Obituaries

SAWYER, BRIAN PETER, SSgt., 33, of New Port Richey, FL passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2019 in Fort Lewis, Washington. Brian was born on November 5, 1985 in Clearwater, Florida, the son of Gary and Susan Sawyer. He was a member of the Gulf High School Graduating Class of 2004. Brian joined the US Army in September 2010. He was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia before transferring to Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Jessica Sawyer of Spring Hill, FL; four children Addison, Emmett, Jacob and Alex Sawyer all of Spring Hill, FL; his parents Gary and Susan Sawyer of New Port Richey, FL; brother Adam Sawyer of New Port Richey, FL; sister Sarah Sawyer of New Port Richey, FL and grandmothers Jean Sawyer and Irene Mandity both of New Port Richey, FL. Brian’s family will receive friends from 10:30 am to the hour of service. Funeral Services for SSG. Brian P. Sawyer will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in New Port Richey, FL. Military Honors by the US Army Ft. Stewart Honor Guard will follow at the church. Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness, FL.

SAWYER, JOHN, passed away on Nov. 6, 2016. He graduated from Gulf High School in 1956. He was the captain of the Buccaneers in 1956. Survived by his daughters Debby Sawyer Anderson, class of 1979, and Sharie Sawyer Douglas, class of 1983. Preceded in death by his parents Irving Sawyer and Florence Sawyer.

SAWYER, SCOTT, GHS Class of 1977, died on Sept. 17, 2018.

SAYERS, JACOB, a 10th grade student at Gulf High School, died on May 30, 2016, the result of a swimming accident at a park near Weeki Wachee. He played football and wrestled and was an NJROTC cadet.

SCELZI, SUSAN MARIE TAYLOR ORAVEC. The world lost an eternal optimist on Monday, October 7, 2013, as Susan Marie Taylor Oravec Scelzi departed this life for what awaits those who live by the Golden Rule and are pure of heart and spirit. Free of the metastatic colon cancer which stole a little hop from her step over the last couple of years, Sue bounded off from the loved ones surrounding her bed at Treasure Coast Hospice, Fort Pierce. Our loss is surely another’s gain; but, we can only hope that St. Peter likes to wash walls and woodwork with Murphy’s Oil Soap on Saturday mornings and to weed the flower beds that adorn the pearly gates. Sue was born to James Taylor and Agnes Montney Taylor on April 9, 1953, in Dearborn Michigan. Sue was part of a large family, the fifth child in a set of nine, which includes: Maryann, Margaret (“Lucille”), James (“Rick”), Larry, Sue, Paula, Tom, Cathy and John. That family would go on to produce many beloved nieces and nephews too numerous to list here, which, combined with a family- first attitude, would create family picnics and Thanksgiving Dinners that are the stuff of legend. Growing up in a crowded household poses unique opportunities for fun, mischief and even a dash of mayhem; but, more than anything else, Sue grew up in a home filled with love. These forces helped to form a woman who not only had a fierce love of family, but who was also dedicated to hard work, honesty, achievement, learning and independence. Sue distinguished herself in high school, becoming the total package-an honor roll student and exceptional athlete with the values, looks and style to match. Much to her chagrin, her family moved from Dearborn to Holiday, Florida, in her pivotal senior year of high school. Though a little homesick, she graduated from Gulf High School’s class of 1971 with distinction. While even from a young age Sue was a “renaissance woman” capable of doing anything, especially if a boy could do it, her heart’s desire was to start a family. In 1973, she married Gregory G. Oravec; and while their union did not end “happily ever after”, it did produce what she wanted and loved most-her son, Gregory James, and daughter, Sondra Marie. One of the hardest workers you could ever find, Sue cherished being a mother and never let a day go to waste. There was no limit to her love and devotion to her children. In the years following her divorce, she worked two and three jobs at a time to ensure their well- being, always putting their needs in front of her own. While many people think they have the best mom, Greg and Sondra have an actual claim. As her children left the nest, she was able to find a true life partner in a similarly hardworking and family-oriented man, Richard Scelzi. She married “Rick” at a sunset beach ceremony in 1998. Sadly, an otherwise fit and healthy Rick was suddenly struck by a fatal heart attack on October 8, 2001. In the years following this tragedy, she found comfort in her family, especially her children and new grandchildren. Being a great mom easily translated into being an incredible mother-in-law to Greg’s wife, Tonia, and Sondra’s fiance, Christopher, and to being a world-class grandma to Derek, Alex, Christian, Kaitlyn, Aric and Christopher. She spent time in Evansport, Ohio, with Sondra’s family and then later moved to St. Lucie County to be near Greg’s family. Buying her own home in Port St. Lucie was a major life achievement; but, she may never have been happier, in recent memory at least, than when Sondra relocated to Port St. Lucie soon thereafter, fully reuniting her children and their growing families within a five minute drive. Over the course of her life, Sue found a variety of ways to put her hard work, talents and love for nature and the outdoors to work, excelling as a floral designer, ranch manager and most recently as an inspector for the Florida Department of Agriculture. She earned the respect of her bosses and co- workers at each stop, forming bonds with many of them that would last the duration of her life. In the wake of being diagnosed with a cancer her body could not beat, Sue never surrendered. She continued chemotherapy all the way until the end and was able to enjoy special vacations and many precious moments with those who mattered most because of her will to not only survive, but to thrive. Sorry cancer – her spirit wins. Where the pessimist may see each major phase of her life marked by toil and setbacks (relocation; divorce; working three jobs just to survive; losing your husband to a heart attack; being diagnosed with inoperable Stage IV colon cancer; and dying too young at 60) which could break a lesser person, the eternal optimist, Sue, saw only opportunities to: prove her mettle; display the goodness of her nature; prevail over difficulties; love; and enjoy simple pleasures like working outside, reading a good book, fishing and spending time with family. As she would tell her loved ones, “I want people to know that I was tough and strong, tried to be a good person, loved my family, worked hard and I was happy”. She was that; she was a great mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, coworker, friend, wife; and she was much, much more. A funeral mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 715 E Orange Street, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, at 11 a.m., Saturday October 19, 2013. For those who would like to make a memorial donation, we would instead ask that you leave your smart phone in a safe place and take your children, grandchildren and/or loved ones to the beach or park to create the memories which are at the heart of a life lived well.

SCEPKOWSKI, ROBERT J. “Bubba,” 50, of the Forest Hills Mobil Home Park died suddenly on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Saratoga Hospital. He was born in Germany on April 14, 1963 and was the son of Linda Cox Alden of New Port Richie, Fla. and the late Richard J. Scepkowski. Bubba was a graduate of Gulf High School in Florida and had been a painting contractor in the Capital District for many years. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Bubba enjoyed his wife’s home cooking and his faithful dog, “Kaos”. He is the beloved husband of Michelle Majewski Scepkowski, who he married on November 23, 1989. He is the devoted brother of Richard, Chris and Curtis Scepkowski, Cathy Nagel, Debbie Gabriel and Cynthia Gonzalez; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, Clifton Park. [Albany Times Union]

SCHAEFER, STEPHEN, 51, of Tarpon Springs, died Wednesday (March 15, 1995) at home. He came here in 1967 from his native Brooklyn, N.Y. He worked for the Pasco County school system for 26 years as a teacher and dean of students, most recently at Gulf High School. He was named vocational teacher of the year for 1990-91. He was a president of United School Employees of Pasco and a member of Pasco Vocational Association. Later he owned the Book Fair, Clearwater. He was a graduate of the University of Eastern Kentucky. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; a son, Stephen, Alabama; a daughter, Diana Schaefer, Louisiana; his mother, Helen La Fayette, Somerset, Ky.; and a sister, Laura Hudson, Ferguson, Ky. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home, Meadowlawn Chapel, New Port Richey.

SCHEIDER, EDDIE. NEW PORT RICHEY – Eddie Scheider was never a champion or an outstanding student. An amateur boxer, he was known as “The Kid.” He wasn’t rich or famous, but there was something about the 19-year-old that made him special. So special that when he was killed in a car accident July 13 on U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs, his friends got together and raised money so that he could be buried Thursday. “He was always wanting to make people smile,” said his girlfriend, Julie Wioland, 22. “You could just smile thinking about him.” At a party last weekend, 18-year-old William Jennings took up a collection. In a few hours, he had raised $150. But $150 doesn’t go very far for funeral costs, and Jennings was determined not to have Scheider cremated by the state at a pauper funeral. “No way I was going to let that happen,” he said. “I was going around to companies and everything trying to see if I could get the money. But finally, Eddie’s girlfriend, Julie, got the money from her parents and an uncle.” So, after raising some more money, Jennings spent $135 on some flowers arranged in the shape of boxing gloves with “The Kid” written across it. Now Jennings has $35 left and he’s still trying to raise money. Jennings and Scheider’s friends want enough for a headstone with boxing gloves inscribed on it, and for a donation to a Dunedin boxing club. “He deserves it,” Jennings said. “Boxing was his life. He liked it more than anything.” His friends describe the former Gulf High School student as estranged from his family. Although Scheider grew up on his own, he became “everybody’s kid.” “He’s got about five mothers by now,” said Wioland, who added that Scheider lived with her family for a while, as well as with other friends, including Jennings. His mother died when he was a child, Jennings said, and after that Scheider never heard much from his father, who lives in the Northeast. “At one point, he was living in his car,” Jennings said. “He lived out of his car for two months and was still going to school every day. When I found out, he started living with me.” Scheider had an engaging personality and always tried to help people, his friends said. That’s why about 150 turned out for his funeral and why Jennings has a list three pages long of people who want to donate money toward the headstone. “You always knew when Eddie was around,” said Regine Pender, a friend and supervisor at the Sea Market Restaurant, where he worked as a busboy. “It’s tough for any child to grow up on their own, but fortunately for him, he had that kind of personality that people liked.” He was so well liked at the Sea Market that employees took up a collection to help Wioland’s family with funeral costs. The funeral was planned and organized by his friends, and they did things they thought he would like. Since he almost always wore a cap, even when he was asleep, they buried him in a Reebok cap he had been wearing lately. Since he loved cartoons and boxing, they buried him with a little stuffed Tasmanian devil wearing boxing gloves. “We looked it up and a Tasmanian devil is a wolf, not a devil, so it was okay to bury him with it,” Jennings said. His friends said Scheider was getting his life together, working at the Sea Market and at Red Lobster, boxing and working on his high school equivalency diploma. “He was showing everyone he could do it,” Jennings said. “He had gotten a bad deal, but things were working out for him.” One mother whose daughter knew Scheider said she was proud of the way Scheider’s friends handled his death. “These days when the news is always about kids and drugs,” said Barbara Carona, “it’s nice to see kids doing something so positive.” Scheider was a passenger in a 1978 Pinto station wagon that ran into the back of a pickup truck on July 13. The truck had stopped to pick up a hitchhiker, police said. St. Petersburg Times, July 21, 1989.

SCHRADER, SUZANNE PEDRAZAS, 62, born in St. Petersburg, and was a lifelong resident of New Port Richey; Suzanne has embarked on her eternal journey Monday, Oct- 26, 2015 at home surrounded by her family. Suzanne was a graduate of Gulf High School in 1971. Suzanne worked as an insurance agent for numerous agencies for over 25 years. Suzanne loved to bake, cook, and go to the beach. Suzanne loved spending time with her family and friends. Suzanne loved to laugh. Suzanne is survived by her husband of 24 years, David; daughters, Erin (Mike) DeMasi and Jami Stacy; son, Brian (Tammy) Schrader; sisters, Teri Tillis and Pamela Dobies; six grandchildren, Shelby, Michael, Madison, Wyatt, Halie, and Julia. A Memorial Gathering, Sunday, Nov. 1, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 1 pm, at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 8825 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653. In lieu of flowers, name a turtle nest in Suzanne’s honor at LBKturtlewatch.com.

SCHROEDER, MISTY LYNN was born on June 26, 1980 and passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Misty was a resident of New Port Richey, Florida at the time of passing. She was a 1998 graduate of Gulf High School, member of the German Honor Society, 4 year member of the school band and also lettered in multiple sports. Misty Lynn Schroeder June 26, 1980 – February 15, 2018 Service Information: Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 1PM at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home 6616 Congress Street New Port Richey, FL 34653 Visitation Information: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home 6616 Congress Street New Port Richey, FL 34653 Schroeder, Misty Lynn, 37, of New Port Richey, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 15, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to joniandfriends.org/family-retreats or The Moody Church, 1635 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

SCHULDT, BARBARA A., 66, of Lake Panasoffkee, died on Thursday, June 15, 2006, in Leesburg. She was a beautician. She was born in Hudson and resided in Lake Panasoffkee for the past two years, moving there from Spring Hill. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Gerald; son, Troy Schult of Spring Hill; daughter, Melody Gajus of Cincinnati, Ohio; three grandsons; and many loving friends and family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Order of the Eastern Star, New Port Richey Chapter 117, P.O. Box 523 Elfers, FL 34680, or the Bushnell Boys & Girls Club, P.O. Box 2092, Bushnell, FL 33513. Graveside services were conducted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Pastor Larry Armbrust officiated. Interment followed at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Arrangements were made by Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell. [Barbara Hatcher, Class of 1957]

[SCHUMACHER] WELCH, LORI KAYE, 33, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Jan. 31, 2004) at home. Born in Dunedin, she was a lifetime resident of this area. She was an assistant teacher at PHCC and at Deer Park Elementary for special needs children. She was a Navy veteran. She was a member of Calvary Chapel Worship Center. She was a graduate and a member of PHCC Phi Theta Kappa. She was president of the Veterans Association at PHCC. She was a student at St. Petersburg College. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. Survivors include a son, Cody D., and two daughters, Courtney and Cheree, all of New Port Richey; her parents, Michael and Noajean Schumacher, and two brothers, Joshua and Ashton Schumacher, all of Holiday; and paternal grandparents, Sparky and Patt Schumacher, New Port Richey. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday. [The photo shows Lori Schumacher from the 1988 yearbook. She was found slain in her apartment.]

SCHUMACHER, LORI (GHS ’88). Three kids wake to find mom slain in apartment. NEW PORT RICHEY – Lauren Boltman’s four young daughters first heard screaming early Sunday, then an ambulance siren. The family soon learned their neighbor at Orangewood Lakes Apartments, Lori Kaye Welch, had been slain. The screams were from Welch’s children, who rose Sunday and found their mother dead. “How can you wake up and find a parent like that?” asked Boltman, 33, whose own children often played with Welch’s. “That’s going to be the last image they have of their mom.” Welch’s body was found about 8:40 a.m. in the Osteen Road apartment, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said. Sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Doll would not say how the 33-year-old was killed and would not comment on suspects. “We are keeping a lot of this information close to the vest,” he said.

Boltman, who lived across the parking lot from Welch, said Welch had three children: a son, 10, and two daughters, 11 and 9. Michael Schumacher, Welch’s father, was caring for the children Sunday afternoon. “They’re going to need therapy,” said Schumacher, 53, of Holiday. “They’re going to need counseling for a long, long time.” Schumacher said his daughter had recently completed her associate’s degree at Pasco-Hernando Community College and was set to start classes at St. Petersburg College, working toward a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “She was just a wonderful person, very generous and caring and very trusting,” he said. “She always wanted to help people.” Sheriff’s detectives and officials from the Medical Examiner’s and State Attorney’s offices were investigating Sunday. They carried off evidence in brown paper bags from Welch’s apartment and a nearby trash bin. Doll said Welch’s car, a silver 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis, had been missing Sunday morning but was later found outside Pasco County. Records show that Welch filed for divorce in January 2000 and sought a domestic violence injunction against her husband, Woodrow Welch, that same year. Boltman said Woodrow Welch saw the children only occasionally, during supervised visits. Boltman said Welch had been dating someone else for the past year and planned to marry him in June. A neighbor, 61-year-old Andy Andrews, said the most trouble he has seen at Orangewood Lakes, a federally subsidized housing complex, is an occasional car driving too fast through the parking lot. “The tenants by and large keep to themselves,” Andrews said. Information needed St. Petersburg Times, February 2, 2004.

SCHUSTER, KIEL JOSEPH, died on July 9, 2010, from congestive heart failure. He graduated from Gulf in 2004. He was an outstanding athlete and student. He was a son of Bill and Diana Schuster. His brother is Jeremy Schuster. His wife was Nicolette Schuster; they were married in November of 2008. Kiel had a degree in Drafting and Design and was empployed by a Tampa company for which he designed fire alarm systems. He was born on Jan. 28, 1986.

SCHUSTER, SHANE, 22, of Holiday, died Saturday (Sept. 21, 2002) at home. He came here in 1983 from Batavia, N.Y. He was a 1999 graduate of Gulf High School and a member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, New Port Richey. Survivors include his parents, Roger and Sharon Schuster, a brother, Patrick, and a sister, Jennifer Vert, all of Holiday. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

SCHWANDER, BRAD, 50, Weeki Wachee, died April 8, 2015. Survived by children, Danielle and Nicholas; several brothers and sisters. Dobies Funeral Home, Congress St 841-7555.

SCICLI, CHRISTOPHER “BIG CHRIS,” 25, of New Port Richey, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Born in Fairfax County, VA, he was a 2000 graduate of Gulf High School. He served one tour of duty with the U.S. Army Airborne in Iraq and was posted at Fort Eustis, VA. Survivors include his forever loving parents, Robert and Michelle Scicli of Walnut Cove, NC; maternal grandfather, Eugene Flippin of Lowgap, NC; maternal grandmother, Shirley Ramey of Lowgap, NC; maternal aunt, Myra Frick of Richboro, PA; maternal uncle, Matthew Flippin of Lewisville, NC; paternal uncles, Randy Scicli of Port Richey, Richard Scicli of Bedford, VA, Ronnie Scicli of Walnut Cove, NC and Louis Scicli of Woodbridge, VA. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-3 pm at Calvary Chapel Worship Center followed by a service at 3 pm. Contributions may be made to a charitable trust at Wachovia Bank in Christopher’s name. Dobies Funeral Home Seven Springs Chapel 372-2550 dobiesfuneralhome.com

SCORCIA-WILSON, THERESA A., born on Nov. 29, 1968, died on Sept. 22, 2019. GHS Class of 1986.

SECHSER, CLIFFORD G., 64, passed away Nov. 5, 2016. Born May 8, 1952, in Beaufort, SC, he was a resident of Waynesville for over 20 years and owner of a land surveying company. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ellen, in 2014. He is survived by his son, Ryan Sechser; sister, Theresa Bragg; brother, Wayne Sechser; grandsons, Christian and Eeli; and several nieces and nephews. He was loved and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at noon Thursday, Dec. 1, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville. [GHS Class of 1972]

SECHSER, MARY ELLEN ROBBINS, 60, of Waynesville, NC, formerly of New Port Richey passed away on Aug. 6, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband, Clifford; son, Ryan; sister, JoAnne Scherfel; brothers, Jon (Christina) and Jim; grandson, Christian; and several nieces and nephews. She was loved and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Waynesville. [GHS Class of 1972]

SELTMAN, LEE, Class of 1982, died in December 2019. He is survived by wife Lori Watrous Seltman, class of ’84. Funeral services for Lee will be on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 1-3 pm at Faupel Funeral Home. 7524 Ridge Rd. Port Richey, Fl. 34668.

SERRANO, JAMES ROBERT, 57, of Land O’ Lakes, passed away on February 28th. He was born on October 29, 1963 in Queens, NY to Robert Serrano Sr. and Marina Melendez. His family moved to Florida when he was a child. James served in the United States Navy and then went on to become a corrections officer with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in January 2021 with 29 years of service as a deputy reaching the rank of Sargent. James enjoyed swimming, biking, and firearms. James is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Eulalia Hernandez, their two children, Astronomy Star of Tampa and Daniel Serrano of Brooksville. He is also survived by his brother Edward Serrano of Ft. Stewart, GA, and his sisters; Esmeralda Rodriguez, Rachel Danluck, and Dalila Heath, and brother-in-law Arthur; all of Brooksville. James is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and many extended family members. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

SESSA, GINA MARIE, 39, of New Port Richey FL passed away on January 10th 2019 at North Bay Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Gina was born in Brooklyn NY on August 5th, 1979 to Robert and Virginia (Casuccio) Sessa. She was married June 21st 2003 to Christiaan Grove at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in New Port Richey FL. Gina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (2003) and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (2015) from the University of South Florida. Gina had a great passion for collecting 80’s toys, organizing photos and ancestry. Additionally she was the family archivist. Gina also loved everything Disney, whether it was staying at the resorts, admiring the works of Mary Blair, or collecting pins; Gina was always all in for “18 hours of magic.” Gina brought light and sparkle into the lives of many friends through social media. Always available to check up on friends when they needed it most, she inspired deep and lasting devotion from countless friends and family. Gina is survived by her devoted husband Christiaan Grove, energetic son Riley Grove, supportive mother Virginia Sessa, and loving father Robert Sessa. She is also survived by nurturing brother Robert Sessa Jr, and thoughtful sister Corinne George as well as loving extended family and friends, who all miss her dearly. Special thanks to the medical staff of Moffitt Cancer Center, especially Dr. Michael Fradley, Florida Cancer Specialists, Dr. David Wenk and Patricia Rogers, and the entire ICU Staff at North Bay Hospital. It is directly due to your care and diligence that Gina was able to fight against Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis so hard for so long. Every extra day we had with her is thanks to you, so Thank You!

SHAFFER, VINCENT. T., a professor of English at Trinity College in Dunedin since January, died Friday (May 23, 1986) at Largo Medical Center during open heart surgery. He was 58 and lived at 1407 Marjohn Ave., Clearwater. “My husband was working on expanding the English curriculum at the college at the time of his death,” Mr. Shaffer’s wife, Isabel, said Sunday. “He was so concerned about this that he asked the surgeon if he would be well enough to work on the project while he was recuperating.” “Vince had been planning to be with us for some time,” said Barry Banther, dean of Trinity College. “I’ve never had a teacher in such a short period endear himself so to both students and staff. His caring, compassionate attitude toward the students was evident to everyone. It is indeed a tragic loss for us and our students as he had taken an early retirement to devote the rest of his life in preparing men and women for Christian ministry.” Mr. Shaffer was associated with the Pinellas County School system for 23 years, 13 of them as a media specialist and teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School. He also taught at Tarpon Springs Junior High, Ponce de Leon Elementary, Clearwater, Dunedin Junior High and Pinellas Park Middle School. Before moving to Clearwater in 1963 he taught at Gulf High School in New Port Richey and in St. Petersburg in 1958 at the former Florida Christian School. In addition to his teaching jobs, he was the evening librarian at Mirror Lake Adule Education Center in St. Petersburg from 1974 to 1984 and later worked part time at the Clearwater Public Library. A native of Niagra Falls, N. Y., he came to St. Petersburg in 1958. He was a graduate of Buffalo State Teachers College, where he also received a master’s degree in supervision. After coming to Florida he took further studies in library science at the University of South Florida. He was a member of Bay Area Bible Church, Clearwater, and Pinellas Association of Library Media Specialists. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Thomas J., Clearwater; two daughters, Bethany A. Forner, Roanoke, Va.; and Judy L. Shaffer, Fort Lauderdale, and a sister Nell Hubbard, Niagara Falls. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. today at Trinity College, Watson Auditorium, with Dean Barry Banther of the college and Rev. George Stepan, pastor of Bay Area Bible Church officiating. The family requests that donations be in the form of contributions to the Trinity College Scholarship Fund in memory of Professor Shaffer. Rhodes & Wice Funeral Directors Belcher Chapel is in charge of arrangement.

SHANNON, LAURA LEE, 15, of Holiday, died Thursday (June 28, 2001) at All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg. Born in Sommerville, N.J., she came here almost 13 years ago from Green Brook, N.J., and was a student at Gulf High School. She was Catholic. Survivors include her mother, Marlene, Holiday; her father, John Nathan, New Port Richey; a brother, Jason, and a sister, Robyn, both of Holiday; and her maternal grandparents, Lewis and Theresa Newcomb, New Port Richey. North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, New Port Richey.

SHARAY, MICHAEL SAL. The spirit of our dear Michael, born as Michael Sal Sharay on August 1st, 1968, was taken from his body on June 20th, 2019 at 50 years old, and carried to his new permanent home in heaven with his Maker, God the Father, and his Son, Mike’s Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Michael, known to most as Mike or Mikey, was born in Michigan but grew up in Florida before moving back to Michigan with his wife and 2 sons. Although he was involved in many trades from landscaping and surveying to plumbing and sheet metal, he supported his family as a Journeyman Tile Setter before returning to Florida where he lived out his remaining years. Michael, the youngest of 4 siblings, is survived by his loving and devoted mother, Rose (Rosina Mancini Sharay), his Aunt Fran (Francina Mancina), his 3 siblings, Theresa Sharay Knechtel, Catherine Sharay Murray, and David Sal Sharay. He is also survived by eldest son, Tommy (Thomas Meyers), and Mike’s wife, Tonya Jacquelyn Sharay, and their sons, Sal (Saleh-Michael David Sharay) and Sean (Sean-Michael Bell Sharay). He is also survived by his 2 brother-in-laws, William Murray and Christopher Knechtel, as well as several other cousins and aunts and uncles in Michigan and Florida. Mike was so much to so many… a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a friend. He was often know for being kind-hearted and helpful to anyone he met; but his pride and joy were his sons. And although we rejoice in knowing that his is in a heaven prepared for him by God and his angels, we will mourn his loss until our dying breaths. Gone from earth too soon, Michael…Gone too soon. [GHS Class of 1987]

SHARER, KEVIN S., 60, of rural Pekin, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016, at the Pekin Hospital emergency room, after an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 15, 1955, in Burlington, Iowa, to Linus “Cappy” and Roberta Stevens Sharer. He married Cindy D. Teel on Aug. 23, 1980, in Monmouth, Ill., and they resided in Little York, Ill. Surviving are his wife, Cindy of Pekin; two sons, Derek (Alicia) Sharer of Gridley, Ill., and Troy Sharer at home; his very special “Pupper” Bella, who stayed by his side; his mother, Roberta, and his brother, (Dion) of Drakesboro, Ky.; and sisters, Lisa (Guy) Morris of Monmouth, Deidre (Carl) Wilhite of Valrico, Fla., and Erin Hoestetter of Hudson, Fla. He enjoyed spending time doing his own home improvements and fishing with his boys. Family has always come first with Kevin and he provided for them up to the very end of his life. We would like to thank his employers and customers over the years for their friendship and business. Also, a thank you to Illinois Cancer Care, UnityPoint Health-Methodist Radiation Oncology and Barnes Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Mo. Thank you to the Tremont Rescue 702 and Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department for their service and kindness shown towards Kevin. A visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont. Cremation will be accorded following visitation, with a private memorial service at a later date. Memorials may be made to the continuation of his son, Troy Sharer’s, education, c/o First National Bank in Tremont. To express condolences online, visit www.davisoswaldfh.com. Published in Peoria Journal Star from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2016. [GHS Class of 1973]

SHELDON, Wilford “Skid”, 88, passed into paradise April 16, 2008. World War II and Vietnam decorated pilot, owner and captain of “Skiddid” and “King’s Kid” commercial fishing boat. Church and community servant leader, he is survived with love and thankfulness by his wife; 11 children, 20 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Viewing 10 am, services 11 am, interment 1 pm, Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Monday, April 21. Faupel Funeral Home. [GHS ’37]

SHELL, KARA, 67, passed away peacefully February 24, 2019. Mrs. Shell was born in Charlevoix, MI and moved to Florida at a young age. She graduated from Gulf High School in 1969 and began a long career in law enforcement. As a young woman she was active with the Pasco Horsemen Association and worked as a latent prints examiner with the sheriff’s office. Mrs. Shell was also a very talented artist and acted as a forensic sketch artist for the Pasco Sheriff’s office during her time there. Her coworkers stated that she had an amazing ability to use a description of a person to create a sketch of a suspect. She retired from the Pasco Sheriff’s office in 2006, which afforded her the time to travel to some of her favorite places including Cedar Key and Walt Disney World. She is predeceased by her mother, Donna Lord and father, Ray Lord. She is survived by her loving husband, Tom Shell; daughter, Kelley May Lauer (Shaun); stepsons, Tom (Rita) and Dan (Ashley) and eight grandchildren. Her final resting place will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Dobies Funeral Home/Holiday.

SHERWIN, CATHY, of the Class of 1986, died in July 1985 as the result of a family boating accident. She was a JV basketball player, sophomore class vice president, a ninth-grade cheerleader, and a basketball statistician. Survivors include her parents, Gary and Sheila, two brothers, Jonathan and Gregory, two sisters, Christine and Kayla, all of New Port Richey; and her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Don Sherwin of Tarpon Springs.

SHERWOOD, RICHARD B., United States Army (Ret.), age 86, of Hudson, died Jan 17, 2015. He was born in Stambaugh, MI and in his heart remained a Yooper throughout his life. He served with distinction in combat in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, retiring as Lt. Colonel, in 1971 after 26 years of service. He met and married his wife, Norma in 1958 while posted to the Pentagon. After retiring from the Army, he and Norma moved to Florida, where he began a second career as an educator. He taught social studies at Gulf High School, retiring in 1989. During his tenure as a teacher, he served on the Pasco County School Board from 1976 – 1980. He was active in Kiwanis for over twenty years in Wisconsin and Florida. He had a passion for politics, debate and hot peppers and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughters, Wende Reoch and Judi Banks, sons-in-law, Mark Reoch and Tom Banks, and grandson, Richard (Rick) Banks. Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, Janaury 24, 2015 at the funeral home chapel. Family will greet friends from 12 noon to 1:00 pm. Richard Burr Sherwood, May 18, 1928 – January 17, 2015.

SHORT, JAMES W. “JIM,” 67, Hudson, died Jan. 3, 2015. Survivors wife Julie; children Avery, Kim, Stephanie, Jacob; Step daughters Jammie & Jessica; 4 siblings; 16 grands, 3 greats. Dobies FH Hudson.

SHORTER, SYLVIA FAYE FUSSELL. Sylvia was born on August 26, 1942 and passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. Sylvia was a resident of New Port Richey, Florida at the time of passing. She attended Elfers Elementary and graduated from Gulf High School in 1960. 34653 Visitation Information: Wednesday, December 20, 2017 3:00 – 5:00 PM Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home 6616 Congress Street New Port Richey, FL.

SIBO, ROBERT B. “BOBBY,” 71, of New Port Richey, passed Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. He was an Assistant Postmaster for the US Postal Service with 40 years service, and was a 1961 graduate of Gulf High School and co founder of the New Port Richey Police Athletic League. He was also a US Air Force veteran during the Vietnam era. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son Keith; daughter, Shoni; granddaughter, Alexis Sibo; sisters, Marie (Edward) Grant and Connie Fulcher; brother-in-law, James Spikes; and sister-in-law, Gloria Mitchell. Friends may call at Faupel Funeral Home, 7524 Ridge Road, Port Richey, on Thursday from 4pm, until service time at 6 pm. The family suggests donations to the Pasco Police Athletic League at www.pascopal.com. Faupel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

SIGMON, HAZEL B. HUDSON, 96, of Tavares, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Born in Hudson, she moved to Tavares in 2007 from Royal Palm Beach, FL. She was a Homemaker and was a member of Westside Baptist Church, Elfers, FL. Hazel is survived by her 2 sons, Wayne (Caroline) Sigmon, Royal Palm Beach, Glenn (Nancy) Sigmon, Minneapolis, MN; daughter, Carolyn (Larry) Alverson, Eustis, FL; 4 grandchildren, Leighann, Andrea, Stephanie, Michelle & 9 great-grand- children. Graveside services will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Clearwater Monday, July 25th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Florida Baptist Childrens Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Harden/Pauli FH, Eustis, FL. [GHS Class of 1934]

SILVA, CHARLENE ZOLKOS, GHS Class of 1982, was a resident of Holiday when she died (of covid) Feb 8, 2021. Her husband Richard and daughter Seri welcome all who remember Charlene to attend services held in her honor March 6, 2021, at 10:00am, St Vincent DePaul church in Mile Stretch Road.

SKUMAUTZ, MSG VERN ALAN (Ret.) 59, of Hamilton, GA; formerly of Holiday, FL, passed away with wife and children present, June 5, 2016. He was born Jan. 29, 1957 in Witchita, KS to Vern L. and Betty J. Skumautz. He served faithfully in the US Army from 1975 to 1998. Vern is survived by his wife, Kathy Skumautz; his daughters, Krystal Hendershot (Rodney) and Melanie Chandler (Travis); his son, Jeremy Skumautz (Analisa); father, Vern Skumautz (Barbara); mother, Betty Skumautz; sister, Karen Wilcox (Charles); brothers, Michael Skumautz (Tamara) and Benje Skumautz (Chris). He has nine grandchildren and many extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, June 24, Columbus, GA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wounded Warrior program or any other Veteran program.

SLATER, WILLIAM TIMOTHY. Mr. William Timothy Slater, 42, 1024 Branchwood Drive, Kernersville, died Sunday [Feb. 14, 1988] at Forsyth Hospital. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church in Kernersville by Pastor L. A. Wolf. Visitation will follow the service. Mr. Slater was born October 7, 1945, in Winston-Salem to William Lewis and Frances Woodlief Slater. He was a graduate of Georgia Tech, class of 1971. He was formerly employed by ITT Grinnell as construction manager. Mr. Slater was presently owner and operator of Jani-Kinig of Triad. He was a member of Fountain of Life Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife, Dee Woolsey Slater, of the home; two sons, William Eric and Douglas Brian Slater, both of the home; his father, William Lewis Slater, and two brothers, Keith Slater and Mike Slater. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Vogler’s Main Street Funeral Home. The family requests that memorials be made to Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 201 Forest Drive, Kernersville, N.C. 27284. [From the Winston-Salem Journal, Feb. 16, 1988. Mr. Slater was the salutatorian of the GHS Class of 1963.]

SLOAN, VERNA MAE, 70, a lifelong resident of Aripeka, died July 26. Survived by children, Steve Sloan of Aripeka and Terri (Rick) Croley of North Port; six siblings, John Norfleet, Betty Millard, Wayne Norfleet, Carl Norfleet, Joe Norfleet and Carol Ann White; grandchildren, Corbin and Tanner Croley. She was born on November 10, 1940. [GHS ’58]

SMALLZE, JOSEPH R. “JOE,” 18, of Holiday, died Monday (April 22, 2002) at home. Born in Secaucus, N. J., he came here in 1996 from Jersey City, N. J., and was a telemarketer for A&C Co. He was a Methodist. Survivors include his parents, Ray and Diane, a sister, Jamianne, and two brothers, Travis and Nicholas, all of Holiday; paternal grandfather, Raymond Smallze, Keyport, N. J.; paternal grandmother and stepgrandfather, Martha and Robert Hunt, Manahawkin, N. J.; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Connie Meek, Holiday. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday.

SMITH, LINDA (DACHSTEINER), good friend to many of her classmates (GHS 1971) and mother of Elizabeth, died March 28, 2014.

SNYDER, R. L. RUDY, 80, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (June 26, 1991) at Orchard Ridge Nursing Center. He came here 63 years ago from his native New London, Ohio. He was an assistant postmaster, New Port Richey, and a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife Mabel, a son, Les, New Port Richey, and a sister, Florence Koning, New Port Richey. North Funeral Home, New Port Richey. [GHS Class of 1931]

SPINKS, JAMES HERMAN, an athlete at Gulf, graduated in 1960. According to a later newspaper article, “While participating in summer drills for the annual All-State North-South football game at the University of Florida, Spinks became ill and died in November 1960.” The James Herman Spinks award was presented as a memorial to him by the Greater NPR Jaycees.

ST. CLAIR, MARK. Mark St. Clair, a longtime teacher, administrator and superintendent with the Pasco County School System, died Tuesday at the Orchard Ridge Nursing Center. He was 90. “Oh no,” said Renee Sedlack when she heard the news Wednesday. She is the former principal of Lacoochee Elementary School, where Mr. St. Clair was head administrator for 20 years. “He was a very nice man. I’m sorry to hear that he passed away,” she said. Mr. St. Clair began working at the Lacoochee school in 1928, following his graduation from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. In 1948, he was elected as Pasco’s school superintendent and served two four-year terms. Chester W. Taylor Jr., the man who defeated Mr. St. Clair in 1956, spoke highly of his former opponent. “I thought the world of him,” said Taylor, 71. “He was a wonderful person, and well-respected and liked by everyone.” Mr. St. Clair also worked 10 years in Leesburg as a high school teacher and administrator before retiring from education in 1968. His teaching specialty was English, but he also taught civics, science and mathematics during his 40-year career. His parents also were teachers. His mother, Zellie, taught in their home state of Georgia and his father, James, taught at Gulf High School in New Port Richey for 20 years before retiring in 1949. The St. Clair Athletic Field at the Schwettman Building on Grand Boulevard is named for Mr. St. Clair’s father. Mr. St. Clair was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church where he taught adult Bible classes for 35 years. He was married to his first wife, Alice, for 34 years before she died in 1960. They had one son, James H. St. Clair, a retired Air Force colonel who lives in St. Louis. Mr. St. Clair is survived by his wife of 32 years, Helen; his sister, Mary Lou Knight of New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. Viewing will be Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at North Meadowlawn Funeral Home, 4244 Madison St. in New Port Richey. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 6543 Jefferson St., also in New Port Richey. – Information from the Orchard Ridge Nursing Center was used in this report. St. Petersburg Times, July 6, 1995.

NEW PORT RICHEY — Retired educator Mark St. Clair, whose lessons of respect and hard work stuck with his students decades after they graduated, died Tuesday. He was 90. “At the school reunions you could always tell where he was sitting, because there was always a long line of people waiting to see him,” said Lorise Abraham, 66, of Dade City, who once sat in St. Clair’s ninth-grade classroom. “I don’t know what made him so different. He just had a way of reaching young people.” St. Clair was born in Statesboro, Ga., to two educators. His mother taught in Georgia until the family moved, and his father taught at Gulf High School in New Port Richey. St. Clair Athletic Field at the Schwettman Education Center is named for him. The family moved to Dade City in 1919. Mark St. Clair graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland in 1928. He taught in Lacoochee and spent 20 years as principal there, and served as Pasco County school superintendent for eight years in the 1940s and 1950s. He spent 10 years as an assistant principal in Leesburg. Before he retired in 1968, St. Clair served in Florida schools for 40 years. “When you left his class, you knew what he was trying to teach you,” Lorise Abraham said. He was “never mad, never mean, but firm,” added her husband, Lewis Abraham, also one of St. Clair’s students. St. Clair married his first wife, teacher Alice Mullin in 1926. She died in 1960. He married Helen Jackson Swartsel in November 1962. A lifelong Methodist, he taught adult Bible classes for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Helen of New Port Richey; a son, James H. of St. Louis; a sister, Mary Lou Knight of New Port Richey; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home, 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey. Burial be in Meadowlawn Memorial Garden. Tampa Tribune, July 6, 1995

STACY, BRIAN ANDREW, 1964 – 2020. Brian Andrew Stacy, age 55, left this world on Sunday, March 8, 2020 and went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on July 8, 1964 to Lonnie and Mary Jane Stacy in Little Hocking, Ohio. In 1973, his family moved to New Port Richey, Florida. He attended Gulf High School where he enjoyed participating in the Navy ROTC program and playing soccer. In 1980, Brian met the love of his life, Mary Ann Venuto. After dating for 2 and a half years, they were married on December 28, 1982. Over the next few years, they were blessed with three sons, Andrew, Lonnie, and John. Faith and family have always been of the upmost importance to Brian. He came to a saving knowledge of Christ as a young boy and was an active member of First Baptist Church of New Port Richey. Brian was ordained as a deacon there in 1989. He also worked full time at the church as part of the custodial staff. In December 1998 Brian moved his family to Waterford, Ohio. While there he worked at Marietta Memorial Hospital. A few months after the death of Mary Ann’s father, Brian moved his family to Homosassa, Florida to be closer to her mother. For the past 19 years, he was employed by Bayfront Medical Center in Brooksville, Florida as a floor tech. Wherever Brian worked, he was regarded as a selfless, hardworking man who consistently put others before himself. Brian enjoyed spending time with his family and creating memories to be cherished. He enjoyed fishing and camping. Game nights and cookouts were a common occurrence at home. As his boys grew, Brian was actively involved in their pursuits. Whether it was helping to coach a team, volunteering for a church group, a scouting activity, or attending a game or concert, Brian made sure his boys felt loved and supported. During the last few years that loving attention has also been lavished upon his three grandchildren Brian, Gabriel, and Jasmine. Brian and his soul mate, Mary Ann enjoyed a unique, sweet and loving relationship. Brian is remembered as a loving and caring husband that consistently put the feelings and desires of his wife before his own. They shared so many common hobbies and activities, such as their like of John Wayne movies, collecting comic books, and supporting the Tampa Bay Rays baseball. Brian and Mary Ann were totally dependent on each other and their favorite place was by each other’s side. Brian’s testimony was his belief in Jesus Christ and trying to honor Him by living a Godly life. Because of his character and loving spirit, Brian was cherished by many. He was well known for his meekness and gentleness. Brian is survived by his wife Mary Ann Stacy and his three sons Lonnie Alfred Stacy, Andrew Ray Stacy, his wife Jodi Lynn Stacy and their three children Brian Russell Stacy, Gabriel Ray Stacy and Jasmine Yvonne Stacy and his youngest son John Emery Stacy and his wife Kathryn Rose Palmer. He is also survived by his parents, Lonnie and Mary Jane Stacy, his four brothers with their wives and their families, David and Carol Stacy, Jerry and Jeanelle Stacy, Paul and Phyllis Stacy, and Kevin and Kelly Stacy. Friends will be received on Sun., March 15, 2020 from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, where a Celebration of Life will take place on Mon., March 16th at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Ronnie Reed of Crystal River Church of God officiating. Interment will follow at Fountains Memorial Park, Homosassa. www.wilderfuneral.com.

STACY, MELVIN LESTER, age 67, passed away Nov. 1, 2013. Survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Melissa; son, Alvin; sisters, Alma, Bea, and Lea; and four grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home. [GHS Class of 1964]

STEEN, ALAN, Class of 1971, died on Feb. 21, 2014.

STEVENSON, HARMON C., 79, of Inverness, formerly of St. Petersburg, died Saturday (June 23, 2001) in Inverness. Born in Elfers, he became a seasonal resident of Inverness 31 years ago. He moved from St. Petersburg and became a permanent Inverness resident after his retirement from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. He was a former member of the Florida Highway Patrol, which he joined in 1946 as a driver’s license examiner after leaving World War II service in the Coast Guard. He left the FHP in 1953 to join the Clearwater Police Department and became a member of the Pinellas County Traffic Patrol in 1954. He was Protestant. In St. Petersburg he was a 32nd degree Mason and member of Sunshine Lodge. He was a coach and manager in the Northwest Little League. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Gloria Kelly Stevenson; two sons, Harmon, Floral City, and Wilmon, Inverness; two daughters, Patricia Stevenson and Brenda Bergman, both of Inverness; two brothers, Wilmon and Richard, both of New Port Richey; two sisters, Gertrude Burgess, Seffner, and Hazel Uzzle, New Port Richey; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness.

STEVENSON, WILMON. His small-town values were easy to inherit. An old-fashioned house painter, he had a tireless work ethic and strong moral compass.NEW PORT RICHEY – In a Cracker tradition, a special family member is chosen to walk around the house before bringing a newborn baby home. The hope is, the baby will inherit that person’s traits. Wilmon Stevenson was always that person. People hoped his tireless work ethic, steadfast morals, and sharp ideas of right and wrong would rub off. He was a well-known house painter in New Port Richey. He never used a sprayer, always a brush. He teetered on an old extended ladder that reached more than two stories high. His business card had a small-town, four-digit phone number. He’d come home smelling of turpentine and linseed oil. He kept paint cans in his car. Mr. Stevenson’s first wife died when his daughter was a teenager, and he assumed the role of mother and father. He taught his daughter, Beva Karay, how to freshwater fish for crappie using six poles at once. He taught her to water ski and use tools. And he taught her life lessons. As a teen, Karay was embarrassed by the old paint car. She asked him to drop her off a few blocks away from school. She got a lecture – never be embarrassed of what your family has. He wanted her to embrace his small-town values. Once, as she drove with him in the passenger seat, she nodded at a passerby. “Don’t think you’re too good to wave your hand!” he yelped. Mr. Stevenson built a stilt house in the gulf using remnants from an old barn. He built a cabin in Cross Creek in New Tampa, and a family home in Trouble Creek in Pasco where his daughter dug for arrowheads. When she heard panthers at night, she’d call him to the bedroom to listen to her panicked heartbeat. On weekends, the family took day trips to Clearwater to window shop and eat ice cream cones. After he’d worked long days, he’d take Karay, now 63, to a store in Elfers for a banana Popsicle. Mr. Stevenson got remarried to a woman named Alma, who died about two years ago from Lou Gehrig’s disease. He found peace by attending church in Tarpon Springs every Sunday, and following up with a Greek lunch. Every morning, he ate a waffle with syrup and peanut butter. He’d help take his great-granddaughters to school, then walk around from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to stay limber. Alzheimer’s set in, and Mr. Stevenson had a devastating fall. He died on Monday. He was 88. He left a long list of home improvement projects he never got to complete, and his daughter promises she’d do them all. Biography Wilmon Stevenson. Born: June 22, 1919. Died: Dec. 31, 2007. Survivors: Daughter, Beva Karay; granddaughter, Katherine O’Donnell; great-granddaughters Sabrie, Sierra and Shauna O’Donnell; numerous stepfamily members, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Services: Visitation from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 12 with service following at Michels-Lundquist, 5228 Trouble Creek Road. Burial at East Elfers Cemetery. St. Petersburg Times, January 5, 2008.

STEWART, JOSHUA J., 41, died on September 14, 2019. He was a fly fisherman. He was predeceased by his brother, Jonathan; and survived by his parents, John and Maxine; brother, Jordan (Jessica); sister, Mindy (Mike) Holt; one niece and three nephews. Faupel Funeral Home.

STILWELL, SCOTT W., 47, passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 with his family at his side, after a long, courageous battle with lung cancer. Scott was a longtime employee of Gale Insulation, and an avid airboater. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Jessie, daughter Sabra and son Logan who were the pride of his life. A gathering to honor Scott will be held on Friday, Aug. 28th from 5-7pm at Deerfield Clubhouse, 15471 Atwater Drive, Brooksville, FL 34604, 352-398-5188. [GHS Class of 1980]

LAKELAND – MRS. BARBARA AGNES (Scharabok) STOLZMAN, age 67, died of heart failure Thursday (May 23, 2013). Born in West bend, WI, on June 4, 1945, Barbara came to Polk County from New Port Richey/Hudson, in 1965. She was a registered nurse. She loved scrap booking and was an avid reader and traveler. Her family was her life’s fulfillment. Mrs. Stolzman is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 47 years, Michael F. Stolzman, Lakeland; daughter Teresa Sumner, Lakeland; sons Paul Stolzman, Colchester, CT, Kenneth Stolzman, Lakeland, Craig Stolzman, Bartow; sisters Judy Humphries, Plant City, Kathy Qualls, Jacksonville; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 5/28 at Lanier Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

FORT MEADE – MR. MICHAEL FRANK STOLZMAN, 70, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at his home in Fort Meade. Mr. Stolzman was born April 22, 1946 in Superior, WI and moved to Fort Meade from Lakeland in 2014. He was the owner of Temtrol Air Conditioning, and a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Meade. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran, and a graduate of Gulf High School in New Port Richey, FL. Mr. Stolzman was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Herman Stolzman and Alma Helen Stolzman; brother, Eugene Stolzman; sister, Caroline Schorr. He is survived by his loving wife, Wilma M. Stolzman, Fort Meade, FL; sons, Paul Stolzman and wife Victoria, Colchester, CT, Kenneth Stolzman and wife Kori, Lakeland, FL, Craig Stolzman and wife Amber, Bartow, FL; daughter, Teresa Sumner and husband Keith, Blakely, GA; step children, Timmy Gibson and wife Karen, Wauchula, FL and Brittany Naranjo and husband Steven, Bartow, FL; brothers, Alfred Stolzman and wife Diane, Richard Stolzman; sisters, Shirley Udeen, Marilyn Brady Moll and husband Milton; fourteen grandchilren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, 307 E. Broadway, Fort Meade. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary will Pastor Kenny Slay officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to the First Baptist Church Youth Fund or Building Fund. Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, 863-285-8171. [GHS Class of 1964]

STOUGH, ZACHARY, 18, of New Port Richey, died Monday (Oct. 11, 2004) at home. He was born in New Port Richey and was employed by Tri County Aluminum. He was Baptist. Survivors include his parents, Harry and Karen Stough, New Port Richey; a brother, Chad, York, Pa.; six sisters, Terri Barbour, Dayle Barbour, Kiri Stough, Angel Stough and Cheyenne Dietz, all of New Port Richey, and Linda Stough, York; and paternal grandparents, Harry and Janet Stough, York. Morgan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, New Port Richey.

STRATTON, GOLDEN RAY, 52, of Hudson, passed November 15, 2016. Survived by loving friends and family. No services to be held at this time. Michels and Lundquist.

STUTHERS, JR., JAMES A. Dec. 15, 1946 – Sept 04, 2017. James A Stuthers, Jr., 70, of Sarasota passed away on Monday, September 04, 2017. Visitation will be from 11 am to 11:30 am with a service at 11:30 am at Calvary Chapel, 3800 27th Parkway, Sarasota, TODAY Wed. Sept. 06, 2017. Burial will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery. Arrangements by All Veterans-All Families Funerals & Cremations. [James Stuthers was an NJROTC instructor at Gulf.]

SUTTLE, STEVEN D., 40, of New Port Richey Born on February 17, 1969. Passed away August 30, 2009. Steve served as a Behavioral Detection Officer for the TSA for 7 years and is a proud veteran of the US Army. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly and their daughter, Molly; parents, David and Cynthia; brother, Jeffery. Visitation will be Friday at 6 PM with a funeral to begin at 7 PM at Dobies Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Best Friends Society or Joining Hands Kids Mission of Pasco. Dobies Funeral Home-7Springs 727-372-2550 [GHS Class of 1987]

SUTTON, CHRISTINE, 37, of New Port Richey, died Dec. 23, 2012. Survived by parents, James & Patricia; sister, Catherine; several aunts, uncles & cousins. Dobies FH-7Springs/dobiesfuneralhome.com [GHS Class of 1993]

SWARTSEL, DALE, 80, of Tarpon Springs, died Oct. 15, 2007. He was born in Bartow and came here in 1954 from Lake Wales. He graduated from Gulf High School an Florida Southern College. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a citrus grower, and real estate developer in Pasco County. He was a member of Swartsel Masonic Lodge F&AM, Land O’ Lakes, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ross V. Swartsel, and sister, Maxine Gause. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary K. Swartsel, Tarpon Springs; 2 daughters, Susan (Richard) Gabriel, St. Augustine, and Dottie Towne (David Webster), Tampa; 1 brother, E. F. Swartsel, Baillies Bluff; 7 grandchildren, Lela and Lara Gabriel, Joey Towne, Brett, Lisa, John, and Susan Webster. Visitation 10 am, Funeral Service 11 am on Oct. 22 at: Vinson Funeral Home, Tarpon Springs.

SWEENEY, DONNA LYNNE, 65, of New Port Richey, FL, passed away on June 3, 2018. Survived by her loving family. No services are pending. Michels and Lundquist. [GHS Class of 1971]

SYMES, DANIELLE, 22, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (Sept. 9, 2006) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. She came to New Port Richey when she was six months old from her native Rochester, N.Y. She was a student at Pasco Hernando Community College in New Port Richey. Survivors include her parents, John and Carol Symes, New Port Richey; two sisters, Lori Alexander, Port Richey, and Kimberley Symes, Tampa; and her maternal grandmother, Ruth Jackson, New Port Richey. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey.

TATUM, LONNIE GLENN, principal of Anclote Elementary School for nine years, has died at age 51. Anclote school opened in 1972 under Tatum’s direction, and he remained the principal until a lengthy illness forced him to retire in July 1991, district records show. He had also been an assistant principal at Mittye P. Locke Elementary School and band director at Gulf High School. In all, he spent 27 years in the Pasco school system. He died in Tampa Memorial Hospital. Teacher Tina Fields, who began working for Tatum in 1973, described him as a caring, compassionate man dedicated to education. “He gave teachers every opportunity to grow,” she said. Tracy Bryne, 24, is a teacher at Anclote and was a student at the school from third grade to sixth grade. She remembered Tatum as, “The Principal.” The teachers who Tatum hired influenced Bryne to become a teacher, she said. Teacher Lynn Keim said she remembers Tatum as always involved in the school when he was principal. He had an annual fund raiser in which he rolled up his sleeves and dished up ice cream for parents who supported the school, Keim said. “He set a good Christian example for the students,” she said. Teacher Donna True said Tatum was fair and reasonable. She remembers that he gave her first job in Pasco, where she has taught for 25 years. “He was good at getting the most out of the children and the teachers,” she said. Anclote Principal Mary Stelnicki said the school will donate books to the library in memory of Tatum. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Elfers. He is survived by his wife Esther, son Daryl and daughter Michelle Mercer. [Tampa Tribune, December 15, 1992]

TAYLOR, MARK H., 33, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (Dec. 23, 1998) at Community Hospital of New Port Richey. Born in Methuen, Mass., he moved here from Salem, N.H. He graduated from Gulf High School, New Port Richey, and was employed by Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbor. Survivors include his wife, Diane, and a daughter, Kendra Lynn; his mother, Mildred Taylor of Salem, N.H.; three brothers, Joseph Leonard and Jay Clifford, both of Salem, and George Taylor, Florida; three sisters, Millie Clifford, Atkinson, N.H., Jeanne Leonard, West Park, Maine, and Karen Warrenfells, Niceville. International Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.

TEIXEIRA, DANNY L., 21, of New Port Richey, died Saturday (March 1, 2003) at Mease Dunedin Hospital. Born in Boston, Mass., he came here 13 years ago from Everett, Mass. He was a college student and member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his daughter, Anjulik Helena Teixeira, New Port Richey; his parents, Eugenia and Domingos, New Port Richey; his grandmother, Lidia Teixeira; three brothers, Kennedy, Michael and James, all of New Port Richey; and companion, Kim Olsen. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

THIEL, GEORGE E. SR., 87, of New Port Richey, died Wednesday (April 7, 2004) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. He was born in Muncie, Ind., and has lived here for 85 years. He was the owner/operator (meat cutter) of George’s Market in New Port Richey. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a charter member of Father Felix Ullrich Knights of Columbus Council and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Harriet; a son, George, and a daughter, Dianne DeVault, both of New Port Richey; a sister, Margaret Foote, Sarasota; and three grandchildren. Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, New Port Richey.

THODEN, DAVID WILLIAM, 57, of New Port Richey, FL, died on Friday, July 26, 2019. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends. Michels-Lundquist Funeral Home. [GHS Class of 1980]

THOMAS, CAMI JORDAN, was born on September 24, 1967 and passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019. In 1980, her family moved to New Port Richey, FL, where she attended Gulf High School & Pasco Hernando Community College and worked in various medical positions, gathering more and more friends as the years passed by. Donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by clicking the link “Donate Now” below or 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. [GHS Class of 1985]

THOMPSON, CAROL J. (BROWN), 56, of Holiday, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 15, 2007. Carol was born Aug. 23, 1951 in Niagara Falls, NY to James Brown and the late Margaret (Martus) Brown. She attended Gulf High School. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepsister, Carol McKnight. She is survived by her loving family, her father, James (Tina) Brown; son, Jeffrey Thompson; daughter, Cheryl Thompson; 3 grandchildren, Jeffrey, Autumn and Declan; sisters; Sandy Brown Lehtinen and Cathy Brown (Mark) Petty; step sister; Sharon Thompson, step brother; Stephen Miklos, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at: Meadowlawn Funeral Home, 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey, FL 34652 on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 68 pm. A Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 pm with Rev. William Clarke officiating. Donations may be made in memory of Carol to: SPCA Suncoast, 7734 Congress St., New Port Richey, FL 34652. Serenity Meadows Funeral Home (813)677-9494 Michael K. Wick, F.D. www.serenitymeadows.com

THOMPSON, WILLIAM S. “BILL, JR.” April 18, 1951 – December 16, 2017. Thompson, William S. “Bill,” Jr., 66, of New Port Richey, died December 16, 2017. He is survived by loving wife, Teresa; his brother, Bryan; sister-in-law, Denise (Dr. James) Powell; 3 nieces; 1 great niece and 1 great nephew. Visitation Information: Friday December 22, 2017 from 12 – 1 PM at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress Street, New Port Richey, FL 34653. [GHS Class of 1969]

TIPTON, CRYSTAL S., 45, of New Port Richey, died Friday (June 6, 2003) in New Port Richey. Born in Danville, Ill., she was a lifelong resident of New Port Richey. She was a homemaker, a volunteer for American Cancer Society, Little League, and First Baptist Church, where she was a member, a member of Suncoast Women’s Bowling Association, Neighborhood Director of Girls Scout, Band Booster for Ridgewood and Bayonet Point Schools, and sat on the Advisory Board of Pasco County Schools. She was chosen as “Most Courageous Cancer Fighter in Pasco County” by the American Cancer Society. Survivors include her husband, Landon Jr.; three daughters, Lisa Tipton, Holiday, and Christina Tipton and Tammy Rockett, both of New Port Richey; her mother, Margie Roach, Holiday; her father, Larry White, Illinois; two brothers, Chandler Roach, Hudson, and Chris White, Illinois; three sisters, Cindy Gee and Terri Miller, both of Indiana, and Carla Nuniak, New Port Richey; and a grandchild. Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey.

TRUE, CHESTER WENDELL, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret). 08/01/1935 – 02/07/2013. He was born Aug, 1, 1935 at Rings Island, Salisbury, MA and died Feb. 7, 2013, age 77 in Roseville, CA. He is survived by Julia Lynne (Daniels), his loving wife, friend and partner of 27 years whom he adored. Also survived by step-daughter, Velinda Ross and step-granddaughter Samantha Carmona. From a previous marriage he is survived by his daughter, Thurvia Dany and her husband Gary Vieau; and granddaughters Katie and Taylor Rae Vieau of Somerville, SC. Also survived by a son, David F. True of Dalton, GA by his second wife, Alicina; sisters, Arlene Ferry and Denise Blanton; and brothers, Robert, Steven and Herbert, all of Sacramento; a cousin, Shirley Dangerfield of Roseville, CA; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Alice (Clark) and his father, Herbert. His family moved to California about 1940. After WWII, they moved to new Port Richey, FL, where he grew up and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Gulf High School in 1952 and then attended Florida Southern College where he lettered in Crew Racing as the teams coxswain and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa social fraternity. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and served honorably for 30 years in the Personnel career field. He was stationed at various locations including Mater AFB, Cannon AFB, New Mexico, Lackland AFB, Texas, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal and Clark AFB, Philippines. He retired from the Air Force in 1984 and found employment with the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA). When he retired from SHRA in 1995, he was the Asst. Director of the Housing Dept. He held a BA degree in Human Resource Management, and served as Sacramento’s Regional Representative of the Alumni Association Board for the Union Institute college of undergraduate Studies. His hobby was genealogical research. Assisted by his wife Julia, they made numerous visits to the town of his birth where they spent countless hours recording names and other genealogical information from the gravestones in current and historic local cemeteries. They then published the results of their research and donating these books to libraries and public works departments in that area. His research also revealed that he was the 7th great-grandson of Mary Perkins Bradbury, an innocent victim who was convicted of witchcraft in the Salem, Massachusetts witchcraft trials of 1692. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the McClellan Chiefs Group, in c/o MCSgt. (Ret.) George Moses, Dir. of Retiree Activities, Tele: (916) 561-7507.

TUCKER, GORDON L., 61, of Spring Hill, died Saturday (July 23, 1994). Born in West Helena, Ark., he came here in 1974 from St. Petersburg, where he had lived since the late 1940s. A graduate of Arkansas State College, he received a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic College, Palm Beach. He was former headmaster at Canterbury School of Florida, St. Petersburg, from 1971 to 1973. He was principal at Bay Pointe Junior High from 1974 to 1983 and also taught at Gulf High School in Pasco County. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and was a Baptist. Survivors include a sister, Fran T. Davis, St. Petersburg; a brother, Robert A. Tucker, Monroe, La.; four nephews; and three nieces. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes, Ninth Street Chapel, St. Petersburg.

UHLE, WILLIAM C., “BILLY,” 19, of Holiday, died Monday (Aug. 6, 2001) in Holiday. Born in Port Jefferson, N.Y., he came here in 1998 from Madison Heights, Va. He worked as a cook at Villa Roma Italian Restaurant & Pizza in Holiday and was a 1999 graduate of Gulf High School. Survivors include his parents, Warren and Nanette, Holiday; two sisters, Felicia, New Port Richey, and Paige, Holiday; and his grandparents, Fred and Claire Fallen, Lady Lake. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Holiday.

UPMAN, PHILIP MARTIN, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2016, in the caring environment of the Gilchrist Center in Howard County. He was born at 40 Mellor Avenue in Catonsville, Maryland, to Philip Thomas and Evelyn Updyke Upman on March 4, 1936. He is survived by his wife, Mary Hurst Upman, his sister Beverly Upman Carter, his brother, Francis Gilbert Upman, his first wife, Irene Fairhurst Ladner, two grandchildren, Danielle Irene Upman and Colton Jeffrey Upman, His daughter-in-law, Vicky Upman.Cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. His two sons, Philip James Upman and Jeffrey Mark Upman, sadly predeceased. Philip attended St. Mark Elementary School in Catonsville, Maryland, for Grades 1 through 3. He then attended St. Edwards Elementary School in Baltimore for Grades 4 through 8 and Gwynn Falls Jr. High School for the 9th grade. When his father was offered a position at Acme Visible Records in Crozet, Virginia, he moved his family to Mirador Farms in Greenwood where Philip attended a small country school, Greenwood School, for Grades 10 and 11. He completed his high school diploma at Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. On August 7, 1954, Philip enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was assigned to receive training as a dental laboratory technician at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. He received orders to do a tour of duty at Burtonwood RAF Station in Warrenton, England. After he completed this phase of his dental lab training, he was assigned to a series of different duty stations that included further periods of service in England, a 3-year assignment to Aviano Air Force Base in Northern Italy, an assignment to Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato, California and a tour of duty at the U Tapao Royal Thai Naval Air Base in Sattihip, Thailand. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. For several years Philip managed his own dental laboratory, Upman Dental Studio, in New Port Richey, Florida. While doing this he studied at St. Leo College in St. Leo, Florida, with a major in Psychology. He then decided to close his dental lab and change his career field. He was employed as a high school career counselor from 1981 until 1993. At that point he and his wife decided that they wanted to live in Maryland. They moved to Westminster and his wife accepted a teaching position at North Carroll High School in Hampstead. Philip volunteered as an assistant to the U.S. Air Force recruiter stationed in Westminster. He also volunteered in the Guidance Department at Westminster High School. Here he served as an assistant to the registrar, his niece Cynthia Carter Rallo. In 2006 Philip and his wife moved from Westminster to Ellicott City and they both joined St. Mark Church in Catonsville. The return to his boyhood parish has brought him spiritual comfort. He was also helped during his 18 month fight against metastatic prostate cancer by the outstanding medical team at the St. Agnes Cancer Clinic in Baltimore and Gilchrist Hospice Care in Columbia, Maryland. [Mr. Upman was a guidance counselor at Gulf until 1993. His wife Mary taught German and English.]

UZZLE, STEVE RODNEY “STEVIE,” 73, of New Port Richey, passed Saturday, July 15, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sandra Safranek Uzzle; and many caring family members and friends. He was a graduate of Gulf High’s Class of 1962, where he was active in sports. Steve had a great talent and love for music, with much success as a guitar player in bands of the 1950s and ’60s, including: The Intruders, The Movers, and The Roemans, leading to the release of several recordings. Steve also expanded the family real estate business in the era of 1970s through the ’90s. Both he and his wife, throughout his lifetime, thoroughly embraced the beauty and bounty of our beautiful Gulf of Mexico, which gave them both peace and tranquility. Because of his love for animals, please consider donating to: Humane Society of Pasco County, 14949 Harmon Dr., Spring Hill, 34610, or to your favorite charity, in lieu of flowers. We all will miss Steve’s presence and his jovial sense of humor, as well as, his incredible love for life.

VALENTINE, DAN, age 60, died on May 14, 2021. GHS Class of 1978.

VAN WINKLE, ROBERT S., GHS Class of 1989, died on Feb. 4, 2021.

VOORHEES, WALT M. Walter M. Voorhees, former Pasco County Commission chairman and the first Big Brother in the county, died in his home Monday (Oct. 13, 1986) after a seven-month fight with cancer. He was 66. Mr. Voorhees, at one time dubbed “Four-to-one Voorhees” because he often voted in the minority on the County Commission, was a controversial figure during his tenure on the commission from 1970-74. But friends and colleagues said Tuesday they remembered him best as a man who was eager to become involved in the community. “This is a great loss for the community,” said former Commissioner Robert Rees, who served two years with Mr. Voorhees and kept in touch as a friend in recent years. Rees said Tuesday that he visited the ailing Mr. Voorhees on Monday and spoke with him briefly. “I thought he was a very fine man, always willing to help,” Rees said. “He was very active in church work, willing to get on a committee. He was very active in the Big Brothers. I tell you, the county has lost a very fine man.” Mr. Voorhees’ family moved to West Pasco when he was 2 years old, and he lived here most of his life. He graduated from Gulf High School, and in 1939 joined the Navy, beginning a 27-year career in which he became a pilot and traveled around the world. He retired as a lieutenant. When he was elected to the County Commission in 1970, Mr. Voorhees and newly elected Commissioner Louie E. Holt were the first Republicans ever elected to the County Commission. Holt, now the city manager of Zephyrhills, remembered Mr. Voorhees as a man who “certainly did his share to make it a better community.” “We didn’t agree on everything,” Holt said. “But we respected each other’s opinion. I knew him to be an honest person who had his own philosophy about things.” During Mr. Voorhees’ tenure as County Commission chairman, there were significant changes, including a change in the very form of county government, as the commission shifted to a county administrator form of government. Mr. Voorhees’ interest in children prompted him to become involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Pasco, and he was the first Big Brother to become matched with a youngster in Pasco in 1984. He also served on the Big Brother board. Mr. Voorhees, who lived at 686 State Road 518 in New Port Richey and owned Citrus Nursery, was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, the Republican Club of Pasco, American Red Cross and the National Silver Eagles Association. Survivors include his wife JoAnne; a son Mike, New Port Richey; two daughters, Pam Baughm, Orlando, and Sue Scott, Lafayette, La.; a brother Carl, Tulelake, Calif., and three grandsons. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the North Funeral Home chapel. The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in New Port Richey. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that anyone wishing to make a donation send it to the Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs at 709 State Road 518. [GHS ’38]

WABBERSON, CATHERINE CARDNELL “CATHY,” of Tarpon Springs, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2015. Born in Dunedin, she graduated from Gulf High School, New Port Richey and had a 30-year career with the Florida State Parks and Recreation Department. She loved family, the arts and crafts, cruising, traveling, volunteering, cooking, and the beach. She is survived by her husband, Bill, of 52 years; four sons, Pat, Billy, Jim and Bob; 11 grandchildren; three sisters; three brothers; several nieces and nephews; cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Kaye Cardnell. A visitation will take place Thursday, May 14 from 6-8 pm at Dobies FH-Holiday Chapel. A celebration of Life will be 10 am Friday, May 15 at the Holiday United Church of Christ. Burial at Cycadia Cemetery. [Cathy (Poole) Wabbersen, GHS Class of 1961]

WALKER, JUDITH ANN, a senior at Gulf High School, was killed when a farm tractor flipped backwards and crushed her against the ground on Nov. 27, 1960.

WALSH, CAROL, Class of 1978, died of cancer.

WALSH-BRATTI, JAMIE, 64, of New Port Richey died June 1, 2018. She is survived by her husband, Joseph; brother, William and sister, Linda. Morgan Funeral Home. [GHS Class of 1972]

WAMBLES, ALICE SAWYER, Sept. 17, 1933 to Feb. 11, 2009 Alice was born in Elfers, FL. She was a true Floridian, and graduated at the original Gulf High class of 1951. Alice held many honors in high school. She was voted Best All Around, Most Popular, Wittiest, Biggest Flirt and Best Liked. After graduation, Alice went to work for Publix and had a combined 30 years of service. She is survived by her sister Hazel V. Sawyer Jacobs of Elfers; nine nephews, George, Anthony, Mike and Manuel Kapetanis; Kevin Sawyer, John South; Lafayette (Fat), Clyde and Freddie Sullivan; five nieces, Kally Single-tary, Martha Scott, Joann Kellom, Mary Olson and Dorothy Bronson. Alice will be missed dearly and forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held, Monday, Feb. 16 at 3 pm. Dobies Funeral Home Congress Chapel dobiesfuneralhome.com

WARDER, JAMES E., 64, of Port Richey, died Saturday (Oct. 24, 1998) at home. Born in Tampa, he came here 20 years ago from Virginia Beach, Va. He was a retired naval science instructor at Gulf High School and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. He was a master chief petty officer and a member of the Elks Lodge 2284 and the Pasco Gators Booster Club. Survivors include his wife, Ann; five sons, Thomas, Jacksonville, James, Fayetteville, N.C., Mark, West Point, N.Y., Matthew, Port Richey, and Vincent, Hudson; five daughters, Analisa Little, Palm Harbor, Michelle Hansen, New Port Richey, Renee Warder, Port Richey, Cristina Warder, Orlando, and Nicole Warder, Hudson; his mother, Asa Waters, Tampa; a brother, Steve Stinnett; and five grandchildren. Bell Funeral Home, Bayonet Point.

WARDER, MERCEDES, 22, died on November 17, 1990. She was very involved in Gulf High School sports and was a daughter of James Warder. She died in Pinellas County. She was born on Aug. 31, 1968.

BARTOW – WATERS, WENDELL D., age 90, died Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at his residence in Bartow of cancer. Born May 26, 1918 in Worchester, MA, Mr. Waters has been a resident of Bartow 57 years, moving from Stuart, FL. Mr. Waters was a graduate of Gulf High School in New Port Richey as valedictorian of his class of 1935 [should be 1934–jm]. He earned a Bachelors degree in Chemistry at University of Tampa, and a Masters degree in Music Education at Florida State University. He served as a Lieutenant in the Navy as a communications officer in WWII. Mr. Waters moved to Bartow in 1951 employed by IMC Phosphate as a chemist for 20 years, and later with Resources Research of Lakeland. He played the cello with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, later with the Lakeland Imperial Orchestra for many years. Mr. Waters tuned pianos for local and professional performers at the Lakeland Civic Center, including Elvis Presley and Victor Borge. He was vice president of the Central Florida Technician’s Guild. He was a member, choir director and choir member with the Bartow United Methodist Church. He played the cello with the Trio Unlimited Group for weddings and special events. He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frances M. Waters. He is survived by his daughters: Nadine Robbins & Husband John Johnson of Bartow, Dorothy & husband Chris Cleaves of Palm Bay; son: Roger & wife Joan Waters of Auburndale; 7 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Friday January 16, 2009, 6-8 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 455 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Saturday 10:00 am at the Church. Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church 455 S. Broadway Bartow 33830; Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave. Auburndale 33823 or Imperial Symphony Orchestra, 1037 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33806. Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com

WAZ, MELISSA, 47, passed away June 20, 2018. She is survived by parents, Dave (Wendy) and Marsha; brother, Jason (Jennifer); sister, Amy; 91 year old grandmother, Emily Waz; two uncles, Richard and Randy Waz; and nephew, Jaden. [GHS Class of 1988]

WEBB, ROSEANN M., 47, of Holiday, passed away on Feb. 21, 2013. She is survived by her son, Kyle; mother, Madelyn; and 2 brothers, William and Robert. She was born on Sept. 12, 1965. Roseann Napolitano was in the Gulf High School Class of 1983. Coastal Cremations, Inc.

WEBB, THOMAS “EDD,” 73, of New Port Richey, died Sunday (Jan. 31, 1999) at home. Born in Coffeeville, Ala., he came here 46 years ago from Livingston, Ala., and was retired owner of T. Edd Webb State Farm Insurance. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, a member of First Baptist Church, New Port Richey, past president of the New Port Richey Rotary Club, co-founder of the PAL Football League, a teacher and football coach for Gulf High School and a Little League baseball coach. Survivors include his wife, Maxine; three sons, Clendon, Dale and Michael, all of New Port Richey; a daughter, Cynthia Webb- Orenstein, Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.; two brothers, Roy, Mobile, Ala., and Donnie, Camden, Ala.; four sisters, Gertrude Hope, Mobile, Jeanette Murray, Grove Hill, Ala., Imogene Price, Thomasville, Ala., and Judy Freeman, Orlando; and 10 grandchildren. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey.

WEISKOPF, ROBERT C. “BOB,” 73, of Tarpon Springs, formerly of New Port Richey, died Monday (Dec. 1, 2003) at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital in Tarpon Springs. Born in Tarpon Springs, he returned to Tarpon Springs in 1954 from New Port Richey. He was the owner of Gateway Plaza of New Port Richey and owned the New Port Richey Studio and Camera Shop. He was a freelance photographer whose pictures ran in the St. Petersburg Times and the Clearwater Sun. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Signal Corps Staff as a photographer. He was a member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Shirley E.; a son, Dan, Tarpon Springs; two daughters, Lisa Weiskopf, Tampa, and Linda Risola, Tarpon Springs; a brother, James, Houston,; and seven grandchildren. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, Tarpon Springs.

WERNER, SANDRA LEE

Sandra Lee Werner, 84, was a lifelong resident of Florida and an eight-generation Floridian. She passed away on October 15, 2022, at her home. Sandra enjoyed a wonderful life filled with a rich family history here in Pasco County. She loved everything “Pasco” and encouraged her family to do the same. She graduated from Gulf High School in 1957 with only 22 people in her graduating class. Her sassy side must have shown through back then because she was chosen as the “class clown” of her class. Sandra was also a majorette for Gulf High and performed in the Chasco Fiesta and local football games. She made numerous lifelong friendships that have lasted for decades while at Gulf High School.

Sandra grew up and started her own family here in Pasco County while working as a legal secretary. Sandra was quite active and wanted to help others build on their skills and networking abilities. She was elected as the first charter president for the West Pasco Legal Secretaries in the 1970s. She eventually met Gene Werner from Boyce Built Homes once he relocated here from California and they married in 1970. Sandra’s love of politics and business matched Gene’s passion for the same type of lifestyle. They quickly became engrossed in the Republican Party here in Pasco County. Sandra and Gene held high-level positions and attended the 1976 Republican National Convention as delegates. Together they enjoyed building a life together while helping to build a better community.

Gene and Sandra blended their families together to create a beautiful group of kids. Sandra had three boys (Reed, Paul, Jr., and Jeffrey) and Gene had a boy and a girl (Clark and Addine), and then together they had a little girl (Frances). They always joked that they had, “yours, mine, and ours”. The family always enjoyed family dinners and celebrations as a very unique and blended family. Sandra was always willing to open her doors to welcome anyone that needed a place to spend the holidays. The best memories included lots of food, fun, and family for any occasion with Gene and Sandra at the center of it all. The one thing that mattered most to her was her family and all of the times they could spend together.

Sandra was always known for her strong and intelligent personality that had plenty of sass and a lot of class. In every situation, Sandra wanted the very best and was willing to do whatever was needed to help in any situation. She helped run numerous successful campaigns in federal, state, and local campaigns. Eventually, Sandra herself was elected as one of the first female county commissioners in 1980. She and Sylvia Young will forever be remembered in Pasco County as two of the first women to serve on the county commission. Sandra has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will forever enjoy the path she has made for them. Her wit and determination to always engage in any type of intellectual conversation will be something that we will always remember. Sandra maintained her ability to be sharp-minded and full of the desire to live up until the very end. Everything about her was simply unique and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandra’s name to the Lighthouse for the Blind due to the fact that Sandra herself had vision issues throughout her life and she eventually became legally blind. Sandra always wanted to support local charities and this one in particular held a very special place in her heart. You can TEXT: WERNER to 41444 or give at www.tinyurl.com/SWerner or mail a check to LVIB 9130Ridge Road, NPR FL 34654.

WETHERELL AARAN A., 34, passed Jan 16, 2010 survived by parents Susan & Jack; sisters Jessica & Tera; daughter Tyrtza. Memorial held at Anderson Park, Tarpon Springs, on Jan 23, 2010 at noon. [GHS Class of 1993]

WHIFFEN, BLEASIA DEAN, 48, of Spring Hill, Pasco County, died Saturday (Oct. 27, 2001) at home. She came here 37 years ago from her native Gaffney, S.C. She was a teacher at Bishop Larkin Catholic School, a CCD teacher, member of the Youth Ministry, art teacher at Gulf High school and a puppeteer with “A Great Love of Puppets.” She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, Frank E. Whiffen II; two sons, Steven D. Whiffen, Hudson, and Frank E. Whiffen, Spring Hill; her stepmother, Patricia “Mimi” Sizemore, Hudson; four brothers, Daryl Henslee, Cowpens, S.C.; Elvin Henslee, Gaffney, S.C.; Charles and Roland Sizemore, both of Hudson; and three sisters, Pam Hendersen, Gaffney; Sclena Brantley, Port Richey; and Terri Bearner, Hudson. Prevatt Funeral Home, Hudson.

WHITE, CAROL ANN NORFLEET, 70, of Aripeka, died Sept. 17, 2017. A member of Aripeka Baptist Church and Aripeka Community Club, she is survived by her son, Chad E. (Dondra) White; daughter, Cristi L. (Michael) O’Donnell; grandchildren, Bryce, Jacob, Troye, MaeLee; brothers, John (Donna), Wayne (Nancy), Carol (Maryann) and Joe. She is predeceased by her late husband, Roy E. White; and sisters, Betty Millard and Verna Sloan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aripeka Baptist Church. November 27, 1946 – September 17, 2017. Service Information: Thursday, September 21, 2017, 11AM at Aripeka Baptist Church, 18731 Aripeka Road, Aripeka, Florida. Visitation Information: Thursday, September 21, 2017, from 10 to 11AM at Aripeka Baptist Church, 18731 Aripeka Road, Aripeka, Florida. [GHS Class of 1964]

WHITE, JENNIFER MARIE “JEN,” 14, of New Port Richey, formerly of Palm Harbor, died Monday (Sept. 4, 1995) when her bicycle was hit by a car on State Road 54 in New Port Richey. She came to Palm Harbor from her native West Bend, Wis., four years ago and moved to New Port Richey three years ago. She was a student at Gulf High School and attended First Assembly of God Church, both in New Port Richey. Survivors include her parents, Philip J. and Terry R. White, New Port Richey; two brothers, Philip White II and David J. White, both of New Port Richey; her paternal grandmother, Mary Louise Holland, New Port Richey; her maternal grandfather, William E. Null, Milwaukee; her maternal grandmother, Nancy Ann Gardner, Mauston, Wis.; a paternal great-grandmother, Lorraine Stewart, New Port Richey; maternal great-grandparents, Dan and Flora Stees, Necedah, Wis.; and another maternal great-grandmother, Wanda Null, Punta Gorda. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Bartelt Road Chapel, Holiday. Pinellas Park

WHITTEMORE, ROBERT, 85, died Oct. 29, 2015. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Robert is survived by wife, Sherron; son, Curt; daughter, Lee (Carlos); seven grands; and three greats. Pre-deceased by sons, Rob (Kristin), and Charlie. [He was a GHS art teacher in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.]

WHITTEMORE, Mr. ROBERT WALTER. Age 42. July 7, 2009. Beloved husband of Kristin, sharing 15 years together. Loving father of Christian 11, Alyssa 9, and Taylor 5. Survived by his parents, Robert and Sherron Whittemore; brothers, Charlie and Curt; and sister, Lee Ann (Zubillaga). Rob was a coach, teacher, and small business owner who loved Jesus and dedicated his life to serving others. Pre-service fellowship Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10 a.m., followed by a Memorial service at 11 a.m., at Grace Center, 2420 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made toward the children’s education at: Whittemore Children’s Education Fund, 2020 Fieldstone Pkwy., Suite 900-155, Franklin, TN 37069. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, (615) 794-2289. [GHS Class of 1985 and son of GHS art teacher Robert Whittemore]

WHITTENHALL, MARY JANE, 84, of Parrish, FL passed away September 3, 2019. She was born July 2, 1935 in Tarpon Springs, FL. She grew up in New Port Richey, FL and was a graduate of Gulf High School in 1952. She also lived in Lecanto and Inglis, FL. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Frances Lucile Whittenhall; brother, Lester “Bud” Whittenhall; and sister, Anne Whittenhall Green. She is survived by her sister, Doris Stockwell of Port Richey, FL, and nine nieces and nephews.

WILLEY, TROY G., 37, of New Port Richey and formerly of Palm Harbor, died Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at his residence. Troy was born April 26, 1968, in Bethpage, N.Y. He moved to Florida several years ago from Virginia. Troy was a financial planner and Catholic by faith. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Willey; son, Jack Willey; both of Palm Harbor, Fla.; two brothers, Adam and Brett; a sister, Kristan Galassi; and his father, James; all of New Port Richey, Fla. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2005, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 3200 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Fla. National Cremation Society New Port Richey.

WILBUR, GARY, Class of 1972, died in July 2019.

WILLIAMS, DAVETTE (DRAYTON), 56, of Cameron [NC], died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, Pinehurst. Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines. [GHS Class of 1982]

WILLIAMS, JOSEPH R. “JOE,” JR., 58, of Lake County, Fla., was born July 10, 1956, in Freeport, N.Y., and passed away May 26, 2015. Mr. Williams was a fixture at Lake County sporting events for more than 36 years as a sportswriter for the Orlando Sentinel, covering high school sports and a diversity of local sporting events. He lived and breathed sports, both as a reporter and community sports coach. He was especially proud of his coverage for many years of the Great Floridian Triathlon and was admired and respected by those he covered and worked with for his kindness, professionalism and storytelling talent. He was a member of the Good News Church in Leesburg, Fla. Mr. Williams was a loving and beloved father, husband and grandfather – family brought him his greatest happiness. Family members include Sue, his wife of 31 years; son Joseph R. Williams III and his wife, Elizabeth; daughter Amber J. Williams; son Thomas Drunasky Jr.; daughter Tammie J. Drunasky; four grandchildren – Troy, Evan, Gideon and Ethan; sister Donna L. Peters; many nieces, nephews and other extended family as well a host of friends. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015, and 12:30 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Good News Church in Leesburg, followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m on Wednesday. Interment will be held privately. For those who wish and in lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to one of the following: Booster Club of any Lake or Sumter County High School, Lake Sumter State College Athletics, Good News Church Youth or Uncle Donald’s Farm Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com, Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, Florida, which is in charge of all arrangements. From his biography at the Orlando Sentinel: I was born in Freeport, N.Y., and lived most of the first 12 years of my life in North Bellmore, N.Y. Moved to New Port Richey, Fl., with my parents when I was 13. I have been working as a sports writer for the past 36 years — the last 32 at the Sentinel. I started out as a part-time sports writer for the New Port Richey Press (1974-76) and the St. Petersburg Times (1976-78), starting with the Sentinel in November 1978. Actually, I have been around newspapers most my life. I first worked as a newspaper boy for the Newsday and also delivered the Long Island Press. When I was in high school, I worked in the circulation department for the New Port Richey Press. [GHS Class of 1974]

WILSON, ROBERT S., 82, of Largo passed away April 11, 2013. Son of the late Albert and Mildred Wilson, and preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Siggens Wilson. He graduated from Largo High School in 1948, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Miami. He was a musician in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952, and a member of numerous big bands in the 1950’s. He was the band director at Gulf Middle and High Schools in New Port Richey from 1965 [probably 1967] to 1992. In retirement, he was active in the Largo Historical Society, Anona United Methodist Church, and as a 60 year Master Mason at Star Lodge 78 F&AM. Survivors include a son, Clay Wilson (Christine); sisters, Marilyn Mattson, Peg Dixon, Julie Mann and Emily McCoy, and granddaughters Katie and Caroline, and close friend, Dottie Sutcliff. A Memorial Service is planned for Thursday April 18th at 6:30 pm at Anona United Methodist Church 13233 Indian Rocks Road Largo FL 33774. A Masonic Service and military honors will also be conducted at the church. Friends will be received at the church from 6 pm until service time. A gathering celebration will be held at the church following the service. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Moss Feaster Funeral Home Serenity Gardens Chapel in Largo. For photos, and condolences visit www.mossfeasterlargo.com

SPRING HILL, Fla. WILT, CHRISTOPHER L., 60, of Spring Hill, Fla., formerly of Adrian, Mich., passed away June 10, 2018, at Oak Hill Hospital with his partner of 22 years beside him. He was born Nov. 27, 1957, Thanksgiving day, to Patricia Cooper Waid and Richard Wilt. Chris graduated from Gulf High School in 1974. Chris had a big soft spot in his heart for animals and cherished his friends and family. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed his job as the production engineer at Pasco Hernando State College. He loved rock and roll and was the singer and soundman in several local bands, including Krispy and the Mud Sharks, Rock and Roll Xpress, Thunder Road, Hot Mustad, and the Bike Shop Boys. His biggest passion was muscle cars. His pride and joy was his ’68 Camaro that he was restoring. Chris is survived by his fiance, Carole Wouters; daughter, Melissa Marie Summers; granddaughter, Paige Marie Summers; his mother, Patricia Cooper Waid of Adrian, Mich.; brothers, Terry Sherman of Florida, George Wilt and wife, Dee, of West Virginia, Sean Johnson of Maryland, Richard Wilt and wife, Mindy, of Michigan; sister, Marjorie Wilt of Michigan; and sister-in-law, Lourdes Johnson of Alabama. He is also survived by 13 nephews, five nieces, 11 great-nephews and three great-nieces. Predeceased are daughter Thomaleeia Diane Wilt; father, Richard Wilt; brothers, Scott Wilt, Bill Johnson and Richie Wilt; and his beloved dog Harley. There will be a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. July 2, 2018 at Pasco Hernando State College conference center (building R151), 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey Florida, with PHSC President Timothy Beard presiding. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer guests to make a donation to The Humane Society of the United States or Eckerd Connects Raising Hope, a program to assist foster children.

WINTHROP, BONNIE, Class of 1978, died.

WITHROW, SAMUEL J. BIG OTTER – Samuel J. Withrow, 68, of Big Otter, Clay County, died Aug. 6, 1998, in Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War, a graduate of Gulf High School, New Port Richey, Fla., and an Eagle Scout. Surviving: daughters, Diane O’Dell of Frametown, Catherine Withrow of Lodi, Calif., Teresa Withrow of Cordele, Ga.; son, Timothy P. Withrow of Gassaway; sisters, Faye, Patty and Phyllis, all of Cincinnati; brother, Johnnie Withrow of Cincinnati; six grandchildren. Memorial service will be at a later date. The body was cremated. Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, is in charge of arrangements.

WITT, DAWN died on Feb. 14, 1982, following an automobile accident in Holiday.

WOERNER JR., DAVID T., age 35, of Weeki Wachee, FL, passed away on February 11, 2018. Born in Atlantic City, NJ, he graduated from Gulf High School in 2001 when he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country from 2001 to 2013. During this time, he served two tours in Iraq where he was injured resulting in an honorable medical discharge. Retired Staff Sergeant Woerner Jr. relocated with his wife, Christine to Florida in 2013. David is survived by his wife, Christine; daughter, Kennedy; parents, David Sr. and Deborah Woerner; sister, Jackie (Dave) Lombardi; four nephews; his maternal grandmother (Mom Mom), Jacqueline Bishop; paternal grandfather, John Collins; and many loved ones. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with service at 12:00 p.m., at Dobies Funeral Home, Old CR 54. Committal service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, with military honors.

WOLFENBERGER-LAMBERT, LESA, GHS Class of 1976, died on Aug. 21, 2016. She had been living recently in Harrison, AR.

WOODCOCK, TERRY L., 48, of Hudson, died Monday (Nov. 7, 1994) at University Community Hospital, Tampa. He came her 32 years ago from his native Elmira, N. Y. He was a supervisor for Animal Control of Pasco County and a licensed funeral director. He was a 101st Airborne Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War and the recipient of the Bronze Star. Survivors include his wife, Ann; a daughter, Simone, Hudson; his parents, Kenneth and Virginia, New Port Richey; and a sister, Sue Stephens, Tampa. Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey. [GHS Class of 1964]

WOODRUFF, MARY C. (CLARK), 96, of Port Richey, died Wednesday (Jan. 7, 2004) at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in New Port Richey. She was a lifetime resident of her native Port Richey. She was a retired postal clerk and was a member of the Port Richey Community Church. She was an alumni of the first graduating class of Gulf High School. Survivors include three brothers, Page Clark and James “Jim” Clark, both of Port Richey, and David “Hap” Clark Jr., New Port Richey; several nieces and nephews. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Homes, New Port Richey. [Frances Mallett says Mary was born in 1906.]

WOOLEY, DUANE C., Class of 1968, died on March 12, 2012.

WORTHEN, STEPHEN RICHARD. Workman, 19, Killed By Truck. Stephen Richard Worthen, 19, of 114 E. Allamanda Ave. New Port Richey, was killed yesterday when he was struck by a truck on Gandy Boulevard. Worthen, identified as a State Road Department workman, was dead on arrival at Mound Park Hospital. Highway Patrol troopers said Worthen was working on the side of the road in front of 12020 Gandy Blvd., when struck by the truck. He was tossed into the air and landed on his head. The name of the driver of the truck was not immediately made known by the Highway Patrol. Worthen, a native of Bristol, Conn., had lived in Port Richey 1½ years, coming from Bristol. He attended First Methodist Church of New Port Richey. He was a graduate of Gulf High School in New Port Richey. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary Worthen, Port Richey; a brother A.1-C. Charles Worthen, address unknown; and great aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hopkins, Port Richey. Duval Funeral Home, New Port Richey is in charge of arrangements. [GHS Class of 1964]

WRIGHT, DAVID ALAN, 27 of New Port Richey has passed away May 14, 2020. David was born June 5, 1992 Dunedin Florida. David is survived by his parents Barry and Lisa Wright, A loving sister Miranda (James) Prescott their children Lincoln and Olivia, both grandmothers Lenoir Kessler and Jean Wright. He was proceeded in death by both grandfathers Larry Wright:2012 and Ed Kessler :2017. David was a fun loving, kind young man whom has touched many lives. Words cannot describe how much he was loved, he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

YANCEY, JIMMIE, 48, of New Port Richey, died Tuesday (June 18, 1991) at home. She came here 43 years ago from her native Pensacola. She was a Baptist. Survivors include five daughters, Kelly List, Veronica Walsh and Anita Becude, all of New Port Richey, and Dana Becude and Andretta Becude, both of Brooksville; her father, James, Crystal River; and eight grandchildren. George B. Morgan Funeral Home, New Port Richey. [GHS Class of 1964]

YORK, PATRICIA A. “PATTY,” 44, of New Port Richey, died March 22, 2008. She was born in Brooksville and was a lifelong resident of this area. She was a customer service representative for Barnett Banks and co-owner of York Pool Service, and was a member of River Road Church of Christ. Survivors include her husband, Jamey; 2 daughters, Kayla and Kimberly York, all of New Port Richey; 1 brother, Gary DeCiucies, Holiday; 1 sister, Lisa Bade and her mother, Shirley DeCicies, both of New Port Richey. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 25 from 5-8 pm at Faupel Funeral Home with services at River Road Church of Christ Wednesday at 10 am. Interment will follow at East Elfers Cemetery. Faupel Funeral Home 727-849-9964 [GHS Class of 1982]

YOUNG, BART BERNARD, GHS Class of 1977, died on Nov. 3, 2018. Bart was a resident of New Port Richey, Florida at the time of passing. The family will be having a private service.

YOUNG, ROBERT KELLY. 1955 – 2019. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Kelly Young. He was born on December 3, 1955 in Middletown, Ohio, but grew up in New Port Richey, Florida and graduated from Gulf High School in 1973. He then joined the Air Force and served honorably for 5 years, including a tour in the Philippines. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of over 20 years, Ellen Young. They lived in Napa, California together for the duration of their marriage. Also preceding him are his parents, Chelsie Donald Young and Shirley W. Dickinson, his grandfather, Kelly Young, and beloved grandmother, Erma Marie Young, who raised him when he was orphaned as a young teenager. He is survived by his sister, Tina Nettles and Victoria Zwolinski, and his children, Adam Young, Brooke Young, Brandon Young, Adrienne Kelly Hunt, and Jason Young. He died May 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas at the age of 64. His passion and life’s work was developing software. He was a self-taught, self-made expert at his craft. He loved all animals, especially dogs, enjoyed baseball, the outdoors, and had an affinity for babies. His laugh was contagious and he will be missed. Rest in peace, Dad.

ZEDALIS, ANTHONY P. FEBRUARY 28, 1963 – SEPTEMBER 13, 2019. WAKE FOREST, NC. Anthony Powell Zedalis, 56, of Wake Forest, died Friday morning, September 13, 2019. Tony’s ashes will be buried in the spring alongside his dear departed wife Alice and precious daughter Jessica on family land in West Virginia. Born a service brat, Tony lived in many places in the United States and even a few years in West Germany. After graduating from Gulf High School, New Port Richey, FL. Anthony followed in his brother’s footsteps and joined the US Navy. Graduating from Nuclear Power School as a Machinist Mate third Class, Tony served aboard the USS Woodrow Wilson, SSBN 624. Shortly after her birth, his second child, Jessica was diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy. This rare genetic disease was traced to his wife, Alice who was beginning to experience many of this debilitating diseases effects herself. Putting aside everything else, Tony became the primary caregiver for both women in his life. With a deep faith in God and a resilience to be admired, Anthony persevered through all the tribulations of managing a handicapped family relegated to social services. The family gratefully thanks all the people volunteering through their church or charitable organization or working with the many special need agencies in North Carolina who provided care to our family members. Tony’s one vice was a love of games. A masterful chess player in High School, Tony earned third place in a high school state championship as a sophomore. Later in life he found solace with fellow gamers on the internet. To all his gaming friends, you were meaningful in his life, thank you! Anthony is survived by son Joshua, recent love Tracy Brindle and his brothers; Stephen and Christopher. Tony is predeceased by his Parents; Peter and Norma Zedalis of Nashua, NH, his wife Alice Cheney of Zebulon, NC and daughter Jessica Ellen Zedalis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to hopefully find a cure for this debilitating disease. [GHS Class of 1981]

ZEHETNER-ALLEN, REBECCA EVA. Zehetner-Allen, Rebecca, 51, Hudson, died January 23, 2016. Survived by husband, Richard Allen; sons, Tom Allen and Richard Allen; daughter, Melanie Allen; grandson, Robert Parsley; mother, Ann Zehetner. Predeceased by father, Thomas Zehetner. Also survived by sisters, Virginia Vogel and Melody Zehetner; nephews, Jimmy Anderson and Brett Staley. [GHS ’82. She died as the result of an auto accident.]

ZEONE, DAWN MARIE, class of 2000, died on Feb. 11, 2005. She was born on Oct. 2, 1981. She is buried at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens.

ZOLTON, JOSEPH WILLIAM, 27, passed away on Wednesday March 31, 2010. Joe grew up in New Port Richey, where he graduated with honors from Gulf High School. He worked as a dementia nursing assistant throughout high school. Joe attended the University of South Florida where he graduated with honors receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and a minor in Psychology. He began working on a Master’s degree in Public Health and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology. Joe worked at the Roskamp Institute on clinical research of Alzheimer’s disease at USF. Joe was a volunteer firefighter/ERT for over 10 years with the City of Port Richey. He taught CPR and first aid, and volunteered many hours with the Fire Department, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Hospice and Assisted Living Facilities in the area. For the past several years, Joe was an entrepreneur in the field of cosmetic surgery and was instrumental in bringing new technologies to the area. He was currently working on opening new clinics throughout the state. Joe was IFR/VFR certified as a private pilot. He loved scuba diving and boating. Joe is survived by his parents, Joseph and Linda Zolton; his sister Heather; grandparents, Joseph and Janice Zolton, William and Catherine Loiacano; aunts and uncles, Sheryll (Zolton) & Todd Reinhardt; Robert & Amy Zolton, Mary Kay (Loiacano) & Jim Bensley, Joe & Gayle Loiacano, Dean & Jolain Loiacano; cousins, Jessica, Justin, Joseph, Emily, Jamie, Lauren, Naomi, Dino, Abigail, Rachel, Nicole, Mariah, Anthony; fiance Maegan Fader. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Port Richey Fire Dept., 7824 Grand Blvd. Port Richey 34668. Visitation hours are 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, Monday, April 5. Service is Tuesday, April 6 at 1 pm at Trinity Memorial Gardens New Port Richey. Trinity Memorial Gardens 727-376-7824 [Class of 2000]