Walter Ruszcak
Walter Ruszcak, 83, of North Port, Fla., died Jan. 31, 2003, at Englewood Community Hospital in Englewood, Fla.
He was born
Oct. 17, 1919, in Poland. He came to the United States in 1954. He was a permanent resident of North Port for the past six years. He had been a winter resident for many years, having resided in Clinton, Conn., and Hartford, Conn. He was an automatic chrome plater for Keeney Manufacturing in Newington, Conn., retiring in 1981 after 26 years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Johanna of North Port; a daughter, Theresa (Peter) Rumore of Belvidere, N.J.; and grandchildren, Justin and Jessica Rumore of Belvidere. He was predeceased by a brother, Peter, in 1978; and a sister, Sophie, in 1932.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Feb. 6, at San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port.
Theodore P. Markiewicz
Theodore Pete Markiewicz, 80, of Arcadia, Fla., and Columbus, Mich., passed away Feb. 2, 2003, at DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia.
He was born
Dec. 21, 1922, in Hamtramck, Mich., and had been a winter resident of Arcadia for the past 24 years, coming here from Columbus. Mr. Markiewicz was a retired carpenter, having applied his trade in the construction of many homes and businesses in and around the area of Detroit, Mich. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the European Theater. He participated in the third wave at the invasion of Normandy, during the liberation of France. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5585, Emmett, Mich.; Disabled American Veterans, Wolverine State 33, Michigan; and American Legion Post 0566 in Memphis, Mich. His loyalty to the armed forces and veterans was evidenced by his selling of "buddy poppies" on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Mr. Markiewicz was of the Catholic faith and a member of All Saints Parish in Memphis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jane Markiewicz; a brother, Edward Markiewicz of Michigan; three sisters, Jenny Hand of Inverness, Fla., Cecilia Kustowski of Marysville, Mich., and Helen Falecki of Columbus; and several loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in Memphis at a later date. The Kammeraad Funeral Home, Memphis, is in charge of arrangements in Memphis. Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsboro Ave., Arcadia, is in charge of local arrangements.
Charles F. Wallace
Charles F. Wallace, 80, of Arcadia, Fla., died Jan. 25, 2003, at DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia.
He was born
Aug. 23, 1922, in Coello, Ill. He came to Arcadia 15 years ago from Munster, Ind., where he was an insurance and real estate salesman. He also worked in the control room of American Maize Plant, now Cargill.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of the World War II European Theater. He was a member of the American Legion in Cedar Lake, Ind., and Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Eagles and Moose in Arcadia.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Wallace; two children, James (Mary) of Munster and Barbara of Arcadia; seven grandchildren, Jason Wallace of IU at Bloomington, Ind., Abigaile Wallace of IUPU at Indianapolis, Ind., Adam Wallace of Purdue at West Lafayette, Ind., Eric Wallace of Munster, and Craig, Ryan and Amber Osburn of Arcadia. Charles was preceded in death by four brothers, Arvey, Cletus, Elvie and Clifford; and a sister, Dorothy Brown.
military funeral services with a chaplain and honor guards will be held at a later date at Florida National Cemetery for Veterans, Bushnell, Fla.
Donations may be made to the American Lung Association of Gulfcoast Florida, 2201 Cantu Court, Suite 119, Sarasota, FL 34232.
Robarts Funeral Home in Arcadia is in charge of arrangements.
Sandra F. Anthony
Sandra Faye Anthony, 55, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Jan. 31, 2003, in Port Charlotte Hospice House. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Home, North Port, Fla.
Yvonne Marie Ambrose
Yvonne Marie Ambrose, 74, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003.
She was the daughter of Emile and Clara (Stonier) Dubey, born
Dec. 24, 1928, in Bangor, Maine. She lived in Millinocket, Maine, and had been coming to this area as a winter resident since 2002. Yvonne was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal in Millinocket. She loved her family and took great joy in caring for them.
Yvonne will be greatly missed by her daughters, Stephanie (Richard) Fournier of Bangor and Susan (Larry) Bouchard of Millinocket; sons, Robert Thomas Ambrose Jr. of Millinocket and Mark James Ambrose of Bucksport, Maine; a brother, James (Joan) Dubey of Hampden, Maine; sisters, Connie (Dana) Burleigh of Millinocket and Shirley Nichols of Grey, Maine; grandchildren, Thomas (Rebecca) Ambrose, Angela (Lester) Cyr, Dawn (Ryan) Robbins and Aaron Ambrose; great-grandchildren, Shawn and Jamey Cyr; and "granddogs" Sweetie and Max. She also leaves behind many wonderful friends she made during her stays here.
Her husband of 48 years, Robert Thomas Ambrose Sr., preceded her in death.
A memorial service in celebration of Yvonne's life will be held in Maine at a later date. Memorial donations in honor of Yvonne may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.LTaylorfuneral.com and sign the guest book.
Carl P. Ficera
Carl P. Ficera, 91, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in his home.
Carl was born
May 24, 1911 in Stevenson, Minn., to Frank and Ralphelina Ficera. He moved to Port Charlotte in 1980 from Stanford, Conn.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Josephine Ficera; his two children, Carla Thompson of Darien, Conn., and Sheila (Joseph) Toto of Port Charlotte; four grandchildren, Wendy Carolluzzi, Lori Swanson, Richard Thompson and Craig Thompson; and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home in Punta Gorda, Fla. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Entombment will be at Charlotte Memorial Gardens.
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home in Punta Gorda is in charge of arrangements.
James E. Grohman
James E. Grohman, 65, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital, Port Charlotte.
He was born
Feb. 15, 1937, in Atlantic City, N.J., and came to this area a year ago from Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Mr. Grohman was a K-9 police officer for Atlantic City, N.J. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of San Antonio Catholic Church, Port Charlotte.
Survivors include his wife, June I. Grohman of Port Charlotte; sons, Steven Grohman and Kevin Grohman both of Ventnor, N.J.; stepdaughter, Marie (Nick) Lonzi of Port Charlotte; stepsons Samuel (Karen) Palmisano of Egg Harbor City, N.J., and John (Doreen) Palmisano of Egg Harbor Township; three stepgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Grohman was preceded in death by his brother, John Grohman, who died in Vietnam serving as a gunnery sergeant in the USMC.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, with funeral services to follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.
Arrangements are by Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Leona C. Natke
Leona C. Natke, 84, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2003.
She was the daughter of Walter F. and Mary Ann Roberts, born
July 29, 1918, in Detroit, Mich. She came to the Port Charlotte area in 1979 from Royal Oak, Mich. Leona was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family and was of the Catholic faith.
Leona will be greatly missed by her sons, Otto (Shirley) Natke of Ortonville, Mich., David (Judith) Natke of Port Charlotte, Gregory (Mary) Natke of Deckerville, Mich., Philip (Debbie) Natke of Troy, Mich., Paul (Tracy) Natke of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., and Dennis (Lorelei) Natke of North Branch, Mich.; a sister, Gertrude Agius of Kalamazoo, Mich.; several nieces and nephews; 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Otto William Natke, preceded her in death.
Services for Leona will be held at a later date; Burial will take place in Michigan.
Memorial donations in honor of Leona may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.LTaylorfuneral.com and sign the guest book.
Matteo G. Calcara
Matteo G. Calcara, 75, of North Port, Fla., died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003.
He was born
Jan. 1, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He moved to this area in 1980 from New Fairfield, Conn. He worked for National Can in Connecticut as a shipping foreman for 13 years. He worked for Schraders and Scovil Inc. as a shipping foreman in Brooklyn for 19 years. He worked at Glen Allen Elementary School in North Port as a maintenance engineer. He was a member of San Pedro Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lena Calcara of North Port; a daughter, Kathleen Sauro of Bradenton, Fla.; two sons, Michael Calcara of Nokomis, Fla., and Matthew Calcara of North Port; seven grandchildren, Angela Sauro of Sarasota, Fla., Karen Sauro of Loudenville, N.Y., Michael Calcara of Mastic, N.Y., Danielle Calcara of Manorville, N.Y., Brendon Calcara of Mastic, Peter Calcara of Manorville, and Nicole Calcara of North Port; and two sisters, Angelina Ingrassia of Lakeland, Fla., and Anna Turtone of Ridge, N.Y.
He was preceded in death by his son, Peter Calcara.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, at Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at San Pedro Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gulf Pines Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742; or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.
Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.
Cleo Smith
Born Cleo Patra Solomon on Oct. 15, 1922, to the late Capt. Solomon and Sarah Ware Solomon in Madison, Fla., Cleo inherited her mansion, robe and crown at 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003.
Her legacy is one of love, tenderness, kindness, and strength. "Mama Cleo," as she was affectionately known, was a mother and friend to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and anyone else in need. She can never be forgotten for her memory and evidence of her existence echoes through the lives of her progeny. She leaves behind an overwhelming number of family, friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly. Cleo was the middle child of 15 children, 11 of whom preceded her in death, sisters, Mamie, Mattie, Dasia, Queen Ester, Marie, Naomi and Joyce; and brothers, Capt., Lester, Arnell and Ellis.
Precious memories will reside in the hearts of her beloved husband, Albert "Man" Smith; 14 children, Eddie and Sara Lee Vergina, both of Fort Myers, Fla., James Fields Jr. of Kent Island, Md., Frankye (Johnny) Salph of Clearwater, Fla., Ollie David of Orlando, Fla., Deborah Chambers of Clearwater, Linda (Calvin) Bell of Madison, Cleo Richardson of Daytona Beach, Fla., Marvin Davis of Fort Myers, David (JoAnn) Solomon of Daytona Beach, Sheila Smith and Albert "Charlie" Smith, both of Arcadia, Fla., and Dionna Smith of Gainesville, Fla.; 26 grandchildren, Robbyetta Davis, Brenda Lanier Brown, Veronica Davis (Richard) Polk, Clarissa Epps, Fayondria Davis, Katina Davis, Tamika Fields, Jamie Fields, Lucinda Kelly, Tshacha Davis, Michelle Clifton, Dr. Dziedzic (Ayana) Washington, Angela Clifton, Jacquelyn Clifton, Mia Smith, Ned Clemons, Joshua Bell, Robert Smith, Sean Smith, Lakisa Smith, Keora Smith, Veora Smith, Sarah Smith, Michael Campbell, Felicia Campbell, Camelia McWhorter and Jerlin Fields; 28 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Joe Solomon of Madison, Edgar (Emily) Hickson of New Castle, Del., and Eugene (Verlene) Hickson Sr. of Arcadia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other beloved ones. Cleo's loving creation will live forever within the many lives she touched, for her love, patience, kindness and guidance will forever sustain them.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Hickson Funeral Home, Arcadia. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, at the Church of Christ, MLK Street, Arcadia. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia.
Hickson Funeral Home, Arcadia, is in charge of arrangements.
Charles G. Shimkus
Charles G. Shimkus, 84, of Warm Mineral Springs, Fla., died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, in Venice Hospice House, Venice, Fla. Arrangements by James A McKee Funeral Home, North Port.
Ethel E. Burns
Ethel E. Burns, 80, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Feb. 3, 2003, at her residence in Port Charlotte.
She was born
Dec. 23, 1922, in Stubenville, Ohio, and moved to Port Charlotte in 1975 from Stubenville.
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert E. Burns of Port Charlotte; and five cousins, Jacquelyn LeRoy, Carol Konchinski, Richard LeRoy, all of Port Charlotte, Elizabeth Swartz of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Raymond LeRoy of New Port Richey, Fla.
There will be no services at this time. Inurnment will be private at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Port Charlotte.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, Florida/Puerto Rico Affiliate, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte chapel.
Floyd M. Greenly
Floyd M. Greenly, 67, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Jan. 30, 2003.
He was born
Dec. 3, 1935, in Hillsboro Lower Village, N.H., the son of Merle and Isabel (Wilson) Greenly. Floyd served his country in the Army as a paratrooper. He was a plant operator for Anheuser-Busch before retiring. He was a member of Punta Gorda Elks, American Legion in Port Charlotte and Teamsters Union. Floyd was an avid golfer and was the co-organizer of the Blue Heron Pines Golf League; he was also treasurer for the Blue Heron Pines Homeowners Association.
Floyd will be greatly missed by his wife of 41 years, Nancy; children, Karen Nancy (Remi) Fournier and Kevin Floyd Greenly, both of Merrimack, N.H.; and his brother, Dana (Dorothy) Greenly of Henniker, N.H.
Services in celebration of Floyd's life will be private and at the convenience of the family. To express condolences to the family, visit www.LTaylorfuneral.com and sign the guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.
Marion E. Hornaman
Marion E. Hornaman, 83, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Jan. 31, 2003, in Port Charlotte, Fla.
She was born
Jan. 31, 1920, in Erie, Pa. Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Punta Gorda chapel.
Samuel C. Miller
Samuel C. Miller, 74, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Jan. 31, 2003.
Born April 15, 1928, in Xenia, Ohio, to Samuel and Mabel (Harner) Miller, he had been a resident of the Port Charlotte/Englewood area for seven years, coming from Beavercreek, Ohio. Mr. Miller was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a U.S. Air Force veteran of Korea. He was a salesman for Lang Chevrolet Co. in Xenia for 20 years and retired in 1970. He worked for Green Metropolitan Housing as a property manager and retired in 1990. He was a member of Xenia Masonic Lodge F&AM. 49; Valley of Columbus Scottish Rite Bodies; Antioch Temple Shrine; Beaver Valley Eastern Star Chapter 570; Knights of Pythias Seven Star Lodge 668; and Gulf Cove United Methodist Church.
He was predeceased by his wife, Bette; a son, Joseph; a brother, Neal; and his parents. Survivors include his wife, E. Gwendolyn Miller of Port Charlotte; two daughters, Jeanne (Doug) Dexter of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Janice Miller (Jim Culter) of Sarasota, Fla.; a sister, Barbara (Ron) Koogler of Yellow Springs, Ohio; a brother, Hugh (Amelia) Miller of Ormond Beach, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Frances Miller of Dayton, Ohio; two grandchildren; two stepchildren, Debra Robson and Dennis Workman; five step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 4, at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Scott Farman, pastor, officiating. Inurnment will be in Byron Cemetery in Fairborn, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samuel Miller Memorial Fund, c/o Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 11000 McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981; or Shriner's Hospital for Children, 12502 N. Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, in memory of Sam Miller. Englewood Community Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Edward T. Richmond
Edward T. "Ed" Richmond, 88, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Feb. 1, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte.
He was born
Aug. 28, 1914, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Harbour Heights, Fla., in 1980 from Hollywood, Fla., and then to Port Charlotte in 1995. He was a retired stationary engineer for the American Broadcasting Co., at Studio 15 on 58th St. in New York City, N.Y. He was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 30, New York, and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church of Port Charlotte. He was also a volunteer at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for many years.
He is survived by two sons, Thomas E. Richmond of Mahopac, N.Y., and Edward Richmond of New Jersey; six grandchildren, Edward, Anthony, Lisa, Andrea, Tara and Robert; and four great-grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, Stephanie and Thomas. Mr. Richmond was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Francis Richmond; a daughter, Carol Beazley; and a son, Robert Richmond.
A memorial Mass will be held at a later date in New York. Private inurnment will be at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda, Fla. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte chapel.
Marie T. Vitacula
Marie T. Vitacula, 90, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Feb. 1, 2003.
She was born
June 11, 1912, in Hamar, Norway. She moved to this area in 1972 from Sun Prairie, Wis. She was a retired beautician and owned several shops in Wisconsin. Marie was a member of Sons of Norway in Madison, Wis., and graduated from cosmetology college in Madison.
Survivors include her son, Leif (Jennifer) Gryttr of Hayward, Wis.; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Arrangements are by National Cremation Society, Port Charlotte.
Edith M. Walls
Edith Madeline Walls, 93, of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Feb. 1, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
She was born
Oct. 5, 1909, in North Manchester, Ind., and moved to Punta Gorda in 1972 from there. She was a retired employee of Triwec Co. of North Manchester. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda.
She is survived by two daughters, Carol L. Kelly of Punta Gorda and Evelyn Heirs of Fairmount, Ind.; a son, Joe Walls of Wabash, Ind.; three sisters, Josephine Bibbs of Columbia City, Fla., Dorothy Zimmester of Huntington, Ind., and Virginia Balsbaugh of Denver, Ind.; a brother, Edward Gilbert of Punta Gorda; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Her husband, William M. Walls, preceded Mrs. Walls in death last year.
Visitation will be at 1p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. Feb. 4, at Roberson Funeral Home, Punta Gorda chapel. Interment will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Punta Gorda Chapel.
