St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Saturday, August 5, 2000

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

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

BAUMEISTER, JOHN E., 84, of Homosassa, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at home. He came here 21 years ago from his native Pittsburgh and was a milkman. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the West Citrus Elks Lodge, the Pittsburgh Elks Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge, Pittsburgh. Survivors include a son, Wayne G., Homosassa; two sisters, Mary Easton, Fort Lauderdale, and Loretta Cadwater, Pittsburgh; one granddaughter; and one stepgrandson. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

KARAFFA, EDWARD SR., 67, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Trenton, N.J., he came here six years ago from Tuckerton, N.J. He was a heavy equipment operator and a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Beverly Hills. Survivors include his wife, Marion Scotko Karaffa; two sons, Michael and John, both of Crystal River; two daughters, Bernadette Snook, Crystal River, and Diane Bogner, Tuckerton; a sister, Audrey Karaffa, Trenton; and 13 grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

RUSHING, ROBERT WILLIAM "BOB," 73, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Sarasota, he came here 28 years ago from Elmira, Va. He was a police officer with the Sarasota Police Department and became the owner/operator of Rushing Glass and Mirror after moving to Crystal River. He was a member of the True Church and a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Joy; two sons, Rocky and Mark, both of Crystal River; a sister, Ernestine Warner, Tallahassee; and two grandchildren. Strickland Funeral Home,Crystal River.

WHITE, JACK, 87, of Crystal River, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Bowling Green, Ky., he came here two years ago from Miami. He was a retired Florida Highway Patrol officer in the Fort Pierce and Miami areas and a retired weight judge and guard for both the Flagler Dog Track and the Biscayne Kennel Club. He was a member of Miami Shores Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Benita; two sons, Bill and Bob Cate, both of Crystal River; three daughters, Betty Cabeza, Douglasville, Ga., Dardeen Andersen, Deland, and Jackie Lynn Young, Crystal River; a brother, Willard, North Port; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

Hernando County Back to top

MAHER, ESTHER R., 49, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Rahway, N.J., she came here 13 years ago from Hillsborough County, N.J. She was a real estate broker and member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Survivors include five children; her mother; two brothers; two sisters; and seven grandchildren. Turner Cremation and Memorial Chapel, Spring Hill.

PETRAITIS, KATHRYN A., 57, of Brooksville, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill. Born in Chicago, she came here 18 years ago from Goose Lake, Ill., and was a retired nurse for Hernando/Pasco Hospice. She was Catholic and a member of the 3rd Order of Carmalite. Survivors include her husband, Raymond; two daughters, Colette Sanders, Wilmington, Ill., and Cheryl Schott, Coal City, Ill.; two brothers, Carl Semrau, Willowbrook, Ill., and James Semrau, Glenview, Ill.; a sister, Rosemary Semrau, Oaklawn, Ill.; and three grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

VerBOUWENS, FRANCES W., 96, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at home. She came here 41 years ago from her native New York City. She was an executive secretary and Catholic. Survivors include two sons, David L., Ridge Manor, and Arthur L., Tonopah, Nev. National Cremation Society, Brooksville.

Hillsborough County Back to top

BARE, MICHAEL LEE, 50, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at University Community Hospital. He was born in Tiffon, Ohio. He was a refrigerator technician for Sunbelt Refrigeration. He was a member of Tampa Racing Association & Tampa Bay Antique Vehicle Association. Survivors include his wife, Madeline L.; a son, Michael L., Oklahoma; mother, Connie Kousbrock, Tampa; father, Paul K., New Iberia, La.; three sisters, Cheryl Crilly, Tampa, Jennifer Newvine, Georgia, and Maureen Chiasson, Nashville, Tenn. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes, Armenia Chapel, Tampa.

BUDNY, VINCENT, 78, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000). Born in Baltimore, he came here in 1956 from Orlando. He was a salesman in the liquor industry and was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Vincent Jr., Tampa; a daughter, Carole Mikell, Tampa; a sister, Marie DeCarlo, Baltimore; and six grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, West Hillsborough Chapel, Tampa.

DUNGAN, JAMES W., 84, of Plant City, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at home. Born in Newark, N.J., he came here in 1993 from Miami. He was a truck driver and was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, Richard, Plant City, and James, Pinellas Park; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Haught Funeral Home, Plant City.

FALLON, PHILLIP JAMES, 76, of Tampa, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Bon Securs Maria Manor. Born in New Rochelle, N.Y., he came here in 1996 from Pinellas Park. He was an industrial engineer for Sperry Rand. He was a World War II Navy veteran and was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Regina; two sons, Phillip Jr., Farmingdale, N.Y. and Michael Patrick, Tampa; three daughters, Koreen E. Casserio, Hicksville, N.Y., Kathleen L. Fallon, Centereach, N.Y., and Jeanne Ellen Ehring, Tampa; a brother, Robert, W. Dover, Vt.; two sisters, Dorothy Doran, Pelham, N.Y. and Margaret Ayers, Vista, Calif.; 10 grandchildren.; and two great-grandchildren. Mark III Funeral Home, South Tampa Chapel, Tampa.

HALLOCK, ARLENE M., 76, of Brandon, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born in Winsted, Conn., she came here in 1969 from Torrington, Conn. She was a homemaker and was Baptist. Survivors include two sons, Franklyn J. Jr., Wesley Chapel and William C., Sarasota; two daughters, Tina M. Hallock, Brandon and Doris M. Ashby, Riverview; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Riverview.

KAPLAN, ETHEL, 85, of Brandon, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000). Born in Louisville, Ky., she came here in 1952. She was a homemaker and was Jewish. Survivors include a daughter, Susan Saylors, Brandon; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

MOSER, MARK G., 38, of Tampa, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000). Born in Staten Island, N.Y., he came here in 1985 from Kentucky. He was a geologist in environmental engineering. Survivors include his wife, Victoria H.; a daughter, Hannah Moser, Tampa; father, Erwin Moser, Richmond, Va.; and a sister, Carol McCormick, Charlotte, N.C. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes, West Hillsborough Chapel, Tampa.

PETRAK, HARRIET JOAN, 82, of Valrico, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at home. Born in Chicago, she came here 20 years ago from Pinellas County. She worked for Illinois Bell. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America, past president of St. Petersburg Central Telephone Pioneers, and Nativity Catholic Church. Survivors include a son, Thomas, Valrico; a daughter, Antoinette "Toni" Petrak, Valrico; and a brother, Richard Filarski, Lompoc, Calif. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

PITTMAN, JIM, 67, of Thonotosassa, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home. Born in Atlanta, he came here in 1975. He was a drywall hanger and was Mormon. Survivors include his wife, Lela; four sons, Randy Fleming, Tampa, Scott Fleming, Tyrone, Ga., Michael Fleming, Plant City, and James Pittman Jr., Largo; four daughters, Linda Fleming, Tampa, Stephanie Kaeser, Tampa, Gail Nettles and Jamie Grave, both of St. Matthews, S.C.; three brothers, Warren, Jackson, Ga., Marvin, Norcross, Ga., and Richard, Gay, Ga.; a sister, Nellie Brown, Stockbridge, Ga.; and 19 grandchildren. Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon.

PLANZ, HELENA A., 98, of Abrahamsville, Pa., wintered in Tampa, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000). Born in Astoria, N.Y., she wintered here for the past 25 years. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Pennsylvania. Survivors include a son, Joseph W., Tampa; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Connell Funeral Home, Huntington, N.Y.

PREZIOSI, MURIEL THERESA, 70, of Brandon, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at home. Born in North Troy, Vt., she came here in 1972 from Central Islip, N.Y. He was a registered nurse and was a member of St. Anthony's Circle, Duplicate Bridge Club, and Nativity Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Louis; three sons, Mark, Lakeland, Anthony and Louis Jr., both of Riverview; four daughters, Michelle O'Madigan and Luanne Bergeron, both of Riverview, Maria Scott, Brandon, and Paula Brice, Jacksonville; a brother, Bernard Girard, S.J., Rhode Island; two sisters, Georgette Harding, Salem, N.H. and Giselle Beliveau, Concord, N.H.; and 12 grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

RAYBURN, WILLIAM T. SR., 66, of Gibsonton, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center. Born in Carrollton, Ga., he lived here for most of his life. He was self-employed masonry contractor. He was a Korean War Army veteran and was a member of Riverview Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include his wife, Margaret A.; three sons, William Jr. and Barton R., both of Tampa, and Stephen Thompson, Riverview; stepfather, Francis Green, Brandon; two brothers, Bobby, Lithia and Ronald, Brandon; three sisters, Louise Little, Tampa, Patsy Corkum and Glenda Green, both of Brandon; and three grandchildren. Hamilton Funeral Home, Riverview.

RIVERA, EMETERIO "RIVERITA," 84, of Tampa, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000). Born in Honduras, he came here in 1975 from New York. He was a conductor for a railroad company and was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Survivors include two sons, Lindolfo, Dover, and Evaristo Osario, Miami; a daughter, Olga Stark, New York City; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

RIVERA, THERESA, 58, of New Port Richey, formerly of Tampa, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born here, she moved to New Port Richey from Bronx, N.Y. She was an optical technician and attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, Jose M.; four daughters, Alicia Sanchez, North Bergen, N.J., Maria Sanchez, Tampa, Olga Febles and Luisa Rivera, both of Port Richey; four sisters, Julia Alvarez, Mary Montero and Esmiralda Moralez, all of Tampa, and Onelia Reagaan, Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother, Raymond Dorado, Tampa; and eight grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

ROMERO, CARMELO JR., 59, of Brandon, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Crystal Springs Nursing & Rehab. Born in Brooklyn, he came here 17 years ago. He was a carpenter and was Catholic. Survivors include two sons, Michael Anthony, Seffner and Jason Mark, Brandon; three daughters, Denise Ann Romero, Brandon, Delia Ruth Romero, Riverview, and Carmen Ruth Romero, Sarasota; a brother, Mark, Queens, N.Y.; and eight grandchildren. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Riverview.

STEPHENSON, HENRY CLAY, 66, of Holiday, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Minneapolis, he moved here in 1962 from Edina, Minn., and then moved to Holiday in 1986. He was a CPA for Peat, Marwick and Mitchell, Minneapolis, and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary B. "Sunny;" two sons, Paul H., Tampa, and John M., Salem, Ill.; a daughter, Elizabeth S. Ellis, Carrollton, Texas; a sister, Alice Neibergs, Pine River, Minn.; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

Pasco County Back to top

BORISON, ANNE, 90, of Palm Harbor, formerly of New Port Richey, died Sunday (July 30, 2000). Born in Montreal, she came to Port Richey 25 years ago from Michigan and moved to Palm Harbor a year ago. She was a homemaker and member of the West Pasco Jewish Community Center and a life member of Hadassah. Survivors include a brother-in-law, Raymond Stein, Port Richey. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.

GARNETT, GLADYS S., 77, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she came here one year ago from Wilson, N.C., and was a homemaker. She was a Canadian Women's Army Corps veteran of World War II and a member of St. Timothy Episcopal Church, Wilson, and the Wilson Country Club. Survivors include her husband, Leslie E.; two sons, Vice Adm. Gary L. Garnett, Ottawa, Canada, and Brian G., Jonesboro, Ga.; a daughter, Patricia S. Dibble, Spring Hill; a brother, Frank Mercer, Halifax; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

HARTMAN, VALERIE MERCER, 88, of Zephyrhills, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000). Born in Frederick, Md., she came here 22 years ago from Maryland. She was a homemaker and member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Survivors include a daughter, Gwendolyn L. Hoy, Ridge Manor; a grandchild; and a great-grandchild. Blount, Curry and Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

KELLY, VERONICA, 76, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 28 years ago from Westbury, N.Y. She was a restaurant owner and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hudson, and a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Survivors include her husband, William F.; three daughters, Susan Fusco, Staten Island, N.Y., Francine Filocco, Pocono Summit, Pa., and Sharron Kelly, Port Richey; a brother, Steve Arvay, New York; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

McCARTNEY, LORENE SPAIN, 90, of Holiday, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home. Born in Moulton, Ala., she came here 22 years ago from Salisbury, N.C. She earned a master's degree in education from Auburn University in Alabama, and was a member of the First Christian Church, New Port Richey, and its Sunday school teacher. Survivors include a son, Robert, Batavia, Ill.; a daughter, Nancy Moffitt, Marietta, Ga.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

MIRRA, SALVATORE, 92, of Holiday, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in New York City, he came here 28 years ago from Old Bethpage, N.Y. He was a projectionist and color correction technician for Pathe Laboratories, was an Army veteran of World War II and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Old Bethpage. He was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Michael, Holiday. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

MURPHY, LOUISE M., 93, of Hudson, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Hudson. Born in New York City, she came here 27 years ago from Bellerose, N.Y. She was a telephone operator and a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church, Port Richey. Survivors include two daughters, Carole Murphy, Hudson, and Janet Gardner, Bayonet Point; a brother, Louis Helwig, Portland, Ore.; two sisters, Henrietta Malpiedi and Mildred Huber, both of Long Island, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

RIVERA, THERESA, 58, of New Port Richey, formerly of Tampa, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Tampa, she came here from Bronx, N.Y. She was an optical technician and attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, Jose M.; four daughters, Alicia Sanchez, North Bergen, N.J., Maria Sanchez, Tampa, Olga Febles and Luisa Rivera, both of Port Richey; four sisters, Julia Alvarez, Mary Montero and Esmiralda Moralez, all of Tampa, and Onelia Reagaan, Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother, Raymond Dorado, Tampa; and eight grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

ROSER, FRANCES M., 94, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Richey Manor Nursing Home, New Port Richey. Born in Oneida, N.Y., she came here 30 years ago from Cleveland and was a homemaker. She was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Frank James, Price, Utah; a daughter, Mae L. Cannon, Cleveland; a brother, Raymond Roney, Duronville, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

STEPHENSON, HENRY CLAY, 66, of Holiday, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Minneapolis, Minn., he moved to Tampa in 1962 from Edina, Minn., and then moved to Holiday in 1986. He was a CPA for Peat, Marwick and Mitchell, Minneapolis, and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary B. "Sunny"; two sons, Paul H., Tampa, and John M., Salem, Ill.; a daughter, Elizabeth S. Ellis, Carrollton, Texas; a sister, Alice Neibergs, Pine River, Minn.; and five grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

ZIMMERMAN, ALICE MARGARET, 90, of Zephyrhills, died Monday (July 31, 2000) at East Pasco Medical Center, Zephyrhills. Born in Decatur, Ill., she came here 40 years ago from Chicago and was an elementary school music teacher for the Pasco County School District. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, its women's club, the Retired Teachers Association, elected to the Gamma Chi Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, and held various offices in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Deanery. Survivors include a brother, Dr. E. F. Zimmerman, Miami. Kelly Memorial Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

North Pinellas Back to top

Belleair Beach

FELIX, FRANK JR., 63, of Belleair Beach, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Denver and came here in 1975 from Orlando. He was a longtime employee of U.S. Steel's Realty Development Division, which was formed in 1969. He was involved in the division's Disney World project, which lead to the acquisition and construction of the Contemporary and Polynesian hotels in Orlando. After that, he became general manager of all the division projects in Florida, which included the acquisition and development of Sand Key, the Belleair condominiums and golf courses, as well as a project in St. Petersburg. He graduated in 1959 from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a veteran of the Navy and Navy Reserves and held the rank of lieutenant commander. He was an officer and director of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce and a chairman and director of the JCPenney PGA and LPGA Golf Classics and director of the S&H LPGA Golf Classic. He was a founder and director of the Pinellas County Junior Golf program and director of the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Program. He was a commissioner and director of the Largo Little League. He was a director and committee member of fund-raising activities for the American Cancer Society, Morton Plant Hospital, Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation for Youth, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Youth for Christ, Clearwater for Youth and fine arts. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Betty J.; a son, John E., Berthoud, Colo.; a daughter, Teri Felix, San Francisco; his mother, Lillie Felix, Denver; and a granddaughter, Madelynn Felix, Berthoud. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.

Belleair Bluffs

THOMAS, JOSEPH WILLIAM, 87, of Belleair Bluffs, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. He was born in Ellsworth, Pa., and came here in 1956 from Pittsburgh. He was an architect and worked for Hamrick Lumber Co. designing house plans. During World War II, he worked seven years designing special artillery shell machines. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Clara; a daughter, Sandra J. Jones, Jacksonville; two sisters, Antoinette Yahn, Toledo, Ohio, and Carolyn Pucci, Holiday; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Hubbell Funeral Home and Crematory, Belleair Bluffs.

Clearwater

ARLINE, GEORGE URQUHART, 84, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at home. He came here 30 years ago from his native Norfolk, Va. He was a pianist, had his own band and composed arrangements. Survivors include a sister, Amy Shirley, Lafayette, La. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services.
COLLANBINE, ROBERT LANE, 77, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home. He was born in McConnellstown, Pa., and came here in 1965 from Lewistown, Pa. He was a retired brick and stone mason. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He attended Lakeside Community Chapel, Clearwater. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, M. Virginia; a daughter, Lisa Rounds, Winter Haven; a brother, Walter, Lewistown; a sister, Betty Buchanan, Hastings, N.Y.; and a granddaughter, Meredith Lane Rounds, Winter Haven. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
FRANCIS, DENTON N., 74, of Clearwater, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at Gulf Coast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clearwater. He was born in Tompkinsville, Ky., and came here in 1972 from Lafayette, Ind. He retired from General Electric, Largo. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a Protestant. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Gloria; a son, Steven, Tarpon Springs; a daughter, Jane Burris, Pinellas Park; a brother, James, London, Ky.; two sisters, Thelma Denham, Sarasota, and Odell Lovelace, Frankfort, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
GAGNE, RUTH M., 73, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. She was born in Hartford, Conn., and came here in 1994 from Deerfield Beach. She was a retired insurance underwriter. She was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church. She worked as a volunteer at the YMCA, Hartford Hospital and Litchfield County Area Mental Health Services. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Armand J.; two sons, Bryan, Avon, Conn., and Geoffrey, Vernon, Conn.; two daughters, Gayle Gagne, Clearwater, and Cheryl Gagne, Colchester, Conn.; a brother, James Merrick, Mount Holly, N.J.; a sister, Jane Conlon, West Hartford, Conn.; and two granddaughters. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
HAWRSK, CATHERINE, 74, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Jeffersonville, Ind., and came here in 1952. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Donna Berkey, Clearwater; a son, Mike Leppert, Oldsmar; two sisters, Mary Richards, Spring Hill, and Ann Margaret Niles, South Bend, Ind.; a brother, Charles Dunn, South Bend; several nieces and nephews; and six granddaughters. National Cremation Society, Largo.
HOWZE, DR. LONNIE L., 82, of Crystal River, formerly of Clearwater, died Wednesday (August 2, 2000) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Westville, he lived here for approximately 20 years before moving to Crystal River in 1976. He was a doctor of veterinary medicine and practiced at the Clearwater Animal Clinic from 1953 to 1976. He was the co-founder of Mid-Way Animal Hospital, Homosassa, where he practiced until his retirement in 1982. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Crystal River, and the University of Georgia Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Doris; two sons, L. Richard, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Timothy J., Rockledge; two sisters, Ruth Dean, Bradenton, and Inez Madill, Homosassa; and three grandchildren. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness.

Largo

MESSLER, ROBERT JR., 94, of Largo, died Tuesday (July 25, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in McClain County, Ill., and came here in 1954 from Flint, Mich. He owned several dry cleaning businesses in Pinellas County. Survivors include two sons, James, Flushing, Mich., and Richard, Swartz Creek, Mich.; a daughter, Alice Smith, Largo; 17 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Gulf Breeze Cremation & Burial Society, Largo.
MOORE, BETTY JANE, 70, of Largo, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Jefferson City, Mo., and came here in 1996 from Libby, Mont. Survivors include a companion, John L. Walsh, Largo. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
SARMIENTO, DANIEL GUILLERMO, 72, of Largo, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at home. He was born in Bogota, Colombia, and came here in 1985 from Chicago. He was an automobile mechanic. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Maria Elsa; a son, Carlos, Port Richey; two daughters, Magnolia Tindall, Largo, and Sandra Sarmiento-Lopez, Chicago; a brother, Jorge E., Rockford, Ill.; three sisters, Carmen Sarmiento, Lilia Sarmiento-Rodriguez and Estella Sarmiento-Puentes, all of Colombia; and four grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home, Seminole.

Oldsmar

SMITH, WILLIAM LLOYD, 72, of Oldsmar, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was born in Carterville, Ill., and came here in 1986 from Louisville, Ky. He worked 281/2 years for Trans America Insurance and retired as a regional manager. He was an Army veteran. He attended First Christian Church of Tarpon Springs. His memberships included Moose Lodge 1429, Tarpon Springs, East Lake Woodlands Country Club, East Lake and Genessee Lodge 174 F&AM of Michigan. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Margaret "Peggy;" a son, Mark Stephen, Louisville; two daughters, Gail L. Ball, Lake Mary, and Nancy Jean Oyler, Louisville; two brothers, Ernest M., Fenton, Mich., and Robert E.L., Albuquerque, N.M.; two sisters, Villa "Louise" Robinson, Clio, Mich., and Billie E. Hayes, Gaylord, Mich.; and three granddaughters. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Palm Harbor

BORISON, ANNE, 90, of Palm Harbor, formerly of New Port Richey, died Sunday (July 30, 2000). Born in Montreal, she moved to Port Richey 25 years ago from Michigan and moved here a year ago. She was a homemaker and member of the West Pasco Jewish Community Center and a life member of Hadassah. Survivors include a brother-in-law, Raymond Stein, Port Richey. Family Funeral Care, Hudson.
GREENE, RICHARD T., 62, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (July 27, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He came here in 1977 from his native Albany, N.Y. He was a truck driver, an Air Force veteran and a Presbyterian. Survivors include his wife, Adell J. Holm ; and two nieces and a nephew. American Burial and Cremation Service, Palm Harbor.
ROBERSON, FERRIS LEE, 78, of Palm Harbor, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Columbia Terre Haute Regional Hospital, Terre Haute, Ind. He was born in English, Ind. He was a retired diesel mechanic. Survivors include his wife, Corrine Haycox; five daughters, Mary Jo Roberson, Columbia, Ind., Patti Jensen, Indianapolis, Carol Newport, Woodbridge, Va., Rita Drake, Terre Haute, and Judith Hartsburg, Sandborn, Ind.; two sisters, Betty Drollinger, Gosport, Ind., and Joyce Miller, Jeffersonville, Ind.; several nieces and nephews; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Callahan Funeral Home, Terre Haute, Ind.

Safety Harbor

COLEMAN, WILLIAM MICHAEL, 61, of Safety Harbor, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at home. . Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
RIPINSKY, DOROTHY, 86, of Safety Harbor, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Arbors of Safety Harbor. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Tampa in 1992 from Patchogue, N.Y. She moved from Tampa to Safety Harbor in 1998. She was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Judith Schneider, Safety Harbor; a son, Norman, Long Island, N.Y.; two sisters, Olga Firpo, New Jersey, and Viggie Anzalone, Long Island; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
WOLFBRANDT, FRANCES L. LAWSON, 94, of Greenwood, Ind., formerly of Safety Harbor, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Greenwood Health and Living Community. She moved here in 1972 and recently moved to Greenwood. She retired after 35 years with glass manufacturer Owens Illinois, Glassboro, N.J. She was a past matron of the Glassboro chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include a daughter, Doris F. Critzman, Greenwood; two granddaughters; five great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home.

Seminole

BJORKQUIST, RICHARD T., 72, of Auburndale, formerly of Seminole, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at Good Shepherd Hospice House, Auburndale. He was born in Des Plaines, Ill., and moved to Seminole in 1978 from Mundelion, Ill. He moved from Seminole to Auburndale in 1995. He had been an industrial equipment salesman. He was a paratrooper in the Army. He was a Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Lois J.; a son, Richard S., St. Petersburg; two daughters, Bonnie L. Franklin, St. Petersburg, and Sandra J. Faggard, Canton, Ga.; a brother, Kenneth, Oshkosh, Wis.; and a sister, Mary Lou Kason, Mount Prospect, Ill. All Faiths Cremation Society, Lady Lake.
CHEPELSKI, ALEXANDER V., 62, of Seminole, died Monday (July 17, 2000) at home. He was born in Russia. He was a machinist. Survivors include a son, Evgeni, Russia. E. James Reese Funeral Home, Seminole.
KAMM, DONNA ELAINE, 99, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Palm Gardens of Largo. She was born in Lithuania. She was a past president of the Lithuanian Roman Catholic Women's Alliance and a contributing writer to the Lithuanian daily newspaper. She received a distinguished senior citizen's award from the city of Chicago. Survivors include a son, David, Fort Myers; a brother, Walter Gustaitis, California; a sister, Agnes Banko, Colorado; three grandsons; and four great-grandchildren. Kiser Funeral Home, Fort Myers.
SMITH, CLARENCE HENRY, 79, of Seminole, died Wedneday (Aug. 2, 2000) at home. He was born in Warrick, N.Y., and came here in 1985 from New York. He was an automobile mechanic. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10094 and a Methodist. Survivors include a sister, Willie Wells, Middletown, N.Y.; and a companion, Marguerite Moulton, Seminole. E. James Reese Funeral Home, Seminole.

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Kenneth City

MONAHAN, ALEX W., 80, of Kenneth City, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena, after a short illness. He came here in 1964 from his native La Salle, Ill. He was a member of Pasadena Community Church. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross during 40 combat missions as a radar navigator and bombardier in the 15th Army Air Forces in Italy. He retired as a major from the Air Force Reserves in 1968. He was a member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and retired from his own appraisal business in 1985. He was a 50-year member of Masonic Lessing Lodge No. 464, F&AM, Evansville, Ind., and a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., Tampa. He enjoyed travel. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Roberta; three children, Robert, Fort Myers, Sandra Herdman, Pinellas Park, and Richard, Cincinnati; a sister, Celina Koehl; and three grandchildren. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Madeira Beach

ANTHONY, JEFFREY C., 56, of Palmetto, formerly of Madeira Beach, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Largo Medical Center. Born in Philadelphia, he came here in 1990 from Kihei, Hawaii. He was a retired customer service agent for United Airlines for 25 years and was a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Williet; a son, Nicholas, St. Petersburg; his father, Joseph, Madeira Beach; a brother, Gregory, Lahaina, Hawaii; and many nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

HMELAR, JOHN JOSEPH, 76, of Pinellas Park, formerly of Inverness, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Jersey City, N.J., he moved here seven years ago from Inverness. He was a shipping clerk supervisor for the Penn Central Railway System, a Navy veteran and Catholic. Survivors include two sons, Paul B., Largo, and Mark, Orlando; a brother, Andrew, Hackensack, N.J.; a sister, Mae Scoccemarro, Toms River, N.J.; and two grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.
PERRINO, MARY G., 78, of Pinellas Park, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at Sunshine Village Nursing Center. Born in Italy, she came here in 1992 from Rolling Meadows, Ill., where she was an assistant bank supervisor. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Victor P.; four sons, Benedict, San Diego, Louis and Victor M., both of Hoffman Estates, Ill., and James, Mount Prospect, Ill.; four brothers, Michael, Joseph, Louis and John, and two sisters, Anna Soved and Christina Devito, all of Chicago; and five grandchildren. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.

St. Petersburg

ADELSON, MILDRED M., 91, of Seminole, formerly of St. Petersburg died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Oak Manor Nursing Center, Largo. She came to St. Petersburg in 1930 from her native Waterbury, Conn., and moved recently to Seminole. She worked as a secretary at Tampa Shipyard and later for I.W. Phillips. Survivors include a son, Richard E. Prescott, Seminole; a brother, John Van Horsten, Seminole; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two nieces. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, Seminole.

DICKEY, M RUSSELL "RUSS," 51, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at a Port Charlotte nursing facility of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born in Baltimore and came here in 1994. He was a manager of America West Airlines at Tampa International Airport. Survivors include his wife, Annie Lesso; and a daughter, Madeline, St. Petersburg. National Cremation Society, Port Charlotte.

FLOTOW, CHARLES J., 93, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000). Born in Farmingdale, N.Y., he came here in 1973 from Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a retired clerk cashier for New York City. He was a member of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Survivors include two nephews, James A. Simmonds, Suffern, N.Y., and Charles Seibert Jr., The Woodlands Mall, Texas; and a niece, Dorothy S. Macdonald, Chester, N.Y. John S. Rhodes, East Chapel, St. Petersburg.

JONES, RICHARD B. "DICK," 66, of Largo, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (July 30, 2000) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1952 and received a bachelor's degree in building construction from the University of Florida in 1956. He was a general contractor, and for 10 years, owned and operated Dick Jones Swimming Pools. In the mid-1960s, he ran for the state House of Representatives and the St. Petersburg City Council. He was an Army veteran and Catholic. Survivors include his brother, Albert H. Jr., St. Petersburg. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-McLeod Chapel, St. Petersburg.

JURGUTIS, ONA, 72, of Tallahassee, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000). She moved to Tallahassee two years ago from here. She was a former nurse and hotel owner in Lake Wales and was a member of the Lithuanian Club, St. Petersburg. Survivors include three brothers, Joe Baranaskas, Downers Grove, Ill., and Viktoras and Mykolas Baranaskas, Vilnius, Lithuania; and four grandchildren. Culley's Meadow Wood Funeral Homes, Riggins Road Chapel, Tallahassee.

KONEN, MAGDALENE "MADGE," 90, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) under hospice care. Born in Johnstown, Pa., she came here in 1950 from Oil City, Pa. She retired in 1972 from Shelart, St. Petersburg, where she was a retail salesperson. She was a Methodist and a member of Dames of Malta and volunteered more than 18,500 hours at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Survivors include a daughter, Georgianna Arnold, Clarkesville, Ga.; and a son, Donald A. Jr., Clearwater; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.

LABO, MARIE M., 100, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Alhambra Nursing Home. She came here in 1965 from her native Toledo, Ohio. She retired in 1985 as a licensed practical nurse in St. Petersburg. She was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Helen J. Henry, St. Petersburg; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.

MICKUNAS, SOPHIA CATHY, 97, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday, (Aug. 3, 2000) at Manor Care of Palm Harbor. Born in Dawson, Pa., she moved here in 1947 from Pittsburgh. She was a homemaker and Catholic. Survivors include a son, Victor, Tarpon Springs; three grandchildren, Dr. Vic Mickunas, Kathy Gaskill and John Mickunas; and four great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.

NEWBOLD, BEVERLY ANN MELISSA, 48, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Miami, she moved to Clearwater in 1979 and to St. Petersburg in 1989. She was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of usher board No. 3. Survivors include two daughters, Earline Rouse, Clearwater, and Andrell Michele Jackson, Fort Myers; companion George "Ted" Hughley; four grandsons; and one granddaughter. Creal Funeral Home, Dr. M.L. King Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.

SIMMONS, RHODA J., 85, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Aug. 3, 2000) at Bon Secours-Maria Manor. She was born in Glen Saint Mary and lived most her life in St. Petersburg. She was a beautician for Webb City Beauty Shop for many years and was a 50-year member of OES. Survivors include a brother, William A. "Al" Simmons, Naples, Fla.; a sister, Sue Pye, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

TUCKER, KENNETH H., 71, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in Winthrop, Mass., and was an Air Force veteran. Survivors include two brothers, Arnold and Earl. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.

WARNKE, EVELYN R., 73, of St. Petersburg, died Friday, (Aug. 4, 2000). She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1985 from Syosset, N.Y. She was a secretary for many years at the Long Island Trust Co. Locally, she attended Bethel Lutheran Church. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, William H.; a son, Kurt, St. Petersburg; a brother, George Sohn, Essex, Conn.; and many nieces and nephews. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-McLeod Chapel.