St. Petersburg Times Online: Obituaries

SUNCOAST OBITUARIES

Saturday, December 30, 2000

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

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

BACHMAN, WALTER R., 77, of Citrus Springs, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000). Born in New York City, he came here 13 years ago from Smithtown, N.Y., and was a retired maintenance mechanic. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Evangelical Church, Penno VFW Post 4864, both in Citrus Springs, and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Margaret Debusson Bachman; two sons, Walter R. Jr., Honolulu, and Robert John, St. James, N.Y.; three sisters, Clara Simon, Bradenton, Florence D'Esposito and Anna Minikel, both of New York; and three grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Beverly Hills Chapel.

BURNS, WILBUR R., 85, of Hernando, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000). Born in Bowling Green, he came here 20 years ago from Miami and was a retired concrete foreman. He was Baptist. Survivors include two brothers, Robert, Spring Hill, and Winifer, Homestead. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inverness.

BUTLER, ARNOLD C., 73, of Inglis and Knightstown, Ind., died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Tripplett, Ky., he was a winter resident here for the past 10 years from Knightstown. He was a town marshal for the city of Knightsville, Ind., and was an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Gloria Brown Butler; two sons, Cliff and Chuck, both of Knightstown; a daughter, Ginny Benz, Connersville, Ind.; seven brothers; four sisters; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

COLLATZ, FREDERICK W., 67, of Beverly Hills, died Monday (Dec. 25, 2000). Born in Blue Island, Ill., he came here seven years ago from Dolton, Ill. He worked for the B&O Railroad and the C.O. Railroad, Riverdale, Ill. He was Lutheran, a member of the Beverly Hills Association, the American Legion, the United Residents of Beverly Hills and was an Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, Irene; two daughters, Carol Carlos, Austin, Texas, and Jo Ann Keyes, Dallas; two sisters, Beverly J. Arversen, Rice Lake, Wis., and Gloria A. Collatz, Blue Island; three granddaughters; and a great-grandson. Fero Funeral Home with Crematory, Beverly Hills.

GOULD, JOSEPH C., 55, of Homosassa, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home under the care of his family and Hospice House of Citrus County. He came here 10 years ago from his native Syracuse, N.Y. He was a clerk for Circle K convenience store for nine years and was a Coast Guard veteran. He was Catholic. Survivors include three daughters, Jewel Gould, Homosassa, Melissa and Shelly Staniec, both of Kirksville, Ill.; two sisters, JoAnn Harrington, Wilmington, N.C., and Margaret Garlock, LaFayette, N.Y.; a grandson; and his companion, Judith Boswell, Homosassa. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

SPAULDING, ADOLPH B. JR. "AL," 69, of Beverly Hills, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at Citrus Memorial Hospital, Inverness. Born in Battle Creek, Mich., he came here eight years ago from Ocala. He was a retired firefighter with the Battle Creek Fire Department with 27 years of service. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Inverness, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Donna Jean Hepler Spaulding; a son, Gerald B., Ocala; two daughters, Diana M. Davis and Denise C. Griffin, both of Ocala; a brother, Richard W., Battle Creek; a sister, Marguerite Kenniston, Saline, Mich.; and four grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

Hernando County Back to top

CUNNINGHAM, MARGARET MARIE, 86, of Brookridge, Brooksville, died Monday (Dec. 4, 2000) at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, Ill. Born in Racine, Wis., she came here 20 years ago from Bensenville, Ill. She was a retired office clerk for Beeline Fashions and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and its Women's Guild. Survivors include two sons, John F., Arlington Heights, and David M., Schaumburg, Ill.; a daughter, Kathleen Self, Garland, Texas; a brother, Earl Decker, Racine; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Brooksville.

HICKS, LIZZIE K. "DEAL," 89, of Brooksville, formerly of Tampa, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at Brooksville Regional Hospital. Born in Uvalda, Ga., she moved to Brooksville seven years ago from Tampa where she was a meat packer for Lykes Brothers. She was Baptist. Survivors include two sons, James Wallace Deal, Brooksville, and Rufus Deal, Twin City, Ga.; a brother, Noah Kersey, Swainsboro, Ga.; two sisters, Pencey Collins, Lyons, Ga., and Edna Brinson, Interlachen; and three grandchildren. Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville Chapel.

MORRISON, ANNETTE, 74, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Brooksville Health Care Center. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she came here 13 years ago from Roselle, Ill. She was a retired computer operator and member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and the Ball and Chain Bowling League. Survivors include her husband, Robert E.; two sons, George Austin, Cape Coral, and David Austin, Streamwood, Ill.; two stepsons, Robert, Port Richey, and Richard, Massapequa, N.Y.; two sisters, Alvera Vigilante, Brooklyn, and Rosina Meola, Fort Lee, N.J.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Pinecrest Funeral Chapel, Spring Hill.

OLSEN, PETER ALAEN, 77, of Spring Hill, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Brooksville Health Care Center Hospice Unit. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he came here 14 years ago from St. James, N.Y., and was a retired self-employed maintenance man. He was Catholic and a member of the Senior Citizens Club and Moose Lodge 521, both in Spring Hill, and the Elks Lodge, Smithtown, N.Y. Survivors include his wife, Mae; a son, Peter, St. James; a daughter, Patricia Heaney, Somerville, Va.; three sisters, Ida Runkle, Spring Hill, Elsie Rummel, Holiday, and Ruth Bowen, Sarasota; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Robert & Son Cremation Service, Spring Hill/Brooksville.

PRUESS, PAUL HENRY, 70, of Spring Hill, died Friday (Dec. 29, 2000) at Hernando Pasco Hospice House, Brooksville. Born in Milwaukee, he came here 12 years ago from Green Bay, Wis. He was a retired truck driver and member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Spring Hill, Teamsters Union Local 200 and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, both in Wisconsin. Survivors include his wife, Gertrude; a son, Paul D., Brooksville; three daughters, Jean Paulinski and Wendy Pruess, both of Sussex, Wis., and Terri Higgins, Milwaukee; a brother, Carl W., Madison, Wis.; a sister, Joan Keenan, Brookfield, Wis.; and four grandchildren. Robert & Son Cremation Service, Spring Hill/Brooksville.

Hillsborough County Back to top

CHACON, MARIA A., 97, of Tampa, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. Born in Cuba, she came here 40 years ago. She was a homemaker and was Baptist. Survivors include two daughters, Mercedes Fernandez and Julia Palomina, both of Tampa; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Armenia Chapel, Tampa.

COLLINS, LISA D'ERAMO, 41, of Tampa, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000). Born in Bridgeport, Conn., she came to Florida 19 years ago. She was a dental hygienist for Dr. Muscaro, DDS, in Tampa, she was a member of the Florida Hygienist Association and was an active member and minister for Christ the King Church in Tampa. Survivors include her companion, Martin L. Shine; her parents; three sons, Brett D., Ian M., and Luke C., all of Tampa; a sister, Gail D. Melkus, Orange, Conn.; and three brothers, Michael A., Huntington, Conn., Gary J., Bridgeport, and Eric M., Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Orange, Conn.

EHLE, EVIE M., 89, of Tampa, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at University Community Hospital in Carrollwood. Born in Saluda, S.C., she came here in 1926. She was a cashier for Touchton Drug Store and was a member of Tampa Baptist Church. Survivors include three daughters, Veda Allison, Betty Mullins, and Bonnie Jean Langford, all of Tampa; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Swilley Funeral Home, Tampa.

MOODY, PEGGY PIERCE, 84, of Temple Terrace, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2000) in Temple Terrace. She was born in Big Sandy, Tenn. She was a teacher and member of the First United Methodist Church of Tampa. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Moody Neal, Temple Terrace, and Judith Jane Moody Oehler, Arlington, Texas; a sister, Polyanna Lindsey Askew, Big Sandy; and two grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Garden of Memories Chapel, Tampa.

JOYNER, MARIE N., 84, of Plant City, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) in South Carolina. Born in Lake City, she was a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. She was a homemaker and member of Springhead United Methodist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Garrett, Greer, S.C.; three sons, D. Glenn, Valrico, M. Randy Joyner, Plant City, and Michael Steven Joyner, Sneads; a brother, Johnny R. Johnson, Crystal River; five sisters, Leo Williams, Evelyn Lassiter, and Betty Hinson, all of Plant City, Thelma Aycock, Brandon, and Geraldine Biebericher, Alabama; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City.

MERCER, UTEVA, 79, of Seffner, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Brandon Regional Hospital. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, D.J.; a son, Gary, Seffner; a sister, Eva Standard, Dover; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Stowers Funeral Home, Brandon.

RAIRIGH, ARLENE M., 83, of Tampa, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) in Tampa. Born in West Middlesex, Pa., she came here in 1946. She was a homemaker and member of the Florida Gators Booster Club. Survivors include a daughter, Minnie Bell, Tampa; three sons, Pat and David, both of Lutz, and Ray, Land O'Lakes; two sisters, Evelyn Holton, Clearwater and Violet Reiter, Arlington, Va.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Lutz-Land O'Lakes Chapel, Lutz.

VILLAFANE, JUAN, 88, of Zephyrhills, formerly of Tampa, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2000) at Hospice House, Dade City. Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to Zephyrhills 20 years ago from Tampa and was a retired postal worker. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Emma; a daughter, Emma Zell, Jacksonville; two brothers, Ramon and Herminio, both of Puerto Rico; a sister, Amparo Villafane, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and one grandson. Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

Pasco County Back to top

ASPDEN, BERNYCE "BENI," 81, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Dec. 29, 2000) at home. She came here 22 years ago from her native Milwaukee, where she was a secretary for that city for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church, Holiday. Survivors include two sisters, Fern Pufahl, Menomonie Falls, Wis., and Gladys Graack, Milwaukee. Dignified Funeral Alternatives, Holiday.

BENCIK, ARTHUR DAVID, 78, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Dec. 23, 2000) at Shands at the University of Florida, Gainesville. He came here 23 years ago from his native Indianapolis where he retired as captain of the Traffic Division for the Indianapolis Police Department. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Retired Officers Association of Indianapolis, the Republican Party, the Holy Family Council, the Knights of Columbus 5869, Port Richey, the Antelope Club and the Pal Club. He was an avid golfer and served as a ranger with the Links golf course, Hudson. Survivors include a brother, Edward J. Jr.; and three sisters, Anna Smith, Margaret Dyke and Charlene Hanson. Stevens Mortuary, Indianapolis.

BLOOM, RAMONA L., 71, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Dec. 29, 2000) at North Bay Medical Center, New Port Richey. She came here two years ago from her native Grand Rapids, Mich. She was a retired factory worker and a member of the Hen Club, Grand Rapids. Survivors include four sons, Sean Peckham, Holiday, William Leach, Grand Rapids, Chuck Peckham, Seattle, and Allen Peckham, New Port Richey; a daughter, Linda Shermeta, Grand Rapids; two brothers, Calvin Northrup, Muskegon, Mich., and Jarry Northrup, Howard City, Mich.; a sister, Beverly Doxtater, Wyoming, Mich.; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

BURT, RONALD MICHAEL, 42, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. Born in Chicago, he came here eight years ago from Romeoville, Ill. He was an assembler of locomotive engines for Electro Motives Division, General Motors, McCook, Ill., and Athens, Ala., for 14 years. He was Christian. Survivors include two sons, Ronald M. Jr., Romeoville, and Michael Burt Evans, Naperville, Ill.; two daughters, Amanda Burt, Romeoville, and Ashley Burt, Naperville; his parents, Richard F. and Vivian Burt, Romeoville; three brothers, Richard F. Jr. and Rory T., both of Romeoville, and Robert K., Hanover Park, Ill.; a sister, Laureen A. Mataya, Sandwich, Ill.; and a grandson. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey.

FITZGERALD, MARIAN R., 78, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Dec. 29, 2000) at Harborside Healthcare Gulf Coast, New Port Richey. She came here 18 years ago from her native Cleveland. She was a legal secretary and member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband, Thomas; a son, Thomas C., Reno, Nev.; two daughters, Janice Jean Kincaid, Lakewood, Colo., and Nancy Hughes, Aurora, Colo.; a brother, Charles Valek, Westminster, Calif.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

GARAFALO, GASPER J., 77, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Detroit, he came here 11 years ago from Clinton Township, Mich., and retired from the automotive industry. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife, Celia; a stepdaughter, Joyce Ranney, Ann Arbor, Mich.; a brother, John, Commerce Township, Mich.; four sisters, Vita Garafalo, Fraser, Mich., Mary Maratta, Roseville, Mich., Josephine Martin, Warren, Mich., and Grace Burton, Clinton Township; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

NEWLON, JOHN D., 84, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Harborside Health Care Gulf Coast, New Port Richey. Born in Buckhannon, W.Va., he came here 23 years ago from Syracuse, N.Y. He was a tool maker for Smith-Corona and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was Methodist and a member of the VFW and the Elks CLub. Survivors include his wife, Doris; three sons, Tom Ryan, Brooksville, John Peter, Kissimmee, and J. David, Albuquerque, N.M.; a daughter, Lucy Sylvester, Manlius, N.Y.; three sisters, Kathryn Givens, Vestal, N.Y., Lucille Dummitt, Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Ruth Sovacool, Groton, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

RICKIE, AGNES M., 89, of New Port Richey, died Friday (Dec. 29, 2000) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Spring Valley, N.Y., she came here 10 years ago from Apopka. She was a retired licensed practical nurse. She was Episcopalian. Survivors include a son, George Everson, Boonville, N.Y.; three daughters, Christine VanDeilen, Fletcher, N.C., Joyce Youngman, Orangeburg, N.Y., and Gerry Wolf, Port Richey; a brother, George Petry, Pomona, N.Y.; a sister, Grace Wright, Stony Point, N.Y.; 22 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. Arlington Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

SULLIVAN, NELLIE MARIE, 95, of Holiday, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at Harborside Healthcare-Gulf Coast, New Port Richey. Born in Seiling, Okla., she came here 31 years ago from Worcester, Mass., where she was a bookkeeper for the Assessor's Office. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tarpon Springs, American Legion Paradise Post 79, New Port Richey and a Women's Army Corps veteran of World War II. Survivors include a brother, Louis Moore, Hurricane, Utah; and a sister, Ellen Brown, Fitchburg, Mass. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday.

VOJTECH, ARTHUR O., 88, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at North Bay Medical Center, New Port Richey. Born in Smithfield, Ohio, he came here 21 years ago from Pittsburgh, where he was a bus driver for the Pittsburgh Railway Co. He was Presbyterian and a member of the Moose Lodge, Tarpon Springs, and the Hacienda Village Civic Association, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Louise; and a sister, Elsie Kovarik, Dillonvale, Ohio. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey.

WAXER, ELLEN I., 78, of Port Richey, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. Born in Port Huron, Mich., she came here 13 years ago from Onsted, Mich., and was a cashier for Kroger Grocery Stores. She was a member of Peace of Unity Church, Port Richey, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Michigan. Survivors include a son, Thomas Wood, Adrian, Mich.; two daughters, Louise Zupancic, Port Richey, and Anna Osgood, Brooklyn, N.Y.; 32 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. Ambassador Mortuary Service, Oldsmar.

WEISS-MILLER, MARY JANE, 78, of Hudson, died Sunday (Dec. 24, 2000) at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Born in Scotland, Ind., she came here 38 years ago from Indianapolis and was a homemaker. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Jessie; a son, Gary Wilson, Hudson; a daughter, Janice Meyers, Hudson; a brother, Bruce Martindale, Hudson; three sisters, Jean Solo, New Port Richey, Patricia Wilson and Joan May, both of Spring Hill; and two grandchildren. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

WEST, HELEN "MARGIE," 73, of Dade City, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2000) at Heritage Park Specialty Care Center. She was a longtime resident of Springfield, Ill., and came here six months ago from Lakeland. She was a sales representative for Robyn Lynne's for 22 years and a member of Victory Church, Lakeland. Survivors include two sons, Timothy, California, and Matthew, Orange Park; a daughter, Susan Fannin, Dade City; two brothers, Wayne and Quade Jackson; and six grandchildren. Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

WISHARD, HUBERT S., 93, of New Port Richey, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Southern Pines Nursing Home. Born in Wheeler, Ill., he came here 20 years ago from Mount Clemens, Mich. He was an experimental engineer for Chrysler Corp, Highland Park, Mich., and member of the Community Congregational Church, New Port Richey, and the Bayview Yacht Club, Detroit. Survivors include his wife, Pauline; three daughters, Nancy Howard, Shorewood, Ill., Virginia McLellan, Port Huron, Mich., and Susan Lewis, Shelby Township, Mich.; a sister, Virginia Savage, San Clemente, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

North Pinellas Back to top

Clearwater

BAILIE, JUNE IONA, 79, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at Dunedin Care Center. She was born in Chicago and came here several years ago from Romeoville, Ill. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, James, Dunedin. Holloway Funeral Home, Oldsmar.
ESPOSITO, ANTONINO "NINO," 77, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Italy and came here in 1955 from Positano, Italy. He operated Nino's Catering business in downtown Clearwater for 35 years and owned the business for more than 40 years. He owned and operated Nino's Restaurant from 1970 to 1977 in the same location as the catering business. He was Catholic. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Dorothy Bush; a son, Steven, Clearwater; and two sisters, Natalina and Assunta, both of Italy. Rhodes Funeral Directors, Druid Road Chapel, Clearwater.
FREEDMAN, JOSEPH, 79, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He came here in 1990 from his native Boston, where he owned the Creative Communication public relations firm. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Survivors include two sons, Lewis, Anchorage, Alaska, and Alan, Boston; a daughter, Barbara Freedman, Santa Monica, Calif.; a sister, Adele French-Freedman, New York City; and three grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.
HECKMAN, LINA "TERRY," 86, of Clearwater Beach, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2000) at Bayview Nursing Pavilion. She was born in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., and came here in 1974 from Plainfield, N.J. She worked in sales at Alphonso's on Island Estates. She was a member of the Italian-American Club. Survivors include two nieces, Peggy Lee Bishop, Winona, Minn., and Norma Jean Bishop, Italy; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg.
HOLLIMAN, CARL A., 53, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. He was born in Mobile, Ala., and came here in 1989 from New York City. He worked as a customer service representative for Florida Power in its Clearwater phone center. He was a 1966 graduate of Central High School, Bridgeport, Conn., and completed his sophomore year at Fairfield University, Bridgeport. Survivors include his mother, Floretta Jefferson, Clearwater; and a sister, Pearl Mauldin, Mobile. Young's Funeral Home, Clearwater.
LiBIS, NORMAN E., 76, of Clearwater, died Monday (Dec. 25, 2000) at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor. He was born in Randolph, Ohio, and came here in 1988 from Beaverton, Ore. He owned and operated a trucking company. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a Methodist. Survivors include a son, Larry E., Colorado Springs, Colo.; two daughters, Terri L. Ward, Northville, Mich., and Cheryl L. Campbell, Chicago; two brothers, Glenn, Lakewood, Colo., and Charles, Santa Monica, Calif.; a sister, Alma Jones, Stow, Ohio; five grandchildren; and a companion, Michael Morroni, Clearwater. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Belcher Road Chapel, Clearwater.
MENNONA, ANTHONY P., 48, of Clearwater, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at home. He came here in 1983 from his native Port Chester, N.Y. He was an artist and a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor. Survivors include his mother, Flora Yantorno, Clearwater; a brother, John Yantorno, Clearwater; and two nephews, Norwalk, Conn. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.
VANDERHOEF, IRMGARD, 93, of Clearwater, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Mease Continuing Care, Dunedin. She was born in Two Rivers, Wis., and came here in 1983 from Holland, Mich. She was a homemaker and a member of Skycrest United Methodist Church, Clearwater. Survivors include a son, Fred, Clearwater; a daughter, Joan Gail Nagy, Royal Oak, Mich.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, Clearwater.

Largo

FRITTON, WILLIAM M., 80, of Largo, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Palm Garden of Pinellas under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He came here in 1978 from his native Lockport, N.Y., where he worked two years as a sports editor of the Union-Sun and Journal. For more than 25 years, he was an English instructor and academic adviser at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served in the Third Armored Division in Europe. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Largo; the American Legion, Madeira Beach; and Seminole Elks. Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Bernice M.; a niece, Ann Volkman, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; a nephew, Frederick Dahl, Tucson, Ariz.; and several other nieces and nephews. A Life Tribute Funeral Care, St. Petersburg.
GALISIN, EVA, 82, of Largo, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Largo Medical Center. She was born in Lyndora, Pa., and came here in 1985 from Butler, Pa. She was a member of Harvest Temple Church of God, Largo. Survivors include a son, the Rev. David Galisin, Gahanna, Ohio; a daughter, Diana M. Ellison, Seminole; two sisters, Katherine Penar, Springhill, and Mary Chupka, Butler, Pa.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
NEWMAN, BETTY R., 70, of Largo, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. She came here in 1963 from her native Louisville, Ky. She worked as an office clerk for the Largo Narrows Park, Largo. She was Protestant. Survivors include a daughter, Connie Allen, Indian Rocks Beach; three brothers, John Russell, Arizona, George Russell, Kentucky, and William Russell, California; a sister, Lillian Lindsey, Kentucky; and two grandchildren, Sam Allen and Gus Allen, Indian Rocks Beach. Lewis W. Mohn Funeral Home, Seminole.

Madeira Beach

GLEASON, ELIZABETH J., 79, of Madeira Beach, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at home. Born in Ambridge, Pa., she came here in 1999 from Westfield, N.Y. She was a registered nurse and a member of St. John's Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach. Survivors include her husband, Robert I.; a son, Mark R., Madeira Beach; a daughter, Patricia L. Gleason, Salt Lake City; two brothers, Gerald J. McHugh, Pittsburgh, and Joseph E. McHugh, Largo; a sister, Patricia A. Tathum, Kenneth City; and a grandchild. E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory, Seminole.
JAQUINT, PATRICK S., 82, of Madeira Beach, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at Freedom Square Rehabilitation Center. He was a native and longtime resident of Syracuse, N.Y., where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Florence; a daughter, Patricia A. Duffy, Liverpool, N.Y.; two brothers, Daniel, Alpharetta, Ga., and Robert, Fayetteville, N.Y.; a sister, Theresa Maley, Syracuse; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home & Cemetery, Seminole.

North Redington Beach

GREEN, DONALD KENNETH, 66, of North Redington Beach, died Saturday (Dec. 23, 2000) at a hospital in Milledgeville, Ga. Born in Boston, he came here in 1975. He was a former franchise owner of Otis Elevator in Boston. Survivors include his wife, Winfred S.; a daughter, Jennie Patrick, Conyers, Ga.; a son, Luther E. Duke Jr., Macon, Ga.; six grandchildren, David Patrick and Monika Patrick, both of Munich, Germany, and Jesse Duke, Floyd Duke, Curtis Duke and Gerri Duke, all of Macon. Ivy Hill Chapel, Eatonton, Ga.

Seminole

EGURROLA, CONCEPCION PONCE DE LEON, 76, of Seminole, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. She was born in Cuyo Palawan, Philippines, and came here in 1995 from Eatontown, N.J. She owned and operated a retail store and was a member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church, Largo. Survivors include two daughters, Connie Richardson, Carol Stream, Ill., and Margie Vitan, Seminole; two sons, Jesse, Los Angeles, and Joseph, Ocean Township, N.J.; a sister, Aurelia Carreon, Los Angeles; and 10 grandchildren. E. James Reese Funeral Home, Seminole.
MARTELLO, KAREN D., 41, of Seminole, died Friday (Dec. 22, 2000) at Sun Coast Hospital, Largo. She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and came here in 1976 from Joppatowne, Md. She was a Christian Scientist and a member of the Moose Lodge in Bradenton. Survivors include a son, Donald Jr., Bradenton; her mother and stepfather, Janet and Leonard Rogers, Seminole; two brothers, Lenard Davis, Seminole, and Dennis Davis, Jacksonville; and her grandmother, Luella Wagner, Seminole. Abbey Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services, Largo.

South Pinellas Back to top

Pinellas Park

KLAIBOR, CASMER DANIEL, 93, of North Royalton, Ohio, formerly of Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2000) at Patrician Nursing Home, Ohio. He was born in Chicago and came here in 1974 from Ohio, and moved back there in 1998. He was the owner of Klaibor's Deli in Parma, Ohio, and was Catholic. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Pinellas Park, and was a member of the Pinellas Park Senior Citizen Center. Survivors include four daughters, Dolores Friedl, Seminole, Carol Kilburn and Rosemarie Shenyey-Kitchen, both of Parma, and Donna Koberstein, Polk, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home & Cemetery, Seminole.
WILSON, LOUIS CLIFFORD, 73, of Pinellas Park, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at IHS of Pinellas Park. Born in Athol, Ky., he came here many years ago. He worked in maintenance for the U.S. Postal Service. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Jane; two daughters, Donna Dean and Cindy Pinto; two sons, Rick and Mark; two stepdaughters, Beverly Schwarber and Janet May; a stepson, Mark D. Johnson; 20 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Homes, Cincinnati.

St. Petersburg

AGENT, BETTY, 63, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home under the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. She came here in 1975 from her native Miami. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, William; two sons, John, St. Petersburg, and Donald, Sebring; a brother, Donald Griffin, Altamonte Springs; and four nieces, Dee Dee Bender, Donna Schaver, Diane Griffin and Debra Auerbach. Gulf Breeze Cremation and Burial Society, Largo.
BOWMAN, EVELYN M., 82, of Hernando, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000). Born in Trenton, N.J., she moved to Hernando 26 years ago from St. Petersburg. She was a homemaker, Protestant, an avid bingo player and member of OES, St. Petersburg. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, William K.; a son, James, Pinellas Park; three daughters, Lucinda Hughes, Judith Williams and Rebecca Duff, all of Hernando; a brother, Burt Morris Jr., St. Petersburg; a sister, Virginia Taylor, St. Petersburg; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inverness.
BROTHERS, DR. CLIFF, 70, of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Dec. 23, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. Born in Casey, Ill., he came here last year from Costa Rica and Albany, N.Y. He was an Air Force veteran, and a member of Pinellas Park Wesleyan Church. Survivors include a son, Michael, St. Petersburg; a daughter, Denise Brothers, Troy, N.Y.; a sister, Mary Smith, Pinellas Park; and two nieces. Abbey Parklawn Funeral Home, Palm Harbor.
CHAMBERS, JANICE MARY, 44, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at Northside Hospital and Heart Institute. A St. Petersburg native, she was a shipping and receiving manager for Elevator Interior Accessories. Survivors include her father, Roy Chambers, and a sister, Sara Chambers, both of Bartow; a brother, John, Tokyo. A LifeTribute FuneralCare, St. Petersburg.
FULDAUER, ROBERT R., 82, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Dec. 29, 2000) at St. Petersburg General Hospital. He came here in 1978 from his native Cleveland, where he was a market researcher for Diamond Shamrock for 25 years. A local artisan, he was an illuminated calligrapher in Cleveland and St. Petersburg for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Society of Scribes, Clearwater, and the Miniature Art Society of Florida. He was a member of Temple Beth-El. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Fay; a son, Jonathan D., St. Petersburg; and a daughter, Deborah Rodriguez, Almeria, Spain; and seven grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg.
MONON, JOSEPH W., 96, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Sun City Center, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 2000) at home. Born in Chicago, he came here in 1969 from Sun City Center. He was a retired salesman for Bowman Dairy Co., Chicago. He was a member of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Survivors include a niece, Patricia Verdone, Palm Coast. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
SMITHWICK, KATHLEEN F., 58, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at home. A Brooklyn, N.Y. native, she came here in 1983 from Irvington, N.Y. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. A graduate of the Cochran School of Nursing in Yonkers, N.Y., she was a registered emergency room nurse at St. John's Riverside Hospital, Yonkers, and Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Survivors include a brother, Richard Smithwick, Bethel, Conn.; two sisters, Joan Newman, Carmel, N.Y., and Ann Ferro, Marcellus, N.Y.; a nephew, Benjamin Ferro, Rochester, N.Y.; and two nieces, Kathe Schell, Neshanic, N.J., and Emily Ferro, Marcellus. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.
THOMAS, GRACE, 84, of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at Shore Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Born in Minneapolis, she came here in 1953 from St. Paul, Minn. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral. She was a sister in the Episcopal Church Army for more than 60 years. She was a member of Cursillo and was active in the Clergy Spouse Association of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. She sang in numerous choirs and directed many Vacation Bible Schools. She enjoyed making bead necklaces out of used church bulletin covers. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, the Rev. John W.; a daughter, Nancy Beck, St. Petersburg; three sons, John C., Jacksonville, Bruce E., San Francisco, and Kevin D., Marco Island; a brother, Glenn Christopher, and a sister, Maxine King, both of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.

Treasure Island

DeGEORGE, PHILLIP, 87, of Treasure Island, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) in Delray Beach. A Rochester, N.Y., native, he came here in 1969 from Buffalo, N.Y. Survivors include his wife, Carol; two daughters, Joan Sherbon, Largo, and Sheila Whitelaw; a son, Raymond, Treasure Island; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Blount, Curry & Roel Funeral Homes & Cemeteries, Memorial Park Chapel, St. Petersburg.

South Pasadena

PAULI, ROY, 98, of South Pasadena, died Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2000) at the Springs at Boca Ciega Bay. He came here in 1968 from his native Pontiac, Mich. He was an Army veteran of World War II, and was a bank teller. He attended Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Gulfport. Survivors include two cousins, Dorothy Nichols, Union Lake, Mich., and Judy Bresnahan, South Pasadena; and a caregiver, Arneda Chatfield, Belleair Bluffs. Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg.