R., Valrico; a son, Michael John, Brandon; and a daughter, Debora Lynn Evans, Chicago. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

WHITE, MABLE M., 85, of Odessa, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born in Phenix City, Ala., she came here in 1918. She was a homemaker and a member of Church of Christ. Survivors include two daughters, Lillian Mitchell, Odessa, and Barbara Myers, Tampa; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

Pasco County Back to top

OLCZAK, PEARL, 87, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. Born in Northport, Ala., she came here 21 years ago from St. Clair Shores, Mich. She was a Protestant. Survivors include four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn, New Port Richey.

SCHULER, RONALD P., 66, of Holiday, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Community Hospital New Port Richey. Born in Chicago, he came here 35 years ago from Hoffman Estates, Ill. He attended St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, Holiday. Survivors include his mother, Lottie Schuler, Holiday. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.

TRAINOR, JOSEPH F., 81, of Port Richey, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at Community Hospital New Port Richey. Born in Philadelphia, he came here 25 years ago from Woodbury, N.J., and was a union representative for Seafarer's International Union. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a Catholic, and a member of VFW Post 6180, New Port Richey, and the Veterans Boxers Association Ring 1, Philadelphia. Survivors include his wife, Evalyn; a son, Robert, Williamstown, N.J.; two daughters, Midge Douds, Dade City, and Carole Amey, Woodbury; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

WHITE, N.J. "JIMMIE", 78, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Community Hospital New Port Richey. Born in East Bernstadt, Ky., he came here 27 years ago from St. Petersburg, and was owner of Jimmie White Trucking, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey. He was an Army veteran of World War II, former member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and member of Sunshine Lodge 288 F&AM, St. Petersburg. Survivors include his wife, Mable Bohannon; two sons, James, Land O'Lakes, and John, Wesley Chapel; a daughter, Jamie Webb, New Port Richey; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey Chapel.

ZIEGLER, MARIE E., 80, of Port Richey, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she came here 13 years ago from Bronx, N.Y. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Lesly and Robert Duplessy, both of Plantation, and Gary Ziegler, Port Richey; two daughters, Marie Ninoncarries, Miami Beach, and Jocelyne Smith, Plantation; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

North Pinellas Back to top

Belleair Bluffs

BELCHER, KATHLEEN M., 106, of Belleair Bluffs, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. She was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and came here in 1976 from Delmar, N.Y. She was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley B. Peterson, Belleair Bluffs; two grandchildren, Jo Anne Peterson, Decatur, Ga., and Richard A. Peterson, Stokes, N.C.; and a great-grandson. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Clearwater

GEHRING, RUTH MARY, 82, of Clearwater, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Pittsburgh and came here in 1964. She retired from Aerosonic Corp., Clearwater. She was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church and Morton Plant Hospital Foundation, Clearwater, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center and the Society of Military Widows. Survivors include a daughter, Nancy C. Gehring Lowery, Clearwater; two sons, Samuel E. Jr., Palm Harbor, and Richard E., Dunedin; a brother, Jack E. Engel, Pittsburgh; and three grandchildren, Adrien, Eric and Mason Gehring, all of Dunedin. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
HOWARD, ISABELLA M., 96, of Clearwater, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. She was born in Scotland and came here in 1948 from New Rochelle, N.Y. She was a homemaker and a member of the Daughters of Scotia. Survivors include a son, Lee, Clearwater; a daughter, June Brown, Palm Harbor; two grandchildren, Terry Brown, Dunedin, and Douglas Howard, Largo; and a great-grandson. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Dunedin

KING, ROBERT D., 84, of Dunedin, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Bristol, Tenn., and came here in 1971 from Chicago. He was the first computer programmer for A.C. Nielsen Media Research, Dunedin. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Chicago. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Rhoda. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.
TREUBIG, DOROTHEA T., 76, of Elmira, N.Y., formerly of Dunedin, died Saturday (July 1, 2000) at home. She was born in Shrewsbury, England, came here in 1978, and moved to Elmira in 1996. She was a British Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include five sons, James, Elmira, Dennis, Massapequa, N.Y., Richard, Carrollton, Ga., George, Palm Harbor, and John, Dunedin; a daughter, Linda Goldstein, Portland, Ore.; a brother, James Patrick Hughes, Dumfries, Scotland; a sister, Helen Jones, Leicester, England; and several grandchildren. McInerny Funeral Home, Elmira, N.Y.

Largo

DYER, DUANE, 73, of Largo, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. He came here in 1991 from Battle Creek, Mich., where he retired as foreman after 35 years with Ralston Purina. He was both a Navy and Army veteran and an avid golfer and member of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). Survivors include his wife, Alice; three sons, Duane L. Dyer, Atlanta, Brian Dyer, Houston, and Keith Watson, Hillsdale, Mich.; six daughters, Jo Anne McDonald, Virginia Beach, Va., Dawn Dyer, Plymouth, Mich., Sharon Dyer, Battle Creek, Karen Collins, Elkhart, Ind., Kathy Robinson, Hillsdale, Mich., and Kerrie Lynn Polis, Akron, Ohio; 23 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Largo.
RECH, MARIAN T., 72, of Largo, died Sunday (July 16, 2000) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Holbrook, Mass., and came here in 1981 from Union, N.J., where she worked as a credit manager for Wilkinson Sword. She was a member of the Lioness Club of Largo. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Robert; a daughter, Patricia Rech, Clearwater; a brother, William De Costa, St. Petersburg; a sister, Lillian Jackson, Newport, R.I.; and a grandson, Christopher Allen Rech, Clearwater.

Palm Harbor

KELEHER, MARIAN MANSFIELD, 95, of Palm Harbor, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at St. Mark Village continuing care community, Palm Harbor. She was born in New York City and came here in 1965 from Garden City, N.Y. She worked as a physical education teacher at St. Mary's Private School, Westbury, N.Y. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Dunedin County Club fairway Women's Club and the DAR. Survivors include a daughter, Sally K. Goodwin, South Windsor, Conn., and Dunedin; two sons, Bernard, Atlanta, and Arthur M., Alexandria, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Palm Harbor Chapel.

Seminole

KILLILEA, JOSEPH D., 71, of Seminole, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He came here in 1977 from his native Indianapolis, where he retired as a lieutenant after 26 years with the Indianapolis Fire Department. Locally, he owned and operated the Sea Dawn Motel on Madeira Beach. He attended St. Jerome Catholic Churh, Largo, and was a member of Holiday Isles Elks Lodge 1912, Madeira Beach, and Knights of Columbus 3228 and the Retired Fireman's Association, both of Indianapolis. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Florence; two sons, Kein and Brian, two daughters, Maureen Rayos and Julie Killilea, all of Indianapolis; a sister, Margaret Grothaus, Kansas City, Mo.; and four grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.
MERRITT, VIRGINIA S., 89, of Seminole, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Beverly Healthcare Center, Largo. She was born in Darlington Heights, Va., and came here in 1973 from Dayton, Ohio. She retired after 35 years as a registered nurse. She was an artist and studied under Norman Rockwell. She received her nurses training at Medical College, Richmond, Va. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Seminole. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Elmer; a son, William "Buck," Lakeland; and two grandchildren, Lindsey and Jason Merritt, both of Lakeland. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
STRAMPEL, STEPHANIE T., 79, of Lutz, formerly of Seminole, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. She was born in Chicago and came to Seminole in 1989 from Lake Forest, Ill. She was a retired registered nurse, and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tampa. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Tripp, Lutz; three sons, Brian, Mercyside, England, Mark, Plymouth, Mich., and David, Libertyville, Ill.; a sister, Emily Lisowski, Chicago; and 10 grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.
WEISBERG, DR. AARON, 84, of Seminole, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at Palm Garden of Largo nursing home. He came here in 1976 from his native Brooklyn, N.Y., and was a practicing physician for 60 years in New York and locally. He graduated from New York University and University of Cincinnati Medical School. He was a member of the staffs of St. Petersburg General Hospital, Palms of Pasadena Hospital and the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was a member of the Pinellas County Medical Association. He was a professor at University of South Florida Medical School, Tampa, and a former medical director of Carson C. Peck Memorial Hospital, New York City. He was an Army veteran of World War II with the rank of captain. He was a member of Temple Beth'el and Seminole Lake Golf Club. Survivors include two daughters, Harlene Weisberg-Zurn, Seminole, Sharon Shapiro, Bedford, N.Y.; a brother, Norman, Marco Island; and a nephew, Leonard G. Weisberg, Deerfield Beach; and two grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Tarpon Springs

DODSON, FRANCES LUCILLE, 94, of Tarpon Springs, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. She came here in 1935 from her native Bowling Green. She was a homemaker and a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church of Holiday. Survivors include four daughters, Gertrude Lones, Annie Wilson, Mable Anderson and Frances Clause, all of Tarpon Springs; a son, Edward, Holiday; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

South Pinellas Back to top

BEATTY, DONALD C. JR., 76, of Pinellas Park, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. Born in Monongahela, Pa., he came here in 1983 from Irwin, Pa. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was an electrical and nuclear engineer and a Mason. He was a member of Egypt Shrine Temple, Tampa, Sojourners, Detroit, Submarine Veterans of World War II and Mayflower Society, Florida Chapter. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Hope R.; two sons, Donald C. III, and Robert R., both of Midlothian, Va.; and four grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Pete Beach

HARRIS, HELEN M., 81, of St. Pete Beach, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at Menorah Manor, St. Petersburg. Born in Lafayette, Ind., she came here 1966 from Indianapolis. She was an owner and manager of a nursing home. She was founding president of Indianapolis Women's Benefit Guild, a March of Dimes volunteer, and a member of Disabled American Veterans and American Red Cross, Indianapolis. Locally, she was a member of Friends of the Library, Pass-a-Grille Women's Club, St. Petersburg Garden Club and St. Pete Beach Community Club. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Pasadena Presbyterian Church summer vacation Bible program and Pass-a-Grille Community Church thrift shop. She was instrumental in the development of a ceiling-projected books program for patients at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. Survivors include two daughters, Janet Harris, St. Pete Beach, and Marijo Hutton, Indianapolis; a son, John, St. Petersburg; two sisters, Sue Studegon, St. Pete Beach, and Sherry Inman, Eugene, Ore.; a brother, Gene Nugent, Seattle; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Beach Chapel, St. Pete Beach.

St. Petersburg

CUCCINELLO, ELEANOR E., 91, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at her daughter's home in St. Petersburg. Born in Gouldsboro, Maine, she came here in 1936 from Maine. She retired in 1970 after 20 years as a registered nurse for St. Anthony's Hospital. She was a member for several years of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pinellas Park, and then was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Petersburg. Survivors include two daughters, Donna C. Potter, St. Petersburg, and Diane C. Cruz, Pinellas Park; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.

FLETCHER, MURRAY C., 76, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at Palm Garden of Largo. Born in Royalton, Minn., he came here in 1971 from New York City. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. He retired in 1971 as vice president after 25 years with Sperry and Hutchinson Co., New York City, and as chairman of the board for its Detroit subsidiary. He was trustee emeritus of King's College, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and trustee for American Mission to Greeks International, Chattanooga, Tenn. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church, St. Petersburg, and served as chairman of the board of Northside Christian School. He was founder of Thrift and Gift, a store benefiting the school. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Dorothy "Dot"; two daughters, Nancy G. Weber, St. Petersburg, and Peggy S. Summers, New Port Richey; and five grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 62nd Avenue S Chapel, St. Petersburg.

GLANZROCK, MELVYN H., 79, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (July 12, 2000) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. A native of Bronx, N.Y., he came here in 1984 from Long Island, N.Y. He owned a full-service automobile repair and gas station and was a member of Knights of Pythias. He was president of Princeton Building at Five Towns-Terrace Park condominiums and was secretary and treasurer of bowling leagues. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in France and Italy. He received the Victory Medal with Arrowhead ribbon. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Fritzie; two sons, Norman, Pinellas Park, and Robert, Bethpage, N.Y.; a daughter, Elayne Clancy, Turnersville, N.J.; two brothers, Stanley and Herbert, both of Lake Worth; and five grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

KEHOE, THOMAS F., 47, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. He came here 20 years ago from his native Flint, Mich. Survivors include two brothers, James, Largo, and Larry, West Palm Beach; and a sister, Susan Lamrock, Oscoda, Mich. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Service, Largo.

NODDIN, DAVID H., 78, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (July 14, 2000) at home under hospice care. A native of Chicago, he came here in 1979 from Morton Grove, Ill. He retired as a manager with Illinois Bell Telephone Co. after 33 years. He was a Navy B-24 bombardier during World War II, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was a former member of a local flying club and received his private pilot's license at age 70. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Lorraine; two daughters, Lynne Cross, St. Petersburg, and Patti Weinstein, Cincinnati; and six grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.

YOUNG, CATHERINE R., 88, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (July 11, 2000) at Sunrise at North Shore. Born in McLean, Va., she came here in 1977 from Washington, D.C. She retired as a legal clerk for the Department of Labor. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. Survivors include a nephew, the Rev. Donald Hastings, Newport, R.I. John S. Rhodes, East Chapel, St. Petersburg.

ZURAWSKI, NANCY A., 70, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (July 15, 2000) at home. She came here in 1994 from her native Toledo, Ohio. She was a cosmetics representative for J.J. Hudsons, Toledo, and a member of St. John's Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach. Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Dan; three daughters, Judy Zurawski, Susan Zurawski and Mary Ellen Zurawski, and a brother, Norman Slomowicz, all of Toledo; and two sisters, Clara Young, Lansing, Mich., and Raphael Katafiasz, Toledo. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Beach Chapel, St. Pete Beach.