GULF HIGH SCHOOL
Obituaries
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If you have an obituary or know of a death that is not listed here, please email the West Pasco Historical Society at westpascohistgoricalsociety@gmail.com.
This page was last revised on April 5, 2024 by Paul Herman, Digital Media Archivist, West Pasco Historical Society.
ABRAMS, KEVIN, Class of 1995, died on June 22, 2019.AKERBERG, GLENDA, died on Dec. 27, 1972. She was born on Nov. 15, 1946.
Services were held at the Chapel of Duval Funeral Home on Dec. 30, 1972.
Interment at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens. [GHS Class of 1964]
AKINS, J. C., 70, of Port Richey, died Thursday (May 6, 1993) at home. Born in Jackson County, N.C., he came here 31 years ago from Stanleytown, Va. He was a teacher and coach at Gulf High School and Gulf Middle School, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; a son, David, Orlando; two brothers, Earl Stancil and Leroy Aiken, both of South Carolina; two sisters, Jodi Broom and Polly Summeral, both of South Carolina; and three grandchildren. Bell Funeral Home, Bayonet Point. ALBANESE, LINDA, 27, of Holiday, and formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (Nov. 13, 1993) at home. A native of St. Petersburg, she moved to Holiday in 1979 and attended Dixie Hollins High and graduated from Gulf High School, New Port Richey. She was office manager for Henderson Prestress Concrete, Tarpon Springs. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Elfers. Survivors include her parents, Vincent P. and Jeanette Albanese, Holiday; three brothers, Vincent and Jeff of Holiday, and John, Tampa; and maternal grandmother, Nellie Farfaglia, St. Petersburg. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday.
Mr. Albrecht was born on July 6, 1961 in Roslynn, NY. He and his family previously resided in New Port Richey, FL as well as Tampa, FL before moving to Lake Charles 5 years ago. Mr. Albrecht was a member of St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church. He was very involved in Boy Scouts as a leader. He held employment at several colleges including Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, FL, Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL, and University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Mr. Albrecht moved to Lake Charles and worked at McNeese State University as the head of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics, the coordinator of the Academic Computing and Learning Center, and Associate Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics. Mr. Albrecht was a member and past treasurer of Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics, a member of SWLA Teachers of Math, a member of MMA on the Louisiana, Mississippi, and national levels, and also of ACM and IEEE. He co-authored several math books and was co-founder of the Computer and Science Honor Society. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Lisa Albrecht of Lake Charles and their three children, Cody Brown, William Albrecht, III, and Alexandra Albrecht; a sister, Laura Williams of New Port Richey, FL; and an uncle, Charles Albrecht also of New Port Richey, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and William Albrecht, Sr. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at St. Luke Simpson University United Methodist Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Rev. Karl Klaus will officiate. Cremation will take place following the visitation on Friday from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM in the funeral home. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the start of the service. [Dr. Albrecht was the valedictorian of the GHS Class of 1979. He played saxophone in the Buccaneer Band.] ALEXANDER, JUDY, 81, of Port Richey, passed away November 9, 2017. She was born in Palatka, FL to Doc and Bernice Minton on March 7, 1936. Judy moved to the New Port Richey area when she was a young teenager. A graduate of Gulf High School, she has lived and worked in this area nearly her whole life. She married the love of her life in 1955 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown. Over 60 years later, she and her husband still attend the church. Judy was a bookkeeper in her working years. Most notably, she worked for City Hall, but she also kept the books for many other local businesses. She was a very active lady. Throughout the years, Judy was the chair for the local chapter of the March of Dimes, the district leader for the Girl Scouts of America, a Sunday school teacher, treasurer for the church as well as the preschool the church ran, and a current member of the United Methodist women’s group. Judy was very organized and an avid reader. She loved word games, puzzles, and bingo. She had a fantastic sense of humor, but was always a proper Southern belle. She was kind and caring, and sent cards for every occasion, big or small. She loved her family very much and was truly one of a kind. Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Berry Alexander; her daughters, Vicky (Steve) Houser and Tracy (Scott) Wilhite; six grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren. Visiting hours for Judy will be held at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 14, from 1-3pm and 5-7pm. A celebration of her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey on Wednesday, November 15, at 10am with reception to follow. [GHS Class of 1954] ALLAN, LINDA S., age 64, passed away in her home surrounded by family on Friday morning, August 17, 2018. She was born September 25, 1953 in Sayville, New York, to Nicholas & Susan (D’Accordo) Zappola. She was a graduate of Sayville High School & the University of South Florida. She eventually settled here in Florida in 2000, where she was a high-school ESE teacher at Gulf High School for 15 years before retiring. She is survived by her husband Marc; daughter, Alyssa; grandson, Jackson; sisters, Dana & Susan; brother, Nick; and nieces & nephews Daria, Dominique, Deanna, Will, Kara, Nicholas, Christa, Holly, Myles & Sonria; as well as her many, many aunts, uncles & cousins. Linda’s many other loves in life included quilting, gardening, reading, snuggling with her Maltese dogs, Fluffy & Peluche, and getting together with her friends for coffee, shopping & the nail salon. Her sense of creativity was unmatched as well as her ability to make us all laugh. Our lives were all brightened by her presence and will continue to be by having known her. Family, friends, and others whose lives Linda touched are invited to DOBIES FUNERAL HOME, 8825 Old Country Rd 54, New Port Richey, from 3 to 5 PM at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 8825 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, to share memories & come together for comfort & support. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Linda to: HPH Hospice, Development Department, 12107 Majestic Blvd, Hudson, FL 34667. ALRED, DAVID LOUIS, 54 years old passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. He was born September 16, 1960 in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was raised in New Port Richey and a life long resident of Pasco County. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Alred and Jason Noble and his grandson, Brayden Noble; his Girlfriend and Partner, Mary Hall; his parents Dorman and Peggy Alred; his brothers and their wives, Eddie and Diane Alred, Michael and Cathy Alred, his sisters and their partners Teresa Hill and Tim Dias, Tammy Alred and Shane Finch; his nephews Ed Alred, Mike Alred, Chase Alred and his niece Sarah Williams and her husband Scott Williams and their children Matthew and Leah Williams and his niece Brittany Hill. He was a man with a personality larger than life itself and he was so very loved. He will be forever missed. His Memorial Service will be Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Dobies Funeral Home, 8825 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, Florida. (Memorial Gathering at 11:00AM with Memorial Service at 12:00 Noon). Immediately afterwards the family will have a Celebration of Life at the Cotee River Lions Club at 8240 Plathe Road, New Port Richey, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation be made in his memory to Shands (specifically University of Florida Foundation for the UF Congenital Heart Center). Specific information (account number and address) will be available at the service. Dobies Funeral Home, Old CR 54. [GHS Class of 1979] ANDERSON, JANET LEE, 58, of New Port Richey died on Aug. 18, 2012. Janet was born on April 27, 1954 in Catskill, NY. She spent most of her career in law enforcement with Port Richey, New Port Richey and Largo Police Depts. She was a deputy with Pasco County Sheriff Department and spent the last 24 years of her career with Hernando County as the Sheriff’s Attorney. Janet was preceded in death by her father R.S. Andersen of Dade City, mother Mary Kahelin and stepfather Richard Kahelin of New Port Richey, stepsister Virginia Kimbell and stepbrother Thomas Kahelin of Plant City. She is survived by her sister May and brother-in law John Allison of Clarkesville, GA; brother Robert F. and sister-in-law Paula Andersen of Forest City, NC. Janet graduated in 1982 from St. Leo College and in 1986 from Stetson University College of Law with a Juris Doctor Degree. Visitation Wednesday 6-8 pm at Dobies Funeral Home-Congress St., with services Thursday at 11 am at Dobies. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, P.O. Box 10328, Brooksville FL 34603. dobiesfuneralhome.com [GHS Class of 1972] ANDRASIK, DAVID, 42, of Red Bay, Ala., died of a shotgun wound following an argument on Nov. 3, 2011. Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. today at Trinity Assembly of God, Red Bay. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the church, with burial in Red Bay City Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, is directing. He was employed at Sunshine Mills, Red Bay. He graduated from Gulf High School in 1987.
BAILEY, DAVID J., 50, loving husband and devoted father, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Born April 11, 1966 in New Port Richey, he graduated in 1984 from Gulf High School. David owned and operated Bullseye Pest Control and was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Nancy Bailey. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Beth, his daughter, Lindsay, brother Rick Boisvere, sister Carolyn Bailey, 3 nieces and 6 nephews. Memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 6-8 PM with Memorial Service at 7 PM at Dobies Congress Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice. Dobies FH/Congress. [GHS Class of 1984] BAILEY, ROBERT. 1940 – 2011 NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – Robert “Bob” Bailey, born 1/15/40 Bradford, PA. Son of William & Hazel (Hough) Bailey. 1958 Graduate of Gulf High, Florida. Retired from Overberg Masonry as Construction Foreman & worked as Dry Wall Contractor in Chicopee, MA. Survived by wife of 47 years, Nancy (Garner) Bailey, daughter Carolyn, sons Richard Boisvere (Mary Levin) & David (Beth) Bailey, Brother George, grandchildren Sydney (Brittnee) Gibbs, Katelyn,Tyler & Krista Boisvere, Lindsay Parker, great-grandson Brody Gibbs, aunt, cousins, nieces & nephew. Predeceased by sister Patricia. Services held 1/17/11 Dobies Funeral Home, New Port Richey, FL BAILLIE, DANIEL DALBERT, 90, of Glen Burnie, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020. Daniel was born on July 25, 1929, in Elfers, Florida, to the late William and Hattie Baillie. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class during the Korean Conflict. He then went on to work for W.R. Grace for 35 years as a chemical worker. Daniel took pride in his participation as Union President, in supporting the International Chemical Workers Union Local #976. He was a devout Christian and served many ministries as a long-standing member of Glen Burnie Baptist Church, including being a Deacon and the Building Committee. Daniel enjoyed the outdoors – including hunting and gardening, as well as reading his Bible and woodworking. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Daniel was predeceased by his devoted wife of 34 years, Barbara Jean Urps Baillie, and ten of his siblings. He is survived by his loving sons, Roger Baillie and his wife Sheila, and Steven Baillie and his wife Veronica; his cherished grandchildren, Tiffany Kish, Daniel Baillie, Taylore Baillie, and Tyler Baillie; his beloved great-grandson, T.J. Kish; his dear sister, Emmareeta Clark; and many nieces & nephews. The family will receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave. SW (at Crain Hwy), on Monday, February 10th, from 3-5 & 7-9 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, at 10:30 AM at Glen Burnie Baptist Church, 7524 Old Stage Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Interment at Glen Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Daniel’s name may be made to the Glen Burnie Baptist Church. [Probably GHS Class of 1947] BAIN, RYAN JAY, 37, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (May 6, 2006) at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Born in Steven’s Point, Wis., he moved to St. Petersburg in 1976, to Holiday in 1983, and then came here in 2003. He was a supervisor at VLOC. Survivors include his wife, Renna; a stepson and stepdaughter, Nikos Thibado and Lori Thibado, both of New Port Richey; his mother and stepfather, Loretta and Leo Kuklinski, Steven’s Point; a twin brother, Brian, Spring Hill; and a sister, Susan Wade, Orlando. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday. BAKER, CLARA (FREDERICK), GHS Class of 1955, died on May 11, 2019. She was 81 years old. She is survived by son, Donald; daughter, Karen; sister, Shirley; five grand and seven great-grand. Morgan Funeral Home. Gordon Baker, passionate preserver of Baker House, dies at 73By Jodie Tillman HOLIDAY—Gordon Baker was the son of an Elfers citrus worker, a high school football player who married his sweetheart and worked as a shrimper. Samuel Baker was the great-grandfather he never met, a 19th-century Key West seaman who sailed to Pasco’s coastal wilderness, ran a sponge business and built a Cracker house of pine and cypress. The two men might have been lost to one another by time — except for that house. Gordon Baker, who died Tuesday (March 25, 2008) at the age of 73, was one of the driving forces behind preserving the spare and rustic home that his great-grandfather built in 1882 and that is now the oldest Cracker house in west Pasco. “He was very proud of it,” said his wife, Clara Baker. “He was a Cracker from the word go.” He became a self-taught expert on the life and times of his great-grandfather, and his insistence on historically accurate details helps make the Baker House such an education, said Pasco County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand. “Gordon was ‘Mr. Baker Baker House,’ ” said Hildebrand, who worked with him on the restoration effort in the late 1980s and early 1990s. “What I appreciated and loved about Gordon was his vision.” Mr. Baker was one of a handful of now elderly docents who open the Baker House for public tours, usually on Saturdays. He wore black pants, a white shirt and a black string tie. The No. 1 question he got from children, according to his wife: Have you seen any ghosts? The answer was no, she said, but Mr. Baker chuckled every time someone asked. “He enjoyed going down there and meeting people,” she said. When the home opened to the public in 1993, Mr. Baker was one of the proudest people at the celebration. “I didn’t do this for myself; I did it for the family,” he told the Pasco Times then, pointing to a group of children in rocking chairs on the porch. “Them little kids there are my grandkids, and there’s some more running around out here. I did for them.” Mr. Baker spent a good deal of time tending to the county-owned property, which is at the Centennial Park complex, along with the Centennial Park Branch Library. “I can’t envision him not being over there,” said acting library branch manager Margaret Griffith. “He knew it all, and he had that great Southern accent.” Even when he wanted to make a small complaint, she said, he was gracious. His complaints, about such things as leaf blowers on the library property, usually started out, “‘Now, honey, I know it’s not your fault, but. …’ ” Growing up, Mr. Baker was unfamiliar with the Baker House, said his wife. At that point, it had been modernized and was rented out to tenants. His grandparents died when his father was a teenager, so they had not passed on much information about the house, she said. It was not until the late 1980s when Mary Cook Vinson rallied together Mr. Baker and other history buffs to save the empty and dilapidated home and restore it to its original state that Mr. Baker found his passion. He traveled to Tallahassee to look at land records; he studied genealogy and researched the lifestyle of those times. He suggested to Hildebrand that they build a detached kitchen (that was how it would have been done) and even built an outhouse. Mr. Baker is the second of the restoration advocates to die recently. Mrs. Vinson died last September. The other docents are getting up in age, which raises the question of how the Baker House, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, will be explained to future generations. That was something that bothered Mr. Baker, who only a year ago approached Hildebrand to see what the county could do to fill those roles. “We’ll have to figure out how to go from now,” she said. “The proud heritage is there, and you just don’t keep that under lock and key. “That was very important to Gordon.” [GHS ’53] BALDRY, ROBERT H., age 56 of Chipley, passed from this life on June 9, 2019 at his home. Bob was born on November 2, 1962 in Pinellas County, Florida to David and Cissi McCreary Baldry. He had lived in the Washington County area for 30+ years, coming from Hudson, Florida. He was a building contractor who left his mark with many beautiful houses scattered throughout the Florida Panhandle. Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. He found his greatest joy in his family, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents: David and Cissi Baldry; daughter: Rebecca Rae ‘Becky’ Baldry. He is survived by his daughter, Karri Park and husband Michael of Chipley, Florida; son: Robert Baldry of Chipley, Florida; sister: Melinda Riley of Wausau, Florida; significant other: Pat Kent of Chipley, Florida; nephew: Jake Riley of Wausau, Florida; two grandchildren: Kadence Park, Maci Park. Funeral services will be held 1P.M. Friday, June 14, 2019 at Grace and Glory Worship Center in Chipley, Florida with Rev. Ronnie Gene Hagan officiating. Interment will follow in Wachob Cemetery. Obert Funeral Home of Chipley, Florida directing. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the National Houndsmen Association. [GHS Class of 1980] BARBER, CAROLANN, 52, of Hudson, died Sept. 23, 2016. Survived by son, Michael; daughter, Mackenzie; granddaughter, Elizabeth; father, Daniel; mother, Janice. Coastal Cremations 727-645-6975. [GHS Class of 1982. She died of cancer.] BARGA, LARRY, 66, of New Port Richey, died Feb. 27, 2021. Survivors partner, Deborah Corriere; children, Rebecca (Rick) and Shannon. Dobies F. H. /Congress. [GHS Class of 1973] BARKER, GARRETT M., 19, of Holiday, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 1992) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg. Born in Pasadena, Calif., he came here 17 years ago from Los Angeles. He was a student at Tampa Tech and was an employee at Pep’s Sea Grill, Tarpon Springs. He was a 1991 graduate of Gulf High School, New Port Richey. Survivors include his father, James, New Port Richey; his mother, Diana, Holiday; a brother, Robert, Holiday; his paternal grandmother, Frances Golchert, New Port Richey; and his maternal grandparents, Bill and Betty Norris, Poseyville, Ind. Morgan Funeral Home, New Port Richey. BARILE, CHRISTOPHER. On April 10, 2018 our beloved family member, Christopher Barile went to be with the Lord. Chris was a man who loved fast cars, loved life, and loved his family dearly. He is survived by his wife, Heather, his sons Tyler and Jacob, mom and dad Gene and Alise Barile, 2 brothers Brandon and Mitch, their spouses, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers or donations we ask you to take a moment and tell your loved ones how loved they are, give your children a hug, and appreciate every moment you have with them. RIP Chris. You will be missed by all. Private Funeral Services held under the direction of Grace Memorial Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Christopher Barile please visit our Sympathy Store. [Chris is pictured as an 11th grader in the 1987 yearbook.] BARKER, JUDY FAYE (BAILLIE), passed away peacefully May 6, 2019 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born May 17, 1948 at home in Elfers, Florida to William Dewey Baillie and Lucy Baillie. She married Robert Barker on February 14, 1989 and was until her passing. She worked various jobs throughout her young life. She worked as a Manager of Flower Bakery and Dollar General before working with her husband to help run their trucking business. She was a dedicated mother to two boys Wayne D. Wright her son, and David Eugene Wright (her brother-in-law) after he lost his parents at a young age and later to a daughter Debra Barker. She was a devoted Christian to her church at Bible Baptist and a great friend. Her life was filled with kindness and compassion always being there for a friend in need. She loved her bible and she loved her church and would spend many hours dedicating herself to her lord. She is survived by her husband Robert Barker, her son Wayne Wright; and his wife Kimberly, her daughter Debra Barker, her grand daughter Jordan,and many friends, all of which she loved very much. Please join us Celebrating her life Saturday Morning May 18, 2019, at Bible Baptist 6628 Cecilia Dr, New Port Richey, Florida 34653. Visitation will be from 10:30 am, Service at 11 am and Lunch at Noon. [GHS Class of 1966] BARRETT, CHRISTOPHER, 50, of Holiday, died Feb. 10, 2019. Michels-Lundquist Funeral Home. [GHS Class of 1986] BARRETT, JACK, JR., 67, of New Port Richey, passed away on August 4, 2016. A Vietnam Veteran, he is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Tim Barrett; daughter, Nikki Vela; sister, Barbara Nowick; and grandchildren, Jordan, Jesse, Emily, and Abby. Thanks to Gulfside Hospice. [GHS Class of 1966. He played football for Gulf and substitute taught at Gulf for a time.] BASAK, TIMOTHY JOHN, 50, of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 24, 2004) at home. He came here in 1968 from his native Chicago and was in construction. He was a 1972 graduate of Gulf High School in New Port Richey and was a graduate of the University of Alabama. He was Catholic. Survivors include his son, Christopher, Florida; and a brother, Daniel, Gainesville. National Cremation Society, New Port Richey. BECK, BENJIRMAN ADAM, 50, died December 2, 2016. Survived by his daughter, April Beck and his life-long companion, JoAnne. Services are private. Michels and Lundquist is handling the arrangements. [GHS Class of 1984] BECK, HOWARD, who taught business, computers, and accounting for many years and sponsored FBLA, died on November 19, 2013. He retired from Gulf High in 1997. He lived in Las Vegas. He is survived by his daughters, Mindy Beck and Amy Wright, two granddaughters, Emily and Lily, and son-in-law David Wright. BECK, JAMES L., 44, of Holiday passed away on January 31, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife; children; brothers; parents and one grandson. [He was shot and killed during a Craigslist sale gone bad.] BECK, WILLIAM THOMAS JR., Class of 1976, (W. T. to his family and friends) died 19 September 2009. He was born 28 March 1958 and was 51 years young when he left us. He loved his family and the US Army (sometimes hard to tell which came first). He left behind his wife of almost 29 years, Cherie Lane Beck, and two daughters, Rachael Michelle and Heather Nicole. Since his passing he has two beautiful grand-daughters, Emilienne Hope Beck almost 17 months, and Micayla Michelle Beck, just seven weeks. They will know their grandpa from stories and memories that his family and friends can tell them. I am counting on all of you to help make this possible. He is missed terribly and loved greatly! BEDELL, NANCY C. November 14, 1961 – March 25, 2011. BEDELL, Nancy 49, died March 25, survived by companion, Carol; sisters, Doreen and Joan. In lieu of flowers, donations to animal charity of choice. Published in the Tampa Bay Times on Mar. 29, 2011 [GHS Class of 1979] BEDSON, SUSAN RUTH “SUE,” age 65, of Las Vegas, formerly of New Port Richey, died March 8, 2008 in Las Vegas. She was born Oct. 7, 1943 in New York and grew up in New Port Richey. She attended Pierce Elementary School and graduated from Gulf High School. She was the daughter of Charles and Ruth (Colklin) Trufant. She is predeceased by her devoted husband Edward L., her son Steven R., and her parents. Survivors include sons, Dean E. and James E., both of Las Vegas; daughters, Brooke S., Las Vegas, and Rita A. Goluba, New Port Richey; grandchildren, Ryan J., Lexi B. and Natalie B. Dominguez, Natalie P. Ciper, Robert L. Goluba, Jill E. Borders, Jennifer E. Bedson; brothers, Kenneth C. of Aripeka, and John E., Long Beach, IN; and her double first cousins, Roy R. Conklin, Ft. Lauderdale, and Edward A. Conklin, Inglis, and Lynn D. LoCacio, Scottsdale, AZ; and her caring cousin, Jason Schiralli, Las Vegas. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, devoted to her family while managing the family’s business. Her deep dedication to her birth and married families was exemplified in the complete genealogies that she compiled for both and the extensive collection of historical family photographs that she so attentively catalogues. Through these efforts, she was a friend to extended relations throughout the country. Graveside funeral services will take place at North/ Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery on Saturday, March 15th at 12:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian School, P.O. Box 216, Ashland, MT 59003 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey, FL 727-849-9281 BEGGS, JASON ALLAN, 28, of New Port Richey, died Friday (May 12, 2006) at home. He was a native of New Port Richey, a tree trimmer for Wells Tree Service, Holiday, and a member of Elfers Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Nicole Palazzolo, a companion, Melanie Palazzolo, and his mother, Jeanne Weeks, all of New Port Richey; his father, Raymond Beggs, Inverness; two brothers, Raymond, Inverness, and John, Las Vegas; two sisters, Kathleen Drouin, Laconia, N.H., and Kelly Clayton, New Port Richey; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey. [A web page in his memory is here.] BEKESH, ANNA L., 57, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (June 10, 1989) at home. Born in New York City, she came here 15 years ago from Miami and was a kitchen assistant for Gulf High School. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, John M.; two sons, John, and Richard, both of New Port Richey; a daughter, Diane Bekesh, New Port Richey; her father, John Palladino, Davie; and a sister, Nicoletta Fasano, Davie. George B. Morgan Funeral Home, New Port Richey. BELL, THE REV. ROBERT WILLIAM “BOBBY,” 32, of Spring Hill, formerly of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Nov. 23, 2003) at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill. He came to New Port Richey in 1972 from his native Dayton, Ohio, and in 1999 moved to Spring Hill. He was a pastor at the Bridge of Hope Tabernacle of Spring Hill. He was a 1988 graduate of Gulf High School, New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Lisa; three sons, Warren, Joshua and Matthew, all of Spring Hill; his parents, Robert and Debra Bell, Port Richey; a brother, Michael Bell, New Port Richey; a sister, Teresa Cote, Port Richey; his grandparents, Mildred and Russ Gross, Hudson; two nephews and three nieces. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey. BENNETT, JEAN WILLIAMS, 86, of Bradenton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 18, 2017. Jean was born on October 6, 1930 in Ameagle, West Virginia to the late Dr. James Owen and Ada Maude (Rader) Williams. She was a graduate of the Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She went on to study at the University of North Carolina and the University of Texas. She moved to Bradenton in 1984 coming from New Port Richey, FL, where she taught at Gulf High School in New Port Richey. Locally she taught for ten years at the Bradenton Christian School teaching Spanish. She was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church of Bradenton where her husband Rev. C. Tom Bennett, Jr. who served as Senior Pastor. She was a member of the choir, Sunday School Teacher of the Adult Women’s Class for many years, and was active in many different women’s ministries of the church. After her husband’s retirement she still stayed active as a minister’s wife in the many different ministries of the church, including Northwest Baptist Church in Bradenton where her husband served as interim Pastor for a few years. Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Clifford Thomas Bennett Jr. of Bradenton, two caring children; Clifford Thomas (Peggy Dorrance) Bennett, III of Oak Brook, IL, Elizabeth Owen Bennett of Belleview, FL, one sister, Lois Williams Fletcher of Vero Beach, FL, two precious grandchildren, Luke D. and Patricia O. Bennett of Oak Brook, IL, and many extended family members, brothers and sisters in Christ. The family will receive friends from 10-11 A.M. with a Celebration and Praise service to follow at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 24, 2017 in the Memorial Chapel at First Baptist Church of Bradenton, 1306 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Fl. Interment will follow at the Bethany Cemetery in Myakka City, FL. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Bradenton, 1306 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, Fl. 34205 in her memory. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com. [Mrs. Bennett taught Spanish at GHS in the early 1980s.] BEVER, JOE. Joe Bever dies at 41. St. Petersburg Times, Mar. 5, 1986. By Rick Stroud. NEW PORT RICHEY — Gulf High girls basketball coach Joe Bever died of cancer late Monday at Community Hospital. He was 41. Bever, one of the winningest coaches in Pasco County history, had directed the Buccaneers’ girls basketball program since 1977. Except for a two-year leave of absence to obtain his master’s degree at Indiana State University, he had taught math at Gulf since 1970. Visitation at Michels-Lundquist Funeral Home is from 3 to 5 p.m. and to 9 p.m. today. The funeral is Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. “You never expect a young man of 41 to be going along and all of a sudden—in no time flat—he’s gone,” said Gulf High principal Robert Prior. “He always did things for other people and never asked for anything. “He was one of our best teachers; the kids will tell you that. And he was a heck of a coach. Year in and year out, his teams were competitive, because he was a great motivator. He liked kids, and the kids knew it. “It’d take three people to ever try and replace him.” When Bever was first diagnosed as having cancer, in March of 1983, his right kneecap was removed. Six weeks later, he underwent radiation therapy as an outpatient at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, but he did not spend a significant amount of time away from the classroom and returned to coaching the next fall. This season, Bever guided the Bucs to a 10-5 start before becoming ill Jan. 21. He returned 10 days later to lead the Bucs to a 59-48 win over Ridgewood, but wound up missing 10 of the last 11 games of the season. “He struggled and came back (against Ridgewood),” Zephyrhills coach Ernie Pittman said of Bever. “I know the kids appreciated that. He never let anything get in his way and did whatever he could right until the end. “That’s just the kind of man he was. I know I’ll miss him.” Bever had planned to retire from coaching at the end of the 1984-85 basketball season, but he decided to return for at least another year. “I talked to him over the summer after he had retired and then decided to come back,” said Springstead basketball coach Bill Meneely. “I asked him why, and he said it was because all of the girls on his team had asked him to keep coaching. I guess that shows how his girls felt about him. “Joe was a fierce competitor on the court, but off the court he was the nicest guy you’d want to meet. He would always go out of his way to help people. I think everybody respected him for that and for the way he prepared his teams.” Bever was born in Danville, Ill., and came here 18 years ago from Veedersburg, Ind. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline; sons Jeremy, Christopher, Eric, Joshua and Benjamin, all of New Port Richey; his parents, Darrell and Ruth Bever of Apopka; a brother, Richard, of Sterling, Ind.; and a sister Diana Pundt, of Bismarck, Ill. Prior said the family has requested that donations be made to the Joe Bever Memorial Scholarship Fund at Gulf High. BLAKE, SARA E. (STEVENS), 90, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Oct. 12, 2005) in Park Place of New Port Richey. She was born in Winter Garden and came to New Port Richey 63 years ago from Bushnell. She was a real estate agent for Jim Brown Real Estate and was a former business education teacher at Gulf High School. She was a member of the Beacon Square Civic Association, a life member of New Port Richey Eastern Star and a member of Riverside Fellowship Church of New Port Richey. Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Clarence Jack; a son, Bill Stevens, New Port Richey; a daughter, Beth Maslar, Dunnellon; two stepsons, Roy Blake, Meridian, Miss., and Donald Blake, Union, Miss.; 14 grandchildren; 23 great- grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey. BLANCHARD, NICHOLAS, 20, of New Port Richey, died January 4, 2020. Survived by parents, Stephen and Colleen; siblings, Stephen, Jr., Ryan and Katie. Morgan Funeral Home BOBEK, DEBORAH L. (WESSON), 49, New Port Richey died July 6, 2011, survived by mother, Sue Wesson; fiancé Russ; son, Clifton Barnes; daughter, Deanna Barnes; sister, Barbara; 6 grands. Morgan F.H. BOHAM, ERIC WILLIAM passed away on March 9, 2020. Eric was a loving, caring father, son, and brother. He enjoyed nothing better than spending time with his “Little Buddy”, his son, Vanden and his family, fishing and golfing. Eric always had a smile on his face and was very easy-going. He leaves behind his son, Vanden; his mother, Debbie Carreira, and husband, Mel; his father, James Boham and partner, Katherine; his brother, Chad and wife, Jennifer; his niece, Brielle; and Eric’s partner, Christina. Eric was loved by all and his outgoing, humorous personality will be missed. Make them laugh in Heaven, Son. We Love you. Momma, Dad, Vanden 10:16, Mel, Chad, Jenn, Brielle, Christina. Dobies Funeral Home, Congress. [GHS Class of 1990] BOLLMAN, PAULINE A. (Yenkala), age 73, of Tampa, passed away on March 22, 2013. She was born in Miami, & raised in Greensburg, PA. She was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with an EdS degree in School Psychology, moved to Tampa in 1985 and was a school psychologist for the Pasco County School System until retirement in 2006. After retirement, Pauline volunteered at the Town & Country Hospital, she was a Guardian ad Litem for Hillsborough County and a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Tampa. Pauline was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Yenkala. Survivors include her loving husband of 29 years, Arthur N. Bollman; her son, Stephen Yenkala; her daughter, Mary (Michael) Kula; grandchildren, Stephen and Kelsey Yenkala and Meghan, Allison, and Anna Kula; her sister, Margaret Pfeffer; and her stepchildren; and many nieces & nephews. A visitation will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, Tuesday, March 26th, 4-8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 27th, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, at 13312 Cain Road, Tampa at 11 am. Her family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pauline’s memory to Moffitt Cancer Center at www.moffitt.org. Please sign the online guestbook at: www.blountcurrywest.com. BOONE, KEVIN BRIAN, 58, of Belleview, FL passed away May 21, 2019. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he came to this area in 1973 from Hatfield, PA. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served in the 1st Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment under the command of the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was also proud to have served in the Florida National Guard. He worked as a technician for Central Florida Fire & Sound. Kevin enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Olena; son, Dylan Boone of Ocklawaha; stepdaughters Anastasia of Belleview and Maria of New York; mother, Judith Fegley of New Port Richey, FL; siblings, Deborah Vearrier of New Port Richey, Christopher Boone of New Port Richey, and Darren Boone and wife Nicka of Tennessee; sisters-in-law, Tammy Boone of Ocala and Sondra Boone of Hudson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas W. Boone, and brother Stephen P. Boone. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church (5323 E. CR 462 Wildwood, FL 34785 352-330-0220) on Friday, June 7th at 11:00 AM. Graveside service immediately to follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 1:00. BOONE, STEPHEN PAUL, 52, of Ocala, FL passed away August 13, 2017. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he came to this area in 1973 from Hatfield, PA. He was a US Army Veteran and worked as an audio technician for The Villages Entertainment and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Stephen enjoyed target shooting, music, fishing and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Tammy; sons, Matthew Boone (Jessica) of Ocala, FL and Senior Airman Donovan Boone (Kelsey) of Japan; mother, Judith Fegley of New Port Richey, FL; siblings, Kevin Boone (Olena) of Ocklawaha, FL, Deborah Vearrier of Ocklawaha, FL, Christopher Boone (Sondra) of Hudson, FL and Darren Boone (Nicka) of Tennessee; granddaughter, Adalynn Boone and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas W. Boone. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church (5323 E. CR 462 Wildwood, FL 34785 352-330-0220) on Wednesday (Aug. 23rd) at 2:00 PM. Arrangements by Baldwin Brothers Funerals & Cremations, Ocala 352-236-5884. [GHS Class of 1982. The obituary with a photo is here.] BOSCHELLI, CONNIE, 16, of the Class of 1987, died on Aug. 16, 1985, as the result automobile accident which occured on Aug. 4. BOSTWICK, ANNE M. NEW PORT RICHEY – Anne M. Bostwick, the longtime Cypress Elementary School principal known to be a tough, opinionated woman with a soft spot for children, died Monday. She was 60. Mrs. Bostwick had been ill with cancer and recently was hospitalized at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. The Florida native had a long career in education, spanning nearly 40 years. Most of her career was spent in Pasco where Mrs. Bostwick worked as a teacher, assistant principal and later as a principal at Cypress Elementary for 12 years. “She was a brilliant woman who cared greatly about what she did,” said Joan Palma, principal at Richey Fundamental Elementary School. Palma and Mrs. Bostwick worked together as teachers at Hudson Elementary school. “She was a role model to me, a mentor, and a dear friend,” Palma said. “She touched a lot of lives in that way, and now she’s going to be missed.” Mrs. Bostwick was born in Ocala. She attended college at Florida State University, graduated with a degree in English from the University of Florida. She later got a master’s degree from the University of South Florida. In 1949, as a 21-year-old, she got her start in teaching at Gulf High School. After four months, Mrs. Bostwick left Pasco and taught in Summerfield, Ocala and Jacksonville. She returned to the Pasco school system as a fourth-grade teacher at Hudson Elementary in 1967. In 1974, Mrs. Bostwick was promoted to assistant principal at Hudson Elementary. Then in 1976, she was transferred to Cypress Elementary, where she served as principal for 12 years. Late last school year, Mrs. Bostwick was in poor health and was transferred to work as a school manager at the Harry Schwettman Adult Education Center. “I would include Anne in just about every committee I had,” said Mary Giella, the assistant superintendent for instruction. “I used to call her my Philadelphia lawyer. If I could answer all her questions, I knew I’d be all right. She had opinions and she let you know what they were. “She was the type of person who had a tough facade, but she was one of the most caring people you’ll ever know,” Giella said. “She really cared about education and she cared about children.” Mrs. Bostwick is survived by her two sons, William and Charles, and three daughters, Nell Lee Bostwick, Catherine Bostwick McGee, and Jan Bostwick Angers. A memorial service will be held Friday at 4:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 1906 Charles St. in New Port Richey. Her family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to a scholarship fund in her name that will benefit a needy child from Cypress Elementary. Details on the fund still were being arranged late Tuesday. BOWMAN, JAMES EDISON “JIM,” 67, passed away on April 6, 2017 in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Jim was born in Dayton, Ohio to Edison & Doris Bowman and worked as a Plans Examiner Supervisor dedicated to his job for over 20 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran who honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy. Jim enjoyed building things and just tinkering around the house, boating, fishing, and mostly spending time with his family! He was especially fond of his grandchildren and loved them dearly. He is survived by his children Jennifer Kriel(Shon) & Christopher Bowman; father Edison Bowman; brother Michael Bowman; and 2 grandchildren Nicholas & Alyssa Kriel. He was predeceased by his sister Sue Ann Casson. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 3:00~5:00 on Sunday, April 9, 2016 at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home. Jim will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery with military honors at a later date. [GHS Class of 1967]
BRAASCH, KAREN SUSAN SMITH. Mrs. Karen Susan Smith Braasch, age 63, of Cedartown, GA, formerly of Elgin, IL, passed away Monday, January 25th, 2010. Karen Susan Smith, born March 18, 1946, in Aurora, IL. She was the daughter of Alvin and Carole (Wamsley) Smith and the granddaughter of Ernest and Mary (Hemp) Smith. Karen was the loving mother of four children, Lauren (Edward) Laughlin of Houma, LA, Christopher Bradley of LITH Illinois, Lindie (Michael) Cochran of Cedartown GA, Rob (Holly) Bradley of St. Charles IL. She was a loved grandmother to Devin and Christopher Laughlin, Taylor and Hannah Bradley, JJ and Alex Schabert, Patrick Walsh, Greyson Cochran and Gage Bradley. She was also a stepmother to six children and their spouses along with 13 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Braasch; both parents; brother; and a granddaughter. In lieu of cards and flowers please contact Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home at 770-748-1241 or you can make a donation to the Georgia Autism Center P. O. Box 38, Cumming, GA. [GHS Class of 1964] BRADY, BUDDY died in September 2012. [GHS Class of 1964] BRAKE, MENNO OTIS, 84, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 7, 2002) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Dutton, Mich., he came here 26 years ago from Hyattsville, Md. He was a transportation economist with the federal government and member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 583, New Port Richey. He was a member of American Federation of Government Employees, Lodge 65, National Council of Senior Citizens and AARP. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey and its Men’s Club. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Louise; a sister, Maxine Lackey, and a niece, Phyllis Farnell, both of Lake City. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey. BRITTON, SARAH “JEAN,” died Dec. 28, 2014. She was born on April 8, 1938. Survivors stepsisters, Margaret and Katharine; stepbrother, Thomas; aunt, Donnie; cousins, Jane and Laura; nieces and nephews. Dobies FH Congress. She taught Home Economics and Child Development at GHS from the 1960s to the early 1990s. BROOKS, JOAN, 89, of Sonora, went to be with our Lord and entered eternal rest at Adventist Health Sonora hospital on Feb. 8, 2021. Joan was born in Fairplain, West Virginia, to Beryl and Vada Shamblen and moved to Florida at a young age where she graduated from high school. Being a motivated young lady, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked in the office of the FBI and met the love of her life and married Eddie W. Brooks in 1951. In 1976 they moved to Sonora, and the “JE Ranch” was established. Joan spent many wonderful days on the ranch ,creating precious memories with her children and grandchildren. Joan retired from Twain Harte U.S. Postal Service after 15 years as a mail carrier. Joan was an active member of the Heritage Christian Church. Joan is survived by her children, David Brooks (Cynthia Brooks), Steven Brooks, Carla Toon (Mike Toon); sisters Doris Schoen, Eileen Webber; and nine grandchildren, Steven Brooks, David Brooks, Carryn Brooks, Andrew Brooks, Aaron Brooks, Kaylyn Ellsworth, Mike Toon, Jake Toon and Madison Toon. Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eddie W. Brooks; father Beryl Shamblen; mother Vada Shamblen; and sister Bonnie Whiting. Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Mountain Shadow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: The Cancer Society or The Telos Foundation, 1054 Hwy 39, Ingram, Texas 78025. To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. Published in Sonora Union Democrat from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2021. [Joan was apparently in the GHS Class of 1950 with the name Constance Joan Shamblen.] BROWN, CHRISTINA SHARKEY, Class of 1977, died on April 19, 2019. BROWN, PAMELA JAMES (DAVIS), of McKinney, Texas passed away on July 6, 2019 at the age of 70. She was born on November 27, 1948 to James and Yvonne (Thurman) Davis in Jackson, Mississippi. Pamela married Robert Brown on September 1, 1970 in Leesburg, Florida. Prior to working in the school system she was a school volunteer and active in the Girl Scouts organization as a troop leader and neighborhood director. Pamela was a secretary for the Pasco County School system for 25 years. She was an active member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church and member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. She enjoyed cooking, reading, listening to Jimmy Buffet and spending time with her grandson and family. Pamela is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Robert Brown of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Heather Brown of New Port Richey, Florida; son, Andrew “Andy” Brown and wife, Sharon; grandson, Liam Brown; sister, Kaye Wellman and husband, Earl of Iverness, Florida; niece, Elizabeth Wellman and husband, Bobby of Charleston, South Carolina; and numerous other loving family members and friends. A memorial service will take place in Florida at a later date. [Pam worked in the office at Gulf for 17 years. She retired in 2010.] BRUDOS, BRETT MICHAEL, 37, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away Monday, March 21st, 2011 at Community Hospital, New Port Richey, Florida. He was born in Clearwater, Florida and was a lifetime resident. He was a Licensed Electrician for many years in the area. Brett was a graduate of PHCC with an Associate’s Degree and attended Gulf High School in New Port Richey. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include: Mother, Melanie (William) Buffum and Father, James (Penny) Brudos, Brother, Darren Brudos. BRUSH, WILLIAM IVAN SR. “PAPPY” “BILL,” 89, of Tarpon Springs, formerly of New Port Richey, died Friday (July 28, 2006) at Manor Care of Palm Harbor. Born in Piqua, Ohio, he lived in New Port Richey from 1917-1940 and then in Tarpon Springs from 1940. He was the retired owner/operator and chief diver of the American Sponge Products Association, Tarpon Springs from 1938-1970, the retired owner/operator of Brush Electric and Brush Construction Co., both of Tarpon Springs. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, Protestant, and a charter member of the Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge 1429, Holiday. Survivors include three sons, William Ivan Jr., Tarpon Springs, Laurence I., Old Town and Dane, West Palm Beach; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Avenue Chapel, Tarpon Springs. BRYAN, MILLARD ORSON III (“Moe”), age 48, of New Port Richey passed away March 7, 2014. Survived by parents, Millard and Eileen; sister, Christina (Carl) Krondahl; nephew, Carl “CJ” Krondahl; nieces, Tiffany Tarduno and Samantha Krondahl; uncles, Robert and Jim Bryan, and John (Traci) Morrison; aunts, Jeanne Back, Linda Gambill and Betty (JR) Thomas; many cousins; and best friend, Tom Stuart. Visitation will be Sunday March 23, 2014, from 11-12 pm at Dobies Funeral Home Congress Street, where services will begin at 12 noon. Burial will follow at the Florida National Cemetery on Monday, March 24, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. BUHLER, JOHN DALE, 52, of New Port Richey, passed away on September 29, 2018. John was born on July 31, 1966 in New Port Richey, Florida. He is the son of John Lewis Buhler (Jack) and Carol Ann Buhler. Dale proudly served our Country in the United States Navy during the Gulf War. He served from 1987 until 1994, aboard the USS Elliot and the USS Vincennes. Dale would later go on to work for the TwinStar company. In his spare time, Dale enjoyed cooking and working with his hands. He especially liked wood working and assembling military planes and ships. John is preceded in death by his father, John Buhler (Jack); his paternal grandparents, John and Marion Buhler; and his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Anita Taylor. John is survived by his siblings, Michael (Teresa) Buhler Sr., and Cindy (Bill) Buhler; nephews, Michael (Kayla) Buhler, Mark (Kaci) Buhler, Matthew (Heather) Buhler, Julio Vargas and Jacen Fantozzi; niece, Ashley Fantozzi; great-nephews, Aiden and Easton; and great-niece, Emily. John leaves behind his family and friends that he loved so dearly. He was loved and will be missed. [GHS Class of 1984] BULLOCK, DR. MARION D., Ph.D., of New Port Richey, passed away on Monday (June 18, 2012) at home. She came here 30 years ago from Athens, Georgia. She was a teacher of Spanish at Gulf High School and was an Administrator/Provost/Instructor at Pasco Hernando Community College. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, New Port Richey, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International of Women Educators, the Seven Springs Rotary, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of Leadership Pasco c/o 2002. Survivors include her husband, David M.; mother, Mary E. Moon, a daughter, Jennifer Stanjeski., a son-in-law, John Stanjeski,; a brother, Jay Moon, Ridgeland, MS; a sister, Donna Abberger; and one grandson. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the PHCC Foundation/Dr. Marion Bullock Scholarship. Dobies Funeral Home-7Springs Chapel. September 26, 1949 – June 18, 2012. BURGCHARDT, GEORGE, Class of 1982, died on Sept. 17, 2019. BURNEY, JAMES A. “JAMIE,” 29, of 9100 Debbie Lane, Hudson, died Friday (Jan. 29, 1988) at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg. He was a lifelong resident of Pasco County. He was the owner of a stone and stucco company. Survivors include his wife, Sheila; a daughter, Becki; his parents, Butch and Sheila Burney, New Port Richey; a brother, Leonard M., Oldsmar; two sisters, Cheryl Persall, Safety Harbor, and Karen Valentine, New Port Richey; his paternal grandmothers, Alma Burney, Port Richey, and Marie Woodard, New Port Richey, and maternal grandparents, Mae and Leonard Taylor, New Port Richey. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday. (GHS Class of 1976) BURNEY, JOSEPH LOWREY IV, 18, of Holiday, died Wednesday (July 9, 1997) at Columbia Largo Medical Center. Born in Dunlap, Tenn., he came here 13 years ago from Chattanooga, Tenn. He was a student at Gulf High School and a member of its varsity football team. He worked at Farrens Tree Service, Clearwater and was a stock employee at the Winn-Dixie store in Holiday. He was Baptist. Survivors include his father and stepmother, Joseph L. III and Debra Burney, Holiday; his mother, Victoria Burney, Hixon, Tenn.; two sisters, Kerry Roberts, Easley, S.C., and Yvonne Miller, New Port Richey; a brother, Christopher Miller, Tarpon Springs; his maternal grandparents, James and Betty Jenkins, Chattanooga; and his paternal grandmother, Peggy Burney, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday. BURNEY, LEONARD M. “Lenny,” 50, of New Port Richey, died April 5, 2012. Survivors: father, Butch; sisters, Cheryl (Matt) Swartsel & Karen (John) Burney; nieces & nephews. Dobies F.H., Congress. [GHS Class of 1979] BURNEY, SHEILA MAE entered into this world on Aug. 25, 1939. She went to be with the Lord on July 23, 2010. Sheila was born in Newark, NJ. She came to New Port Richey in 1954. She was the daughter of Mae Taylor; mother of Cheryl, James, Karen and Leonard; grandmother of Steven, Danny, Cassie and Rebecca; great-grandmother of Isaiah, Madisen, Austyn and Damon. She joins her son, James; father, Len Taylor; brother, Bert and sister, Isabelle in Heaven. We celebrate her life on July 31, 2010, at 10 am in the First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey, Indiana Avenue. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday 727-937-7555 dobiesfuneralhome.com [GHS Class of 1957] BURNEY, WILMER GLENN “YOGI,” 68, of Paragould, Ark., formerly of Elfers, died Friday (Nov. 24, 2006) in Arkansas. He was born in Elfers and a 1956 graduate of Gulf High School of New Port Richey. He was employed at Atlantic Ice in Tarpon Springs for several year. He was an Army National Guard veteran and member of Lake Street Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Dewanda (Dees); two sons, Justin, Tampa, and Seth, Paragould; two daughters, Rachel Mitchell, and Ava Dees, both of Paragould; brother, Deryl, New Port Richey; three sisters, Shirley Delk, Ladson, S.C., Gladys Burney and Debbie Jones, both of New Port Richey; and seven grandchildren. Phillips Funeral Home, Paragould, Ark. BURNS, CRAIG, 46, of Tampa, died July 30, 2020. Survived by wife, Shannon; son, Brody; mother, Diane; and brother, Scott. Dobies FH/Tarpon. [GHS Class of 1991]
BUSH, WILLIAM JEFFREY, b. Sept. 24, 1958, d. Feb. 7, 1979. GHS Class of 1976. An obituary is not currently available.
BUTT, LORI LYNN. Gulf High School girl killed in crash. Lori Lynn Butt, 16, of 914 N. Jefferson in New Port Richey, was killed Friday night, February 24, when the car she was driving swerved sideways off S. R. 52, six miles east of U. S. 19 and slammed into two trees, Highway Patrol Trooper D. L. Young said. A passenger in the car, Martha Delano, 16, was taken to West Pasco Hospital where she was listed in fair condition Saturday, a hospital spokesman said. Both girls were cheerleaders at Gulf Comprehensive High School and were returning from a district basketball game in Dade City, when the accident occurred, Trooper Young said. Young said witnesses reported the girls allegedly passed them driving at a high rate of speed and the car disappeared over a hill. When the witnesses came upon the vehicle, it was wedged between two cypress trees, Young said. Young estimates the car was traveling a minimum of 75 miles per hour and skidded over 175 feet before impact. Young said Butt was killed outright. Delano was thrown into the back seat of the vehicle. Young said Delano told him the vehicle swerved numerous times and she closed her eyes to keep from being frightened. [Press, Mar. 2, 1978] BUTTERMORE, SUZANNE, a student in the Class of 1978, died in January 1981 from congenital heart disease. She was 20 years old. Her family was a singing group called the Buttermore Family.They had won the 1980 talent contest at the National Quartet Convention and had just recorded an album which was released just before Suzie died. CALDWELL, MARTIN DUSTY. An obituary is not available. Martin, who was in the Class of 1966, died on Sept. 4, 2004. He was a Vietnam veteran. The alumni directory showed him living in Moreno Valley, California. An image of his gravemarker is at http://www.cemeterysurveysinc.com/index.php?s=martin+dusty+caldwell. CALLES, MATTHEW RICHARD, was born on March 20, 1993 and passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Matthew was a resident of North Carolina at the time of passing. Matthew was a graduate of Gulf High School in Port Richey, FL, and was employed in the construction industry where he used his talents of roofing and building. A memorial service for Matthew will be held Monday, May 6, 2019 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Canton. CAMPBELL, JAMES EDWARD. On Saturday, March 24, 2012 we were hit, we were blindsided, we never expected it. Our beloved brother, uncle, cousin, friend, dedicated educator, mentor, coach, James Edward Campbell, 75, of Madison, Florida, passed away tragically in his home around March 15th. Edward was born June 20, 1936 to John Thomas and Nina Jane Campbell, their youngest child. He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany. He earned his B. S. degree in Social Studies Education from FSU and a Master of Education with a Major in Administration and Supervision from Northeast Louisiana University. Edward became a teacher and coach at Gulf Junior High School in January 1964 where he taught American history and coached several sports. In 1972, he became Dean of Boys; and, later that year became an Assistant Principal. In February 1973, Ed became Principal of Gulf Junior High School. Following almost two years in that position, he became Principal of Gulf High School. In August of 1978 he became Supervisor of Student Services at the district office. He and Art Engle were instrumental in organizing a Stadium Committee which worked diligently to build Des Little Stadium (Gulf High School stadium). He continued mentoring children until his untimely death. There is no way to capture his life in a few paragraphs in an obituary. Knowing him, loving him and recognizing his humanity, goodness and kindness to all whose paths he crossed is the greatest tribute and his lasting legacy to all who knew him. It is with great sadness that those of you that never met him – will never meet him here on earth. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, two sisters, three nephews, and one niece. Of the many left to cherish his memory are his sisters Edith Townsend and Velma McRae, a brother Alec Campbell, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, great nephews and great nieces, great grand nephews and great grand nieces, friends, colleagues and former students. Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. on Good Friday, April 6, 2012 at the Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 1218 NE Hickory Grove Road, Pinetta, Florida. Interment will be at the Campbell Harmony Cemetery in Lamont, Florida following the service. A memorial fund has been established to help defray funeral expenses and fulfill Edward’s passion for completion of his family’s “meeting place” on the cemetery property. Family will dedicate the building to him at a later date. Contributions may be made to the James Edward Campbell Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. location. Beggs Funeral Home, located at 301 Orange Avenue, Madison, Florida is in charge of funeral arrangements. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5. Published in Tallahassee Democrat on April 5, 2012. CAPDEVIELLE, PHILIP L., 57, 895 Hillcrest Avenue, Titusville, Florida, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 1973. He was a native of Louisiana and had lived in New Port Richey from 1947 through 1956 where he was head of the Science Department of Gulf High School. From 1956-1970 he was an Aerospace Engineer at Cape Kennedy involved in the various phases of the Space Program, including the Saturn V Launch Vehicle. He was a Veteran of World War II and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the 92nd Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force. Mr. Capdevielle is survived by his wife Charlote, 1 son, and 3 daughters. CARDNELL, JAMES E. SR., 74, of Homosassa, formerly of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 19, 2003) at home under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Born in River Rouge, Mich., he came to Homosassa in 1974 from New Port Richey. He was a graduate of Gulf High School, New Port Richey, and Michigan State University. He was a retired Realtor and land developer for the Green Acres area in Homosassa and Cinnamon Ridge Development. He was the former owner/ operator of Neptunes Tavern, the Doll House and others in the Port Richey area. He was an innkeeper at the former Holiday Inn in New Port Richey. He was the first fire commissioner of Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Betty Y. (Meade); two sons, Skip Poole, Crystal River, and Mike, Indianapolis; seven daughters, Beth Cardnell, Lecanto, Janns Kanizar, Norfolk, Va., Candy Lott, Homosassa, Cathy Wabberson, Ocala, Heather Burnam, Fort Thomas, Ky., Tonya Marshall, Atlanta, and Dianna Sabo, Milford, Mich.; a sister, Jean Bradley Tank, Allen Park, Mich.; 19 grandchildren; and 17 great- grandchildren. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs. CAREY, CECIL K., 20, waskilled instantly when the auto he was driving rammed into a large palm tree on Boulevard N. in New Port Richey on Dec. 25, 1958. Fireman 1.C. Carey was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Carey, 128 W. Delaware Ave. Carey left Gulf High School three years ago to enter the Navy. He was a junior at the time. Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, John and Michael; and his grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. George Arvinedes, all of New Port Richey. Pittman’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. CAREY, JOHN P. 1934 – 2019 John P. Carey, age 85, passed away November 2, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Nan; daughters Kim (Tom), Kelley (Joe), Krissy (Jorge) and grandchildren; Stephanie (Tyler), Shannon, John and JP. John was a life long Florida Gator fan, Shriner and Mason. He enjoyed a forty year career with Publix Supermarkets in Dunedin, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Gainesville. To his family he was a lover of reading the newspaper out loud, a man who never met a stranger, a walking sports encyclopedia, and our favorite “Pop.” The funeral service will be Thursday November 7, 2019 at 11:00 am at Faupel Funeral Home. There will be a time of visitation starting at 10:00 am. The family invites guests to celebrate the life of the world’s greatest Florida Gator fan at a luncheon immediately following the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens in Elfers, Florida. [GHS Class of 1952] CARLTON, ANNA MAE LEE, 98, of Holiday, died Sunday (Sept. 24, 2006) at Gulfside Regional Hospice Dade City. Born in Brooksville, she came to Holiday in 1968 from Queens, N.Y. She was a receptionist for Babcock & Wilcox Engineering in New York City and a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of New Port Richey. She was a member of the first graduating class of Gulf High School. She was a member of United Daughters of the Confederacy, Captain Sally Tompkins Chapter, and Order of the Eastern Star 117, New Port Richey. Survivors include a daughter, Betty Lee Carlton, Inglis; a sister, Janice Jordan, Key Largo; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. North Meadowlawn Funeral Home, New Port Richey. [Anna was the last surviving member of the first graduating class of Gulf High School.] CARMACK, DON A., 56, of New Port Richey, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. He is survived by two sons; Casey J. Carmack and Michael Carmack, three granddaughters, two brothers; Bob Carmack and Steve Carmack and two sisters; Kathy Lord and Robin Payne. [GHS Class of 1977] CARMELO, JULIE JEAN. Julie passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Julie was a resident of Florida at the time of passing. She attended Gulf High School in New Port Richey. A private family Memorial Service will be held at a later date and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julies’ honor to a charity of choice. CARROLL, JIMMY A., 59, of Hudson, died Friday (July 23, 2004) Born in Tampa, he was a lifelong resident of Elfers and the New Port Richey area. He was the owner of Your Life Choices Incorporation in Hudson. He was Lutheran. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Wacelia; a son, Lenny, Hudson; three daughters, Kimberly Lavandera, Odessa, Melissa Carroll, Brooksville, and Jennifer Carroll, Spring Hill; a brother, Neal Carroll, Hudson; and two grandchildren. Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey. [GHS ’63] CARROLL, PEGGY HAYS, passed away in the arms of her children on May 30, 2014 in GA. She was born August 6, 1945 in MN, daughter of John W. and Bernice Hays, Sr. A Gulf High graduate, she devoted her time to her children and her love of pottery and painting before becoming a Real Estate Agent in 1985. In recent years, she cared fulltime for her grandchildren passing on her love for crafts and art. She loved her time on Anclote Island., at the Camps, and bobbing in the Gulf. Her family invites you to celebrate her spirit, humor and talents on June 28th, 2-4 at Longleaf CCD, 3141 Deland St., New Port Richey, FL 34655. [GHS Class of 1963] CARROLL, WACELIA L., 59, of Hudson, died Wednesday (Oct. 19, 2005) in Land O’Lakes. She was a lifelong resident of her native New Port Richey. She was a 1965 graduate of Gulf High School and the owner/administrator of Your Life Choices, Inc., a home care service. She was Lutheran. Survivors include her son, Lenny, New Port Richey; three daughters, Kimberly Lavendera, Odessa, Melissa Carroll, Brooksville, and Jennifer Carroll, Spring Hill; her mother, Lois Edster, New Port Richey; four sisters, Chelsea Payne, Plant City, Gladys King, Julia Sumner and Michelle Julie Silvia, all of New Port Richey; nine nieces; seven nephews; and four grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey. CASSON, SUE ANN, 68, of Port Richey, went to be with her Lord and Savior April 11, 2015 a few days after surgery. She is survived by her husband, Peck; sons, Butch Lees (Julie), Jason Lees (Lindsay), Greg Casson (Emily); daughters, Cam Marshall (Kevin), Casey Scandura (J.J.); her father, Ed Bowman; and brothers, Jim Bowman and Mike Bowman (Pat); her grandchildren, Emma, Landon, Delaney, Clara, Hayden, Michael, Ally, Michaela, Jordyn, Hayley, and Luke. Services will be held Saturday at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church New Port Richey. In lieu of flowers Sue preferred donations to The Angelus, 12413 Hudson Avenue, Hudson, FL 34669. Faupel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. [GHS Class of 1965] CASSON, MARGARET E. HOLWAY, May 19, 1916 – September 23, 2009. Margaret E. Holway Casson, age 93, of New Paltz died Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, NY. Margaret was born May 19, 1916 in Barnard, VT the daughter of the late Reverend Louis Irving Holway and the late Sarah Ellen (Lee) Holway. Margaret attended Tufts University and was a graduate of Florida State University. She was later on the faculty at SUNY at New Paltz, where she taught Early Childhood Education. She was a gifted and dedicated educator for both adults and children until she retired at age 75. Margaret was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, New Paltz, NY. A much loved Margaret is survived by one daughter: Linda (William) Colwell of New Paltz, NY and one son: William H. (Beverly) Casson of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Grandchildren, Jane Elizabeth Fronheiser (Jody) and William Hayden Casson II; Great-Grandchildren: Hannah Claire and Addison Kate Fronheiser; also several nieces and nephews and her close friend and caretaker: Barbara Moffatt of New Paltz, NY. Margaret was predeceased by her Children: Michael H. Casson and Margaret Jane Casson. “We are all grateful for having known such a gracious and loving person and all of us will miss her immensely.” In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Family of New Paltz, 51 North Chestnut St., New Paltz, NY 12561 or to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 163 Main St., New Paltz, NY 12561. A Memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 11am at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 163 Main St., New Paltz, NY 12561. Cremation took place in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY. Funeral arrangements are by Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y. 12561. (845)255-1212. (GHS Class of 1934)
CERTA, JESSE, GHS ’76, who played trumpet in the Buccaneer Band for three years, was killed in a motorcycle accident near his home in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 26, 2016. CHANDLER, DEBRA LEE “DEBBIE,” 52, of Port Richey passed away March 25, 2009. Born in St. Petersburg, Debbie was a life long resident of the area. She was of the Methodist faith and a homemaker, secretary of the Gulf High School class of 1974 Reunion Committee. Survivors include her son Jason, of Port Richey. Also survived by her mother Wilma Lee of Port Richey and father William Lee of Dunedin. Visitation will be Saturday, March 28, 2009, at North/ Meadowlawn Funeral Home 4224 Madison St., New Port Richey from 12 pm until service time at 2 pm with Rev. Jim Prose officiating. Interment to follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens. CHASE, SHONTEL, GHS Class of 2005, was killed in an automobile accident on December 30, 2016. CHINOPULOS, NICK, 59, passed away at his home in Ridgeland, Sunday, May 12, 2019. Nick is survived by his wife of nineteen years, Tracy Chinopulos, two sons, George Christopher Chinopulos(Andrea), and Brian Richard Chinopulos, and two daughters, Allison Faith McElhaney and Anna Nicole Chinopulos; grandchildren; Alexandria Eve Chinopulos, and Greyson Nicholas Chinopulos, and one brother Chris Chinopulos. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna Chinopulos, and sister, Stella Chinopulos. Nick will be dearly missed by everyone who loved and knew him. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at The Lake House in Ridgeland, Mississippi. [GHS Class of 1977] CHITTUM, THOMAS H., 79 of New Port Richey died Feb. 27, 2019. He was born in Peru, Indiana, and moved to New Port Richey in 1956. He was a Real Estate Broker/Owner of Richey Realty. He was predeceased by sisters, Carol Snyder and Sally Usai; and his grandson, Connor Chittum. He is survived by his wife, Diana; three sons, Chris (Tammy), Scott, and Howard (Jonica); his grandchildren, Ashley Carver, Justin, Cody, Amanda, Nathan, and Mac Chittum; and his great-granddaughter, Laurel. Friends may call Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Faupel Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, 11:30 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to The Angelus, 12413 Hudson Avenue, Hudson, FL 34669. Faupel Funeral Home – Port Richey. [GHS Class of 1958] CIRONE, CARMINE, April 17, 1966~April 08, 2021, 54, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on April 8, 2021. He is survived by his parents, Frank and Jennie; sister, Joanne; fiance, Connie. CLARK, David H. Jr. “Hap” 85, of New Port Richey, died Sunday, Dec 23, 2007, at home. Born and raised in Port Richey, Hap was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and a Methodist. He was a realtor, served as a Pasco County Commissioner for 8 years, having the David Hap Clark Government Building in Land O’Lakes named in his honor. Memberships include the Elks Club-BPOE, New Port Richey, Florida Education Association, Phi Delta Zeta fraternity, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (8 years), and director of Organized Fishermen of Florida (OFF), and Library Board of New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Susan M. Clark; sons, David H. Clark III, New Port Richey, William McGee Clark, Port Richey; daughter, Susan Teets, New Port Richey; stepson, David K. Lancey, Redondo Beach, CA; stepdaughter, Lorna M. Avery, Wolfeboro, NH; brothers, James Clark and Page Clark, of Port Richey; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson. Visitation Thursday, Jan. 3, 2-4 & 6-8 pm, at Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress St. Services, Friday, Jan. 4, 11 am, at the First United Methodist Church, New Port Richey. Dobies FH/New Port Richey. [GHS Assistant Principal and Class of 1941] CLARK, JAMES F., 75, of New Port Richey, died Friday (March 30, 2001) at home. A native of New Port Richey, he was a retired music teacher in Pasco and Pinellas counties, and an Army Air Forces veteran. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Eileen; three sons, Anthony, New Port Richey, Lawrence, Matawan, N.J., Daniel, Arlington, Va.; a daughter, Diane Alshouse, Antioch, Ill.; three stepsons, Michael Bennett, Miami, Brian and David Bennett, New Port Richey; and 13 grandchildren. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey. [Mr. Clark taught music at GHS in the 1950s] CLINARD, TOM, Class of 1978, died in an auto accident in Nov. 1979.
COLADO, TRACY A. (SINGLETON). September 18, 1961 – February 9, 2011. Tracy Ann Colado of Altamonte Springs passed away on February 9 at the age of 49. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Florida in 1974. Tracy had a big heart and a great sense of humor! She is survived by husband John; and children, David, Patricia, Joseph and Timothy; her grandchildren, Christina, David, Anthony, Jorden and River. A visitation will be held at Carey-Hand Funeral Home in Winter Park on Friday February 18 from 6-8PM. A Mass in her honor will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs on Saturday, February 19 at 11AM. A celebration of her life will be held immediately following at Maitland Arts Center. She will be dearly missed and remembered by all. Arrangements under the direction of Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, Winter Park, FL. [GHS Class of 1979] COLORADO, MARY ELLIOTT, GHS Class of 1980, was born on June 21, 1962. She died at age 47 on April 16, 2020. COLUZZI, KYLE ROBERT, 28, passed away unexpectedly April 6, 2017 in Maryland. He was born and grew up on Drift Tide, New Port Richey. He is survived by his son, Aiden Robert Coluzzi; father and stepmother, Rob and Katy Coluzzi; brother, Coty Coluzzi; mother, Cathy Coluzzi; stepbrothers, Danny and Jeff Accatino; and girlfriend, Bri Hartman; also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and hundreds of friends who loved him and he loved dearly. A celebration of life, will be held April 23. [GHS Class of 2017] CONNORS, GREGORY MITCHELL, 61, of Weeki Wachee, Florida, died Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Largo Medical Center. He was born October 6, 1959 in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and came to the area 22 years ago from New Port Richey, Florida. He was a receiver with Publix Supermarket. He is survived by his wife, Robin Connors of Weeki Wachee, Florida and his son, Ryan Connors of Hudson, Florida. ARRANGEMENTS BY MERRITT FUNERAL HOME SPRING HILL, FLORIDA. [GHS Class of 1977] CONOVER, DONALD E., Class of 1967, died on June 12, 2019. CONRAD, DIANE, Class of 1978, died. CONRAD, LYNN “LYNNIE,” 40, of Holiday, died Friday (May 26, 2006) at home. She moved to Orlando in 1972 from her native Youngstown, Ohio, and then in 1975 came to Holiday. She was a sales representative for Harbour Mist Company and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She was a graduate of Gulf High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. She was actively involved in community business development. Survivors include her husband, Mark; two sons, Gordon and Wesley Bethune, both of Holiday; her mother, Marilyn Algie, and a brother, Greg James Algie, both of New Port Richey; and four sisters, Donna Belcher, Hudson, Lisa Sakser, Ocala, Janice Luke, New Port Richey, and Harley Algie, Palm Harbor; several nieces and nephews. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey. COOK, REID CRAWFORD, GHS Class of 1973, died in January 2019.
He was born Nov. 1, 1929 in Bartow to Charley Byrum Cooper and Laura Elizabeth Wilson, the last of thirteen children born to Charley. His mother died following childbirth and his father died when he was three. He lived with his older sisters in Winter Haven until his older brother Robert Cooper took him to live with him and his wife Ruth. They moved to New Port Richey where Robert ran a citrus packing house. He graduated from Gulf High School in 1947, playing on the football and baseball teams. He studied herpetology under Archie Carr and Coleman J. Goins and said these were the happiest days of his life. He was a Gator football enthusiast! He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 and was chosen for Officer’s Training School. Much of his career was in SAC as a navigator on B-52 Bombers. In 1957 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a crew member on one of the three B-52s that made the first non-stop round the world flights, refueling in the air, in 45 hours, 13 minutes. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam, at the Pentagon and services director from Grand Forks Air Force Base in 1975. He retired after 25 years in the Air Force as a Lt. Col. For many years he and former wife Gwen operated Buffalo Antiques in Lake Alfred. On Valentine’s Day in 1987 he married Linda Bedingfield Grable, his soul mate. They were avid birders, spending their honeymoon in Panama on a birding tour. They were volunteer resident naturalists at Lake Region Audubon’s Street Nature Center in Winter Haven until they retired and moved to Lake Region Village in Haines City in 1999. Their life together was a grand adventure with camping in many states and trips to both the Arctic and Antarctic to observe and photograph wildlife. In the early 90s they discovered butterflies and he liked to say ‘they took over our lives.’ They surveyed butterflies in state parks and other natural areas and he was the coordinator for seven central Florida 4th of July Butterfly Counts until 2015 when his health declined and he turned over the counts to Linda. Many state park butterfly checklists are the results of their many surveys. For the past seven years they spent six weeks in Mission TX in the fall leading field trips for the Texas Butterfly Festival and the National Butterfly Center. He is survived by his wife Linda, children Byrum Wilson Cooper Jr, NY; Dena Cooper-Beecher, FL; Laura Barr, VA; stepchildren Julie Stevenson, AL; Joseph Grable, GA; niece Patricia Crisman, Bartow; step niece Mary Beth Litrico and their families. His request was for cremation and no services. Ashes will be scattered by family and friends in favorite places they shared. Many thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice nurses Tricia, Jo and Henrique and Hospice House nurses Marty, Melissa, Pam and Lisa for their tender care during trying times. The family requests memorial donations be made to National Butterfly Center 3333 Butterfly Park Dr, Mission TX 78572; Good Shepherd Hospice 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland FL 33805 or Friends of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve 33104 NW 192nd AV, Okeechobee FL 34972. His was a life well-lived. COOPER, JANET LOUISE “Yerke” 63, passed away peacefully May 16, 2017 at Hospice in Zephyrhills. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Lonnie “Cliff” Cooper; two sons, Lonnie, Jacob; and daughter, Natalie; along with four grandchildren. Also survived by four brothers and two sisters. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. A celebration of life date will follow. Skippers, VA – CORNETT, CHIVON AMBER (THARP), age 37, of Skippers, Va passed away Wednesdaay, July 13, 2016 at Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia, VA. Chivon was born October 12, 1978 in Pasco County, Florida. She worked as a pharmacy tech at Walmart in Emporia, VA. She is survived by her mother, Cheryl Anne Russell. Her father, Carroll W. “C. W.” Tharpe Jr. Her four children, Dillin, Angel Nicole, Jon and Caleb. Four brothers, Howard Martin, Clint Martin, Tommy Martin and Todd Middelbrook. Also her grandfather, Carroll W. Tharp Sr. A Memorial Service to Celebrate Chivon’s Life will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 4:00 PM at Doors of Praise and Worship, Bay Street, Gaston, NC with Pastor Russell Collins officiating. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions ma be made to Doors of Praise And Worship, P.O. Box 775, Gaston, NC 27832 where a fund has been established for Chivon’s children. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com. [GHS Class of 1997] CORSO, STEVEN MICHAEL, 16, of Holiday, died Wednesday (April 19, 2006) in the Bayfront Medical Center St. Petersburg. He was born in Chandler, Ariz. and came here 16 years ago from Mesa, Ariz. He was a stocker for Winn Dixie in Elfers and was Catholic. Survivors include his mother, Mary Frances Zajac, Holiday; two brothers, Matthew and Jacob Corso, both of New Port Richey; paternal grandparents, Robert and Bernadine Corso, Sun City, Ariz.; maternal grandparents, James and Frances Ann Zajac, New Port Richey; an aunt, Deirdra Zajac; an uncle, James Zajac; and a cousin, Matthew Zajac. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Port Richey. COUEY, RICHARD A. – A Homosassa man died in a head-on car crash in Spring Hill on Friday. Richard A. Couey, 24, was killed when the car he was driving was struck by a car that had crossed the center line and veered into his lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He lived at 5554 Victoria Point, Homosassa, according to the FHP. Couey was southbound on Monteverde Drive, approaching Falkirk Lane in Spring Hill, in northern Pasco County, when a car driven by Robert A. Woods, 35, of 17834 Drayton St. in Spring Hill, crossed the center line and collided with Couey’s car shortly before 10 p.m. Woods was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. No word on his condition was available. Couey died at the scene, according to the FHP. [St. Petersburg Times, Dec. 11, 2005] CRAWFORD, MARION LaFON JR., 60, of Zephyrhills, died Tuesday (Aug. 23, 1994) at home. Born in Latta, S. C., he came here 30 years ago from New Port Richey. He was a retired teacher and a member of First United Methodist Church, Zephyrhills. He was a member of the Pasco County Teachers Association. Survivors include his wife, Ann; a daughter, Victoria A. Noel, Sugar Hill, Ga.; a son, Marion L. III “Trey,” Brooksville; his mother, Carolyn, Land O’ Lakes; a brother, Ryan, Land O’ Lakes; two sisters, Lyn Murphy, Union, S. C., and Jane Crawford, New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. Richey Richardson Chapel, Zephyrhills. CROWDER, BEVERLY “GAIL,” age 71, of Tallahassee, Florida, went to be with the Lord on September 6th, 2012. She was born in Bremen, Kentucky, on May 8th, 1941. Gail graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Education. She later earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. She married Dan Crowder on February 4th, 1967. Gail loved teaching; both academic subjects and bible studies. She spent 23 years blessing others through her career in education. Her family has cherished the outpouring of love from her former students, colleagues, and from everyone whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, T.H. and Jeraldine Bruce and her sister, Neeta Ann Anderson. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dan Crowder; two children Bruce Crowder (wife Melanie) and Kelly Seay (husband Glen) and five grandchildren; Luke Seay, Joshua Crowder, Lawson Seay, Annika Crowder, and Lilly Kate Seay. A Memorial Service will be held this Saturday, September 8th, 2012 at 11:00am at the Parkview Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida. [She was an assistant principal of Gulf High School in the 1980s and early 1990s.] CUMMINGS, KATHERINE, 83, died Dec. 13, 2007. She was born in Citrus Park, FL, and spent most of her life in New Port Richey. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace, was a Gulf high school graduate, and was a clerk at Rexall Drugs. She moved to the area in 1939, met and married Gene Cummings, town barber in New Port Richey, Gene’s Barber Shop. Gene died Feb. 1, 2001, at the age of 79. Survivors include her daughter, Joan Koehn, of New Port Richey; and sisters, Mildred Andres, of Beverly Hills, FL, and Wuanita Brady, of Lakeland, FL. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Morgan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 727-847-3999 CUNNINGHAM, SR., RONALD E. Ft. McCoy – Ronald E. Cunningham, Sr., age 45, passed away on July 2, 2014. Born in Akron, OH, he came to Marion County from Hudson 21 years ago. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved his many dogs. Preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Phyllis Cunningham; he is survived by his wife, Marijo Cunningham; son, Ronald “Bubba” Cunningham, Jr., Ft. McCoy; daughters, Emily (Joshuia) Drake, Ocala; Kiley Cunningham, Ft. McCoy; brother, Matthew Cunningham, Ft. McCoy; sister, Kim Kennedy, Belleview; and grandson, Joshuia Drake, Jr. Memorial service to be held at First Baptist Church of Orange Springs, 22800 NE CR 315, Orange Springs, FL 32182 with Rev. Ed Stanley officiating. [GHS Class of 1987]
D’ALESSIO, JOHN CARLO, 15, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (July 6, 1994) at All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. He came here 14 years ago from his native Chicago. He was a student at Gulf High School and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He was a member of the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team. Survivors include his mother, Marie; a brother, Michael, Troy, N.Y.; a sister, Ann Marie, New Port Richey; and his maternal grandmother, Angelina Boring, Hudson. Michels-Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey. DALY, CHARICE, 50, died Dec. 9, 2015. Survived by sons, Stephen, Bryan Joachinson; Jacob, James Levy; parents, Carolyn Contos, Stephen Daly; siblings, Stacy, Craig. Dobies Hudson. [GHS Class of 1983] DASHER, ALLEN GILBERT, 80, of Palm Harbor and formerly of Tarpon Springs, died Monday (Feb. 20, 2006) at home. He was born in Ludowici, Ga., came here for the first time in 1935 from Georgia and moved back and forth between the states several times. He settled in Palm Harbor in 1951. He attended and played football at Gulf High School in New Port Richey, then graduated from high school in Georgia. He was a Merchant Marine veteran of World War II. He retired as a mail carrier after 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service and also formerly owned and operated Ideal service station and Dasher Oil Co., all in of Tarpon Springs. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Tarpon Springs and a former member of Elks Lodge 1719, Tarpon Springs. He was a co-founder of the Tarpon Springs Little League Baseball in the 1960s and was involved in acquiring the Sisler Baseball Fields for the league. Survivors include a son, Gregge, Tarpon Springs; two daughters, Beverly Hole, and Mitzi Dasher, both of Palm Harbor; a brother, William, Lake Placid; a sister, Pacha Smiley, Hinesville, Ga.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs. de AGUERO, MARY JANE (PEEK), 66, died at home peacefully after a courageous five year battle with colon cancer. She was born in Atlanta, GA. Following graduation from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, FL, she attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education. She taught in public school in Melbourne, FL and Miami, and from 1970-2000, she was a kindergarten teacher at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Miami. To her students, she was a second mom (Mrs. D). With gentleness, sweetness, and a rewarding smile, she was firm but understanding. She aspired to teach love and compassion as much as academics. She and her husband, Richard, traveled extensively and saw the similarities rather than the differences in all people, at home and abroad. Survived by her husband of 42 years, daughter Sarah (husband Francisco) Granados, two marvelous grandsons Vincent and Justin, and sister Anne Peek Mathis of Clearwater, FL. She was ever devoted to family, friends, and her faith. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in her memory. Visitation will be held on Tuesday (today) 6-9 p.m. at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES, 4600 SW 8 St., Coral Gables, FL. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Burial following at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. [GHS Class of 1963] DAVIS, JAMES “BIG JIM,” 65, of Floral City, FL, passed away at home on Sunday, October 9, 2011, surrounded by his family. Born in Morgantown, WV, on September 25, 1946, he moved to Florida at an early age. His father, Edward Davis, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Debra Davis; their children Jamie Mell, Angela Davis, Brianna Sanchez, husband Michael, Chris Conrad, wife Michelle; and 15 grandchildren. An integral part of Progress Energy for 30 years as a senior work management specialist, he was widely described as an engineering and mechanical master by all who knew him, both in work and in life. He was an auto enthusiast, claiming awards in his earlier years for astounding feats in custom mechanical creations and speed. He later devoted his heart to his “second family” as an avid motorcycle enthusiast and true brother to all who ride. He co-founded Florida Long Riders motorcycle group along with brothers in heart David “Dragonfly” Gillespie and Joe “Flash” Merkt, as well as volunteering his time with numerous local, state and national rides and events and never hesitating to lend his vast knowledge to anyone in need. His garage and his heart were open to all, and his soul found peace in the wind and joy of the open road. Though he will be missed by so many, we find our own peace in knowing his spirit rides above, free of pain and speed limits. Ride well, Big Jim. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. at 10484 Gypsy Ave, Weeki Wachee, FL, on October 30, 2011, and in true Big Jim style will be followed by a potluck dinner. His “final ride” will be in November. We encourage those who have a story to come and share in this celebration of life and welcome the glorious thunder of salute to a fellow brother by any and all who are able to ride by. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/bigjim/KeeptheMemoryAlive or HPH Hospice, http://www.hospicejourney.org/visit/James-e-big-Jim-Davis, who so courageously stood by his side. Please forward any thoughts or questions to jimdavismemorial@gmail.com. [GHS Class of 1964] DAVIS, JAMES MICHAEL, 21, of 1402 Tammy Lane, Holiday, died Sunday (June 1, 1980). Born in Washington, D. C., he came here 12 years ago from Alexandria, Va., and was employed with his father James Marion Davis as a bricklayer. He was a member of the Community Methodist Church in Holiday and was a member of the U. S. Navy. He had attended Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg. In addition to his father, he is survived by his mother Betty Louise Davis, Holiday; two brothers, Robert B., New Orleans, and William S., Holiday; two sisters, Lynda M. Economos, Brooksville, and Kathleen M. Skelcher, Kitterie, Maine; his paternal grandmother Margaret Westcamp, New Port Richey; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dale C. Stevens, Holiday, and paternal great-grandmother Hattie Scopin, New Port Richey. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 7:30 pm. today at North Funeral Home, Holiday, where services will be at 7:30 p.m. today with Rev. Richard Blanchard, Community United Methodist Church, officiating. Cremation. DAVIS, ROBERT B., 31, of New Orleans, formerly of Holiday, died Wednesday (April 24, 1991). Born in Washington, D. C., he was a restaurateur. Survivors include his parents, James and Betty, New Port Richey; a brother, William S., Mystic, Conn.; and two sisters, Linda Economos, Shady Hills, and Kathy Scanlin, Mystic. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday. DAVIS, SEAN, 53, of Port Richey, Florida, passed away December 12, 2019. He is survived by his mother, Mary; sisters Noreen and Margaret; and brother, William. September 01, 1966 – December 12, 2019. [He was a teacher and coach at Gulf High School, from which he gradated in 1984.] DEANE, JESSE J., 21, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Aug. 24, 2002) in New Port Richey. He was born in New Port Richey and was a 2001 graduate of Gulf High School. He was a former groundskeeper at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey. He was of the Pentecostal faith. Survivors include his father, John, New Port Richey; his mother, Tanya Tritt, London, Ohio; a brother, James, New Port Richey; and a sister, Julie Deane, London, Ohio. North/ Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey. DECIUCIES, RICHARD THOMAS, 68, of Homosassa, formerly of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park, died Tuesday (March 27, 2007) in Homosassa. Born in Staten Island, N.Y., he moved to Homosassa in 1999 from Murphy, N.C. He lived in St. Petersburg from 1963 to 1968 and Pinellas Park from 1974 to 1976. He was a Marine Corps veteran and minister of the Homosassa Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Janet; a son, Danial, Benton, La.; a daughter, Angela McBride, Homosassa; a brother, James, New Port Richey; a sister, Jacqueline Bueta, Englewood; and six grandchildren. Charles E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness. [Class of 1957] DeCUBELLIS, ALBERT. Reared in an era of ox-drawn wagons, he saw his family’s farm bisected by a road named for them and suburbs sprout up. Albert DeCubellis, the son of one of Pasco County’s founding families, died Monday night at Community Hospital. He was 79. Mr. DeCubellis was born in 1921 on his family’s farm east of Little Road. During his lifetime, Mr. DeCubellis saw Pasco County change from a place where a team of oxen provided his family’s preferred method of transportation, to a busy suburb crisscrossed with paved roads – one of which was named after the DeCubellis family. His parents, Peter and Frances DeCubellis, moved to New Port Richey in 1918 from Quebec because Frances suffered from bronchitis and Florida’s climate agreed with her. They had 10 children. “We were pioneers here,” 89-year-old Isadore “Izzy” DeCubellis, Albert’s oldest brother, said Wednesday. “We were a very aggressive bunch of farmers. All of us boys and girls spread out, and I guess we claimed most of this country here.” In a 1997 Times article, Albert DeCubellis recalled riding in his father’s ox-drawn wagon into the town of New Port Richey. The family could not afford a car. “The only ones who had cars were the rich people and the doctors,” Mr. DeCubellis said. “We got up at 5 a.m. It would take about 1 1/2 to two hours to get into town, depending on the mood of the ox.” Mr. DeCubellis attended Gulf High School, and played on the school’s football team. One of his teammates, former County Commissioner David “Hap” Clark, remembered Mr. DeCubellis fondly. “He was a fine fellow,” Clark said. “He was honest, didn’t smoke, didn’t drink and was a courteous, upright citizen.” Mr. DeCubellis graduated from Gulf High in 1940 and became a carpenter. He spent two years in the Coast Guard during World War II, then returned to Pasco. In 1947, Mr. DeCubellis enlisted again in the Coast Guard, and spent the next 18 years in the military. In 1949, he married Lucy Jones, and they had seven children. His family lived in several places during Mr. DeCubellis’ Coast Guard career, including Connecticut and Hawaii. In 1965, they returned home to New Port Richey, and Mr. DeCubellis retired from the Coast Guard. He was a plant manager at Cypress Elementary School and at Ridgewood High School, and stayed there until the mid 1970s, his family said. Mr. DeCubellis built a home across the street from his family’s property. In the late 1980s, the family farm was bisected by a road stretching from Little Road to the River Ridge subdivision. County officials named it DeCubellis Road. In 1991, Mr. DeCubellis told a Times reporter that he had mixed emotions about the development of west Pasco. “I’ve raised my family here; we’ve had a good life here. All the kids have built around here,” he said. “I just wonder what all this traffic’s going to bring.” Mr. DeCubellis is survived by his wife, Lucy; five sons, two daughters and 20 grandchildren. Three of his brothers and two sisters also are still living in the area. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the North/ Meadowlawn Funeral Home and cemetery, 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey. St. Petersburg Times, May 10, 2001. DeCUBELLIS, DAVID L. “DAVE,” 80, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Jan. 19, 2004) at home. He was a lifelong resident of his native New Port Richey. He retired as the road and bridge engineering inspector for Pasco County with 25 years of service. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a former member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Port Richey, the National Rifle Association, Elks Lodge 2284 and American Legion Post 16. Survivors include two sons, Richard, Jacksonville, and Chris, New Port Richey; two daughters, Debbie Monson and Donna Beatty, both of Birmingham, Ala.; two sisters, Mickey Little, New Port Richey, and Judy Housend, Interlachen; and a brother, Izzy, New Port Richey; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
DeCUBELLIS, JOHNNIE. Johnnie Decubellis, a lifelong Pasco resident and son of one of the county’s founding families, died Wednesday at North Bay Hospital. He was 75. Mr. Decubellis was born on his family’s farm just east of Little Road. Back then, the family used a team of oxen to get around. Today, that family farm is bisected by Decubellis Road. Mr. Decubellis’ parents, Peter and Frances, moved to New Port Richey in 1918 from Quebec. They came to Florida for the warm weather because Frances Decubellis suffered from bronchitis. They had 10 children. “We were a very aggressive bunch of farmers,” Mr. Decubellis’ older brother, Izzy, said in an interview with the St. Petersburg Times earlier this year. “All of us boys and girls spread out, and I guess we claimed most of this country here.” Johnnie Decubellis graduated from Gulf High School, where he played end on the football team. “Johnnie was a good and honest man,” said former County Commissioner David “Hap” Clark, a teammate of Mr. Decubellis’ at Gulf High and a lifelong friend. After high school, Mr. Decubellis served in the Navy in World War II. He and his wife, the former Florence Livesay, who was known to family and friends as “Dusty,” had a daughter, Judy. Florence Decubellis died three years ago. Mr. Decubellis, who stood 6-foot-3 in his prime, worked for Florida Power for 30 years as a lineman and supervisor. “He was about the strongest man I ever knew,” said his nephew, Chris Decubellis. Mr. Decubellis was an avid outdoorsman who carried on the old Cracker traditions on his farm on the Pithlachascotee River, his nephew said. He made syrup out of sugar cane and just before his death, he was planning to butcher a hog for cured ham and bacon. “And he could fix anything,” Chris Decubellis said. Mr. Decubellis was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Rifle Association. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home at 6616 Congress St. from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Saturday. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A memorial Mass is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. St. Petersburg Times, Nov. 9, 2001. DeGRAFF, PETER SR., 43, of New Port Richey, died May 12, 2005. Born in Patterson, N.J., he moved to Florida in 1979, Ocean View, N.J. He was a Seventh Day Adventist in New Port Richey. He is survived by his wife, Erin DeGraff; son, Peter DeGraff Jr.; three brothers, John DeGraff, Jerry DeGraff, and Bob DeGraff; two sisters, Donna Fisher, and Lynn Samuel; father, John DeGraff; mother, Lillian DeGraff; grandmothers, Catherine DeGraff and Elma Weidler; and numerous nieces and nephews. National Cremation Society. [GHS Class of 1980] DEHART, CYNTHIA ROBIN, Class of 1978, died in 2018. DELK, SHIRLEY JUNE, 84, of Ladson, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on May 15, 2020, at home surrounded by family and granddaughters singing to her. She was born in Elfers, Florida, the daughter of Lucille Burney (Hall) and Rufus L. Burney. Shirley was the matriarch of the family and example for all to follow with her faith in Christ and service to others. A member of the Summerville Baptist Church…everyone was her family. She was Secretary for the Screven Baptist Association in Summerville, SC for many years. She raised her children in an Air Force family of a Non Commissioned Officer (NCO). She was preceded in her death by her husband MSgt Duane H. Delk, parents R.L. and Lucille Burney, siblings Wilmer Yogi Burney, and Gladys Burney. Shirley is survived by her children Dennis H. Delk (Pam), of Roanoke VA, Dana H. Delk (Vicki) of Ravenel, SC, Cheryl A. Mims (Mike) of Summerville SC, brother Deryl A. Burney (Robin) of New Port Richey FL, and sister Debbie Jones (Bill) of New Port Richey FL, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be Private. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Keepers of the Wild, 1606 Coolers Dairy Road, Walterboro, SC, 29488 or Messengers of Hope 14426 Black Lake Road, Odessa, Fl 33556. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston. To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. Published in Charleston Post & Courier from May 18 to May 19, 2020. [GHS Class of 1952] DELZER, EDWARD SCOTT, 59, GHS Class of 1977, was killed in an automobile accident in Seminole on July 28, 2018. Edward’s father was also killed. They were stopped at a red traffic light when they were struck by another car. Edward Scott Delzer, 59, was born to Harvey and Hilda Delzer in Tampa, Florida on May 29, 1959. He passed away suddenly in a tragic accident on July 28, 2018. Ed was the oldest of three children with two sisters, Penny and Laura. Ed graduated from Gulf High School in 1977. Ed valued his education. He began at St. Petersburg Junior College, then attended Florida State University, where he graduated with a double-major in Political Science and History. He began his career as a financial and insurance advisor with A. G. Edwards and after gaining experience as part of a large firm, Ed partnered with an associate to start their own insurance agency, O’Brien & Delzer in Spring Hill, Florida. They experienced such success, that Ed was able to retire before his 50th birthday. In his youth, Ed played basketball and tennis competitively, and enjoyed all sports, both as an athlete and a spectator. Ed had a love for movies. As a child, John Wayne westerns were his favorite and he would reenact his favorite scenes riding horses with his cousins in South Dakota. Later, Ed’s friends knew him as the movie buff, often introducing them to the classics so that they could be in on his favorite lines. He also loved adventure, traveling with friends to exotic locations, and good country music. Ed had a unique, very dry sense of humor. He connected with many people through social media emailing and messaging. Ed didn’t just make fun of life, he made life fun. His wit showed his intellect and he would think up ways to entertain his friends, which endeared him to all who knew him. His uncanny memory for all things served him equally well in real-life situations as well as trivia. Ed was Google before there was Google. Ed believed that if you were his friend, you were his friend for life – he maintained friendships from grade school. If you knew him, you knew his kindness and generosity were unmatched. Ed had an imposing physical presence, but a heart of gold, exemplified by his love for animals and children. Ed was devoted to his family, spending his time and energy with extended family and friends whom he treated as family. Ed was Mr. Reliable, always there when you needed him. His girlfriend, Kelly, called him “Steady Eddy.” He was everyone’s “go-to guy” because he was incredibly knowledgeable and capable. A man of his word, his father instilled in him a sense of dignity and loyalty. Ed faithfully attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in New Port Richey, Florida. He was very fit and health conscious, being a regular part of the fitness community at Premier Choice Fitness. Ed was preceded in death by his sister, Penny; his cat, Tolstoy; and joined in death by his father and best friend, Harvey. He is survived by his mother, Hilda; his sister, Laura; Kelly Daniel; and countless friends and family. www.SerenityFuneralHomeLargo.com Serenity Funeral Home (727) 562-2080 DELZER, PENNY A. Penny was born on February 4, 1961. Penny died on February 27, 1991 at 30 years old. Penny A Delzer’s last known residence is at New Port Richey, Pasco County, FL 34652. [GHS Class of 1979] DENCKER, RICHARD ANDREW, passed away on Oct. 26, 2016. Richard was born May 8, 1974 in Dunedin, Florida to parents Howard and Norma Dencker. He moved to Texas in 1989 at the age of 14 and graduated from Brazoswood High School (1992) in Lake Jackson, TX. His greatest joy was being a daddy to Brittany and Brandon, and recently became a grandfather to Shane – whom he adored. He was so excited to become a “Papa.” Rick worked in the technology field. As one of his co-workers said, “He was a wiz at everything and a genius on the computer.” He loved computers and gaming and almost everything Nintendo. He had a circle of on-line friends that had the same interest. Richard is preceded in death by his father Howard Dencker, and his grandmothers. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Brittany and Jeremye Baltzell, his son Brandon Dencker, his grandson Shane Andrew Baltzell, mother – Norma Dencker, sister Amy Dencker, numerous aunts, uncles and many cousins, and the mother of his children, Melissa Dencker. Richard attended Elfers Elementary, Gulf Middle and Gulf High School until 9th grade. DENISON, LANEITA LANTON, 68, a Tampa resident since 1968, died August 24, 2004, at 2:40 a.m. local time in North Arundel Hospital at Glen Burnie, Md., seven days following a severe stroke. Laneita suffered diabetes 25 years and renal failure the last three years. He parents were the late Charles C. and Muriel M. Lanton of Panama City, Fla., from where Laneita graduated Gulf High School. She completed two years college and worked first as a minister’s wife at church, later as a Florida real estate broker. Laneita was a member of Henderson Boulevard Church of Christ for 36 years. Survivors include her son, Deryl Denison of Severn, Md.; a daughter, Rhonda Cottrill of Arkansas; a brother, Larry Lanton of Panama City, Fla.; and four granddaughters, Tonya Blum, Niki Denison, Desi Denison and Chrissy Denison. Laneita was buried in the Parker, Fla., cemetery at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2004, with family and close friends in attendance. All funeral arrangements were made by Fink Funeral Home in Glen Burnie, Md. Any inquiries may be made to elder Ron Drumm at Henderson Boulevard Church of Christ. DERMOTT, RENEE, passed away July 19, 2020. She was born July 22, 1968 in Woodbury, NJ. She is survived by her husband, John Dermott of 25 and one half years; daughters, Robyn Rau, Madalyn Ziongas, Nicole Dermott, Sydney Dermott; and her son, Matthew Dermott. She is predeceased by her mother and father, Wesley Knettle and Leona Knettle. She is a proud Gigi of Layla Herron and Emory Ziongas. Mrs. Reneé Dermott was a History Teacher at Seven Springs Middle School. Renee and her husband, John, enjoyed seeing the fall leaves and spending Thanksgiving with family in North Carolina. She loved Halloween and the beauty of the entire fall season. Her memorial service was held July 25, 2020 at Gulf High School, where she graduated from in 1986. She is forever loved, will always be missed and will never be forgotten. DEWITT, LONNIE “BUCK,” August 8, 1949 ~ March 10, 2020 (age 70). Lonnie “Buck” DeWitt, 70, of Holiday, Florida, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He had been battling illness at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey, FL. Lonnie was born to Gene Hall DeWitt, and Ruby Marie Baumgardner, August 08, 1949, in Rowlesburg, WV. Lonnie graduated from Rowlesburg High School in 1967 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Fairmont State College in 1971. He then completed his Master’s Degree from West Virginia University in Safety and Risk Management. Buck began his teaching career at Arthurdale Junior High School. Then taught Physical Education and coached basketball and football at Terra Alta High School. He continued this love of coaching and teaching in Springboro, Ohio for 5 years. He finally found his teaching home in 1982 for The Pasco County School System. He taught history, physical education and was most known and loved for his driver’s education classes. At Gulf High School he coached both girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls’ softball, and Varsity football. In 2011, he retired after 41 years from his love of coaching and teaching due to illness. Buck married Deborah (Titchenell) DeWitt in 1968 and was very proud of his marriage of 51 years. They lived together in Holiday, Fl for the last 30 years where they enjoyed attending Elfers Baptist Church, raising their two daughters, and watching his beloved Steeler’s play on Sunday. They also enjoyed travel and visiting extended family in West Virginia. He is preceded in death by his daughter Christina Maria DeWitt (1975) and his mother Ruby Marie Baumgardner (2010). Buck is survived by his loving and constant companion, his wife, Deborah Dewitt; two daughters, Tonya Campbell (Jeffrey Campbell), and Kristle Henry (Donnie Henry); beloved Pawpaw to Chancey Alston Campbell; one brother: Dr. Michael DeWitt (Carla DeWitt); one sister: Bonnie Hill (Hope Hill); his father Gene DeWitt; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Friends will be received at the Rotruck-Lobb Kingwood Chapel; 295 South Price Street on Sunday, March 15, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend David Spence officiating, Interment will follow at Red Rock Cemetery. The family would also like to express their gratitude for the love, support, and prayers provided during this difficult time. It has shown us that this man had an amazing impact on others throughout his journey. We are truly touched and blessed. Personal condolences may be offered to the family online at www.rotruck-lobb.com. DICKEY, MR. LAWRENCE, age 69, of Freeport, Florida passed away November 20, 2007 in Destin, Florida. He was born July 7, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Lonnie Russell and Gilberta McKay Dickey. Mr. Dickey was a resident of Freeport and was Baptist by faith. He was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces serving his country in the USAF. He graduated from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, Fla. He worked as a carpenter on the high-rise buildings in Chicago, Ill. He also was a 35-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous and one of the founders of the Freeport Trouble Makers group. Mr. Dickey was preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife, Bonnie Dickey; one son, Larry Dickey; and one brother, Russell Dickey. Mr. Dickey is survived by one son, Raymond Dickey of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and one brother, Thomas Dickey and wife Edna of New Port Richey, Fla. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Funeral services were conducted November 23, 2007 at Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home with Chaplin Thomas Dickey officiating. Burial followed in the Hatcher Cemetery with military honors. To view obituaries, offer condolences and sign a guest book online, visit www.clary-glenn.com. Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. DINAPOLI, PARIS ANTHONY. Paris Anthony DiNapoli, 21, was brain-dead and on life support. His mother asked a priest to give him the last rites. Later, the priest called. DiNapoli’s girlfriend, he said, was visiting him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital . “She’s not supposed to be there,” said his mother, Jean DiNapoli. “She’s the one who did this to him.” Police say Nicole Nero, 23, stabbed DiNapoli in the heart with a kitchen knife. But they also say it appears she acted in self-defense. “She felt threatened for her life because he was drunk, and she thought he was going to beat her,” Tallahassee police spokesman John Newland said. DiNapoli, an avid diver, lifeguard and 2001 graduate of Gulf High School, died Wednesday after being taken off life support. His mother, of New Port Richey, said she took some comfort in knowing his organs went to people who needed them. “But I still should have my son,” she said. Her son and his girlfriend had been living together in Tallahassee, Jean DiNapoli said, in an on-again, off-again relationship. They had recently moved into a new third-story apartment. The stabbing happened early July 29. Nero said Thursday that she and DiNapoli had been out that night with some of her co-workers. Both had been drinking, according to a Tallahassee police report. Nero said they argued on the way home. Later, Nero said, he threw furniture and beat her. She said he got out some kitchen knives and threatened to skin her cat, which was hiding atop the refrigerator. When DiNapoli came at her again, Nero said, she grabbed one of the knives and stabbed him. “I was just scared,” she said. “I thought he was going to kill me.” DiNapoli was rushed to the hospital, but blood loss had choked the oxygen from his brain. Nero said Tallahassee police questioned her at the apartment, then took her to the police station to go over the incident again. Then they came back to the apartment to have her re-enact the fight. A grand jury will convene to decide whether Nero will face charges, police spokesman Newland said. Tallahassee police arrested DiNapoli last year on a domestic battery charge. Nero said Thursday that DiNapoli’s arrest was because he had hit her. He later pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, state records show. Jean DiNapoli said her son used to lifeguard at the James P. Gills YMCA in New Port Richey. “He was funny. He was good-looking. The girls were all after him,” she said. “Whatever he did, he did 110 percent.” He attended Tallahassee Community College until he ran out of money, she said. Lately, he had been doing maintenance work. “This whole thing’s a nightmare,” she said. “He was all I had, my only child, my only, only.” He is to be buried Saturday. Arrangements are being made by North Meadowlawn Funeral Home. [St. Petersburg Times, Aug. 5, 2005.] DIXON, FANNIE L., 84, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Nov. 2, 1998) at Richey Manor Nursing Center, New Port Richey. She came here 20 years ago from her native Plant City. She was a retired librarian and teacher at Gulf High School, New Port Richey, and a member of the First Methodist Church, New Port Richey. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Retired Teachers Association. Survivors include a son, Thomas, Newport Beach, Calif.; a sister, Katherine Koestline, Connecticut; and one grandchild. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home, New Port Richey. DOUGLAS-SANTILLI, KIMBERLY JO. We are sad to announce that on October 6, 2019 we had to say goodbye to Kimberly Jo Santilli (Bode, Iowa), born in Tampa, Florida. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Kimberly Jo Santilli or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service. She was loved and cherished by many people including : her parents, Beverly Douglas (Jenkins) and Robert Douglas; her husband John P. Santilli; her children, Patricia Lynn Thomas (John) of Sarasota, Hope Santilli of Bode and Nicholas Santilli of Bode; her grandchildren, Marisa Thomas, Kyle Thomas and Robert Dean Santilli; her sisters, Robin Kinnan of Humboldt and Lindsay Douglas of Bode. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 11th 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home – Humboldt (612 2nd Ave S, Humboldt, IA). A burial will be held on Friday, October 11th 2019 at the St. Olaf Cemetery (Bode, IA 50519, USA). [GHS Class of 1981] DRAFT, MELVIN C., 83, of New Port Richey, died Monday (May 15, 2006) at Stratford Court Health Care of Palm Harbor. He was born in Tarpon Springs and lived in New Port Richey all his life. He was an accountant employed by Stauffer Chemical of Tarpon Springs and an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II. He was the former owner of Pasco Office Supply. He was a member of the New Port Richey Rotary, American Legion Paradise Post 79, Methodist Men’s Club and First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Fortunate M.; two sons, Robert and David, both of New Port Richey; two daughters, Janice Thompson, Elfers, and Leslie Thiel, New Port Richey; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey. DRAGO, TERRY J., 59, of Tarpon Springs, died Feb. 12, 2014. Survived by husband, John; son, Casey Shelton; daughter, Aubree Shelton-Drago; brother, Larry Raubunas. Dobies FH/Holiday [Terry Rabunas Drago, GHS Class of 1972] DREHER, JAMES M. “JIM,” 63, of Holiday, died June 1, 2009. Survived by wife, Mary Suzan; children, Dustin and Heidi; brother, Robert; grandchild, Peggy. Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday. [GHS Class of 1964] DREHER, RHONDA ANGELICA “ANGEL,” 49, of Holiday, died Friday, July 11, 2014 at Mease Hospital Countryside. She was born in Clearwater, FL and lived in Holiday. She graduated from Gulf High School in New Port Richey and was an awesome nail tech at Bahama Bronze. A mother of four children, Christie Rae Ogden, Lauren Lagana, Jessee Lagana and Angelina Lagana; father, Robert L. Dreher; four sisters, Dolly Koulias, Roberta Pickering, Renee Dreher and Denise Broaddus; two brothers, Rodney Dreher and Randall Dreher, Visitation Wednesday, July 16th from 4-6 p.m. at Dobies Funeral Home, Holiday Chapel with funeral service at 6 p.m. at the Holiday United Church of Christ in Holiday. [GHS Class of 1982] DURIVOU, JOHN J. III, 32, of New Port Richey died Sunday (March 26, 2000) at home. Born in Bay Shore, N. Y., he came here 23 years ago from Long Island, N. Y., and was a communications sales representative. He was Catholic. Survivors include his father and stepmother, John Jr. and Carol Durivou, Spring Hill; his mother and stepfather, Charlotte and Jack Craigo, New Port Richey; five brothers, Scott and Brian, both of New Port Richey, Daniel, Hinesville, Ga., and Jason and Jeremy, both of Spring Hill; and a paternal grandmother, Josephine Durivou, Long Island, N. Y. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Congress Street Chapel, New Port Richey. [GHS Class of 1985] ECKSTIEN, SUSAN MALLETT Susan Eckstein, age 73 of New Port Richey, FL passed away February 21, 2024. Susan was part of the pioneering Clark and Nicks families that settled in Pasco County in the 1870’s. Susan was born in Carrabelle, FL where her father, Walter Mallett owned a fish house and moved to Port Richey with her family in the early 1950’s. She attended Pierce/Richey Elementary School and Gulf Junior/Senior High. She graduated from GHS as Salutatorian of her class in 1968 and went on to major in Education at the University of South Florida. Susan had a giving heart and phenomenal memory for dates and names. These gifts served her well in her time as a community volunteer. She volunteered for several years with her mom, Frances, at the Historical Society and gave many hours at the Elfers Cares Center where she loved to share her family history. Susan was very involved in the local Presbyterian Church, where she was one of the founding members. She was an Elder in the Church and the held the position of Head of the Presbyterian Women at one time. Susan loved her small town and her large family. She was known for sending dozens of cards to friends and family members. each year. She is survived by daughter Laura Standifer, brothers Archie Burnside, Charles Blankenship, Walter Mallett, Jr., Victor Mallett and Robert Mallett. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Frances Clark/Mallett and Walter Mallett, brother George Blankenship and sister, Sandra Werner. EDWARDS, TERRY MAURICE, June 5, 1942 – July 13, 2014. Edwards, Terry Maurice (“Sarge”), 72, of Hudson, Florida passed away Sunday, July 13, 2014. He was born in Morrison, N.J. to Harry L. Edwards and Helen Marie Wulfers. He was a member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Hudson, Florida. His family moved to Florida when he was a young boy and he graduated from Gulf High School. He lived in Pasco County almost his whole life. He was an avid hunter and loved his family. He retired from ABC Packaging, Inc. after 51 years. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his daughters Rebecca “Becky” Lynn Miller and husband Robert; Johanna “Anna” Marie Mathews and husband Mark; 3 grandchildren: Walter Miller, Charles Miller and Nickolas Mathews. Visitation will be 6-8PM Friday, July 18, 2014. Funeral service will be 2PM Saturday, July 19, 2014 all located at Grace Memorial Funeral Home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice in Terry’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Memorial Funeral Home 16931 US Hwy 19 Hudson, Florida 34667. [GHS Class of 1961] EGLESTONE, MARILYN J., 69, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Sept. 11, 1989) at home. She came here 38 years ago from her native Detroit. She was a retired occupational specialist with Gulf High School, New Port Richey. She was a Protestant. Survivors include a son, Mike, New Port Richey; a daughter, Cindy Adams, New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. National Cremation Society, Holiday. ELDER, BRUCE E., 54, of Danville, Ill., formerly of New Port Richey, died Saturday (July 15, 2006) in Danville. He was born in Flint, Mich., and grew up in New Port Richey. He was a 1970 graduate of Gulf High School. He worked in social services, traveled the country promoting concerts and various businesses. Survivors include his wife, Pamela (Jordan); a son, Rob; a sister, Linda Witt; and a brother, David. Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Danville, Ill. ELIASSEN, RONALD EUGENE, 60, of New Port Richey, died June 9, 2011. Ronnie was a lifelong resident, a graduate of Gulf High. He was a heavy equipment operator with the City of New Port Richey for over 24 years. Survived by 2 brothers, Dan (Rebecca), Jerry (Laura); several nieces and nephews. Memorial service Saturday at 11 am Faupel Funeral Home 727-849-9964. [GHS Class of 1968] ELLINOR, POLLY SNELL, 74, of Tampa, FL, died peacefully Thursday, January 3, 2019 after a lengthy illness. Born in Tampa, Polly grew up in Pasco County. She graduated from Gulf High School and later Florida State University before returning to Tampa to marry David Ellinor and raise a family. Polly and her husband ran a variety of businesses in the citrus industry, including a nursery, groves, and a caretaking service. Polly later worked at Helena Chemical selling agricultural chemicals until her retirement in 2014. She was a founding member of the Moffitt Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Advisory Council. Polly loved people, socializing, being outdoors, and was a constant source of good cheer to her friends and family. She is survived by her two children, Beth Ceilley (Dan) of Ft. Myers and Andrew Ellinor (Amy) of Tampa. Her four granddaughters, Abigail, Dinah, Mary, and Leila were a great joy to Polly. A memorial service will take place at 11 am Saturday, January 12, at Keystone United Methodist Church, 16301 Race Track Road, Odessa, FL 33556. Memorial gifts may be made to the Keystone United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. [GHS Class of 1962] EMLEY, CLARICE THOMPSON, age 108, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Gulf View Hospice Center in New Port Richey, Florida. She was born March 27, 1911 in Alleghany County to the late Clarence and Mary Collins Thompson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Herb Emley. Clarice went to New Port Richey, Florida in 1959 and taught until her retirement in 1972. She had taught previously in North Carolina and in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a lifetime member of NEA, a member of the FREA, and of the Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of the Community Congregational Church in New Port Richey and the Sparta Presbyterian Church in North Carolina. She enjoyed traveling and her music. During her later years she has enjoyed living and being involved in many activities at Atria Senior Living Baypoint in Hudson, Florida. She is survived by three nieces, Norma T. Price of Asheville, Helen T. Duncan of Charlotte, and Page T. Worthington of Ayden. The family requests the honor of your presence at the graveside service to celebrate the life of Clarice at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Glade Valley Church Cemetery with Reverend Frank Wythe officiating. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home. [Mrs. Emley taught at Pierce/Gulf Junior High and Gulf High School in the late 1950s and 1960s, when she was known as Miss Clarice Helen Thompson.] ENGLISH-READ, TRICIA, GHS Class of 1994, died on Oct. 10, 2017. ERNST, ALAN K, GHS Class of 1975, died on Oct 12, 2018. He was 61 years old. He was a resident of Wisconsin. EVERETT, NANCY EVA, 31, of Panama City, formerly of Port Richey, died Saturday (Sept. 14, 2002) in Panama City. She was born in Brooksville and was a resident of Port Richey from 1972 until 2000, when she moved to Panama City. She was a graduate of Gulf High School and was a member of the United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughter, Faith Ann Marie Hayden, Panama City; her parents, Sandra and Gary Everett Sr., and a brother, Gary W. Everett Jr., all of Port Richey; and a fiance, Robert Hayden Jr. Genesis Crematory, Panama City. EVERS, MICHELLE LEE, 36, passed away in her sleep on Jan. 25th, 2010. Born in Daytona Beach, on Nov. 30th, 1973. High School Diploma, Cert. of Dental Assistant and Graduate of SunCoast Beauty School. Survived by her daughter, Brittany Davis Evers, 16, attendee at Gulf High School. She is a much loved daughter survived by her parents, William and Barbara Preslock and brother, Dr. William J. Johns; her grandparents, Dr. Edwin and Deanie Davis; her aunts and uncles, Dianna and Ben Dyer, Winna and Dave Morrin, and Jeanne and Ed Davis. Celebration of Michelle’s Life Friday, Jan. 29th at Dobies on Congress, 4-6pm. Funeral service 1pm on Saturday, Jan. 30th at All Saints Episcopal Church in Tarpon Springs. Dobies F.H.-Congress Chapel www.dobiesfuneralhome.com FAIRCLOUGH, JOHN “BUTCH,” 52, of Buckley, WA, died on April 27, 2009. Graduated from Gulf High in 1974. Former owner of Lena’s Manchester Inn, Manchester, WA. Survived by his wife, Mary; mother, Gloria; sisters, Linda Partlow of Las Vegas, NV, Ramona Peterson of Hudson, and Donna Fairclough of Spring Hill; and 3 nieces, Elisa, Vanessa and Michelle. FALANY, NAPOLEON JOSEPH “SUDY,” born on April 21, 1921, died on Dec. 7, 2012, and was buried in California. GHS Class of 1941. FALVEY, MATTHEW P., 40, of New Port Richey, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2007, at his residence. Born in Livonia, Mich., on April 21, 1967, Matthew moved to Florida from Livonia in 1982. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, a graduate of Gulf High School, and an Olympian for the Florida Special Olympics. Matthew was preceded in death by his mother Josephine Falvey in December 2006. Survivors include his father William P. Falvey of New Port Richey; brother and sister-in-law, Michael P. and Cloria Falvey of Gainesville, Ga.; sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Terry Kot of Rapid City, Mich. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the North Meadowlawn Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to the hour of service. Arrangements are under the direction of North Meadowlawn Funeral Home 4244 Madison St. New Port Richey, Fla. (727)849-9281
FERGUSON, GEORGE R., 34, of 807 Glenwood Drive, New Port Richey, died Thursday (Sept. 11, 1980) as the result of injuries received Sept. 2 in an automobile-truck accident in Brandon. Born in Dunedin, he was a lifelong resident of New Port Richey, and was a licensed funeral director. He had been employed with North Funeral Homes since 1963, serving as manager of the Hudson chapel since 1973. He was a well-known lecturer and authority on American Indian lore. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of New Port Richey, Pearl of the West Lodge 146, F&M, Order of the Eastern Star 117, all of New Port Richey, Hudson Chamber of Commerce, Bayonet Point Junior High School Advisory Board and the Florida Funeral Directors Association. He was a charter member of the Hudson Rotary Club. Survivors include his mother Ora Mae Ferguson, New Port Richey; a son Robert A., Brunswick, Ga.; a daughter Michelle E., Brunswick; a brother David R., New Port Richey; two sisters, Linda S. Ferguson, Jacksonville, and Mary F. Martin, New Port Richey. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at North Funeral Home, New Port Richey with Rev. C. Tom Bennett and Rev. Ralph W. Acree officiating. Masonic graveside services will be at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens with Pearl of the West Lodge 146 officiating. FERREIRA, CHARLOTTE JOYCE (BUTLER), 65, of Elfers, died Oct. 5, 2010. Survived by husband, John; sons, Blaze & Troy; 3 grandchildren; siblings, Ronald, Arthur, Edward, Joan. Dobies F.H.-Congress. [GHS Class of 1962] FERREIRA, TROY D., GHS Class of 1988, died on Feb. 8, 2011. He was 40 years old. Troy is survived by a brother, Blaze, and two sons, Dylan and Taylor, who currently attend Gulf High School. There will be a memorial service on Feb. 16 at 6 pm at Morgan Funeral Home 727-847-3999. FETZNER, JEREMY JAMES, 36, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2010 at his home in Bluffton, SC. He was born in Erie, PA on July 21, 1974. He was the son of William Samuel Fetzner and Nancie Daub King. He was a personal trainer. He was a loving father and a stay at home Dad to his children. He was a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa. He was a avid surfer who enjoyed all water sports. He was a Christian. He is survived by his wife, Raye Anne Fetzner of Bluffton, SC; his father, William Samuel Fetzner of Bayonet Point, FL; his mother, Nancie King of Erie, PA; two sons, Oliver Cole Fetzner of Bluffton, SC and Nicholas Vincelli of Clearwater, FL; two daughters, Riley James Fetzner of Bluffton, SC and Charlie Lauren Hickey of Bluffton, SC and one brother, William J. (Amy) Fetzner of Spring Hill, FL The Family will receive friends from 6 til 8, Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the home of the Jeremy Fetzner Family. Memorial donations may be sent to The Jeremy Fetzner Memorial, Atlantic Community Bank, Attn: Becky Conn, P. O. Box 3077, Bluffton, SC 29910 A Celebration of Life will be held in Tarpon Springs, Florida at a day and time to be announced. Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton, SC is assisting the family with their arrangements. [GHS Class of 1992]
FILAR, GEORGE REEVE, 82, of Westminster Oaks Retirement Community, Tallahassee, transitioned from his earthly body on April 28, 2015, after protracted convalescence following a stroke. George had been an active member of the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church since moving to Tallahassee with his family in 1972. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he had been employed by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. George was born March 21, 1933, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Beatrice Florence and George Leon Filar, both deceased, and he was preceded in death by his only sister, Beatrice Marie Sawyer. He is survived by his current wife, Eunice Filar, whom he married in 1995, and by four children from his prior marriage: Karen Watts and Craig Filar, both of Tallahassee; David Filar of San Francisco, CA; and Ken Filar of New York, NY, as well as two grandsons, Andrew Watts of Athens, GA, and Michael Watts of Atlanta, GA. Moving with his family from Indiana to Florida in his teens, George graduated from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He subsequently enlisted in the Army, serving from 1952 to 1955 and rising to Sergeant in the 10th Special Forces Group. After discharge from the Army, he married the former Joan Hicks of Dade City, FL, in 1956. He returned to Indiana to attend Valparaiso University on the GI Bill. George worked nights at U.S. Steel, in Gary, IN, and also picked up occasional work as a security guard at each of the major league baseball parks in Chicago (though he always favored the White Sox), and so managed to indulge one of his favorite past-times. He went back to school after several years working for the State of Florida, earning a MSW from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, in 1969. In addition to baseball and fishing, George loved dogs, as well as travel, logging hundreds of thousands of miles on the road both as a state employee, and simply for the sheer joy of going places with his loved ones or on his own. He was also an avid, life-long reader, claiming to have read all of the children’s books in his local library by age 11. In later years, as macular degeneration made reading difficult, he became an early adopter and voracious consumer of audiobooks. A memorial service will be held at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 2015 Fleischmann Road, on May 8, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. The service will be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org), Bright Focus Foundation (www.brightfocus.org), which funds research for macular degeneration in addition to glaucoma and Alzheimer’s, or to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com, 850-385-2193) is assisting the family with their arrangements. [GHS Class of 1951] FILIPIETZ, TIMOTHY A., 55, New Port Richey, died Oct. 3, 2013. Survived by his wife, Karen; his mother, Wandalea; brothers, Michael, Christopher. Dobies Funeral Home 7 Springs (727)372-2550. [GHS Class of 1976] FIUMARA, LINDA J., 32, of New Port Richey, died Jan. 23, 2008. Survivors: mother, Gloria; husband, Carmine; 2 sons, Dominick & Ronnie; a brother; & a sister. Downing Funeral Home-Spring Hill. [Formerly Linda Ottaway, GHS ’93] FOSKETT, ROBERT C., 91, of St. Petersburg, formerly of New Port Richey, died Saturday (July 9, 2005) at St. Anthony’s Hospital. He was born in Worcester, Mass. and moved in 1921 to New Port Richey where he graduated from Gulf High School Class in 1933. In 1945 he moved to St. Petersburg. He was a World War II Army Air Forces corporal and served as a chief marine engineer in the crash boat service. He was a life member of the DAV. For 32 years he was and was an automobile mechanic at Dew Cadillac. He was a 60-year member of the Masonic order and was a past Master of Nitram Lodge 188 F&AM, a member of the Scottish Rite in Tampa, and was a past patron of Bethlehem Chapter 193 Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Mayflower Society. He attended Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Marion L.; a son, Thomas M., St. Petersburg; and a daughter, Barbara L. Foskett, Topeka, Kan. E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, St. Petersburg. FOSTER, RALPH A. July 16, 1953 – July 29, 2019. Ralph passed away on Monday of natural causes in his home in New Port Richey, where he has been a life-long resident. He was active in the community in his childhood up until he graduated from Gulf High School in 1971. Shortly thereafter, Ralph opened Stereorama, a fixture in West Pasco for over 30 years. He then went on to work for the Pasco County Clerk of the Court. Ralph has always been an avid audiophile, fisherman and a self-proclaimed weatherman, a true Floridian, through-and-through. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and was truly excited when he became a grandpa. Ralph leaves his two children, Alison and Mitchell (Megan), a granddaughter, Josie, a sister, Sharon and a good friend, Susan. Ralph will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at 4 P.M. at Peace Hall, located in Sims Park, downtown New Port Richey. All are welcome to celebrate the wonderful life of Ralph. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you donate to Captains for Clean Water. FOWLER, AUDRA (KORBACH), 44, of New Port Richey, died Dec. 6, 2018. Survived by husband, Ronald; daughters, Sydney and Jordan; mother, Susan Korbach and brother, William. Morgan Funeral Home. [GHS Class of 1992] FRADDOSIO, MARILYN H., 75, Dowling Park, FL passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020. She was a member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church. Mrs. Fraddosio is survived by her two sons: John Fraddosio (Debbie), McAlpin, Eric Fraddosio (Barbara), Ft. White, Jeff Fraddosio, Live Oak; two brothers: Gerald Herndon, Aubrey Herndon; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, March 9th at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church. [Marilyn Herndon, GHS Class of 1962]
FRAYNE, THOMAS JEFFERSON, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at the age of 85. Thomas was a graduate of Gulf High School in New Port Richey, Fla., Class of 1944. Thomas was an avid fishermen and competitive sailor throughout his years in the Flying Dutchmen class, the Star class, the One-Ton class and the J-40 class. Thomas, also referred to as “Jeff” or “T.J.” was born July 4, 1926, and was an American Veteran of World War II. Throughout his life, he was known for his patriotic values and believed in supporting American companies. In 1953, Thomas founded Frayne Sportswear Manufacturing, which manufactured women’s clothing that proudly displayed his “Made In America” label. In 1978, he expanded his business by opening Frayne Fashions retail stores throughout the state of Florida. Thomas was once quoted in a business article, “I run the business like I sail…I follow the wind.” He will be missed by his wife of 60 years, and by his loving family that was proud to call him father, grandfather or great-grand-father. His next journey begins. “Go in peace. Full sail ahead!” Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary Scaglione Frayne; his sons, Dennis, Jeffery, Douglas, Joseph and John; his daughters, Loretta Sierra and Brigette Frayne; daughters-in-law, Lorine, Margarita, Maria and Shiela; son-in-law, Stuart Sierra; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Patricia Brown and Georgia Simmons. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Rebecca Frayne Morton. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2011, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1711 E 11th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Children’s Hospital, St.Petersburg, Fla. FRECKMANN, ARLENE EMMA, 70, of New Port Richey, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 31, 2007) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Chicago, she moved to St. Petersburg from New Port Richey in the 1960s and lived here for 21 years. She moved to Dillard, Ga., to be with family and returned recently to be with her sister in New Port Richey. She graduated in 1954 from Gulf High School in New Port Richey and was a vice president of the First National Bank of St. Petersburg. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Chapel of Sky Valley in Dillard. Survivors include a sister, Joyce F. Loechelt, New Port Richey; and many nephews and nieces. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.
FREZZA, JOHN, Class of 1984, died on July 27, 2018. FROST, MEREDITH. A 21-year-old woman who attended Gulf High School and lived in Pasco County for most of her life was shot to death last week in Portsmouth, Va. Meredith Frost, known to family and friends as Mary, died July 15 after she was shot in the head, chest and arms, said John Seyler, a technician with the Medical Examiner’s Office in Norfolk, Va. “Apparently, she wasn’t in the best of neighborhoods,” Seyler said. “She was the only victim, although there were two men with her when it happened.” Frost moved to Virginia about three years ago to be close to her mother, Sharon, who lives in Portsmouth – a city of about 100,000 that borders Norfolk. Police said Frost was walking on a street in Portsmouth shortly after midnight when the shooting occurred. It is not clear whether robbery was a motive for the killing, said Detective Amber Whittaker, a spokesman for the Portsmouth Police Department. Whittaker would not confirm whether Frost was with anyone at the time of the shooting. “All I can say is we are treating it as a homicide, and it is an active investigation,” she said. Frost was flown to Norfolk General Hospital, where she died a few hours later, Whittaker said. Her ashes will be placed next to her father’s grave in New Port Richey. Frost leaves behind two small sons: a 2-year-old and a baby less than a year old. One boy is with his father in Portsmouth and the other is being cared for by Frost’s mother. Born in Clearwater, Frost lived with her grandmother, Marcella Frost, in New Port Richey and Holiday for eight years. Frost loved gymnastics, was an average student and was devoted to her father, Terry, Marcella Frost said. She left Florida when she was 18 – shortly after her father died of a heart attack at age 46. “She found him that day,” said Marcella Frost. “She was devastated. They were very close.” Marcella Frost said her granddaughter had been working at a discount store in Portsmouth. Meredith Frost’s uncle, Jerry Frost, said he hadn’t seen his niece since she left for Virginia three years ago. “She moved away and we sort of lost touch,” said Jerry Frost, who ran a New Port Richey concrete business with Terry Frost for 10 years. “She was a pretty good girl – like any other teenager, I guess.” In addition to her sons, mother, grandmother and uncle, Frost is survived by three sisters, Evelyn and Terri Ann of Crystal River, and Lora Parker of Holiday. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent De Paul Church on Mile Stretch Road in Holiday. In memory of her granddaughter, Marcella Frost has placed a 3-foot statue of the Virgin Mary on her front lawn in Holiday. It sits between two tall pine trees in a small garden that was planted in April. “You don’t know what to do, but this seemed right,” she said. “It’s like these trees were put here for her.” St. Petersburg Times, July 25, 1996. FULLER, HAROLD BLYTHE, JR., was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 20, 2014. Harold, known by friends and family as “Buzz,” was born on December 30, 1945 to Harold and Willa Jean Fuller. Buzz was an Air Force veteran, a NASCAR enthusiast, but more importantly, a husband, father, brother, and faithful friend to many. Buzz was preceded in his homecoming by his father, Harold Blythe Fuller, Sr., his mother, Willa Jean Crittenden, and his sister, Paris Crittenden. He is survived by his son, Jeffray Scott Fuller, his daughters, Linda Brown, Stephanie Watson, and Amy Lanham, his brothers, Thomas Joseph Crittenden, Robert Goodman Fuller, and William Earle Fuller, his sisters, Rebecca Fuller Carr and Grace-Marie Fuller Guarino, and 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. A graveside service was held at the Chiefland Cemetery on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. [GHS Class of 1964] FUSSELL, CLARENCE “BUD,” died on March 17, 2019. He was in the GHS Class of 1956. |