John (Jack) Baytos
John (Jack) Baytos of Sun City Center passed on April 22, 2018, 10 days shy of his 83rd birthday. He leaves behind his wife Nan, his daughter Brenda Seaman of St. Petersburg, his two sons Jon of St. Petersburg, Brad and his wife Dana of Myrtle Beach, N.C., and his grandson Bryce Seaman of St. Petersburg. He also leaves his stepchildren Carrie, Erin, and Andrew and their spouses and eight grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Larry and his wife Carol of Naples, Fla., Ray and his wife Joanne in Lake Couer D’Alene, Idaho, and sister Nancy Gifford and her husband Michael of Montecito, California, and their children. Jack has three aunts, an uncle and dozens of first cousins throughout the country who survive him.
He was born May 1, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio to John and Helen Baytos. Jack attended Youngstown State University and graduated from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla. Jack had a career in insurance, spending many years with Allstate in Atlanta, St. Petersburg and Chicago. He did a career switch in his 50s, and was the proprietor of Highland Marina Resort near Atlanta for 10 years. Upon his return to St. Petersburg, Jack assisted his sons in the development of their Primus Racing venture that is ongoing.
Jack gamely dealt with recurrent cancer and its effects over much of his last decade, but he never lost his sense of humor and ability to forge lasting friendships. Jack was active in tennis and sports and other activities in Sun City Center. He also spent much time travelling to visit family and friends.
Jack passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. There will be an informal commemoration of his death at a date to be determined. The family requests that any contributions in his name be directed to South Shore United Methodist Church, 11525 Big Bend Road, Riverview, FL 33579.
Arrangements are entrusted to the National Cremation & Burial Society, Ruskin, Fla. To leave a special condolence, please visit www.nationalcremation.com/location/ruskin
Robert J. Fazio
Robert J. Fazio, 81, of Wimauma, Fla. passed away April 24, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife Theresa (St. Mary), his father and mother, Joseph and Dora (Messica) Fazio. Survivors include his life partner Margie Adair, two sisters, Doris Koharcheck and Marie (Richard) Koch and two brothers, Joseph (Judith) Fazio and Nick (Fiancée Julene Hussey) Fazio.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2018 at Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, Fla. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, Fla. Interment with Military Honors will be in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valencia Lakes Military Veterans Club (VLMVC), c/o Nick Fazio, 5053 Ruby Flats Drive, Wimauma, FL 33598.
Geraldine McKenzie
Geraldine McKenzie, age 82, of Apollo Beach, formerly of Methuen, Massachusetts, died on Thursday, April 26, 2018. Beloved wife of Lionel McKenzie; loving mother of Lori
McKenzie (Nancy), Scott McKenzie (Laurie), Dana McKenzie and Karyl Wheeler (Rob); cherished grandmother of Cory, Ryan, Niklas, Ronja, Trey, Jack and Brady. Geraldine was a graduate of Searls High School in Methuen, Mass.
In Geraldine’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to The Arthritis Foundation, 3816 W. Linebaugh Ave. #303, Tampa, FL 33618.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 1 p.m. at Caribbean Isles, 405 Elsberry Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.nationalcremation.com/location/ruskin
Robert E. “Bob” Whitney
United States Air Force Lt. Col. Robert E. “Bob” Whitney, 96, of Sun City Center, Fla. passed away April 26, 2018. Bob was affectionately known as “GGPA” to his grandchildren. A compassionate and devoted friend to many will be dearly missed. Living life to its fullest, he shared many cherished and humorous memories.
He proudly wore his U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force uniforms with honor and meritorious distinction from 1942-1966. Respected and highly skilled as a pilot and squadron leader, his awards included Letters of Commendation, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, Clusters and numerous additional service medals. He was selected as a member on the United Nations Repatriation Tribunal in 1953. Upon retirement, he furthered his career as GS-13, then to the FAA as Safety Flight Inspector and Administration. Retiring to Mesa, he taught, tested and trained future pilots at Williams AFB.
Socially active, skilled dancers, Bob and Ruby (first wife of 63 years) were also award-winning bowlers. Bob enjoyed golf and proudly displayed his “hole in one” plaque. Bob and Audrey (second wife of nine and one-half years) were socially active in the Towers community, known as “The Sweethearts” among friends and family. He retained membership in the Order of Daedalians through retirement. All who knew him witnessed a life well lived as he was blessed with the love of two amazing devoted women, loving family, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Ruby Whitney, by his second wife Audrey Hammond-Whitney, by his son, Robert Whitney Jr. and by his daughter, Donna Roux, his parents Raymond and Alma Whitney and a brother Norman. Survivors include daughters, Jerry (Dan) Crabtree, Patricia (Roger) Cole, two grandsons, Sean (Angie) McCall and Jamie (Staci) Whitney, six granddaughters, Shannon Whitney, Tammy Madison, Kimberly (Brett) New, Amy Honaker, Allison (Sam) Couch and Summer (Adam) Thielebeule. Audrey’s family, Chandra Wielatz, Steve (Ann) Hammond, grandchildren, Gina (Jonfrank) Murray, Quincy Hammond and Luke (Callie) Hammond 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandsons.
Memorial service was at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Sun Towers, 101 Trinity Lakes Drive, Sun City Center, Fla. Interment beside Ruby with military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Order of Daedalians Scholarship Fund in the name of Lt. Col. Robert E. Whitney. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.