Barbara J. Lercara
Barbara J. Lercara, 61, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003.
Formerly of Jeffersonville, Ind., she had resided here for the past 20 years. Mrs. Lercara was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 110, Port Charlotte; BPOE 2153 and the 40/8 LeFemme. She had been the bar manager at American Legion Post 110 and Port Charlotte BPOE 2153.
Surviving are her husband of nine years, Joseph; children, Donald Mudd of Port Charlotte, Steve Mudd of Rome, Ga., Sandra Forsythe of Florence, Ala., and Lisa Farmer of Elletsville, Ind.; her father, Robert Daugherty; a sister, Rebecca Zinser of Jeffersonville, Ind.; a brother, Gil Daugherty of Rhinelander, Wis.; and seven grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 28, at the Port Charlotte chapel of Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, with an American Legion service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 29, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte.
Raymond A. Schankin
Raymond A. Schankin passed away Jan. 23, 2003, in Punta Gorda, Fla., after a long battle with lung disease.
Ray was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of American Legion Post 110 and Fraternal Order of Eagles 3296 both in Port Charlotte.
Ray was the dearest husband of Joyce; father of Sandra Reynolds of Fenton, Mich., Mark of New Baltimore, Mich., Roy of Charlotte Harbor, Fla., and Cheryl of Whitefish, Mont.; loving grandpa of Graham Beardsley, Christopher Bachman, Melannie Bachman, Tiffany Reynolds, Bailey Reynolds, Kyle and Spencer Jugan; beloved brother of Lois Saccoman of Arizona and the last Clarence Schankin and Nancy Coder.
Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 28, 2003, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2300 Luther Road, Deep Creek.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
William L. Sturtevant
William L. Sturtevant, 81, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Jan. 22, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte.
Born June 27, 1921, to Opal and Clark Sturtevant in Pilot Rock, Ore., Bill moved to Port Charlotte in 1960 after seeing a Mackle Brothers model home in Grand Central Station in New York City, N.Y.
He retired from the Coast Guard in 1960 after 20 years of service. Bill spent eight years in the U.S. Navy and saw action in World War II and Korea. Bill re-enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1948 and retired at the rank of senior chief engineman. After moving to Port Charlotte, Bill worked for the U.S. government for 10 years. He worked for General Development Corp. for 16 years before he fully retired.
Survivors include his son, William B. (Elaine) Sturtevant; daughters-in-law, Margaret and Rita; grandsons, Ben and Berkley; and granddaughters, Amy, Shaun, Angela and Jennifer. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Berkley; and a sister, Bonnie; his wife of 55 years, Jeanne; and two sons, Richard and Bruce.
Internment will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 29, at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda. Arrangements by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Punta Gorda.
George Erwin
George Erwin, 74, of Englewood, Fla., died Jan. 25, 2003, at Englewood Community Hospital.
Born Aug. 1, 1928, in Gaffney, S.C., to George and Artey (Onsby) Erwin, he had been a resident of Englewood since 1989, coming from Westmont, Ill. Mr. Erwin was a 22-year member of a union in Westmont in the construction trade and retired in 1988. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, a member of Mobile Gardens Association and a Baptist.
He was predeceased by his wife, Betty, in 1998. Survivors include his two daughters, Brenda K. Gluschenko and Dianna E. Onley, both of Englewood; a sister, Virginia Boles of Fountain, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Natalie, George, Mckayla, Tonia, Mike, Andrea and Sierra; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Haley.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Englewood Community Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Alta Hosman
Alta Kula Hosman, 94, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Jan. 24, 2003, at a nursing home. ICS Cremation Society Inc., of Harbour Heights, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Mary B. Massoglia
Mary B. Massoglia, 93, of Englewood, Fla., passed away Jan. 25, 2003, at Pinebrook Rehab and Nursing Center in Venice, Fla. Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte, Fla.
Cleo E. Trexler
Cleo E. Trexler, 89, of North Port, Fla., died Jan. 25, 2003, at Quality Health Care Center in North Port. Arrangements are by James A. McKee Funeral Homes, North Port.
Robert J. Witteck
Robert "Bob" J. Witteck, 67, of Punta Gorda, Fla., died Jan. 25, 2003, at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Punta Gorda chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Alvin E. and Christian J. Martin
Alvin Eugene Martin and Christian John Martin, infant sons of Kimberly A. McNamara and Alvin E. Martin, III, died Jan. 24, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Surviving are their parents, Kimberly and Alvin of Port Charlotte; grandparents, Christine and John McNamara of Port Charlotte, Sherie Gamet of Denver, Colo., and Alvin E. Martin Jr. of Glades County, Fla.; brother, Damon McNamara, and sister, Haley Martin; and uncle, Jacob McNamara, all of Port Charlotte.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28, 2003, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Port Charlotte. Arrangements are by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Port Charlotte.
Dorothy A. Livezey
Dorothy Alice Livezey, 89, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Jan. 25, 2003, at Bon Secours-St. Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte. Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Janet T. Stirna
Janet T. Stirna, 66, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Jan. 25, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte. Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte.
Nicholas De Stefano
Nicholas De Stefano, 91, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Jan. 22, 2003.
He was the son of Carmine and Clementina (Villarosa) De Stefano, born
April 14, 1911, in New Haven, Conn. Nick came to this area in 1986 from New Haven. He enjoyed playing guitar and had appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and Ted Mack's "Original Amateur Hour." He also enjoyed playing with his band, The Misfits. He was a member of the Port Charlotte Elks, Moose Lodges in both West Haven and Port Charlotte, and was a volunteer at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. He attended Abundant Life Assembly of God in Punta Gorda.
Nick will be greatly missed by his daughter, Barbara Ann (William) Hardy of New Haven, Conn.; brothers, John (Connie) De Stefano of Wallingford, Conn., and Valentino De Stefano of Mystic, Conn.; dearest friend, Sharon Odroniec of Port Charlotte; grandchildren, Darlene Quiles, William N. Hardy, David J. Hardy, Richard M. Hardy, Michael J. Hardy, Richard B. Murphy Jr., Tamatha Poulton, Jennifer Murphy; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and his daughter, Mary Jane Murphy.
The family will receive friends 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda. A service in celebration of Nick's life will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Punta Gorda. The family requests memorial donations be made to Abundant Life Assembly of God.
Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services. To express condolences to the family, please visit the Web site: www.LTaylorfuneral.com and sign the guest book.
Howard S. Barnett
Howard Spencer Barnett, 63, died at his home in Englewood, Fla., on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003, at 8:13 p.m.
His sister, brother-in-law and close friends were at his side from the time his good health failed rapidly after he was diagnosed with cancer on Dec. 3, 2002.
Howard (also known as "Spencer," "Spence" and "Barnie") was born
to Howard and Margaret Irene "Starbird" Barnett on Nov. 28, 1939, in Whitinsville, Mass., and grew up in Sutton, Mass.
Surviving are a sister, Harriet Van Dyke; brother-in-law, Clarence "Klausie" Van Dyke; and nephew, Howard Van Dyke, all of Sutton, Mass.; and great-nephew Michael Brown of Englewood.
Howard will also be missed by many cousins and countless others whose friendship and love he cultivated throughout his life of caring about others. Though short in stature, he stood tall in character and compassion. Howard graduated from Sutton High School in 1957 and attended art school in Boston. He was a radio operator traveling with the U.S. Navy from July 1957 to July 1963.
Howard's early career was in retail sales. A masterful shoe salesman, he managed shoe departments in Springfield, Mass., Woonsocket, R.I., and Bristol, Conn. In 1988, he moved to Englewood, where he became a real estate agent and served many years at Anchor Realty.
He was a member of Englewood Area Board of Realtors and the Florida and National Association of Realtors. In March 2002, he semi-retired from Prudential/New Horizons Realtors, where he worked for more than six years. In July, he took his second trip to England, with Ireland and Wales added to the itinerary.
Howard was a 50-year member of the United Methodist Church of Whitinsville and a devoted member of Englewood United Methodist Church. Missing worship services only on rare occasions when ill or on vacation, he served on the Church Council, Church and Society Committee as an usher, and briefly in the choir. For seven years, he was the photographer and greeter for the Singles Society, which he helped build with his warm and gracious personality that made everyone feel important and welcome. He was also a member of Massachusetts Grande Lodge of Masons, Blue Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to EUMC, 700 E. Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223 for the "Building Fund in Memory of Howard Barnett;" to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952, or the Hospice program of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, in the sanctuary of Englewood United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Sam Seizert officiating. Later, Howard's ashes will be joined with his parents in South Sutton Cemetery.
Veterans Cremations & Burial Society, Clearwater, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
George E. Hall
George E. Hall, 80 of Cape Haze, Fla., (Charlotte County) died Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003.
He was born
Sept. 7, 1922, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and came to this area in 1984 from McKeesport, Pa. He was an accountant with U.S. Steel. He was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh, McKeesport Caravan 4 of Syria Temple AAONMS; life member of the VFW Post 10476, American Legion Post 113 and the Elks Lodge 2710, all of Rotonda West, Fla.; the Moose Lodge 1933 in Englewood and the F&AM 691 of Pittsburgh, Pa. He was a graduate of Chicago University and Robert Morris College in Chicago. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army, and earned a Bronze Star.
He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Orville) McWilliams of Murrysville, Pa.; daughter-in-law, Audrey Meredith of Newtown, Pa.; two grandchildren, Tracey (Christopher) Edwards and Robert Meredith; and two nephews, Gary and Richard McWilliams.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at the Englewood Chapel of Lemon Bay Funeral Homes. Funeral services will be private. Entombment will be in Gulf Pines Memorial Park in Englewood.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
Lemon Bay Funeral Homes, Englewood Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Anastasia Mereszczak
Anastasia Mereszczak, 78, formerly of Warm Mineral Springs, Fla., died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, in Parsippany, N.J.
She moved to this area in 1984 from Wethersfield, Conn. She was a production supervisor at Carlinswith Company in West Hartford, Conn. She was a member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church.
She is survived by her son, Ihor Mereszczak of Grangeville, Idaho; a daughter, Anna Artemenko of Parsippany; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, at Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel. A Panachyda will be held at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel, and continue on to St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Venice Memorial Gardens, Venice, Fla. The Right Rev. Mitrat Archpriest Wolodymyr Woloszczuk will officiate the services.
Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Wilma H. Usher
Wilma H. Usher, 88, of North Port, Fla., died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Quality Health Care Center, North Port. Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Luigi Borelli PHOTO
Dr. Luigi Borelli, 89, a veteran teacher at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County in Port Charlotte, Fla., died at his home on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2002.
Dr. Borelli was born
and raised in Turin, Italy. His father was a college professor and his mother was a member of the House of Savoy. During the period preceding World War II, Luigi was sent to the University of Berlin in Germany by his government to act as an interpreter. While there, he worked on an advanced degree and also met his future wife, Mary Marshall, a student from England, who survives him. Separated during the war years, they were later reunited, married and came to America.
Their long careers as college professors in the United States began when Dr. Borelli accepted a position at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Later, they both taught at the University of South Carolina until their retirement. They then moved to Venice, Fla., and then to Port Charlotte, and became members of the teaching staff at the Cultural Center.
For the past 20 years, hundreds of students have enjoyed their popular class, "Museum Without Walls," and a variety of language classes. Dr. Borelli taught his last class Dec. 13, 2002, one month before his 90th birthday.
There will be no services. Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger/Royal Palm Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Barbara A. Boyd
Barbara A. Boyd, 59, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, at her mother's residence in Port Charlotte.
She was born
Jan. 16, 1943, in Long Branch, N.J., and moved to Port Charlotte 16 years ago from Keansburg, N.J. She was a retired bank teller and worked at several banks in Charlotte County. She attended St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church of Port Charlotte.
She is survived by two daughters, Virginia M. Maier of Jacksonville, Fla., and Theresa M. Thompson of Ingleside, Texas; two sons, Robert M. Boyd Jr. and William J. Boyd, both of Port Charlotte; her mother, Marjorie A. Maines of Port Charlotte; two sisters, Virginia E. Maines of Port Charlotte and Marjorie A. Howard of Belmar, N.J.; a brother, John P. Maines of Jackson, N.J.; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, at Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte Chapel. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Phillip D. Long
Phillip D. Long, 70, of Port Charlotte, Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2003, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
Mr. Long was born
Jan. 20, 1932, in Boston, Mass. He had been a resident of Port Charlotte since 1984, when he moved here from Maine with his wife of 29 years, Lucy Long (nee Massa). Mr. Long was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Navy from 1951-54. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Survivors include two sons, Phillip A. Long (Reneé) of Stroudsburg, Pa., and Paul F. Long of Port Charlotte; three daughters, Gemma M. Tucker of Maine, Karen A. Long of Arizona and Noreen F. Long of California; and many grandchildren.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, at Charlotte Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home.
Ivah K. Smith
Ivah K. Smith, 86, of Peyton, Colo., and formerly of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away peacefully at her grandchild's home in Omaha, Neb., Friday, Jan. 10, 2003.
She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Robert C. and Jane Smith of Columbia, Mo., and Donald C. and Dalfa Smith of Punta Gorda, Fla.; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Smith; and her brother, Dr. Robert A. Davis.
Services will be private. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the Presbyterian Church of America or the community Hospice program.
Crosby-Burket-Swanson-Golden Funeral Home, Omaha, is in charge of arrangements.
