Seymour Estrin DDS
Seymour Estrin DDS, of Coral Gables passed away Sept. 25. Born in Chicago, Dr. Estrin had made his home in South Florida for the past 20 years coming from Spring Valley, Illinois. During WWII, he was a Captain in the Army Dental Corp serving in the Pacific Theater. Dr. Estrin was also a life member of the Rotary Club; a member and past president of the Elks Club; and past president of the Spring Valley School Board. For the past 10 years, he was a volunteer at Doctor’s Hospital and was politically active. Predeceased by his first wife, Adele, and second wife, Rose, Seymour is survived by his wife Ann; his daughter Diane Estrin of Sebastopol CA; three sons, William Estrin of San Francisco CA and William’s daughter Abbie, Robert Estrin and his partner, Jeff Geddes of Chicago, IL, and sons Aaron and Joshua, Andrew Estrin and his partner Duane Aten of Oakland, CA. Seymour also had three step children, Sheila (Owen) Freed, Jimmie (Amy) Reiter, and Iris (Fred) Green; eight step grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Sept. 28 at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel, 5900 SW 77 Ave., Miami located on the grounds of Mt. Nebo Kendall. Donations in memory may be made to Reiter Art Fund at Temple Judea, Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, California, or Broadway Cares/Fights Aids.
Don Mullen
Don Mullen, Miracle Mile merchant, founder of DON MULLEN INC. one of Miami’s oldest better Woman’s Specialty Shops died Tuesday, September 23, 2008, he was 86. Mr. Mullen opened his Coral Gables Shop in 1956 and his second store in 1986 in the Bal Harbour Shops. He was the founder President of the Miracle Mile Merchants Association, and a member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Coral Gables Elks and a 30 year member of the Coral Gables County Club. He is survived by his partner Jesse Adams and two nieces Patricia Fillat of Wellesley, Mass., and Mary Lou Martin of Acworth, Ga., and nephew Robert P. Mullen Jr. several grand nieces and nephews. The family will have a memorial service at a later date in Florida.
Robert D. Zahner
Robert D. Zahner, 89 of Coral Gables passed away on Nov. 27. He was born in Beacon, New York on March 30, 1919 to Robert and Mae Zahner. He joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1941 and was stationed in North Carolina prior to serving 2 1/2 years in India where he taught the use of the link trainer to pilots who flew over the hump to China. Following his discharge in 1946, he moved to Vermont where he met and married
Eleanor Bowhay. They moved to Coconut Grove in the fall of 1947 for him to attend the University of Miami. He received his BBA in 1950 and his LLD in 1951. He was in private law practice in the Miami area or many years. He served as Municipal Judge for the City of Miami from 1959 to 1961 and as City Attorney for Miami from 1961 to 1963. He joined the City of Coral Gables as City Attorney in 1967 and retired in 1994. Since retirement, he has served on the Charter Review Board and on the 2004 Blue Ribbon Panel for the City of Coral Gables. Bob was a leader in the community and had many friends. He supported the University of Miami and had season tickets for the Canes games for sixty years. He loved to cook and entertain. Christmas dinner at the Zahner’s was a tradition. He never refused an offer for a game of bridge. Music was also a love of his - he was a walking encyclopedia regarding musicians in the big bands. In a group he was never without a story for the amusement of all. He will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends. He was a member of the Coral Gables Rotary Club, Coral Gables Country Club, Century Club, Royal Palm Tennis Club, Beach Colony Club, The Hurricane Club, U of M Old Timers and Spoonbills. Bob is survived by his wife, Eleanor, his son Robert and daughter-in-law Lynn Zahner, MD as well as family members in New York, New Hampshire and Virginia. Bob was not only a person who loved and cared for family and friends, but also of his four footed friends, especially Cary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Humane Society of Greater Miami, Adopt -a- Pet, 16101 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, FL , 33160. Visitation was held on Dec. 1; Chapel Service was held on Dec. 2. Private Burial. Van Orsdel - Coral Gables, 4600 SW 8 St., (305) 446-4412. Family Owned Since 1924, www.vanorsdelfuneralchapels.com.
Herminio Fournier-Roman
Herminio Fournier-Roman, passed away peacefully on the morning of Nov. 20 at the age of 95 in his lovely house in the city of Coral Gables, surrounded by the love of his family. Predeceased by his wife Josefina Ferrer Porrata-Doria, he is survived by his daughter Yvonne, granddaughter Kamila and son-in- law Jacques R. Island. Herminio was a generous, compassionate and loving man, and a wonderful and caring father to Yvonne and grandfather to Kamila. Herminio was a successful businessman who was loved by everyone his soul touched. He now joins his wife, Josefina and his brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, where he was born, as well as in heaven. He will be forever missed. We love you Herminio. You will always be in our hearts. A family and friends gathering was held on Nov. 23 at the Caballero, Rivero, Woodlawn funeral house located at 3344 SW 8th St., Miami and his funeral mass was held on Nov. 24 at the Church of the Little Flower located at 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables. I love you so much...Papi.
M. Chapin Krech
M. Chapin Krech, of Coral Gables, a loving family man, a dedicated educator and a strong advocate for community service, died on Nov. 13. He was 89 years old. Hafey, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, was beloved by colleagues, students and community leaders in the Greater Miami area. Born in New York City in 1919 to Dr. Shepard Krech and Mary Stevens Chapin, Hafey attended schools in the city and graduated from The Groton School in Groton, MA. He received a B.A. in Sociology from Yale University, class of 1942, and later received subsequent degrees from the University Of Miami and Barry University in South Florida. While at Yale, Hafey was a proud member of the a cappella singing group, The Whiffenpoofs. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Panama. He had three siblings who predeceased him, Dr. Shepard Krech of Easton, MD, Mrs. Mary Krech Gould of Far Hills, NJ and Old Lyme, CT, and Alvin Krech of Big Pine Key. Hafey was Assistant Headmaster and classroom teacher at Ransom School For Boys in Coconut Grove from 1958-1963. He then became Principal of Riviera Day School and served there from 1963-1965. He was Assistant Principal at Everglades School For Girls from 1965-1969. In 1971, he became the first Director of The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Master’s Degree Program on the campus of Barry University, and subsequently became a Trustee Emeritus of Embry-Riddle. Hafey’s passion was his extraordinary dedication to education and community service. He had strong spiritual convictions and believed that it was his duty in life to serve others. He was an avid proponent for ecological and environmental issues. He worked tirelessly for organizations such as Coconut Grove Cares, the Barnyard After School Program, Habitat For Humanity, The Children’s Psychiatric Center, Coral Gables Congregational Church and Plymouth Congregational Church. He was most proud of his affiliation with friend and fellow community activist Elizabeth Virrick at Coconut Grove Cares. During his tenure at The Barnyard as Director and Family Counselor, he was honored that The Barnyard was named as one of President George H. W. Bush’s “1000 Points Of Light.” Hafey is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cherry Gross Krech of Providence, RI, and six children: Barnes Newberry of Portsmouth, RI, Timothy C. Krech of Carmel, CA, Lili Krech Neale of Coconut Grove, Carol D. Krech of Miami, Cherry Krech Fulcher of Lewisville, NC, and David S. Krech of Miami. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Giles Neale, Dylan Krech, Rebekkah Krech, George Leather, Sean Leather, Kristin Fulcher and Caitlin Fulcher. Hafey also has many cousins, nieces and nephews. Hafey Krech raised his children to believe in themselves, to continue to strive for higher education and, above all, to commit to serving others. He encouraged everyone he met to realize personal potential and to dedicate time and energy within their own communities. Hafey has truly been a powerful force for positive change and growth in the Greater Miami community, and we have all been blessed by his steady love and compassion. A service will be held on Wednesday Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 3400 Devon Road, Coconut Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hafey’s name to The Barnyard in Coconut Grove. Make check payable to The Barnyard and mail to Coconut Grove Cares, 3870 Washington Avenue, Miami, FL. 33133.
Charles Harris Matthews Sr.
Charles Harris Matthews Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Nov. 12. Born Feb 9, 1932 to William Emmet and Christine Smith Matthews, he graduated from Miami High School in 1951, where he played on the 1950 State Championship Football team. In 1952 he joined the City of Miami Fire Department. Charlie was a member of the first group of paramedics in America. His unit pioneered pre- hospital mobile emergency care. When he retired in 1982, after 30 years of service, paramedics were a fixture nationwide. In 1964 Charlie founded Underwater Unlimited, the second dive shop in Miami. Begun as an educational training center with classes offered at Miami Dade College, it assisted police and fire departments in developing underwater recovery techniques. With over 20, 000 students certified, Underwater Unlimited continues to serve as a leader in the dive industry today. Charlie was active in many community groups including the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club. He served on the Board of the Coral Gables Congregational Church where he is affectionately referred to as “the Sheriff” for his ability to keep meetings moving. His association with Miami High has continued with active involvement in the alumni association and a lifelong friendship with other members of the state championship team. An avid outdoorsman, Charlie loved to fish, dive, hunt and fly. He was deeply interested in history and dedicated to serving his country and community. Above all, he was dearly loved and committed to his family and friends. His strength, courage and honesty were an inspiration to all who knew him. Charlie Matthews is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Edith Bortle Matthews, their children, Karen Harris (Max) of Raleigh, N.C., Jennifer Wade (Malcolm) of Clewiston, FL; Charles H. Matthews, Jr. and Loren Matthews both of Miami, daughter- in-law, Ann Matthews; grandchildren, Morgan Lang (Ryan), Charles H. Matthews, III, Garrett Harris, Grant Harris and Chelsey Matthews; aunt, Vivian Smith, brother, Bob Cain (Margot), and eight nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on Nov. 15 at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Coral Gables Congregational Church Educational Wing.
Genevieve Yarnold
Genevieve Yarnold, 82, passed away on Nov.11 at Swankridge Care Center. She was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey and moved to Miami in 1960 where she taught Adult Education in the Miami- Dade School System. She obtained a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Adult Education. Genevieve was very active in the Miami-Dade Teacher’s Union and proudly served as a Union official until her retirement in 1998. She was a parishioner of the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables. She was predeceased by her husband William Yarnold in 2002. She is survived by her extended family of twenty-four cousins, including her goddaughter Barbara Criswell of Mechanicsburg, PA. Throughout the years, Genevieve had kept in touch with her friends and family and always remembered birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries until her health declined. Friends and family members attended a gravesite service on Nov. 19 at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, Miami. Donations can be made to the Church of the Little Flower-Saint Theresa Catholic School at 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables, Florida 33134-5553. Van Orsdel - Coral Gables, 4600 SW 8 St., (305) 446-4412. Family Owned Since 1924.
Mary Irene Boone Buzzella
Mary Irene Boone Buzzella, 87, born April 20, 1921 in Portsmouth, Virginia, died peacefully on Dec. 19. Mary and her family moved to Miami when she was 12 years old. She attended St. Theresa Catholic School in Coral Gables where she met the love of her life, Robert William. They married
Oct. 22, 1941. For 67 years they worked side by side in a partnership made up of hard work, support, and love. Mary is survived by her husband Robert and ten of her 13 children; Mary Ann, Robert Jr. (Alberta), James (Isabel), Earnest (Donna), Michael (MaryGail), Anthony (Charisse), Stephen (Meldy), John (Cindy), David (Terri) and Richard , 45 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Rita and Jeanne, her son Joseph, her daughter-in-law Diane, and her son-in-law Ray Freeman. In the early years, with all 13 children living at home, Mary always made sure her children’s friends had a place to stay and never went home hungry. Always room for one more she would say. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a woman with an open and loving heart and the strength to face everything life brought her with courage and grace. She had a great devotion to God and family and she will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Buzzella to:Community Habilitation Center (CHC), 11450 SW 79th St., Miami, FL. 33173.Visitation was held on Dec. 22 at the funeral home. A funeral mass was celebrated at on Dec. 23 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 15801 NW 67th Ave., Miami Lakes, FL. 33014. Interment followed at Woodlawn Park South. Van Orsdel - Kendall Drive 11220 Kendall Dr 305-279-6644. Family Owned Since 1924. www.vanorsdelfuneralchapels.com.
Richard F. Sturmer
Richard F. Sturmer, My husband passed away. Let me tell you about him. He had a smile to light up a room and a kiss or a flower for every woman. He accomplished so much and seldom told. Ditti hit D-Day in the infantry and later the Battle of the Bulge before being captured and held as a POW in Nazi Germany for 18 months. He was liberated by the Russians on Easter Sunday and sent home with a Purple Heart to die. Well, he didn’t. Instead he went to the University of Miami where he graduated with honors. From there he became the youngest staff insurance adjuster in the State of Florida, on to the head of Labor and Employment Security and from 1955-1991 the District Supervisor of Worker’s Compensation for the State of Florida. He is a past honorary of the The Friends of 440 and a recipient of the Samuel C. Halpert award. Although he was a member of the Little Church of the Flower in Coral Gables where he grew up and lived until recently, he also attended Coral Gables First United Methodist Church until relocation to North Palm Beach in 1988. He was a member of the Country Club of Coral Gables, founding member of the Coral Gables Elks Club, member of Palm Beach Gardens Moose Lodge, VFW and Palm Beach Gardens Amara Temple of the Shrine. He is survived by wife Marty, brother Bob and his wife Alice, niece and nephews Heidi Ann, Bill, Shawn and their families and too many wonderful friends to count. He wanted a different kind of obituary. I hope I have pleased my best friend with this notice. Services were held on Dec. 13 at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in WPB. A visitation was held at Royal Palm on the same day. A committal service was held on Dec. 14 at Woodlawn Park cemetery North, 3260 SW 8th Street, Miami. Royal Palm Funeral Home 5601 Greenwood Ave, West Palm Beach, Fl was in charge of services.
Andrew N. Vladimir
Andrew N. Vladimir, was born Feb. 6, 1932 in New Rochelle, New York and passed away Dec. 15 at his home in Coconut Grove. Andy is survived by loving wife of 20 years, Ute Carey Vladimir; his mother Geraldine Vladimir; children Andrea Vladimir (Peter Romanoff), Jennifer Shashaty (Christopher), Tom Vladimir (Julia), Alex Vladimir, Michele Carey (Rab Cummings), Sonia Monahan (Mike); sister Virginia Rolett (Ellis) and 11 grandchildren. Andy was predeceased by his daughter, Allison Vladimir, in 1992. Andy received his Bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a M.S from Florida International University, and is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School. Andy’s career began in television, after which he joined Ruder & Finn Public Relations in New York and eventually founded his own advertising and public relations agency in Puerto Rico, Vladimir International, which grew to be one of Puerto Rico’s largest. Andy relocated to New York to assume the position of International Vice President of Norman Craig Kummel. In 1969, he moved to Miami and founded Vladimir and Evans Advertising and Public Relations, named one of America’s hottest agencies after receiving 67 international awards. In 1975, Andy sold the agency to Young & Rubicam and moved to Seattle, where he founded Sharp, Hartwig & Vladimir. In 1984, Andy was named Director of Tourism for Bermuda, and in 1986, he returned to Florida to join the faculty of Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. It was in this capacity and time period that he met his future wife, Ute. In 2004, Florida International University designated Andy Associate Professor Emeritus. Andy served on the board of directors of the Yale Club and the Shake-a- Leg Foundation, and actively participated in Coral Gables Congregational Church in numerous endeavors, including service on the Church Council. A professor, author and co-author of several books, travel writer and internationally-known management and marketing consultant, Andy was recognized as ‘Mr. Quotable Quote’ by industry professionals, who very highly rated his business and academic achievements. If desired, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718-3299, or to Shake- a-Leg Miami, Inc., 2600 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133. A celebration of life service was held on Dec. 18 at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida. (305) 448-7421.
Gwendolyn Cressman
ORMOND BEACH - Gwendolyn G. Cressman, 82, of Orchard Avenue, a former nurse in Pennsylvania, died Friday at home.
Mrs. Cressman, a native of Lansdale, Pa., moved to this area in 1972 from Boyertown, Pa. She graduated from the nursing school at Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, where she later worked. She also became head operating room nurse for the Grandview Hospital, Sellersville, Pa. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Holly Hill, and enjoyed Bible study, knitting, crocheting and reading.
Survivors include two sons, Franklin, North Wales, Pa., and Richard, Eagleville, Pa.; two daughters, Barbara Marks, Ormond Beach, and Margaret Goldstein, California; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1205 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill 32117, or Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange 32119. Haigh-Black, Ormond Beach, is in charge.
Carmen Gaton-Swaby
DELTONA - Carmen A. Gaton-Swaby, 70, of Cleo Lane, a retired administrative assistant for the New York City Department of Social Services, died Wednesday at Florida Hospital-Altamonte, Altamonte Springs.
Mrs. Gaton-Swaby, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., moved to this area in 1988 from Queens, N.Y. She was a member of the African American Association and the Woodchoppers Bowling League. She enjoyed traveling, bowling and needlepoint.
Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Austin; a son, Jason, Binghamton, N.Y.; and a brother, Robert Gaton, Hempstead, N.Y. Baldauff is in charge.
Francis Gill
PALM COAST - Francis D. Gill, 86, of Kings Colony Court, a department manager for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., for 45 years before her retirement, died Tuesday at home.
Mr. Gill, an Army veteran of World War II serving as an air traffic controller, was born in New York City and came here three years ago from Tom's River, N.J. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and enjoyed golfing.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marie; a son, Frank, Orlando; four daughters, Patricia Ruddock, Mountville, N.J., Sharon Marotti, Wanaque, N.Y., Janice Devereux, Palm Coast, and Linda Cappadona, Harrington Park, N.J.; a brother, Bernard, Palm Coast; and 11 grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, 4600 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast 32164. Alderson's is in charge.
Catherine Giordano
BEVERLY BEACH - Catherine E. Giordano, 79, of Starboard Drive, a native of Philadelphia, died Thursday at Memorial Hospital-Flagler, Bunnell.
Mrs. Giordano, a homemaker, came here 20 years ago from Barrington, N.J. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and crossword puzzles.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Philip; and a sister, Elizabeth Gravener, Beverly Beach. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 555 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A-1, Ormond Beach 32174. Craig, Palm Coast, is in charge.
Herbert Munch
PORT ORANGE - Herbert Munch, 79, of Park Ridge Drive, a retired mechanic for Metropolitan Oil Co., Chelsea, Mass., died Friday at home.
Mr. Munch, a Coast Guard veteran of World War II, was born in Malden, Mass. He moved to this area in 1987 from Pompano Beach.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Wanda; a son, Bruce, Dorchester, Mass.; a daughter, Joyce Cooper, Bellevue, Neb.; a sister, Audrey Stevens, Milton, Mass.; and three grandchildren. Cardwell is in charge.
Chester Shepherd
SANFORD - Chester Eugene Shepherd, 62, of South Jones Avenue, father of Tim Shepherd, Deltona, and Jeanette Hickson, Osteen, died Thursday at Central Florida Regional Hospital.
Mr. Shepherd came here in 1973 from his native Kentucky. He was an aviation structural mechanic in the Navy for 30 years before his retirement. He enjoyed writing songs.
Additional survivors include two brothers, Floyd Shepherd, Zephyrhills, and Donnie Fugate, Cincinnati; six sisters, Andra Staggs and Molly Pownall, both of Decatur, Ohio, Rebecca Miller, Burnside, Ky., Virginia Anderson, Somerset, Ky., Carolynn Stagge, Mount Carmel, Ohio, and Cassie Charles, Foster, Ky.; and three grandchildren. Baldauff, Deltona, is in charge.
Lawrence Tibbetts
FLAGLER BEACH - Lawrence S. Tibbetts, 69, of South Flagler Avenue, a retired assistant professor and dean of business services at New River Community College, Dublin, Va., after 23 years of service, died Wednesday at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach.
Mr. Tibbetts, a Navy veteran of World War II, was born in Millinocket, Maine, and came here in 1995 from Pulaski, Va. He attended Husson College, Maine, and earned his master's degree from Radford College, Virginia. He was a past treasurer of the Fiddle Banjo Dance Club, Virginia, and a member of the American Association of Retired Persons.
Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Jill; two daughters, Cathy Tibbetts, New Mexico, and Paula Tibbetts, Georgia; two stepdaughters, Sunshine Twitchell, Sarasota, and Summer McCoy, Okinawa, Japan; his mother, Phyllis Tibbetts, Clearwater; and a sister, Meredith Kane, Maine. Memorial donations may be made to Flagler County Humane Society, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast 32137. Volusia Memorial, Ormond Beach, is in charge.
Lorraine Vazquez
PORT ORANGE - Lorraine F. Vazquez, 70, of Rogers Avenue, a retired travel agent in Monroe, N.Y., died Thursday at home.
Mrs. Vazquez was born in New York City and came here in 1995 from Monroe. She was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church and enjoyed playing bingo.
Survivors include two daughters, Lynn Vazquez, North Vancouver, British Columbia, and Suzanne Vazquez-Helms, Ponce Inlet; and a grandchild. Memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 266 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 151, Casselberry 32707-5381. Cardwell is in charge.
