St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Thursday, August 10, 2000

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

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

ADSIT, ROBERT WILLIAM JR., 72, of Homosassa, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. Born in Pittsburgh, he came here two years ago from Spring Hill. He was a self-employed building contractor and a Navy and Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Homosassa, the American Legion, Harrisville, Pa., the Cedar Masonic Lodge 800, Grove City, Pa., the Disabled American Veterans, and a life member of the Blind Veterans Association. Survivors include his wife, Rose M.; two sons, Steven, Lowellville, Ohio, and Douglas E., Pennsylvania; a stepson, Ellsworth Moury, Mercer, Pa.; a stepdaughter, Loretta Brown, Sharon, Pa.; a sister, Claire Shirhag, Grove City; three grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and eight stepgreat-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

KOOS, AMANDA, 94, of Inverness, died Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2000) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here nine years ago from Islip, N.Y. She was a cook for Dowling College, Oakdale, N.Y., and a member of the Church of God, Inverness. Survivors include a son, Fred A. Schmitt, Sullivan, N.H.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness.

LANE, ROBERT W. "BOB," 84, of Hernando, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000). Born in St. Louis, Mich., he came here nine years ago from Floral City. He was a retired truck driver and earned a 20-year safe driving award. He was a member of First Christian Church, St. Louis, Mich., the National Rifle Association, the Bow Hunters and Sportsman Club, and past member of the National Field Archery Association. Survivors include his wife, Agnes; and three brothers, Niles, Brooksville, Norman, Hernando, and Duane, St. Louis, Mich. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

ODOM, PAUL LEON, 55, of Inverness, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at Mariner Health Care, Inverness. Born in Matherville, Miss., he came here four years ago from Forest, Miss. He was Baptist. Survivors include his mother, Nora Vinnie Lowe, Inverness; four brothers, Charles, Inverness, Larry, Hernando, Buddy, Waynesboro, Miss., and James, Stonewall, Miss.; and a sister, Ruth Mann, Forest. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

RILING, FREDERICK ELLIOTT, 87, of Homosassa, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000). Born in Pennsylvania, he came here 23 years ago from Miami and was a maintenance worker in the retail industry. He was Lutheran and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Agnes; a son, John, Homosassa; and one grandson. Fero Funeral Home With Crematory, Beverly Hills.

Hernando County Back to top

BLANK, LAVERNE, 81, of Brooksville, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at Brooksville Regional Medical Center. She came here 21 years ago from her native Cleveland, where she was a quality control inspector for Gould Industries. She was Protestant. Survivors include a brother, Donald, Mentor, Ohio. Wellwood Funeral Home, Hudson.

FORDYCE, ROBERT, 79, of Spring Hill, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. Born in Wheeling, W.Va., he came here 18 years ago from Canton, Ill. He was a retired editor for the Canton Ledger, Canton, and past exalted ruler of the Elks Club, Ohio, and active in the Fulton County Playhouse, Fulton, Ill. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Dunn, Mount Sterling, Ill.; and five grandchildren. Robert & Son Cremation Service, Spring Hill/Brooksville.

HODGES, ODEON L. "BILL," 85, of Brooksville, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. Born in Glennville, Ga., he came here 29 years ago from Temple, Texas. He was a retired mess sergeant for the Army and a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was Baptist and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8713, Brooksville. Survivors include his wife, Mona; three daughters, Marcia Ann Vargas, Baytown, Texas, Una Ray Tucker, Baycliff, Texas, and Rita E. Whitlock, Smithers, W.Va.; a sister, Clifford Richardson, Temple Terrace; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

JEFFRIES, MARY ANN, 70, of Timber Pines, Spring Hill, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. Born in Indianapolis, she came here seven years ago from Winchester, Va. She was a programmer for the National Broadcasting Company and Catholic. Survivors include her husband, Patrick; a son, Patrick M., Barnesville, Md.; a daughter, Kathleen Hugus, Leesburg, Va.; three brothers, Bill, John and Bob Ritt, all of the Cleveland area; and one grandchild. Brewer Memorial Funeral Homes and Crematory, Spring Hill.

McMAHAN, BENJAMIN A., 78, of Spring Hill, died Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2000) at home. Born in Walhalla, S.C., he came here 16 years ago from Virginia Beach, Va., and was a quality assurance specialist in the aircraft industry. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hudson, the Scottish Rite, the Khedive Shrine Temple, and a member and past master of the Norview Masonic Lodge, all of Norfolk, Va. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two sons, B. Michael, Ivor, Va., and Gary D., Virginia Beach; and three grandchildren. Robert & Son Cremation Service, Spring Hill/Brooksville.

TIGUE, MILTON SR., 64, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. Born in Winchester, Tenn., he came here 13 years ago from Tampa. He was a subcontractor in the construction of metal buildings. He was Baptist and an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Loretta Batten Tigue; a son, Milton Jr., Plant City; three daughters, Darlene Garrison and Fawn Andino, both of Tampa, and Terri Carter, Brooksville; two brothers, Clifton and Charles, both of Tampa; a sister, Brenda Sanders, Winchester; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville.

Hillsborough County Back to top

CATALANO, ANTHONY D., 71, of Tampa, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000). Born in Silver Creek, N.Y., he came here in 1950. He was a retired master sergeant in the Air Force. He was affiliated with American Legion Post No. 152, the VFW, and was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Elvie C.; three daughters, Myra Perham, Alene Taylor, Donna Vincent, all of Tampa; a son, Anthony B. Catalano, Tampa; three brothers, Dominick, John, and Stanley; two sisters, Kathryn and Jo Anne; and four grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, West Hillsborough Chapel, Tampa.

CHANCEY, MARVIN T., 86, of Brandon, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000). A lifelong resident of the Tampa area, he was a retired vice president of Exchange Bank, a past president of American Institute of Banking, and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include a son, Marvin, Jr., Hernando; a daughter, Jackie C. Bennett, Brandon; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, MacDill Avenue Chapel, Tampa.

DAHER, EDWARD, 86, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at James A. Haley VA Medical Center. Born in Lebanon, Fla., he came here more than 40 ago from New York. He served in the Army in World War II, and volunteered at Veterans Affairs for the past 18 years. He belonged to University Church of God. Stowers Funeral Homes, Brandon.

DAVIES, GORDON T., 71, of Seminole, formerly of Tampa, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at Wright's Nursing Home, Largo. He was born in Detroit and moved to Seminole in 1975 from Tampa, where he retired at MacDill Air Force Base after 28 years in the Air Force. He achieved the rank of senior master sergeant and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. He graduated from Saint Leo College and at one time was a vice president of training and development with Florida Federal Savings & Loan, St. Petersburg. He was a member of the Florida State Guardianship Association. Survivors include his wife, Kaye; three daughters, Mildred Burnham, Seminole, Amie Meyer, Round Rock, Texas, and Lisa Fuller, Naples, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Seminole.

FLETCHER, LEE GARDNER, 73, of Tampa, died Friday (Aug. 4, 2000) at home under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born in Valdosta, Ga., she came here in 1945. She was a homemaker and a member of Evening Star Tabernacle Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Clarence; five sons, J.C. Gardner, Sam Johnson, Edward Lee, Donnie, Clenon, six daughters, Betty J. Sherrod, Jerry, Gladys, Thomasina, Glynnis Jones, Carolyn Baker; three stepchildren; a brother, L.C. Gardner, Valdosta, Ga.; 25 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren. Wilson Funeral home, Tampa.

HARDIN, MARGARET M., 90, of Tampa, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000). Born in Beech Grove, Ky., she came here in 1962 from Ocala. She worked in retail sales for JCPenney, and was a member of Central Christian Church. Survivors include a son, David Oost, Westville; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Nebraska Chapel, Tampa.

HARTNESS, ROBERT E., 79, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at University Community Hospital. Born in Louisville, Ky., he came here in 1980. He was a restaurant cook. Survivors include a son, Robert, Jr., Frankfort, Ky.; a daughter, Beverly Gartley, Lexington, Ind., a sister, Mary Louise Crosby, Tampa; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

HENDON, TOMMY L., 66, of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Carrollwood Care Center. Born in Overton, Texas, he came here in 1961 from Miami. He was a retired office manager for St. Lawrence Catholic School. Survivors include his wife, Joan; two brothers, Bill Hendon and Wayne Hendon, both of Fort Worth, Texas. Glass Funeral Home, Tampa.

LINARES, DORA R., 79, of Tampa, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000). She was a lifelong resident of the area. She worked for Swann Products for more than 40 years and was affiliated with the Centro Espanol Club and the Centro Espanol Women's Auxiliary. Survivors include three daughters, Nydia Valdes, Hope Rodriguez, Denise Linares, all of Tampa; a brother, Vincent Ruilova, Tampa; a sister, Zoraida Salaverria; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Gonzales Funeral Home, Tampa.

PHELPS, ANNA M., 81, of Seffner, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000). Born in Pumpkin Center, Ky., she came here in 1946 from Springfield, Ohio. She owned and operated a real estate office and Phelps Nursery of Riverview. She was affiliated with the 1918 Club, Rebekah Lodge No. 96, International Order of Odd Fellows, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brandon Ward. Survivors include her husband, Alfred Pixton; a son, Robert Cecil Phelps, Chiefland; three daughters, Iris Janell Sargent, Starr, N.C., Marilyn Jeter, Tallasee, Ala., Sandra Elaine Garner, Land O'Lakes; four brothers, Ollie Ervin Hughes, Jamestown, Tenn.; Joseph Allen Hughes, Phenix City, Ala., Raymond Hughes, Tampa; James Hughes, Fort Wayne, Ind.; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

ROBLES, CARMON A., 54, of Tampa, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, she came here in 1995 from New York. She was a dietitian for the Board of Education and was Pentecostal. Survivors include a son, Pedro Rosado, St. Petersburg; three daughters, Ana Rosado and Maria Rosado, both of Tampa, and Delia Stanley, Long Island, N.Y.; two brothers, Edwin Robles, New York, Isais Robles, Tampa; and four grandchildren. Gonzales Funeral Home, Tampa.

ROTH, LAURA LEE, 34, of Tampa, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000) in an auto accident. Born in Tampa, she was a retail stock clerk and belonged to Palma Ceia United Methodist Church. Survivors include her mother Ruth E. Roth, Tampa; her maternal grandfather, William J. Ridgeway, Tampa; two brothers, Randy Roth, Bryan Lee Roth, both of Tampa; and two sisters, Arlene A. Roth, Ilene A. Roth, both of Tampa. Mark III Funeral Home, Tampa.

ZEHEL, THELMA A., 89, of Lutz, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at University Community Hospital. Born in Carnegie, Pa., she came here in 1987 from Bath, Pa. She was a homemaker and a member and deacon of Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a son, Zoe Zehel, Archbald, Pa.; a daughter, Jan O'Leary, Tampa; a brother, Jared B. Brush, Carnegie, Pa.; a sister, Janet McMullen, Avis, Pa.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, Lutz-Land O'Lakes Chapel, Lutz.

Pasco County Back to top

ADORNO, MARIA, 76, of Dade City, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Heritage Park Specialty Care Center, Dade City. Born in San Tuce, Puerto Rico, she came here two years ago from Tampa. She was a homemaker and member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Kingston, N.Y. Survivors include a son, Raymon, Dade City; three daughters, Elizabeth Adorno, Dade City, Margaret Garcia, Tampa, and Carmen Adorno, Kingston; a sister, Olga Miranda, Tampa; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Hodges Funeral Home, Dade City.

CAROSA, CARMELA LILY, 81, of Hudson, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Naples, Italy, she came here 15 years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a homemaker and member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Spring Hill, and the Third Order of Secular Franciscans at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Brooklyn. Survivors include a son, Guy, New Port Richey; three daughters, Rosina Carosa, Ewing, N.J., Rosetta Faello, Staten Island, N.Y., and Jacqueline Lewnas, Hudson; a brother, Joseph Buonomo, Long Island, N.Y.; two sisters, Yolanda Russo, Rockland County, N.Y., and Florence Miello, Staten Island; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Trinity Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

CASSELLA, RALPH EDWARD SR., 80, of Spring Hill, formerly of Holiday, died Saturday (Aug. 5, 2000) at home. He came to Florida 18 years ago from his native Hamden, Conn., and moved to Spring Hill 10 years ago from Holiday. He was a truck driver for a paper manufacturer and a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Spring Hill, the Teamsters Local 443, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council 1, both of New Haven, Conn., and a fourth-degree Knight of San Salvadore, New Haven. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; a son, Ralph Edward Jr., Spring Hill; a daughter, Barbara Geremia, Guilford, Conn.; four brothers, Jeremiah, Clinton, Conn., Anthony and Michael, both of North Haven, Conn., and James, Higganum, Conn.; three sisters, Mary Cassella, West Haven, Conn., Margaret Barletta, Orange, Conn., and Angelina Consiglio, North Haven. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

COSTIDES, NONDAS N., 88, of Holiday, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Andros, Greece, he came here 25 years ago from Trenton, N.J. He was a retired sergeant first class in the Army and a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, having received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts. He was a member of St. George Orthodox Church, New Port Richey, and the Michael J. Cicero American Legion Post 173, Holiday. Survivors include his wife, Mary; a son, Nick, Indianapolis; a daughter, Athena Estabrooke, Jupiter; a sister, Athena Kaklis, Athens, Greece; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

FISCHER, STANLEY A., 84, of Bayonet Point, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000) at home. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and was a machinist for Buffalo Forge, Buffalo. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hudson, and the Beacon Woods Golf Club. Survivors include his wife, Rita O.; three daughters, Joan C. Hjalmarson, Bayonet Point, Jean T. Abrams, Orchard Park, N.Y., and Theresa R. Hjalmarson, Williamsville, N.Y.; a sister, Josephine Mysicka, Sacramento, Calif.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

KREUTZFELD, EDWARD FRANK, 89, of Dade City, died Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2000) at East Pasco Medical Center, Zephyrhills. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, and was a draftsman for a trucking company. He was Lutheran. Survivors include a son, Allen T. Wickman, Riverside, Ohio; two daughters, Greta Clack and Nancy Wuggazer; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

MARLIN, JANE W., 78, of Bayonet Point, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., she came here 17 years ago from New York City. She was an interior designer for Gorman Associates and a member of the Beacon Woods Garden Club and the Beacon Wood Homeowners Association. Survivors include a sister, Eleanor H. Larson, Bayonet Point. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

PICKERING, CHARLES, 75, of Brooksville, formerly of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Aug. 5, 2000) at home. Born in Rossville, Ga., he moved to Brooksville 15 years ago from New Port Richey and was a salesperson for Martin Fluid Power. He was Protestant and a Marine Corps veteran of World War II and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Dolores; two daughters, Debbie Catlet and Jan Chandler, both of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

North Pinellas Back to top

Clearwater

BARLOW, MARY LEE HOLDEN, 90, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. She was born in Bartow County, Ga., and came here in 1925 from Georgia. She was a seamstress and worked for Clearwater Laundry. During World War II, she tailored military uniforms at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Clearwater, where she was a greeter. Survivors include two daughters, Fay Patterson, Clearwater, and Virginia B. Noblit, Tarpon Springs; a sister, Frances Oliff, Berlin, Ga.; four granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
FARR, DREW F., 61, of Sarasota, formerly of Clearwater, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) in Sarasota. He was born in Trenton, N.J., moved to Clearwater in 1988 from Albany, Ga., and recently moved to Sarasota. He retired after 30 years in the Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War with two tours of duty. He was a member of the Marine Corps League Spring Hill Detachment 708. Survivors include two daughters, JoAnn Stonecypher, Sarasota, and Marcia Hill, Rockledge; his mother, Florene Allen, and a sister, Leslie Zakrajsek, both of Clearwater; and five grandchildren. Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, Sarasota.
KNOX, EMMA J., 80, of Lake City, formerly of Clearwater, died Saturday (July 29, 2000) at National Healthcare, Lake City. She was born in Laurens, Iowa, moved to Clearwater in 1974 from Chatham, N.J., and moved to Lake City two months ago. She was a nurse and retired after 20 years in the Army, where she was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Rhona Prescott, Martinsburg, W.Va.; a sister, Laur Ellis, Laurens; a brother, James Snow, Crislow, Iowa; and a niece, Myrl Schleisman, Lake City. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
VOLLMER, LILLIAN E., 87, of Clearwater, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. She was born in Painesville, Ohio, and came here in 1972 from South Euclid, Ohio. She was a retired registered nurse. She was a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, the Women's Club of Clearwater, the Community Women's Club, Greenbriar Women's Club and Dunedin Garden Club. Survivors include a sister-in-law and caregiver, Verna Crain, Clearwater; a niece, Rita Warren, Painesville; and a nephew, Henry L. Warren, Mentor, Ohio. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
WOLFORD, DAVID LOUIS, 46, of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He came here in 1974 from his native Fort Wayne, Ind., and was a certified welder. He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. He was Methodist. Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Lou Wolford, Inglewood; two brothers, Steven, Fort Wayne, and Dennis, Pinellas Park; a nephew, James Jerad Wolford; and a niece, Jennifer May Wolford. National Cremation Society, Largo.

Dunedin

BRODIGAN, DOROTHY, 94, of Dunedin, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Westchester Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center, Clearwater. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here in 1972 from New York City, where she worked as a supervisor and instructor for New York Telephone Co. She was Methodist and a member of the Dunedin Chapter of Telephone Pioneers of America and the Palm Harbor Senior Center. Survivors include two nephews, Thomas McGivney, Brooklyn, and Peter McGivney, San Francisco. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
ENO, BETTY A., 72, of Dunedin, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Mease Continuing Care, Dunedin, under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Amery, Wis., and came here in 1947 from Wisconsin. She was a homemaker and Methodist. Survivors include a son, Michael, Palm Harbor; three brothers, Jack Holliday, New Jersey, and James Holliday and Jerry Holliday, both of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Jennifer Eno and David Eno, both of Palm Harbor; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, Largo.
ROTH, JOHN A., 78, of Dunedin, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He came here in 1956 from his native Dover, Ohio. He retired as senior vice president of Caladesi National Bank, Dunedin. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He was a past president of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce and the Pinellas Heart Fund, a former Little League coach and a past treasurer of Dunedin High School Band Boosters. He was a member and a former council member of Grace Lutheran Church, Clearwater, and a member of the Upper Pinellas Church Bowling League. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Doris; a daughter, Wendy, and a son, Eric, both of Clearwater; two grandchildren, Kevin Roth and Heather Hills; and a great-grandson. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Largo

BANNON, KEVIN JAMES, 41, of Largo, died Saturday (Aug. 5, 2000) at home. He was born in Hartford, Conn., and came here in 1992 from Rocky Hill, Conn., where he was a maintenance worker at an apartment complex. Survivors include his mother, Theresa "Terry," Largo; two brothers, Gary, Largo, and John F., Vernon, Conn.; a sister, Susan Dion, Glastonbury, Conn.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
DAVIDSON, DOUGLAS K. "DOUG," 70, of Largo, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. He was born in Boston and came here in 1993 from Vermont, where he retired as a construction master after 41 years with Construction Workers Local 98, Brattleboro, Vt. He was Catholic and a member of Brattleboro Masonic Lodge 102 F&AM, and Cairo Shrine Temple. Survivors include his wife, Pearl; three daughters, Linda Davidson, Reno, Nev., Debra Irwin, East Pointe, Mich., and Margie Sue Rounds, Hinsdale, N.H.; three brothers, Hugh, Charlemont, Mass., Kenneth, South Weymouth, Mass., and Robert, Revere, Mass.; four sisters, Virginia Davidson, Braintree, Mass., Mary Newton and Janice Johnson, both of Brockton, Mass., and Marie Mazze, Milford, N.H.; and five grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Largo Chapel.
JOHNSON, ELISE E., 89, of Rochester Hills, Mich., formerly of Largo, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) in Rochester Hills. She was a former office manager and Girl Scout leader. Survivors includes a son, Richard H. Johnson, Rochester Hills; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Pixley Funeral Home, Rochester, Mich.
LUDWIG, CARL E., 84, of Largo, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in Boston. He worked as a salesman for Schick Razor Co. and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Jewish and a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include his companion of 36 years, John E. Perron; a brother, Sam, Framingham, Mass.; and two sisters, Sadie Colsen, California, and Charlotte Pollack, Randolph, Mass. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, Seminole.

Palm Harbor

BERKLEY, JONATHAN C., 31, of Palm Harbor, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. He was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifelong area resident. He worked as a cook and was an Episcopalian. Survivors include his mother, Suzanne Berkley, Palm Harbor; and a sister, Jennifer Pruitt, Dumfries, Va. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

Seminole

MUCHA, LILLIAN, 92, of Seminole, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. She came here in 1965 from her native Cleveland. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Largo and the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include a daughter, Lynne M. Sprenkel, Seminole; and several nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society, Largo.
HUBBARD, THOMAS M. SR., 82, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2000) at Largo Medical Center. He was born in Roanoke, Va., and came here in 1987 from Baltimore, where he retired as a warehouse worker after 20 years with Koppers Co. He also retired as a gunnery sergeant after 30 years in the Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of VFW Post 9272 and the post's Honor Guard, and Elks Lodge 2519, all of Seminole, and the Korean War Veterans Association. Survivors include his wife, Alice; two sons, Thomas M. Jr., Pottstown, Pa., and John R., Reading, Pa.; a daughter, Katherine, Chesapeake, Va.; two stepdaughters, Alice Baylor, York, Pa., and Lois Strock, Big Isle, Va.; a sister, Helen Lee, Maryland; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
PEJSA, RUZENA, 87, of Seminole, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. She was born in Czechoslovakia and came here many years ago. She worked as a restaurant cook and was Catholic. Survivors include a son, Vladimir, Seminole; and two grandchildren, David Pejsa and Filip Pejsa, both of the former Czechoslovakia. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.

Tarpon Springs

FAJARDO, JAIME ANNEXY, 72, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a longtime visitor to Tarpon Springs, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs. He was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and was a visitor here since 1977 from Puerto Rico, where he owned and operated Eureka Insurance Brokers. He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He graduated from New York Military Academy and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a varsity member of the football and track teams. He competed as a hammer thrower in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Maria Arfaras Vda de Annexy, two sons, Jaime Annexy Jr. and Jorge Jaime Annexy, a daughter, Lydia Rosalinda Annexy, and two grandchildren, Chasi and Jaime Annexy, all of San Juan. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs.
HALLER, ROBERT W., 82, of Tarpon Springs, formerly of Palm Harbor, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. He was born in Cleveland and came here in 1982 from Strongsville, Ohio, where he retired as secretary-treasurer of a trucking and storage company. He was Lutheran and a 60-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Cleveland. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, June I.; a son, Robert W. Jr., Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Margaret Haller Marshall, Dallas; a sister, Gloria Spohn Speck, Middleburg Heights, Ohio; four grandchildren; and three great-grandsons. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
HOLLEY, BETTY JEAN, 69, of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at Integrated Health Services of Tarpon Springs. She was born in Lake Wales and moved here in 1970. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, James Steven, Largo, and Jeffrey Lee, Pinellas Park; her companion, Art Cosgrove, Tarpon Springs; and four grandchildren. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
PECK, PATRICIA A., 62, of Holiday, formerly of Tarpon Springs, Clearwater and Dunedin, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. She was born in Detroit, moved to this area in 1977 from Algonac, Mich., and lived in Clearwater, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs before moving to Holiday in 1996. She retired as a loan secretary for the corporate lending division of Republic Bank Countryside, Clearwater. Survivors include her husband, Richard A.; a son, Jeffrey A. Kempkens, Palm Harbor; three daughters, Candice L. Kempkens, Dunedin, Lisa A. Peck, Oldsmar, and Michelle L. Mackino, Hudson; and a grandson. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

South Pinellas Back to top

Gulfport

DeRISO, JOHN, 88, of Gulfport, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. Born in Cervinara, Italy, he came here in 1973 from Richmond Hill, N.Y. He was a dress pattern maker in the women's clothing industry. He was a member of Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church, Richmond Hill. Survivors include two sons, Dominick A., Flushing, N.Y., and John A., St. Petersburg; two daughters, Michele Branch, Exeter, England, and Marie DeRiso, Kew Gardens, N.Y.; three grandchildren; and a companion, Betty A. Carlson, Gulfport. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Woodlawn Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

MASON, FLORENCE I. "IRENE," 67, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2000) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She moved to Florida in 1995 from Minneapolis. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Richard; three children, Terry Jo, Rick and Chris; a sister, Andrea Roberts; and a grandson. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Seminole.

St. Pete Beach

BRONSKIS, SALLY ANN, 71, of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. She came here in 1981 from her native Detroit. She was a saleswoman for JCPenney at Tyrone Square mall, St. Petersburg. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach. Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Frank; a son, David Roberts, Ecorse, Mich.; a brother, Nelson Roberts, Trenton, Mich.; a sister, Mary Valade, Pekin, Ill.; and two grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

ADAMS, EDNA JORDAN, 75, of Perry, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at Doctors Memorial Hospital, Perry. She moved to Perry eight months ago from St. Petersburg. She was a seamstress. Survivors include her husband, Herman; a son, Kenny, Perry; a daughter, Jana R. Kase, Dawsonville, Ga.; four sisters, Martha Ellis, Thelma Woods, Louise Glover and Ruth Johnson; and three grandchildren. Joe P. Burns Funeral Home, Perry.

DENNIS, MATTIE, 96, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Safety Harbor, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at Golfview Nursing Home. She was born in San Antonio, Fla., and came here in 1996 from Safety Harbor. She was a domestic worker for private families. She was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Safety Harbor. She owned and managed the Mosley Hotel in the 1930s. Survivors include four cousins, Ruth Williams, John Houston and Ronald Hall, all of St. Petersburg, and Hazel Cooper, Clearwater. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

MEEHAN, SONJA D., 64, of Hernando, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at home. Born in Chicago, she moved to Hernando 21 years ago from St. Petersburg. She retired as a cafeteria worker for the Citrus County school system and was Greek Orthodox. Survivors include her husband, Richard K.; three sons, Michael Para, Seminole, Richard, Chicago, and Joel, Hernando; two daughters, Ramona Del Rio, Munster, Ind., and Marianne Whittington, Camilla, Ga.; her mother, Alie Hano, Chicago; a brother, Michael Hano, Chicago; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Brown Funeral Home, Crystal River & Lecanto.

PANKS, ROBERT EARL SR., 86, of Chassahowitzka, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000) at Seven Rivers Community Hospital, Crystal River. Born in Flint, Mich., he moved to Chassahowitzka 34 years ago from St. Petersburg. He was the former owner of Bob's Body Shop, Homosassa, one of the first wrecker services in western Citrus County. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a survivor of Pearl Harbor and a member of the Crystal River Moose Lodge. Survivors include two sons, Robert E. I, Michigan, and Robert E. III, Homosassa; four daughters, Gloria Jean Lind, Battle Creek, Mich., Mary P. Pierson, Indianapolis, and Sandra Robinson and Clariessa Panks, both of Inverness; a brother, Richard, Arizona; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

PORTER, LEWIS, 82, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (July 26, 2000) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in Farmington, Maine, and was an Army veteran. There are no known survivors. Abbey Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Largo.

RISSER, THELMA JONES, 88, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2000) at Sunrise at North Shore. Born in Altoona, Pa., she came here in 1932 from Bedford, Pa. She was a former co-owner of Risser Oil Corp. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Phares N. Jr.; a son, P.N. III "Bud," St. Petersburg; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John S. Rhodes, East Chapel, St. Petersburg.

ROBERTS, FREDERICK M., 79, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Aug. 7, 2000) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg. Born in Baltimore, he came here 10 years ago from Deptford, N.J. He retired from RCA after 43 years. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II and a four-term president of the Deptford School Board. Survivors include his wife, Corinne; three sons, Frederick, San Antonio, Texas, James, Plainfield, Ind., and Laurence, Marshall Islands; three stepsons, Bryant Ammer and Wayne Ammer, both of Baltimore, and Kevin Ammer, St. Petersburg; two stepdaughters, Andrea Zahersky and Dayna Hitch, both of Baltimore; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

SORBER, EVERETT S.C., 94, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000) at Westminster Shores Health Center. He came here in 1995 from his native Jeanette, Pa. He graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1930 and was a lawyer for 61 years in Jeanette and Greensburg, Pa. He was admitted before the U.S. District Court and the Pennsylvania state Superior and Supreme courts. He was deputy attorney general of Westmoreland County under three governors and was solicitor for the Jeannette School District from 1948 to 1967 and was solicitor for the now-defunct Jeannette School Authority. He was Westmoreland County acquisition officer. He was a member of United Presbyterian Church in Jeanette. Survivors include a daughter, Mary-Linda Sorber Merriam Armacost, St. Petersburg; and a nephew, Edgar T. Hammer Jr., Greensburg. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

SUMMERS, EDITH J., 92, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Clearwater, died Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2000) at home. She was born in Denmark and moved to St. Petersburg from Clearwater. She was a violin teacher and Lutheran. Survivors include a caregiver, Lois Revels. David C. Gross Funeral Homes and Crematory, Central Avenue Chapel, St. Petersburg.

TAYLOR, AMELIA M., 92, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Aug. 6, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. She came here in 1967 from her native Elizabeth, N.J. She was a secretary for the Union County, N.J., YMCA and was a member of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Bayonet Point. Survivors include two sons, David L., Treasure Island, and Alvin W., St. Pete Beach; and two grandsons. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.