Elizabeth McBride
Elizabeth "Betty" McBride, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Tuesday, April 16, 2002, in Marathon, Fla.
She was born
in North Tarrytown, N.Y., on July 28, 1919, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Terwilliger) Richards. She came to Port Charlotte in 1968 and worked for 11 years at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Patient's Business. She volunteered for the Council on Aging, Port Charlotte Library and the county's federally funded food distribution.
She is survived by two daughters, Patti Hendrickson of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Mary McBride of Marathon, Fla.; grandchildren, Heather Vernacatola, Wendy Crenshaw, Travis Crenshaw and Ian McBride; and a great-grandson, Tyler Brugman.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 9 a.m. April 22 at San Antonio Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to National Parkinson's Foundation Research, 1501 N.W. Ninth Ave., Miami, FL 33136.
Cremation and arrangements entrusted to McCluney Funeral Home, Marathon.
Richard A. Sykes
Richard A. Sykes, 47, of Englewood, Fla., died Tuesday, April 16, 2002.
He was born
Sept. 14, 1954 in Brighton, Mass., and moved to Englewood from Boulder, Colo. in November, 2001.
He was self-employed in the home and commercial building industry. He was a Catholic by faith.
Survivors include his mother, Barbara Sykes of Venice, Fla.; a sister, Laurie Sykes of Englewood; brothers, Paul Sykes of Tampa, Fla., and Scott Sykes of Boulder, Colo., Stephen Sykes of West Haven, Conn.; and a nephew, Ryan Sykes of Englewood.
Services will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2002 at the Englewood Moose Lodge on Dearborn Street, Englewood.
National Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements.
Carolyn J. Bushey
Carolyn J. "Jo" Bushey of Traverse City, Mich., died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at Bortz Health Care in Traverse City.
Born Nov. 25, 1913, in Napoleon, Ohio, she was the daughter of Charles and Debbie (Lewis) Brubaker. On Sept. 2, 1943, in Detroit, she married Edward Bushey, who preceded her in death while they were residing in Arcadia, Fla.
Carolyn was raised in Toledo and had been employed as a welder in the aircraft industry. She met her husband while they were working together in Toledo and moved to the Honor area in 1955. Carolyn enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and knitting.
She is survived by her daughter, Judith (Roy) Powell of Traverse City; brother, Ross (Ruth) Brubaker of Tempe, Ariz.; nieces, Ruth Ann and Martha; nephew, John; and several stepchildren and stepgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Charles Bushey.
According to her wishes, no services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ogdensburg United Methodist Church, 16425 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Arrangements are being handled by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
Richard P. Georges Sr.
Richard P. Georges Sr., 58, of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2002.
He was born
May 13, 1943, in New Britain, Conn., to the late Pius Peter and Nellie (Shimmon) Georges. Rick graduated from Winter Haven Senior High School in 1961 and has worked all of his life earning the reputation as the "King of Irrigation" by designing and implementing complete packages for citrus growers and farmers who need systems for irrigating their crops and frost protection. Rick founded Georges Enterprises in 1965 after seeing the need farmers had for irrigation and frost protection systems while selling them, of all things, Firestone tires for their equipment. His genius in the field of irrigation, long hours of devotion to his customers, and various inventions that have saved multitudes of groves, earned him the title of the "Rain Maker."
Rick also has given much of his time to many organizations and will be greatly missed for his abundance of generosity to so many. He was always a leader in so many of the organizations he gave his time to for many years, including the Republican Party, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Eagles, Knights of Columbus, National Wild Turkey Federation, Florida Sheriffs Association, a director for ARC, American Cancer Society, Watermelon Association and many many more, always challenging himself to exceed what was asked or expected of him.
Rick will be missed by his wife, Beverly Georges of Arcadia; his two sons, John Georges and Ricky Georges, both of Arcadia; his stepchildren, Shannon, Brett and Steven Bennett of Arcadia; his grandchildren, John Wesley Georges and Cierra Georges of Arcadia; his three sisters, Virginia Greenblott and Joan Lenes, both of Burlington, Vt., and Carol Ann Georges of San Diego, Calif.; and his stepfather, Vinnie Pallucci of Winter Haven, Fla.
Visitation is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 19 at Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia. Service is at 11 a.m. April 20 at Pine Level United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Roy Arms officiating. A dinner provided by the ladies of the church will follow the services.
Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Jay K. Witmer
Jay K. Witmer, 79, of Arcadia, Fla., died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at DeSoto Memorial Hospital.
He was born
March 4, 1923, in Ephrata, Pa. Mr. Witmer moved to Arcadia in 1970 from the Washington, D.C., area. He was a retired master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, serving during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. His last duty station was in the Maryland-Washington, D.C., area, where he was in charge of the transportation of VIPs and foreign dignitaries to and from the White House. He was a member of Brownville Baptist Church of God. An avid bowler, he bowled in the Mixed Bowling League on the Thomas and Justiss team in Wauchula, Fla.
He is survived by his wife, Fay N. Witmer, whom he married Dec. 22, 1978, in Wauchula; two sons, Richard J. (Jeanette) Witmer and Michael W. Witmer, both of Arcadia; a stepson, Donald K. (Debbie) Thomas of Wauchula; a daughter, Marsha J. (Michael) Parker of Mechanicsville, Md.; two stepdaughters, Evelyn F. (Mark) Frazier of Wauchula and Retha M. (Mark) Jackson of Sebring, Fla.; two stepsisters, Nancy Uliasz and Betty Koller, both of Reading, Pa.; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Witmer was preceded in death by a brother, Clair Witmer, and a sister, Hazel Richards.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 21 at Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. April 22 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Wauchula Cemetery.
The family has requested memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, 806 W. Gibson St., Arcadia, FL 34266, or to the American Diabetes Association, Gift of Remembrance Headquarters, 1101 N. Lake Destiny Road, #415, Maitland, FL 32751.
Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Frank M. Arment
Frank M. Arment, 74, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital, Port Charlotte. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Julia Kasee Evans
Julia Kasee Evans, 93, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Thursday, April 4, 2002.
She was born
Aug. 11, 1908, in Toledo, Ohio, and came to Port Charlotte in 1979 from North Wales, Pa. She was a member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Port Charlotte.
Survivors include her loving husband of 45 years, Raymond Evans of Port Charlotte; one son, Patrick Kasee of Toledo, Ohio; one daughter, Doris Middleton of Philadelphia, Pa.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was proceeded in death by one son, Frank Kasee.
Burial will be at a later date in Ohio. Donations may be made to your local heart or cancer foundation. Local arrangements are under the direction of Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Rollo St. Clair Frame
Rollo St. Clair Frame, 92, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Friday, April 5, 2002, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Port Charlotte.
Born Oct. 24, 1909, in Ingram, Pa., he moved to Port Charlotte in 1971 from Dayton, Ohio. He was a product engineer in the concrete pipe manufacturing business for many years before retiring. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte, Port Charlotte Kiwanis Club, Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, George L. Marshall Lodge #734 in Dayton, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Antioch Temple Shrine of Dayton and Reed Commandry #6 of Dayton.
He is survived by his son, Thomas F. Frame of St. Petersburg, Fla.; daughter, Margaret Edwards of Dayton; sister, Gertrude H. Retz of Columbus, Ohio; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002, at the First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte, 2230 Hariet Street.
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Dale H. Hummel
Dale H. Hummel, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Thursday, April 4, 2002, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Port Charlotte.
He was born
July 5, 1919, in Darke County, Ohio, to Alvin and Cora Livingston Hummel. He came here in 1984 from Darke County. He attended Community Life Center in Port Charlotte. He was an assembly line worker in the auto industry.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine "Jerry" Hummel of Port Charlotte; a daughter, Vicki L. Woods of Port Charlotte; brothers, Charles Hummel of Greenville, Ohio, and Claude L. Hummel of Union City, Ohio; a sister, Mary Neil of Port Charlotte; grandchildren, Brian L. Johnson, Roger A. (Christy Garland) Johnson, Mark H. Johnson and Stacy L. Johnson, all of Port Charlotte; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Glenn Hummel, and a sister, Ivy Smith.
A memorial service will be held at Community Life Center in Port Charlotte at 11 a.m. April 8, 2002.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Community Life Center, 19048 Edgewater Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 would be appreciated.
Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port, Fla.
Thomas L. Martin
Thomas L. Martin, 62, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2002, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tom worked in food services most of his life. He was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church of Cleveland, Ohio, and Friendship United Methodist of Punta Gorda, Fla.
Preceded in death by father, Thomas F. Martin, he is survived by his mother, Christine Martin of Tallmadge, Ohio; lifelong friend, Stefan Jermakov of Cleveland; sister, Rozanne Shade of Enid, Okla.; brother, Bob (Katheren) Martin of Akron, Ohio; sister, Karole (Warren) Breckenridge of Akron; brother Don (Cindy) Martin of Munroe Falls, Ohio; sister, Tonya (Randy) Ballard of Tallmadge; seven nieces, Theresa, Kelly, Kristin, Emily, Jaclyn, Kim and Candy; seven nephews, Bob, Dean, Will, Jurt, Eli, Elliot, and Jim; and eight great-nephews, Christopher, Tori, Mark, Andrew, Joshua, Jordan, Fritz and Jon.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the members of the First United Methodist Church of Cleveland for the love and support they gave to Tom.
A memorial service and interment will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at the First United Methodist Church of Cleveland, Ohio.
Memorials may be made to Tom's Florida church, Friendship United Methodist Church, 12275 Paramount, Punta Gorda, Fla. 33950; or The Palliative Medical Program, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
Arrangements are by Adams-Mason Funeral Home, Ohio.
H.O. Abrahamson
H.O. (Abe) Abrahamson, 95, formerly of Tenafly, N.J., and Manasota Key, Fla., died Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at Wayland Nursing Rehabilitation Center.
He is the husband of Madeline (Maddie) P. Abrahamson, who continues to reside at Wayland Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Abe graduated from Dumont High School in New Jersey, and the University of New Hampshire (class of '28), where he was on the college soccer and boxing teams. He was also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He was an avid sports fan and supported the UNH teams and the Detroit Tigers.
Abe coached numerous Little League and Babe Ruth teams in Tenafly and was assistant scout master of Boy Scout Troop 140.
He worked 39 years for AT&T of NY and retired to Manasota Key in Englewood, Fla., where he was a member of the Myakka Country Club. He played golf into his late 80s.
He leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Malcolm Campbell of Haddonfield, N.J.; a son and daughter-in-law, Joan and Malcolm Campbell of Haddonfield, N.J.; a son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Susan Abrahamson of Framingham, Mass.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Esther Mercier
Esther Mercier, 88, of Lakeland, Fla., died Saturday, March 30, 2002, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
She was born
Sept. 27, 1913, in Janesville, Wis. She moved to Lakeland from Englewood, Fla., two years ago. She also lived in Dunedin, Fla., for many years.
She was a homemaker, retired pastry chef, ice sculptor and artist. She was a Lutheran and worked as a volunteer for the Senior Free Lunch Program in Clearwater, Fla., and Dunedin for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William M. Mercier, and daughter, Betty Crapson, and is survived by two daughters, Ruth Littman of Plympton, Mass., and Diane Kegley of Lakeland; one son, Arthur Mercier of Englewood; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A funeral was held 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2002, at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater.
Memorials may be made to the Neighborly Senior Services Group dining programs, 13650 Stoneybrook Drive, Clearwater, FL 33762, in memory of Esther Mercier.
Kenneth L. Rookstool
Kenneth L. Rookstool, 88, of Englewood, Fla., passed away Friday, April 5, 2002, at Englewood Community Hospital.
Mr. Rookstool was born
Jan. 1, 1914, in South Bend, Ind., to Clayton and Celia (Bradway) Rookstool. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a retired tool grinder with the Sealed Power Corporation in Rochester, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Alvada, on March 14, 2001.
He is survived by one daughter, Shirley Nickell of Englewood; one sister, Bernice Bitterling of Rochester, Ind.; three grandsons, James and Chad Ullery and Brando Nickell; and seven great-grandchildren.
All services will be in Indiana. Interment will be held in Citizens Cemetery, Rochester, Ind.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
Local arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home, Englewood Chapel.
Esther Bernadette Harris
Esther Bernadette Harris, 88, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Wednesday, April 3, 2002, at Bon Secours Venice Nursing and Rehab Center, Venice, Fla. Arrangements are by ICS Cremation Society Inc. of Harbour Heights, Fla.
Howard W. Rounds
Howard W. Rounds, 62, of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Monday, April 1, 2002, at the Tampa VA Hospital, Tampa. Fla. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.
Margaret Dickinson
Margaret Dickinson, 78, formerly of Wilmington, Ohio, passed away March 23 in Punta Gorda, Fla.
Margaret was born
Nov. 5, 1922, to the late John and Sophie Beyczi in Perth Amboy, N.J. She alternated between being a homemaker and working in the retail sector for Albers and Krogers in Wilmington and Rite Aid in Punta Gorda.
Margaret's husband, Louis Dickinson, preceded her in death. She is survived by a son, Gary; granddaughter, Emily; grandson, Michael; and former daughter-in-law, Beverly, all of Wilmington; sister, Ollie Flowers of Perth Amboy; and brother-in-law and close personal friend, Benjamin Dickinson of Punta Gorda. She was a loving and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Mass was offered for Margaret at Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Woodbridge, N.J. A private service was observed by the immediate family at the Charlotte
Memorial Funeral Home in Punta Gorda.
