Obituaries: March 17, 2016

 

Thomas J. English

Thomas J. English of Sun City Center, Fla., passed away peacefully on Monday, February 22, 2016, at the age of 89 surrounded by family in Pawleys Island, S.C.

Tom was born in Manhattan, N.Y., to James and Margaret English. He was the older brother of Eileen (predeceased) and Edward. Tom proudly served his country during World War II in the Navy aboard the USS Hugh W. Hadley DD-774 in the Pacific campaign during the invasion of Okinawa. He was awarded a Purple Heart and the ship’s crew received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation.

After the war, he came back to New York and went to work, where he met his future wife, Anita Hampton (predeceased). In 1953, Tom graduated from Fordham University with a teaching degree. In the same year, Tom and Anita were married. They had nine children. Their first-born, Brian, passed away at 15 months and their son Stephen passed in 2003.

Tom is survived by Kenneth, Maureen and husband Donald, Patricia and husband Apostolos, Michael, Donna and husband Mike, Christopher and wife Claudia, and Philip (his wife Phyllis predeceased); and 16 grandchildren: Olga, Christina, Ioannis, Kathleen, Andrea, Colleen, Kyle, Edward, Christopher, Nicholas, Briana, Brian, Ryan, Alex, Brenna and Jack.

Tom and Anita retired in 1991 and moved to East Stroudsburg, Pa., to a home they had built for retirement. They eventually became snowbirds. In 2003, after Anita’s passing, Tom became a volunteer with Hospice care. In 2007 he relocated to Sun City Center to be near his brother and sister.

Tom was a devout Catholic, attending mass every morning, and he administered communion to friends and neighbors unable to attend services. He headed the bereavement group at Prince of Peace Church in Sun City Center with his dear friend Maryann. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and The Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Tom and Anita spent many years devoted to locating his missing shipmates and planning the ship’s reunions held every two years. They successfully located over 30 shipmates and renewed friendships started more than 70 years ago.

Tom loved life and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed and will always be in our hearts.

 

James Edward Foley

James Edward Foley, 89, of Sun City Center, Fla., formerly of Brookfield, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016.

Ed was born May 26, 1926, in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from Boardman High School and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind. He served in the Navy during World War II and went on to have a successful career at Westinghouse Electric Company.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of more than 65 years, Rita J. Hau Foley. Ed will be lovingly remembered by his five children, 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorial Mass and luncheon will be held at Prince of Peace Church on Friday, March 18 at 11 a.m.

 

Albert P. Frenzel

Albert P. Frenzel of Sun City Center, Fla., died March 1, 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Frenzel; son Peter Frenzel; daughter Janet Hape; grandchildren Lindsey Heller and Adam Heller; and great-grandson Reed Meyer.

Al worked 35 years as an FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist, and he devoted 50 years to Knights of Columbus.

Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 28, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center. Interment at Florida National Cemetery. Memorial contributions to ALZ.ORG to benefit Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Fern A. Hoskinson

Fern A Hoskinson of Sun City Center, Fla., passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016. She was 87 years old.

She had bravely and strongly battled various physical ailments over the past year, and decided it was time to join her loving husband, Robert Hoskinson, who passed away in 1991.

She is survived by her two sons: Michael Hoskinson, 64, who lives in Westford, Mass., and Kevin Hoskinson, 58, who resides in Brandon, Fla. She is also survived by her four wonderful sisters: Ruth, Irma, Verna and Marge, who live in various parts of the Midwest.

Besides taking complete care of her family and managing the household in the five states they lived in, Fern worked full time in the banking/financial industry, after which they retired to Sun City Center in 1988.

She was truly one of those individuals that the world will sorely miss.

She was actively involved with Redeemer Lutheran Church, the SCC Rescue Squad, SCC Security Patrol, Meals on Wheels and the Gadabouts.  She loved traveling, senior dancing, various bridge leagues and spending time with all of her many friends here in SCC.

The family wishes to thank Aston Gardens at The Courtyards and LifePath Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Fern’s life at 11 a.m. Friday, March 18, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., SCC, 33573.

If you would like to make a donation in Fern’s name, she has designated Redeemer Lutheran Church at their address above, and/or LifePath Hospice, 3723 Upper Creek Dr., Ruskin, FL 33533, as beneficiaries of your kind generosity.

 

Arlys Darlene Kenefick

Arlys Darlene (Royce) Kenefick, 89, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at the Hospice House in Sun City Center, Fla., on February 21, 2016.

She was born in 1926 in Green County, Iowa, on a farm operated by her parents, Stella and George Royce. Growing up in a farming community, Arlys developed a lifelong devotion to farming and gardening.  After high school graduation, Arlys moved to San Diego, Calif., where she worked for many years in the developing electronic industry. It was there that she met and married Jack E. Kenefick, her husband of 50 years, who passed away in 2013. Also preceding her in death were daughter Estella Marlys Kenefick; brothers Fred, Richard, George Jr. and Ronald Royce; and sister Arletta Tassler.

Surviving family members include daughter Terry L. Fitzgerald and son-in-law Calvin B. Fitzgerald of Florida; son Larry L. Wells and daughter-in-law Trulia Wells of Illinois; granddaughters Johnna R. Smith of California and Deborah L. (Smith) Martinez of New Mexico; Great-grandchildren B. J. Martinez, Amberly Martinez, Connor Fitzgerald and Garrett Fitzgerald; sisters Charlene Cone of Kansas, and Marie Wilson of Nevada; niece Renee Pero of Kansas; and nephew Butch Cone of Kansas.

Arlys will be interred next to her loving husband at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in St.  Petersburg, Fla. Arlys’s family wishes to thank the staff and management of the Sun Towers Memory Care Unit in Sun City Center for their constant help and support over Arlys’ long illness. Special thanks to Mary B. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Stowers Funeral Home.

 

Ann Elizabeth Laird

1953 – 2016

Ann lived life on her own terms. Independence, generosity and solitude were important to her.   She left us on March 3, 2016, at the age of 63. Her life ended too soon, and she will be missed by many. We would all thank her for giving us laughter and love. She was a caretaker and peacemaker. The “best” is all she ever wanted for her loved ones.

Ann was born in Parkersburg, W.V., lived most of her first 10 years in Orange, Texas, and lived from 5th grade through high school in Wilmington, Del. She had a wonderful relationship with her grandmother, Faith Hines Stone (who lived with the family during that time in Delaware). Ann matriculated at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She furthered her education with an MBA from the University of Texas-Arlington.

Ann had a very successful career in Human Resources with Harris Corporation and Nokia. As a dedicated team member, she moved and worked in Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Neb.; Melbourne, Fla.; and Tampa.

Ann retired to become the full-time helper, companion and guardian for her loving parents. Her patience and commitment knew no bounds. She was with her father and mother both in life and now in death. When they moved to the Tampa area, Ann found great joy spending time with and doing arts and crafts with her grandniece and nephew. Ann was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

As a member of her community, Ann drove patrol for the Sun City Center Security Patrol and served as the Treasurer for the Sun Lakes III Property Owners Association. She loved working at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church library and found joy in helping her neighbors. Ann worked very hard in life and made a difference in the lives of those she met.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Marjorie Laird. She is survived by her brother Rick Laird and his wife Mary Rowe; nephew Rich Laird (Jessica) and grandniece Clarke; nephew Chris Laird (Brittney) and grandniece Rorie and grandnephew Peyton; and niece Jessica Laird. Ann showed great love for family and friends, including her cousins and extended family.

We acknowledge Ann gave and gave again as she loved with all her heart. A wonderful way to remember Ann is to keep her spirit alive in our daily actions — as we interact with and care for others.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at St.  Andrew Presbyterian Church, Sun City Center.

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” Good bye, Ann, we love you.

Arrangements by Zipperer’s Funeral Home.

 

Merile Roy Miller

Merile Roy Miller, 68, a lifelong resident of Ruskin, Fla., passed away March 7. He was retired from Thompson’s Auto Parts.

Loved by wife Diane Marie; children Gerald Dwayne, Rhonda and husband Derrick, Daniel and Joel; grandchildren Nicholas, Bethany, Breann, Brooke, Zoe and Connor; and sister Emma.

 

 

 

Leslie Parish Strunk

Leslie Parish Strunk, 56, of Ruskin, Fla., passed away on March 5, 2016, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Cheverly, Md., on January 6, 1960, to Charles and Mary Louise Parish, Sr., who both preceded her in death.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister and Gigi, who spent her life as a “Domestic Goddess,” caring for those she loved and enjoying the work she did with her Junior Church children.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Franklin Strunk, Jr.; daughter Cari Narvaez; sons Timothy Strunk, Matthew Strunk and Daniel Strunk (who preceded her in death); grandsons Noah and Luis Narvaez, and Wyatt Strunk; her beloved canine, Harley; sister Diane (Steve) Salyer; brother Charles Parish, Jr.; nieces, nephews, multiple “adopted” children and grandchildren, as well as many friends and family.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Vaughn Street Bible Church, 10018 Vaughn St., Gibsonton, Fla.  33534.  Fellowship to follow services.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vaughn Street Bible Church’s Junior Church.

 

Loretta Rae Quinn Tucker

Loretta Rae Quinn Tucker, 79, resident of Sun City Center, Fla., lost her battle with cancer peacefully on March 12, 2016, at home with family.

She was born on December 3, 1936, in Meadville, Pa., and moved to Clearwater, Fla., at age 11. She married Donald Quinn in June 1955, and they celebrated life together for 48 years. Rae and Don owned Winter Haven Paint and Decorating Center for 27 years before retiring to Sun City Center. Rae was preceded in death by Don, but was fortunate enough to be loved by two great men and she married Robert Tucker in November 2004.

Rae and Bob were members of Trinity Baptist Church in Sun City Center, where she served on the communion and hospitality board.

In addition to her husband, survivors include four daughters, Robin Kathleen Westerman and her husband Mark of Carmel, Ind., Melissa Dale Smith of Englewood, Fla., Tara Gay Rodwell of Tampa, and Tish Rae Turner and her husband Scott of Winter Haven; stepdaughters Terri Lyn Lewis and husband Allan of Plant City, and Sandra Lee Dorey and husband Bob of Valrico; and stepson Steven Mark Tucker and wife Denise of Lutz. Additionally surviving are 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services have been set for 2 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Trinity Baptist Church in Sun City Center, with Pastor Ron Churchill. Interment will follow at later date at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Rae may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center.

 

Charles ‘Chuck’ Wirick

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 17, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 1015 E. Del Webb Blvd., for Charles “Chuck” Wirick, Director of Music at St. John and a maestro for local choruses for 25 years.

Chuck Wirick died March 4 at Sun City Center Hospice House following prolonged illnesses.  He was 73.

He chose the hymns to be sung by the choir at his service and requested that there be no eulogies. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John the Divine Music Fund.

Following interment at St. John the Divine’s Grace Memorial Garden, a reception will be held in the church Parish Hall.

 

Victoria ‘Viki’ Lynn Yavorcik

Victoria “Viki” Lynn Yavorcik, 48, passed away at LifePath Hospice in Sun City Center, Fla., on March 1, 2016. She is survived by her mother Sandra Ross Yavorcik; stepfather Edwin Klein; and daughter Quinn Yavorcik.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center on March 17, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to C.A.R.E. Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort Inc. in Ruskin at www.careshelter.org.

Arrangements by Zipperer’s Funeral Home, Ruskin.

 

Mary Lou Zitka

Mary Lou Zitka, age 80, was born June 11, 1935, in Cisne, Ill. She passed away March 9, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. She was a former resident of Sun City Center

Mary Lou is survived by children Steve (Kim) Dreamer, Linda (Greg) Prorok, and Sheri (Don) Harris; grandchildren Angela (Mike), Christy, Brice, Graham, Jalayne and Kara; great-grandchild  James; brother Al Kiger; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Chuck Zitka, four sisters and six brothers.

Funeral services and burial were held March 12 in Omaha.