Nicholas A. Santino Sr.
Nicholas A. Santino Sr., 89, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Nov. 29, 2002.
Mr. Santino was born
March 8, 1913, in Vasto, Italy. He arrived in the U.S. in 1916. He moved to Punta Gorda Isles in 1975 from Newark, N.Y. He was a very successful businessman as owner of Ruffalo Trucking Co., Santino Trucking Co. and Santino Warehousing. He was a member of the Newark Rod and Gun Club, Geneva Country Club, Rotary Club, Moose Lodge 1420 of Palmyra, N.Y., and Elks Lodge 20606 of Punta Gorda.
Mr. Santino is survived by his wife, Ruth Santino at Sandhill Gardens of Punta Gorda, and ex-wife Mary A. Santino of Newark; his daughter, Theresa Alves (Ray) of Canandaigua, N.Y.; two sons, Joseph (Linda) and Nicholas (Fay) of Newark; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alberta Mazzei and Lucille Molica; and three brothers, Sam, Tony and Rudy, all of Fairport, N.Y. He was predeceased by his brothers, Michael of Fairport and Jesse of Lyons, N.Y.
There will be no local calling hours. A private memorial service will be held up north at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral & Cremation Services.
Stephen M. Corwin Sr.
Stephen Michael Corwin Sr., 31, of Garden City, Mo., formerly of Holden, Mo., died Nov. 22, 2002, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
Stephen was born
March 3, 1971, in North Kansas City, Mo., the son of Donald Eugene Corwin and Cindy Lea Daniel Corwin. He was a 1989 Holden High School graduate and had attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield and Avila College in Kansas City. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Holden. An Army veteran of the Persian Gulf War, he served from 1991 to 1999, achieving the rank of staff sergeant on Sept. 25, 1997. On June 16, 1992, in El Paso, Texas, he married Stephanie D. Pemberton. After military service, he had been a coordinator for haz-mat in Olathe, Kan., and most recently he had been in distribution for Wal-Mart in Harrisonville, Mo.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie D. Corwin; a daughter, Sarah Ann Corwin, and a son, Stephen Michael Corwin Jr., all of Garden City; his parents, Don and Diane Corwin; Holden and Cindy and George Fuller of Englewood, Fla.; a brother, Scott Corwin of Rotonda West, Fla.; a stepsister, Jenny (Doug) Carrithers of Overland Park, Kan.; paternal grandparents, Max and Alta Corwin of Windsor, Mo.; maternal grandparents, Glenn Daniel of Sunrise Beach, Mo., and Billie June and Bob Robbins of Kansas City.
Edward E. Lepine
Edward Earl Lepine, 84, of Englewood, Fla., died Dec. 1, 2002.
He was born
Sept. 4, 1918, in Buffalo, N.Y., and moved to this area 17 years ago from Waterford, Pa. Mr. Lepine was the pastor of Waterford Baptist Church in Waterford for 10 years. He was the pastor of Holland Baptist Church for nine years in Holland, N.Y. Mr. Lepine was deacon and a Bible teacher at First Baptist Church of North Port. His greatest desire was to serve the youth so they would serve the Lord. He taught the difference between creation and evolution to the youth. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and taught electronics to the young recruits.
Mr. Lepine is survived by his wife, Edythe of Englewood; five daughters, Suzanne Miholer of Salem, Ore., Judy Rasgon of Denver, Colo., Barbara Jenista of Cedarville, Ohio, Kathy Fantozzi of Denver and Pamela McLaughlin of Angelica, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, at Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 6, at the funeral home. Interment will be at 2 p.m. in Florida National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of North Port, Ed Lepine Scholarship Fund, 8000 Dorothy Ave., North Port, FL 34287.
Marian R. Wyatt
Marian R. Wyatt, 78, of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Dec. 2, 2002, at DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia.
She was born
April 1, 1924, in Harper, Conn. She moved to Arcadia more than 50 years ago from Springfield, Mass., and was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Arcadia. She was a homemaker and a mother.
She is survived by a son, Steve G. Wyatt of Arcadia; a sister, Dorothy Baggs of Etowah, Mass.; five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
There will be no services. Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia, is in charge of arrangements.
William J. Wylie
William J. Wylie, 81, of Englewood, Fla., died Nov. 30, 2002, at Englewood Community Hospital. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port, Fla.
Harry G. Schorry
Harry G. Schorry, 92, of Englewood, Fla., died Nov. 26, 2002, at Englewood Healthcare and Rehab in Englewood, Fla.
He was born
Feb. 23, 1910, in Newport, Ky. He praised the staff at Englewood Healthcare and Rehab, where he resided since February 2002, and was so appreciative of their care. Working hard all his life, Harry learned the baker's trade in the Army and worked as a master baker after being discharged. He later was a bottler for the Bruckman Brewery Co. and then delivery helper for The Bavarian Brewing Co. until they went out of business. He loved his 10 years working at Cincinnati Bell, then went on to Cincinnati Credit Bureau and, finally, just like the commercials, was a friendly greeter at McDonald's for four years before moving to Florida in 1992.
He leaves his son, Harry J. Schorry; daughter-in-law, Pat; granddaughter, Jan; and dear friend of 28 years, Virginia Gruenberg of Fort Thomas, Ky.
Harry enjoyed working alongside the wood carvers at the Senior Friendship Centers. They were very kind to him. One of his greatest joys was the fellowship in his Lamplighters Sunday school class. He did not hesitate to give Jesus praise for his goodness.
A memorial service will be held Dec. 4 in the chapel at Englewood United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Englewood United Methodist Church, New Entrance Fund, 700 E. Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223.
Fernando F. Cunha
Fernando F. Cunha, 78, of Lake Suzy, Fla., died Nov. 30, 2002, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Born March 29, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he moved to this area in 1984 from Mineola, Long Island, N.Y., after retiring as vice president of international loans for Manufacturers Hanover Trust in Manhattan, N.Y. He was a member of San Antonio Catholic Church, Port Charlotte, and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Berdean Cunha; a daughter, Patricia Cook of Port Charlotte; three sons, John Cunha of Manorville, Long Island, Robert Cunha of Massapequa, Long Island, and James Cunha of Medford, Long Island; and eight grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Dec. 4, 2002, at San Antonio Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Mollie M. Guard
Mollie Mae Guard, 74, of Fort Ogden, Fla., died Nov. 29, 2002, in Fort Ogden.
Mrs. Guard was born
June 1, 1928, in Estill County, Ky., and moved to Fort Ogden in 1972 from LaGrange, Ky. She was retired after having driven a school bus for 22 years in DeSoto County and was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Guard of Fort Ogden; six sons, Charles Rogers of Falmouth, Ky., David WhiteEagle of Oldham, Ky., Francis Blackhawk of Williamsburg, Ky., Robert Rogers of Seymour, Tenn., Gary Guard of Zolfo Springs, Fla., and Randy Guard of Arcadia, Fla.; five daughters, Nancye Rogers of Arcadia, Suella Hernandez of Arcadia, Susan Daisy of Punta Gorda, Fla., Karen Tanner of Tavares, Fla., and Bobbie Erickson of Arcadia; three brothers, Don Walling of Ohio, David R. Walling of Oldham County, Ky., and Ray Walling of Kentucky; a sister, Nancy Mathis of Shelbyville, Ky.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 2, in the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, with Pastor Dale Spung officiating. Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Chester S. Czyryk
Chester S. Czyryk, 79, of Placida, Fla., died Nov. 29, 2002, at his Charlotte County residence. Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home, Englewood Chapel, Englewood, Fla.
Frieda C. Birkenberger
Frieda C. Birkenberger, 90, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002.
Mrs. Birkenberger was born
in Waterbury, Conn., on July 26, 1912. She moved here from Connecticut 22 years ago and was a member of San Antonio Catholic Church. She had been in the medical field.
She was the wife of the late William Birkenberger.
Survivors include five sons, John (Carol) Birkenberger of Kennebunk, Maine, Paul (Jean) of Punta Gorda, Fla., William (Deborah) of Waterbury, Lawrence (Michelle) of Naugatuck, Conn., and Joseph (Cynthia) of Waterbury; one daughter, Margaret (Anthony) Orsini of Naugatuck; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002 at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Punta Gorda. Services will follow at 1 p.m.
Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Punta Gorda.
William J. Downs
William J. Downs, 77, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2002.
He was born
March 8, 1925, and moved to Port Charlotte from Naperville, Ill., in 1977. William joined the Army Signal Corps in 1942 and was stationed in the CBI Theater until 1945. After his discharge, he worked for Western Electric, where he became an installation supervisor in the Chicago area. He retired in 1976 after 30 years of service. He belonged to the CBI organization for many years. He enjoyed golfing and played for several years in Illinois and Florida.
William will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Joanne; children, Joseph (Debbie) Downs of Peoria, Ill., and Richard (Jakeda) Downs and Barbara (Ted) Kipping, both of Naperville; and eight grandchildren.
There will be no local service. A private interment will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Ill.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda, Fla.
Barbara Joyce Middlebrook
Barbara Joyce Middlebrook, 59, of Hudson, Fla., and a former resident of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, in Hudson.
She was born
Feb. 8, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, and lived most of her life in Florida. Mrs. Middlebrook moved to Port Charlotte from Miami, Fla., in 1975 with her late husband, John Clayton Middlebrook Sr., who died in 1988, and lived here until 1995. She was a retired Realtor and former owner of House Hunters Real Estate of Port Charlotte and a former volunteer with the Charlotte County Pop Warner Football Association. She was a Christian, a wonderful mother and a good friend to all who knew her. Her hobbies included decorative crafts and woodworking.
She is survived by a daughter, Caryln "Carey" Middlebrook of Hudson; a stepdaughter, Pamela Hubbard of Littleton, Colo.; two stepsons, Mark Thomas Middlebrook of Winter Springs, Fla., and John C. Middlebrook of Taylor, S.C.; and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. J. Ralph Burton Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Port Charlotte.
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Carl T. Rider
Carl T. Rider, 91, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002.
He was the beloved husband of Alyce A. Rider for 68 years. The Riders moved here from Rochester, N.Y., 22 years ago.
He was a past master of the Towpath Masonic Lodge 163 and a member of the Friends of Music. He had worked for Bausch & Lomb for 34 years.
Survivors include his wife, Alyce; a son, Dr. Lynn (Nancy) Rider of Hagerstown, Md.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Port Charlotte.
Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made in donations to Pilgrim United Church of Christ Building Fund.
Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Punta Gorda.
Donna J. Robbins
Donna J. Robbins, 65, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002.
She was born
Dec. 2, 1936, in Flint, Mich., to William and Beatrice (Nieman) Martin. She came to this area two years ago from Flint, where she was a school bus driver for many years before retiring. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Punta Gorda.
Donna leaves behind her husband, Bill; son, Kevin (Vickie) Herrick of Clio, Mich.; daughters, Karen (Tom) Cannon of Clio, Kellie Bell of Mt. Morris, Mich., and Kristine Herrick of Saginaw, Mich.; and 12 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, William Martin Jr.
A memorial Mass in celebration of Donna's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda.
Joan "Doris" Kloster Wilkinson
Joan "Doris" Kloster Wilkinson, 83, of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002.
Born April 23, 1919, in Detroit, Mich., she moved to Punta Gorda in 1981 from Lake Orion, Mich. She was a member of Burnt Store Country Club and past president of the Burnt Store Isles Civic Association.
She was a purchasing agent for Combustion Engineering in Sterling Heights, Mich., until she and her husband relocated to Moultrie, Ga., in 1971. She then worked as an office manager and bookkeeper for Rax Inc. of Waterford, Mich., until she retired.
Surviving are two daughters, Nancy Andreae and Paula Wilkinson, both of Punta Gorda; a son, Gordon F. Wilkinson Jr. of Eugene, Ore.; and five grandchildren, Luke Andreae of Kansas City, Mo., Adrienne Andreae of Providence, R.I., Alex Andreae of Austin, Texas, Eric Wilkinson of Eugene and Sarah Wilkinson of Clinton Township, Mich.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon F. Wilkinson, in 1996.
Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League, 351 Drance St., Port Charlotte, FL 33980.
Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Punta Gorda.
Haldis B. Williams
Haldis B. Williams, 87, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002.
Ms. Williams was born
March 5, 1915, in Hillsboro, N.D. She moved to the Port Charlotte area in August 1971 from Portland, Ore. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte. She served as a nurse in the U.S. Navy during World War II, was a life member of the Daughters of the Nile No. 33 Hawaii, Amaranth Peace Court No. 50 of Port Charlotte, AAUW and the University Club of Port Charlotte. Ms. Williams was a 1986 BLS graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Southwest Florida.
Ms. Williams is survived by her two sons, Charles B. Williams of Corvallis, Ore., and John M. Williams of Myersville, Md.; five grandchildren, Patrick, Nicklaus, Samantha, Michelle and Wayne; and two sisters, Doris Kildall of Goleta, Calif., and Myrtle Williams of Corona, Calif.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, at First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda, Fla.
Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Punta Gorda.
D. Craig Cors
D. Craig Cors, 21, of Etowah, N.C., and formerly of Glenside, Pa., and North Port, Fla., died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002, from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He had been a resident of Henderson County for three years.
He was a graduate of ABC Bartending School and Alliance Truck Driving School. He was a member of the Sons of American Legion Post 77 in Hendersonville, N.C.
He will be sadly missed by his mother, Debbie Cors of North Port; maternal grandparents, Al and Marie Cors of Etowah; an aunt, Linda Cors of Trooper, Pa.; and many cousins, other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home, Hendersonville.
Memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 9844 Southern Pine Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28273; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6321, Hendersonville, N.C. 28793.
Shuler Funeral Home, Hendersonville, N.C., is in charge of arrangements.
