St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

HALEY, SHEILA, 61, of Lecanto, formerly of Tampa, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at home. Born in St. Petersburg, she came here six years ago from Tampa. Survivors include her mother, Louise Haley, and her brother, David, both of Lecanto. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

PETTIGROSSA, FLORENCE, 90, of Inverness, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Highland Terrace in Inverness under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. She came here three years ago from her native Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a retired school custodian and member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Survivors include a sister, Annette F. Bonner, Inverness; three nieces, Jeannette Haag, Inverness, Arlene Schmitt, Oceanside, N.Y., and Gerldine Rau, New York; a nephew, Craig J. Bonner, Tampa; a great-niece and a great-nephew. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

Hernando County Back to top

ELLIOTT, CHARLES ROBERT, 64, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville. Born in Paisley, Scotland, he came here one year ago from Totowa, N.J. He was a retired postal worker and a high school referee. He was Protestant. Survivors include two sisters, Jean Fisher and Agnes Elliott, and a niece, Lorraine Fisher, all from Scotland. Merritt Funeral Home, Spring Hill.

GRAZIANI, CHRISTINA, 87, of Brooksville, died Friday (Oct. 5, 2001) at Brooksville Regional Hospital. Born in Manhattan, N.Y., she came here six years ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a bank clerk for Chemical Bank in New York City for many years. She was Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Christina Perito, Hudson; and a granddaughter. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Seven Hills.

HART, EVELYN H., 84, of Spring HIll, died Friday (Sept. 28, 2001) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Center in Brooksville. Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, she came here eight years ago from Miami and was a retired licensed practical nurse. Survivors include a sister, Clara Barrett, Kingston, Jamaica; several nieces and nephews. Community Funeral Service, Brooksville.

MACK, FREEBORN A., 92, of Spring Hill, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001) at home. He came here 25 years ago from his native Syracuse, N.Y. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Ann; a daughter, Mary Ann Carey, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; three grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren. Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Seven Hills.

McAFEE, WILLIAM, 96, of Brooksville, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Eastbrooke Health Care Center in Brooksville. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, he came here 32 years ago from Cliffside Park, N.J. He was a brakeman for Susquehanna Railroad. Survivors include a niece, Frances Brownlee, Brooksville. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

ROTH, MARTIN EUGENE, 82, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville. Born in Cleveland, he came here five years ago from Lakeland. He was a retired carpenter and member of Victory Assembly of God Church. He was an Army Air Forces veteran, member of the American Legion Post 186 and Civil Air Patrol. Survivors include his wife, Alberta "Bertie"; a daughter, Geri McGill; a stepson, Phil Roberts, and a stepdaughter, Becky Liss, all of Cleveland; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill.

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BATES, WILLIAM C., 85, of Sun City Center, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001). He was the starter for the Sun City Center South Golf Course for 18 years, member of the United Community Church and a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Ruth T. "Johnnie"; five sons, Terry, Doug, Jim, Tom and Steve; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Lewers Funeral Home, Tampa.

BRASSARD, DONALD E., 64, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Temple Terrace, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Woonsocket, R.I., he moved to St. Petersburg in 1991 from Temple Terrace. He was a retired dialysis technician at James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa. He was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, the Knights of Columbus and the Federation of Musicians. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Irene A.; two sons, Donald R., Sandy, Utah, and David W., Tampa; a daughter, Donna E. Oakleaf, Tampa; his mother, Aime Bethe Brassard, Slatesville, R.I.; and nine grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

ENFINGER, LANNIE DEAL, 91, of Okeechobee, formerly of Plant City, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) in Okeechobee. Born in Dothan, Ala., she came to the Tampa area in 1930 before moving to Okeechobee. She was a retired food services director at the South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City, member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Plant City Pilot Club, the Business and Professional Woman's Club in Plant City and a volunteer at the Plant City Tourist Welcome Center in Plant City. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Clark, Tifton, Ga.; three sons, the Rev. Dallas M. Enfinger, Okeechobee, Raleigh E. Enfinger, Hudson, and Billy Joe Enfinger, Orlando; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.

GEORGE, MARGO SARDINAS, 81, of Tampa, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001). She was a Tampa native and lifelong resident. Survivors include three daughters, Yvonne Robinson, Yolanda Moresi, and Yvette Studdard; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Gonzalez Funeral Home, Tampa.

JENSEN, BERYL ELIZABETH CARTER, 88, of Port Huron, Mich., formerly of Valrico, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Marwood Manor, Port Huron, Mich. Born in Dickens, Iowa, she was a retired elementary school teacher in Wisconsin. She was active in musical activities all her life in connection with her profession and her church. Survivors include two daughters, Nora A. Horrell, Los Alamos, N.M. and Jean P. Norager, Port Huron, Mich.; two sons, Lynn A. Jensen, Leesburg, Va. and Gordon P. Jensen, Wausau, Wis.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

ROBSON, LESLIE R. "JACK," 81, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Palm Shores Retirement Center after a long illness. He moved to St. Petersburg from his native Tampa in 1953. He grew up on and around the water, and served in the Navy as a navigation chief on destroyers during World War II. He was a former vice president of sales at Misener Marine and operated his own yacht brokerage business in St. Petersburg for 18 years. He was a successful navigator and helmsman in the Southern Ocean Racing Conference and the Florida Ocean Racing Association. Survivors include a son, Lin C. Robson, St. Pete Beach, a sister, Evelyn Stelmat, Belleair; two nieces, Judith Holly and Suzanne Dahlvick, and a longtime companion, Pauline Nichols. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Pasco County Back to top

BAAS, PAUL J., 86, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Batesville, Ind., he came here in 1977 from Henderson, Ky. He was a truck driver and a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge, both in Batesville, and Unity Church of Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Gladys I.; a son, Scott, Evansville, Ind.; and two grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

BROWN, LAWRENCE, 68, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at Amberwood ALF in Inverness. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 1991 from Queens, N.Y. He was a cook for Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital in Queens. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was Roman Catholic. Survivors include a daughter, Joan Manfre, Hudson; a brother, Richard Brown, St. Louis; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

FULLER, CINDY, 39, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at home. Born in Cambridge, Mass., she came here 14 years ago from Braintree, Mass. She was Catholic. Survivors include her husband, James; three sons, William Perry, Michael Fuller and Sean Perry; her mother, Marjorie Dowgos; two brothers, Michael Sullivan and Arthur Sullivan; and five sisters, Deborah Masciulli and Kathleen Masciulli, Jacqueline DiSisto, Marjorie Grimes and Mary O'Malley. Bell Funeral Home, Hudson.

GEIHM, HELMUTH "HAL," 94, of Zephyrhills, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Hospice of Pasco, Dade City. Born in LaCrosse, Wis., he came here 23 years ago from Aurora, Ill. He was the owner and operator of Hal's Service Station in Aurora. He was a past president of the Holy Name Society of the Sacred Heart Church in Aurora, a charter member and past officer of the Society of Automotive Testers of America, a member of Fox Valley Club Chapter 1 of Florida, past president of the Harmony Heights Parks Civic Association, Dade City, and past president, director and finance committee member of the Spanish Trails Village of Zephyrhills. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a former member of St. Anne Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Dolores; a son, Warren, Aurora; a daughter, Marilyn Landorf, Montgomery, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Sue Ann Ryckeghem, Naperville, Ill.; a stepson, Larry Dalton, Big Rock, Ill.; a sister, Marie Swain, Montgomery; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

HOLCOMB, RALPH L., 79, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Oct. 5, 2001) at North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Branson, Mo., he came here 21 years ago from Kimberling City, Mo. He was on the security staff for the Department of Defense in Glen Burnie, Md. He was a sergeant first class in the Army, retiring with 20 years of service, and a member of the Chester McKay VFW Post 7987, New Port Richey, and the National Association of Uniformed Services, Springfield, Va. Survivors include his wife, Pauline; two sons, Gregory, Crownsville, Md., and Army Staff Sgt. Jeffery Holcomb, stationed in Bamberg, Germany; a daughter, Frances Piedrafite, Pasadena, Md.; two brothers, John and Larry, both of Branson; two sisters, Shirely Blansit, Newark, Ohio, and Frances Underwood, Springfield, Mo.; and three grandsons. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

MATYAS, NICHOLAS TIMOTHY, 11, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) in New Port Richey. Born in Plainwell, Mich., he came here two weeks ago from Delton, Mich. He was a student at Chasco Middle School and was Roman Catholic. Survivors include his father, Timothy, and his mother, Sherry Corbett, both of New Port Richey; three brothers, Lucas Matyas and Michael Lizotte, both of New Port Richey, and Cody Corbett, Grand Rapids, Mich.; two sisters, Diane Matyas, New Port Richey, and Kendra Corbett, Grand Rapids; paternal grandparents, Julius and Donna Maytas, Kalamazoo, Mich., and Jim and Lise Corbett, Martin, Mich.; and maternal grandmother, June Cate, Rochester, N.H. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

MULLER, EUGENE H., 72, of Zephyrhills, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Heartland of Zephyrhills. Born in Weehawken, N.J., he was a production manager in the garment industry and an Army veteran of World War II. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Annette; two sons, Eugene W. and Michael, and a daughter, all of New Jersey; and five grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills.

SNOW, CHERYL ELAINE, 51, of Tampa, formerly of Dade City and St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) in Tampa. Born in Dade City, she moved to Tampa more than 25 years ago from St. Petersburg. She was retired from GTE and was a member of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church. Survivors include her parents, Leonard Snow and Ernestine Snow, Tampa; a brother; and three sisters. Wilson Funeral Home, Tampa.

THOMPSON, LILA JUNE POST, 78, of Kenneth City, formerly of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Boyne City, Mich., she moved to New Port Richey from Muskegon, Mich., and moved to Kenneth City in 1983. She attended Victory Nazarene Church in Kenneth City and was active with the Pinellas Park Senior Center. Survivors include two sons, David Post and Richard Post, both of St. Petersburg; a daughter, Rosanne Justian, Roosevelt Park, Mich.; seven brothers and sisters; and six grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

WARD, WILLIAM C., 82, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at home. Born in Boise, Idaho, he came here in 1986 from Pottstown, Pa. He was a purchasing agent for Bechtel Power Corp. in San Francisco. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the Timber Oaks Social Club. He was Christian. Survivors include his wife, Angela; a daughter, Monique Kunze, Cullman, Ala.; and a grandchild. Wellwood/Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery, Hudson.

WILSON, RANDY, 35, of Hudson, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. He came here as a child from his native Georgia. He was self-employed and worked for Bayside Land Development in New Port Richey and was Christian. He was a 1994 graduate of Hudson High School. Survivors include his wife, Kimberly, and a son, of Hudson. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey.

North Pinellas Back to top

RAINES, ERVIN M., 73, of Bay Pines, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was self-employed and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Veterans Cremation and Burial Society, Clearwater.

Clearwater

BARRICK, GEORGE N., 86, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. He was born in West New York, N.J., was a visitor here since 1998 and moved here in 2000 from Neptune N.J., where he retired after more than 40 years as a metal lather in construction. He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He was a member of Chapter 11 DAV, Clearwater, the Civilian Construction Corp., and Metal Lathers Local 46, New York City. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Theresa; two sons, George N. Jr., Delray Beach, and Robert J., Guttenberg, N.J.; a daughter, Lana Smith, Bayville, N.J.; two stepsons, Louis M. Pane, Point Pleasant, N.J., and William C. Pane, West Belmar, N.J.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
MURPHY, CAROL L., 60, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Manor Care Dunedin nursing home. She was born in Bronx, N.Y., and came here in 1984 from Flushing, N.Y. She was a homemaker and Jewish. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Albert T.; three daughters, Kelly Hauk, Dunedin, Linda Hamilton, Altamonte Springs, and Dawn Soltan, Flushing; a son, William Murphy, New York; a sister, Sandy Rib, Cincinnati; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
RUSSELL, MARK, 88, of Clearwater and formerly of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) in Clarkston, Wash. He was born in Wenona, Ill. and came to this area in 1978. He worked for CBS as a talent scout for the Arthur Godfrey Talent Program and discovered singers Anita Bryant, Patsy Cline, Johnny Nash and the Buffalo Bills. He was a member and former elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church of New Port Richey, the Holiday Rotary Club, where he had perfect attendance and was a Paul Harris Fellow, Television and Radio Artists and the American Federation of Musicians. Survivors include his wife, Alice G.; a son, Terence L., Charlotte, N.C.; a stepson, Edward Conti, Wichita, Kan.; two sisters, June Wischmeyer, Chicago, and Charlotte Hartman, Freeport, Ill.; and four grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
WILKINS, OLENA M., 74, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She was born in Bedford, Ind., and came here in 1982 from Indianapolis. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Haynes and Anne Marie Wilkins, both of Clearwater, and Catherine Clark, Ana Cortes, Wash.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Dunedin Chapel.

Kenneth City

THOMPSON, LILA JUNE POST, 78, of Kenneth City, formerly of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Boyne City, Mich., she came here in 1983 from New Port Richey and had moved to New Port Richey from Muskegon, Mich. She attended Victory Nazarene Church in Kenneth City and was active with the Pinellas Park Senior Center. Survivors include two sons, David Post and Richard Post, both of St. Petersburg; a daughter, Rosanne Justian, Roosevelt Park, Mich.; seven brothers and sisters; and six grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Largo

BRAVO, HENRY W., 79, of Largo, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Colonial Care Kenneth City, St. Petersburg. He was born in St. Petersburg and was a lifetime area resident. He retired as an inspector for Honeywell, Largo, and he retired from the Navy. He was a Mason, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Fleet Reserve. Survivors include two sons, David, New Port Richey, and Frederick W., Old Town; two daughters, Alice C. Davis, St. Petersburg and Harriet N. Hinves, Canada; and seven grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.
BRANSTROM, CLARREEN I., 67, of Largo, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at home. She was born in St. Cloud, Minn., and came here in 1986 from Wilmette, Ill. She was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Charles and Thomas Tierney, a daughter, Mary Tierney-Gibson, and two granddaughters. National Cremation Society, Largo.
CASPER, AILENE REID, 89, of Largo, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001) at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Palmyra, Ill., and came here in 1970 from Waukegan, Ill., where she retired after 40 years as a teacher with the Lake County school system. Survivors include a brother, Charles Reid, California; a grandson, Robert Casper, Wahiawa, Hawaii; a granddaughter, Cathie Kinnaman, Inola, Okla.; and three great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
HOLDA, CARRIE E., 89, of Largo, formerly of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Hamtramck, Mich., and came here in 1947 from Detroit, where she was a beautician. She was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Gerald, Clearwater; and two grandsons, Kelly Holda, Clearwater, and Kevin Holda, Oklahoma. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
LACY, WALTER F. "TRACY," 71, of Largo, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. He was born in Wallingford, Conn., and came here in 1967 from Connecticut. He worked as a bus driver for the Pinellas County school system and was a certified hypnotherapist. He was a Navy veteran and a member of the Internal Association of Counselors and Therapists. Survivors include three stepdaughters, Kathleen Gregg-Summers and Faith (Gregg) Mueller, both of St. Petersburg, and Liz Gregg-Baldt, Phoenix; a sister, Marianne Lacy, Wallingford; three brothers, Richard H., East Haven, Conn., Thomas and David, both of Wallingford; and his companion of 18 years, Elizabeth Mayhanagian, Pinellas Park. Taylor Family Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
VAZQUEZ, RAMONA L., 47, of Largo, died Saturday (Sept. 29, 2001) at Tierra Pines Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Binghamton, N.Y., and came here in 1976 from Beltsvile, Md. Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Theodore J.; a daughter, Rebecca Roloon, Pinellas Park; her mother, Leah Ingraham, Wilmington, N.C.; two brothers, Crawford Ingraham, Wilmington, and Ray Harris, Lake City; four sisters, Dora Fales, Colleen Kane and Penny Perry, all of Wilmington, and Leah Ingram, New York. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

Pinellas Park

CABRAL, FRANCIS J., 85, of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at home. Born in Westport, Mass., he came here in 1965 from Swansea, Mass. He was a retired heavy machinery mechanic. He was active in Scouting as a committee member for the West Central Florida District and locally for Troop 320. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Esther; two sons, Francis J. Jr., Pinellas Park, and Jay, Clearwater; a daughter, Esther L. King, St. Petersburg; a brother, Alfred L., San Diego; and two grandchildren, Ashley Cabral, Clearwater, and Hannah King, St. Petersburg. Osgood-Cloud Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pinellas Park.
HARTMANN, RAYMOND J., 73, of Pinellas Park, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Kalamazoo, Mich., he came here in 1957 from Tyler, Texas. He was a former mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service and was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Geraldine R.; two sons, Travis, Pinellas Park, and Scott, Homosassa; three daughters, Anita Hartmann-Swindell, Lakewood, Colo., and Cindy Cavanaugh and Colleen Fuller, both of St. Petersburg; two brothers, Larry, Floral City, and Bobby Henwood, Yankeetown; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
SPINNEY, RALPH E., 76, of 9890 Mainlands Blvd. W, Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Bayfront Medical Center. Born in Kittery, Maine, he came here in 1983 from Maine. He was a sales manager for Bendix Corp. and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New London, N.H. He belonged to Masonic lodges in Kittery, Natick, Mass., and Saco, Maine. He also belonged to the Egypt Shrine Temple in Tampa and the Mainlands Unit 1 Men's Club. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Carol Rivers, Sterling Heights, Mich.; a son, David, Coral Springs; a stepdaughter, Susan Roos, New London; two grandchildren; and a stepgrandchild. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.

Safety Harbor

McLERNON, HOWARD ROBERT, 88, of Safety Harbor, died Wednesday (Sept. 3, 2001) at Manor Care Palm Harbor nursing home. He came here in 1983 from his native Buffalo, N.Y., where he retired as an educator. He was a teacher and principal in the Clarence and Tonowanda school districts of western New York for 37 years and retired after 19 years as principal at Herbert Hoover Elementary School. His professional memberships included Kenmore Teachers Association, Kenmore School Masters, Kenmore Retired Educators Association and the Kenmore Kiwanis Club. He was a former member of Rotary and a member of Washington Lodge 240 F&AM, Scottish Rite and Ismailia Temple AAONMS, all of Buffalo. He was a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor. Survivors include his wife, Irene S. (Porter); two daughters, Gwen Crosson, Kenmore, N.Y., and Ellen Morray, Springfield, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Deanna Porter Gnadt, Anaheim Hills, Calif.; two sisters, Ruth Pudvin, Sarasota, and Ethel Andujar, Kenmore; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Curlew Hills Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.

St. Petersburg

BAKER, BENELL M., 70, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at Bayfront Medical Center. She came here in 1949 from her native Lyons, Ga. She was a nurses aide and a member of 20th Street Church of Christ. Survivors include a son, Harvey, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Louwarn Walker-Baker, Houston; five brothers, Lonnie Mincey and Tabul Mincey, both of Miami, Jashua Mincey, New Jersey, and Sonnie Mincey and Alex Wade, both of St. Petersburg; and two sisters, Adell Sanford, St. Petersburg, and Addie Wells, Newark, N.J. Zion Hill Mortuary, St. Petersburg.
BALISTRIERE, JAMES A., 78, of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Manor Care of St. Petersburg. Born in Madison, Wis., he came here in 1989 from Rockford, Ill. He was retired and was Catholic. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Eleanor; three daughters, Jeanne Bauer, Brooksville, Rebecca Neblock, Roscoe, Ill., and Denise Wallis, Rockford; and 10 grandchildren. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.
BELLIS, SHJON MICHAEL "LITTLE MAN," infant son of Autumn M. Johnson and Shawn R. Bellis, both of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Sept. 28, 2001) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute after he was struck by a car. Other survivors include two brothers, Steven E. Lamberson III and Corey J. Lamberson, both of Kokomo, Ind.; his paternal grandmother and paternal stepgrandfather, Kaaren and Bob Davidson, Largo; his paternal grandfather, John Bellis, St. Petersburg; his maternal grandmother, Vicki C. Pease, Raleigh, N.C.; his maternal grandfather, Stanley Johnson, St. Petersburg; his maternal great-grandmother, Carol Richardson; and his paternal great-grandmother, Ann Steele, both of St. Petersburg. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
BLEWITT, ROBERT, 69, of Battle Mountain, Nev., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Tuesday (Sept. 25, 2001) at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, Reno, Nev. Born in Philadelphia, he came here in 1977 and moved to Battle Mountain three months ago. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include his wife, Cindy; five sons, Michael Blewitt and David Blewitt, of Pennsylvania, and Robert Atkinson, Richard Atkinson and John Atkinson, all of New Jersey; and a stepson, George Huntington, Battle Mountain; a brother, John, Philadelphia; and 10 grandchildren. O'Brien-Rogers & Crosby Funeral Home, Reno, Nev.
BRASSARD, DONALD E., 64, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Temple Terrace, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Woonsocket, R.I., he came here in 1991 from Temple Terrace. He was a retired dialysis technician at James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. He was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, the Knights of Columbus and the Federation of Musicians. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Irene A.; two sons, Donald R., Sandy, Utah, and David W., Tampa; a daughter, Donna E. Oakleaf, Tampa; his mother, Aime Bethe Brassard, Slatesville, R.I.; and nine grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.
DEPTULA, STANLEY W., 89, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001). Born in Erie, Pa., he came here in 1975 from Pasadena, Calif. He retired as a salesman for a clothing company in Pasadena. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Also, he was an avid league bowler and was in the American Bowling Congress Erie District Hall of Fame. He was a disabled veteran and a member of the Elks Club in Pasadena. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Alice E.; a sister, Helen Deptula Somers, Bayonne, N.J.; and a niece, Kandace Cumella, Cresskill, N.J. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg.
DILLAHUNTY, RUTH J., 78, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at home. Born in Milwaukee, Wis., she came here in 1966 from Columbus, Miss. She retired as a civil servant at MacDill Air Force Base after working for the military for 20 years. She was a member of All Children's Hospital Bowling League, Northeast High Band Boosters League and the Officer's Wives Club at MacDill Air Force Base. Survivors include three sons, Lee, Larry and Dreux, all of St. Petersburg; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
FINCHER, WILLIAM EDWARD JR., 57, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Sept. 29, 2001) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. Born in LaGrange, Ga., he came here in 1979 from DeKalb, Ill. He worked for and was a member of the Salvation Army in St. Petersburg. He was an Army veteran. Survivors include a son, Dionne, Opdyke, Ill.; a daughter, Debra Lynn Nowicki, Mount Vernon, Ill.; and his mother, Martha J. May, St. Petersburg. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
KAUFMANN, JENNIE E., 94, of Niskayuna, N.Y., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at Hallmark Nursing Home in Rotterdam, N.Y. Born in Russia, she came here in 1971 from Bronx, N.Y. She was a piece worker for an umbrella factory. She was a former member of B'nai Israel in St. Petersburg. Survivors include a son, Joseph J., Houston; a daughter, Elaine Lubert, Niskayuna; a sister, Sylvia Kahn, St. Petersburg; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. International Funeral Home, Pinellas Park.
KING, JAMES, 78, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Sept. 29, 2001) at Heartland of St. Petersburg Nursing Home. Survivors include a sister, Donna Parmer; and a niece, Tracey Parmer. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
MILLNER, MICHAEL L., 42, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) in the emergency room at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. He came here in 1994 from his native Memphis, Tenn. He was a self-employed painting contractor and attended Friendship Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Michael C., Texas; his parents, Eddie L. and Robbie L., and his sister, Sherri Pherigo, all of St. Petersburg; and two grandchildren. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
RICHARDSON, EDDIE STEVENS, 52, of Lathrup Village, Mich., formerly of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001) in Providence Hospital, Southfield, Mich. He was born in Leesburg. He was self-employed and a 1966 graduate of Gibbs High School. He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Lathrup Village. Survivors include his wife, Darlene; three daughters, Angel Richardson, Shatina Richardson and Calina Leggett, all of Lathrup Village; his father, Joe, Roberta, Ga.; three brothers, Freddie, Los Angeles, Samuel, Detroit, and Joe, Apopka; and three sisters, Ida Rolle and Shirley Richardson, both of St. Petersburg, and Martha Richardson, Detroit. McRae Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.
ROBSON, LESLIE R. "JACK," 81, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Palm Shores Retirement Center after a long illness. He moved to St. Petersburg from his native Tampa in 1953. He grew up on and around the water, and served in the Navy as a navigation chief on destroyers during World War II. He was a former vice president of sales at Misener Marine and operated his own yacht brokerage business in St. Petersburg for 18 years. He was a successful navigator and helmsman in the Southern Ocean Racing Conference and the Florida Ocean Racing Association. Survivors include a son, Lin C. Robson, St. Pete Beach, a sister, Evelyn Stelmat, Bellaire; two nieces, Judith Holly and Suzanne Dahlvick, and a long-time companion, Pauline Nichols. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.
SCOTT, GLADYS M., 75, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday (Sept. 30, 2001) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, South Pasadena. Born in Normandy, Tenn., he came here 37 years ago from Warren, Mich. He was Christian and a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. Survivors include a son, John T. Waselesk II, New Baltimore, Mich.; a daughter, Beverly Hudgins, Clearwater; and a brother, Houston B. Couch, Blacksburg, Va.; and six grandchildren. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.
WHITE, ROBERT HENRY, 82, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Sept. 27, 2001) at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Worcester, Mass., he came here in 1988 from Miami. He was an airplane mechanic for Pan American World Airlines for 20 years in Miami. He was an Army corporal during World War II. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg and the American Legion and Elks Lodge, both of Miami. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Margaret; a son, Edmond, Miami; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
WHITNEY, JAMES ROBERT, 53, of Ruskin, formerly of Ridge Manor, St. Petersburg and Tampa, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at Tampa General Hospital of pancreatic cancer. Born in Geneva, Ohio, he came to Ridge Manor in 1954 as it was being developed by his grandfather, J. Earl Miller, and moved to St. Petersburg in 1962, where his mother, Elizabeth Whitney, had taken a position with the St. Petersburg Times. He moved to Tampa in 1987. He attended elementary school and junior high school in Brooksville and was a 1966 graduate of Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, where he was a Radford Star cadet, a lieutenant junior grade and lettered three years in football, basketball and track. He received honorable mention on the All-Conference Football Team. He received an associate of arts degree at St. Petersburg Junior College and attended the University of Florida, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After college, he became a general contractor and built hundreds of homes in Gainesville and Palatka. In 1987, he opened Ridge Manor Properties Inc., a family-owned commercial real estate investment and management company, in Tampa. A sailing enthusiast, he belonged to the Manatee Sailing Association. Survivors include his wife, Mary; his mother, Elizabeth Whitney, St. Petersburg; a nephew, Kenneth Scott Whitney Jr., Gainesville; an aunt and uncle, Yvonne and James Miller, Balboa Island, Calif.; and an aunt, Dora Porter, Geneva. Lewers Funeral Home, Ruskin.

Seminole

FENNER, ROBERTA P., 99, of Seminole, formerly of Gulfport, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Freedom Inn. Born in Nelsonville, Ohio, she came here in 1953 from Delaware, Ohio. She was a member of Pasadena Community Church. She was a real estate salesperson for Bud Markem Realty from 1956 to 1987. She was a member of the Gulfport Historical Society, Gulfport Community Players and a volunteer for the Boca Ciega High School Band Boosters. Survivors include a son, George, Seminole; two daughters, Dolores Breece, Delaware, Ohio, and Judy Ryerson, Gulfport; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.
JOHNSON, ALICE W., 96, of Seminole, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Oak Manor Nursing Home in Clearwater. Born in Sweden, she came here in 1971 from Addison, Ill. She was a homemaker and was Baptist. Survivors include a daughter, Evelyn Barnes, Pinellas Park; three stepsons, Earl Wall, Ava, Mo., Leonard Wall, Hudson, Wis., and Kenneth Wall, Iola, Wis.; a stepdaughter, Violet Moe, Glenwood City, Wis. National Cremation Clearwater, St. Petersburg.
OSINGA, MILDRED T., 86, of Seminole, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Sweetwater at Largo. Born in Melvin, Ill., she came here in 1957 from Michigan. She retired from JCPenney as a sales clerk. She was Methodist and a former co-owner of Park Gulf Service Station. Survivors include two sons, Walter, Seminole, and Randall M., Argyle, Texas; two sisters, Eleanor Gedelman, Asheville, N.C., and Anita Hari, Worden, Mont.; a brother, Gordon Talbot, Winter Garden; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Seminole.
TRAPP, JOHN LEWIS, 75, of Seminole, died Wednesday (Oct 3, 2001) at home. He came here in 1985 from his native Rochester, N.Y. He retired from the DuPont Co. He was Presbyterian. He was an Army veteran of World War II and member of the Elks Club and DAV. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Jane; a son, Lee F., Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Lynette Meloling, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Royal Palm Funeral Chapel & Cemetery North, St. Petersburg.

South Pinellas Back to top

BUELOW, ARTHUR E., 78, of Largo, died Tuesday (Oct. 2, 2001) at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and came here in 1975 from Mequon, Wis. He was a marble setter in the construction industry. He was am Army veteran of World War II and a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Largo. Survivors include his wife, Lorraine; a daughter, Joan Mieritz, Kansas City, Mo.; a sister, Elinor Cummings, Fullerton, Calif.; and two grandchildren. American Burial & Cremation, Dunedin.

HUNTOON, JOANNA B. "JO-JO," 31, of Largo, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at home. She was born in Portland, Maine, and came here in 1978 from Casco, Maine. Survivors include her husband of eight years, Kevin J.; a daughter, Domenique Huntoon, Largo; her mother, Beth Lane, Largo; and her grandmother, Lucille Hamilton, St. Petersburg. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.

St. Pete Beach

McELVERY, ARTHUR W., 79, of St. Pete Beach, died Friday (Oct. 5, 2001) at home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here in 2000 from Greenwich, Conn., where he had been a captain in the Greenwhich Fire Department. He was a retired electrician. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of St. John Catholic Church in St. Pete Beach. Survivors include his wife of 58 years; Kathryn; a son, Arthur W. Jr., St. Pete Beach; and seven grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Beach Chapel, St. Pete Beach.
VAZQUEZ, RAMONA L., 47, of St. Pete Beach, died Saturday (Sept. 29, 2001) at Tierra Pines Health Care Center, Largo. She was born in Binghamton, N.Y., and came here in 1976 from Beltsvile, Md. Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Theodore J.; a daughter, Rebecca Roloon, Pinellas Park; her mother, Leah Ingraham, Wilmington, N.C.; two brothers, Crawford Ingraham, Wilmington, and Ray Harris, Lake City; four sisters, Dora Fales, Colleen Kane and Penny Perry, all of Wilmington, and Leah Ingraham, New York. ALifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
YEAGLEY, FRANCES M., 88, of Hobe Sound, formerly of St. Pete Beach, died Monday (Oct. 1, 2001) at Manor Care, Hobe Sound. She was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Hobe Sound. Survivors include two sons, Tom, Nashville, Tenn., and Jim, Port St. Lucie; and three grandchildren. Royal Palm Funeral Home & Cemetery, West Palm Beach.

South Pasadena

LeDOUX, ALFRED E., 95, of South Pasadena, died Thursday (Oct. 4, 2001) at Seminole Nursing Pavilion. Born in South Bridge, Mass., he came here in 1980 from Rochester, N.Y. He was a musician in a community orchestra in South Pasadena for several years. He was an Army veteran and a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Gulfport. Survivors include a son, Eugene, Rochester; and a grandson, John LeDoux. National Cremation Clearwater, St. Petersburg.
SMITH, NORMA E., 92, of South Pasadena, died Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2001) at Sun Coast Hospital. She came here in 1972 from her native Cincinnati and was a member of Knights of Columbus, the Madeira Beach Senior Citizens Club and was a volunteer at the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines. Survivors include a son, Thomas J., San Diego; two daughters, Shirley Hooker, Cincinnati, and Dolores Leigh, Madeira Beach; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Gulfport Memorial Funeral Home.