Edmundo A. Pantejo
The Rev. Dr. Edmundo Apolo "Ed" Pantejo, 72, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, in Port Charlotte.
He was born
Jan. 31, 1933, in the Philippines, and was known as "Ed" to his family and friends.
Dr. Pantejo graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Theology degree at Silliman University in 1957. He obtained his Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. He also earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies toward his Ph.D. at Boston University. After graduation from Silliman, he served as a senior pastor of Surigao United Church before going abroad for studies. After serving as a pastor of Davao City UCC from 1961 to 1965, he taught clinical pastoral counseling at the SU Divinity School before immigrating with his family to the United States. Dr. Pantejo served for 25 years as a counselor at the U.S. Veterans Administration, and retired as a division chief for Rhode Island and New York. He then served as an interim pastor for a couple of churches in Rhode Island. In 1999, he was pastor of Silliman University Church until 2001, the year of Silliman's centennial, and was fondly called by friends and admirers, "The Centennial Pastor." At the Founders Day celebrations in August 2004, he was honored as one of the outstanding Sillimanian awardees in the field of counseling ministry.
Dr. Pantejo will be greatly missed by his wife of 46 years, the former Ophelia Recla; children, Barbara Jean and Carl; grandchildren, Carl Jr. and Anya; sisters, Suralta Dollano and Grace Managbanag; and brothers, Leo and Survic. He was preceded in death by his brother.
There will be no visitation.
A service to celebrate Dr. Pantejo's life will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at North Port Community Church, UCC, 3450 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port, Fla. The Revs. Jane Potter and Frederico Agnir, pastors, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to Ophelia Pantejo for the Dr. Edmundo Pantejo Memorial Fund, c/o Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Center, 1700 Tamiami Trail, F-1, Port Charlotte, FL 33948, toward setting up a charity ward at the SU Medical Center. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.LTaylorfuneral.com and sign the guest book.
Arrangements are by the Cremation Center of Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Port Charlotte.
Frank H. Garcia
Ret. U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Frank Henry Garcia, 82, of North Port, Fla., passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at Hospice of Southwest Florida, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Frank was born
on Dec. 18, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Adolph and Anna (Gross) Garcia.
Frank served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 21 years and retired in 1963 as a gunnery sergeant. His specialty was operating amphibious vehicles. After enlisting in 1942, Frank served with distinction in the Bougainville (1943), Guam (1944) and Iwo Jima (1945) campaigns of World War II. He received a commendation and Purple Heart for his actions during the amphibious landing on Guam. His awards included three presidential unit citations and a U.S. Navy unit citation. During the Korean War, Frank participated in three major battles and received another presidential unit citation. Frank also served as a U.S. Marine recruiter and received numerous commendations for exceeding recruiting goals. After retiring from the military, Frank was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Willow Grove, Pa., and retired after 18 years of service. Frank and his wife, Dorothy, moved to North Port in 1982. Frank was a member of the VFW Post 8203 and the Fleet Reserve Association. He was an active member and supporter of Church of Lutheran Confession in North Port. He enjoyed walks on the beaches at Manasota and Englewood, Fla.
Frank is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy (Fuhrmann) Garcia; two sons, Frank Garcia of Mount Laurel, N.J., and James Garcia of Bethel Park, Pa.; daughter, Sandra Garcia of Burlington, N.J.; brother, Fred Garcia of Glendale, Ariz.; sister, Anna (Garcia) Francis of Philadelphia, Pa.; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service and tribute to Frank's life will be held at a later date at Church of Lutheran Confession. Burial with honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery in early 2006.
Arrangements by Farley Funeral Homes and Crematory, Venice, Fla.
Duke Blondell
Duke Blondell, 53, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005.
He was born
July 15, 1952, in Lyons, N.Y.
Mr. Blondell moved to the DeSoto and Charlotte county area as a young child from New York. He was a chief plumbing inspector with the Charlotte County Building Department. Mr. Blondell was a member of the Flat Masters Club.
He is survived by his mother, Muriel Blondell; daughter, Tanya Salazar; brothers, Kenneth Blondell, Gary Blondell and Ed Blondell, and grandson, Logan, all of Arcadia, Fla.
Services are pending.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Duke's memory to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
Elizabeth M. Henderson
Elizabeth Mary Henderson, 71, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda, Fla. Arrangements are by ICS Cremation Society Inc. of Cape Coral, Fla., and Harbour Heights, Fla.
A. Jean Munz
A. Jean Munz, 79, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Monday, Nov. 7, 2005, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
She was born
Feb. 1, 1926, in Girard, Ohio
Mrs. Munz served as a cadet nurse in the U.S. Army during World War II. She moved to the Port Charlotte area 37 years ago from Warren, Ohio. Mrs. Munz was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Willard J. Munz of Port Charlotte; daughter, Pamela Munz of Port Charlotte; son, M. Scott Munz of Winter Springs, Fla.; and two grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at Unity Church of Peace, 1250 Rutledge Ave. (off Veterans Boulevard), Port Charlotte.
Arrangements are by Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Winifred I. Caverly
Winifred I. Caverly, 85, of Englewood, Fla., died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005. Lemon Bay Funeral Home, Englewood Chapel, has been selected to handle the arrangements.
George H. Busiere Jr.
George H. Busiere Jr., 77, of North Port, Fla., died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port.
Eddie L. Blandin
Eddie L. Blandin, 62, of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.
He was born
Nov. 6, 1943, in Arcadia to Nathaniel Blandin and Mary L. Blandin.
He is survived by his children, Melinna Charlotte Campbell, Gerald Devon Campbell and Steven Andre Campbell; 12 grandchildren; brothers, William (Caroline), Marvin (Carol) and Ezekial (Vanessa); sisters, Azaline (Josephus), Janet (Richard), Linda (Simean) and Jereline Hillard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at Hickson Funeral Home, 142 S. Orange Ave., Arcadia. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at House of God Church, 200 S. Alabama Ave., Arcadia. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hickson Funeral Home, Arcadia.
Michael Bandel
Michael "Mike" Bandel, 61, of Punta Gorda, Fla., and formerly of Syracuse, N.Y., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005.
He was born
Oct. 7, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Stanley and Doris Bandel.
Mike graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown, Pa. He served in the U.S. Marines during Vietnam. Mike started his career in plastic piping with Certain-teed Products as a sales engineer. At a later date, Mike and his wife, Terry, developed three corporations: M&T Plastics Inc., BUDA Equipment and Sales Inc., and Kev-Shaw Leasing Inc., all located in East Syracuse, N.Y. Before retiring to their home in Punta Gorda, he worked in the bus industry and in real estate. Mike continued to operate Bandel Enterprises, a direct marketing company. He was a member of Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church in Syracuse and served as both as elder and deacon. Mike served on the board of the first chapter of Habitat for Humanity formed in Syracuse. In Punta Gorda, he was an associate member of Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Mike's passions in life included fishing, golf, scuba diving, and talking to people. He had a zest for life and a positive attitude toward everyone he met.
Mike will be greatly missed by his wife of 34 years, Terry; son, Kevin (Becky); and three grandchildren, Tyler, Cory and Kaitlyn of Syracuse and Shawn of Longmont, Colo.; parents, Stanley and Doris Bandel of Venus, Pa.; and brother, Garry (Peggy) from Gurnee, Ill.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2005, at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.
Contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 901 Oak St., Syracuse, NY 13203. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.LTaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.
Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda.
James Dingman Jr.
James "Ha Ha" Dingman Jr., 66, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005.
He was born
Dec. 29, 1938, in New York, N.Y., to James and Arlene Campbell Dingman.
Mr. Dingman was a descendant from a family on the Mayflower ship, who operated Dingman's Ferry flatbottom boat, from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in the 1700s. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietname War. Mr. Dingman moved to the Port Charlotte area in 1969, from New York. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 103, Punta Gorda, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3296, Port Charlotte, Fla., and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1693, Punta Gorda.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Gerry Reid of Punta Gorda; seven children, Mary Rose Nelson, Michael Dingman, both of New Jersey, Elizabeth Everett of Port Charlotte, Nora Giorgio of Brooksville, Fla., Cindy Dingman of St. Petersburg, Fla., Curtis Dingman of Kansas and Tracie Elliott of Punta Gorda; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Sanchez of Nocatee, Fla.; and brothers, Charlie Dingman and George Dingman, both of New York.
Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at D.N. McQueen American Legion Post No. 103, 2101 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, with military
honors provided by the American Legion Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Mr. Dingman's name be made to American Legion, 2101 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950-6254; or Moose Lodge, P.O. Box 190, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0190.
Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cremation Services and Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Punta Gorda.
Anna Galbraith
Anna "Jean" Galbraith, 82, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care in Port Charlotte.
She was born
March 6, 1923, in Ridgefarm, Ill., to Frederick and Evelyn (Buell) Bishop.
Mrs. Galbraith was a 36-year resident of Port Charlotte, moving from Kenosha, Wis., in 1969. Prior to her retirement she was a successful realtor in Charlotte County and took delight in watching it prosper over the years. She was a born-again Christian and spent her life in service to the Lord. Mrs. Galbraith was a resident of Lexington Manor in Port Charlotte, since the destruction of her home from Hurricane Charley. She was a loving grandmother. Four great-grandchildren were responsible for bringing her much joy and laughter.
Mrs. Galbraith is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Reece) Albertson of Port Charlotte; two sons, Donald (Patricia) Deeder of Port Charlotte and Thomas (Penny) Galbraith of Livonia, Mich.; one brother, Charles (Roberta) Bishop of Port Charlotte; eight grandchildren, Lori (Albertson) Peterson, Kristen Albertson, both of Port Charlotte, Deborah (Deeder) Whitaker of Milwaukee, Wis., Victoria (Deeder) Radovanic of Fairview, Ohio, James Deeder of Allenton, Wis., Christy Galbraith of Livonia, Sharon Galbraith and Dawn Galbraith, both of Kenosha; four great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins; and many dear friends.
The family will hold a private service. Entombment will be at Charlotte Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda, Fla.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Galbraith's name to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Punta Gorda.
Ronald J. Lievens
Ronald Joseph Lievens, 68, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are by ICS Cremation Society Inc. of Cape Coral, Fla., and Harbour Heights, Fla.
Giuseppina Magazzeni
Giuseppina (Josephine) Magazzeni, 74, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and formerly of Bensalem, Pa., passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2005.
She was born
April 6, 1931, in Montorotonde, Italy, to Giulio and Maria Cocilova.
Giuseppina was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge 2507. Giuseppina last sang at her grandchildren Michael and Emily Sandoz's wedding in January 2005. Her great sense of humor and beautiful singing voice will be missed by her beloved husband of 50 years, Rolando Magazzeni; her sister, Fiorenza Scardetta of Rome, Italy; her brother, Agostino Cocilova of Rome, Italy; her two sons, Giulio Magazzeni and his fiancée Nancy Defilippis of Bradenton, Fla., and Arnaldo (Joann) Magazzeni of North Port, Fla.; her two daughters, Anna Marie Chubb and her partner Greg Pouliot of Port Charlotte and Lucia (Dr. Jeff) Sandoz of Lafayette, La.; her grandchildren, Carmin, Michael, Emily and Vincenzo Sandoz, Arnaldo, Nicholas, Amanda and Brianna Magazzeni, David Thomas Chubb, Gabriella Pouliot, Giulianna, Gina and Marlena Magazzeni, Corey and Brianna Defillippis; and her only great-granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Sandoz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Giulio and Maria Cocilova; and her brother, Secondino Cocilova.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at Kays-Ponger Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 2405 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at San Pedro Catholic Church in North Port. Entombment will follow at Venice Memorial Gardens in Venice, Fla. For online tribute to Giuseppina, please visit MEM.com.
Memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care of Port Charlotte, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger Funeral Home of Port Charlotte.
John F. Murphy
John F. "Jack" Murphy, 74, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
He was born
Aug. 4, 1931, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Murphy served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. He was a retired police sergeant from Ridgefield, Conn., and moved to the Port Charlotte area 12 years ago from Gainesville, Fla. Mr. Murphy was of the Episcopal faith.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Arlene Murphy of Port Charlotte; one son, Hugh Murphy of the Gainesville area; four stepdaughters, Kathy Sutton of Albany, Ga., Sharon Econom of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Michelle Wrinkle of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Diane Paracuelles of Waialua, Hawaii; one sister, Robin Blackmore of Gainesville; and two grandchildren, Sean Murphy and Melinda Ball.
military services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Mary Pahlman
Mary (James) Pahlman, 89, of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at the Life Care Center of Punta Gorda.
She was born
Jan. 27, 1916, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mary was a member of United Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte, Fla., and the Pennsylvania Club.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Joyce C. Purcell of Murrysville, Pa., and M. Margaret "Peggi" Nauman of Mesa, Ariz.; sister, Florence Kier of Oakmont, Pa.; sisters-in-law, Katherine "Kitty" Dunbar of Southfield, Mich., Del Pahlman of Oakmont and Betty Sekely of Port Charlotte; nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by a son, David J. Pahlman, in 1996; and her husband, Earl J. Pahlman, in 2004;
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, graveside at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens in Punta Gorda.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to First Presbyterian Church of Port Charlotte, 2230 Hariet St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
Kays-Ponger Funeral Homes and Cremation Services are in charge of the local arrangements.
Stanley F. Gombos
Stanley Francis "Stan" Gombos, 70, of Englewood, Fla., died Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at the Englewood Community Hospital.
He was born
Jan. 1, 1935, in Chicago, Ill., to Sebastian and Bernice (Matusek) Gombos.
Stan served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. After his military service he studied at DeVry Technical Institute and the Chicago Institute of Technology. Mr. Gombos worked in engineering and marketing for several well-known companies in the aerospace industry and retired from that field as vice president of marketing. He moved to Ocean Pines, Md., and was a real estate agent and broker for approximately 14 years. Stan was a resident of Englewood since 1988. He loved fishing, golfing and helping his neighbors with minor repairs in and around their homes.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol (Mason) Gombos of Englewood; one son, Jeff (Faith) Gombos of Easton, Md.; one daughter, Cindy Gombos of Ocean City, Md.; and two sisters, Josephine Kudlo of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Emily Gillin of Yuma, Ariz.
A memorial prayer service will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at Englewood Community Funeral Home Inc., 3070 S. McCall Road, Englewood, with Father Niles J. Gillen of St. Raphael's Catholic Church officiating.
Arrangements are by Englewood Community Funeral Home Inc., Englewood.
Ellsworth H. Simpson
Ellsworth H. Simpson, 89, of Englewood (Sarasota County), Fla., died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005. Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home, Englewood Chapel.
