Dennis Leroy Floto
Feb. 1, 1945 – Oct 28, 2018
Dennis Leroy Floto, 73, of Murray, Utah, came into this world February 1, 1945, son of Errett James Floto and Alice Tame Floto, loving husband of Barbara Manning Floto, passed away in Sun City Center, Florida on October 28, 2018.
Dennis lived a full life offering multiple and diverse skills in various career positions. He was his parent’s first-born child and grew up as a military brat as his father was a member of the United States Air Force, stationed in various locations including Alaska, Japan and Utah. After attending Itazuke Dependent High School in Japan and a completed tour of duty overseas, the family of eight returned stateside where Dennis graduated from Granger High School in Utah. He was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
Dennis then volunteered to serve in the United States Army from April 1, 1969, to June 1974. After attending flight school he served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. He was shot down twice and received two Purple Hearts, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and several Air Medals for Valor including other awards, decorations and citations.
After receiving an honorable discharge in June 1974, he joined the Salt Lake City County Fire Department as an EMT, fire fighter and first responder. He earned an Associate Degree in Fire Safety and Investigation. He worked in this capacity for eight years then became interested in law enforcement and joined the Salt Lake City County Sheriff’s Department where he remained until his retirement in January 2001 successfully serving three years he joined the IMA Program at Hill Air Force Base in Utah serving in the 2849 SPS, 649 SPS, 75 SPS, and finally the SFS. Dennis served in two major commands, Air Force Logistics Command and Air Force Materials Command. He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant on March 1, 1998, and retired January 1, 2001. He served 31 years in the military.
His interests included the love of music, vintage films, and collecting military and emergency services memorabilia. Also, his obsession to purchase any kitchen gadget available. (REALLY)? Ya gotta love it!
All who knew Dennis enjoyed his sense of humor, his loyalty to friends, and his willingness to serve others. He loved being a grandpa!
During retirement and being no stranger to serve, Dennis volunteered as Chief and EMT for the Manhattan, Nevada Volunteer Fire Department, the Itazuke High School Alumni President, and his much-loved Sun City Center Volunteer Emergency Services where he joined in 2009 and held positions as an EMT, Assistant Captain, Captain, and Chief from 2014-2016.
Organizations Dennis belonged to included Life Memberships in DAV, VFW, American Legion, NRA, and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He was a member of the Ruskin, Florida Lodge 813 Loyal Order of Moose, Bob’s Vets, and Retired Fire Fighters in Sun City Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Errett Jr. and a daughter Stephanie. He is survived by his wife Barbara, two brothers Bryan (Sandi) Floto, Neil (Merri) Floto, two sisters Claire (David) Billings and Lisa (Pete) Shelton DeRupo. Also, his five sons and four daughters Denny (Staci) Prisbery, Mechele (Sidney) Holman, Mike (Kathryn) Floto, Jason Floto, Jennifer (Mark) Moore, Heidi (Jeramy) Stufflebeam, Tyler (Lehua) Floto, Joseph Legocki, and Anne Dixon, 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 11 a.m., at the Apollo Beach Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 5208 12th Street N.E., Apollo Beach, Florida. Graveside Services were on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, in Fernley, Nevada at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11 a.m.
Violet L. Gerry
Violet Louise Cecchin Gerry of Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida passed from this world October 26, 2018, at the age of 91. She is survived by three children, Jane Cloutier with whom she resided, Francis R. Gerry and Lisa Larenson; five grandchildren, Christopher Cloutier, Christina Guimond, Ryan Gerry, Ashten Hopkins and Camren Brown; three great-grandchildren Madeline Guimond, Haley Hopkins and Rowna Brown and many nieces and nephews and her beloved rescue dog Gypsy.
Violet was born in Neauchef, France to Attillio and Anna Cecchin. As a young child she was personally affected when she witnessed the hanging of Mussolini and her sister being arrested by the Nazis. She met the love of her life Francis Gerry during World War II, becoming a war bride and relocating to Saco, Maine. She was fluent in Parisienne French, Italian and German, but taught herself to read and write English. In 1954 she became an American citizen. She worked nights in the mills in order to be able to run her hot dog stand at Bay View Beach and Gerry’s Cabins. She was famous for her spaghetti dinners once a week where they would have all the cottage customers bring out their tables and line them up on the lawn, end to end, and serve them dinner.
In 1999 they moved to Kings Point, Sun City Center, Florida, an active adult community. She became known as an ambassador of greeting new people and making sure they were included in events. She was a member of many clubs including the New England Club, Italian Club and Bocchi Ball Club. She was known for her love of dance, the first up and last to sit. She won prizes for her Halloween costumes and golfcart decorating and her flowers.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years in 2007, her brother Romano Cecchin, sister Lena Lo Re and son-in-law James Cloutier. All who knew her will sadly miss her. Private services will be held in Maine during the summer.
James Piscatello
May 23, 1932 – October 26, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of James Piscatello, 86, formerly of Johnstown, Pa., announce he peacefully passed away at home in Sun City Center, Fla. on October 26, 2018.
James retired after 33 years of service at Bethlehem Steel. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years Jean (Stormer) Piscatello. His children (late Daughter) Rose Jean Piscatello, (daughter) Darlene wife of Stephen Silvestri, (son) James husband of Nancy (Kris) Piscatello. His grandchildren Erika, Lauren, Taylor, Jamee and Anthony. His great-grandsons Jayce and Aiden.
James was preceded in death by his daughter Rose Jean, parents Vito and Rose (Abbruscato) Piscatello, brothers and sisters. James’ wish was a private cremation service, which was held October 29, 2018.
Betsy W. Sands
Betsy W. Sands, 97, formerly of Kingston, Pa., and Sun City Center, passed away November 2, 2018, at the home of her daughter in Landenberg, Pa. She was preceded in death by her husband John R. Sands. She is survived by her daughter Caryn S. Robertson (Ken), son John R. Sands Jr., grandchildren Catherine Hatton, Rebekah Welch (Steven), Christopher and David Sands, and two great-grandchildren, Jesse and Elena Hatton.
Betsy was an avid golfer who had many holes-in-one in her lifetime. She loved needlework of all kinds and was a voracious reader. Much heartfelt thanks to Mom’s friend Patti who stayed in touch by telephone for the almost nine years that Mom lived with us. The family thanks Heartland Hospice of Chadd’s Ford, Pa. for all of their attention and tender care during Betsy’s final two months of life.
Mary Ann Shockley
Mary Ann Shockley, 93, of Sun City Center passed away October 30. She was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana where she was an elementary school educator. She received her Master of Arts degree from Butler University, graduating Cum Laude. She was a solo ringer of English hand bells, a member of the women’s chorus and the St. Andrew and Friends choir, and an award-winning artist.
Mary Ann is survived by her children, Susan Roberts (Joe) of Sun City Center and Jim Shockley of Corydon, Indiana.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1239 W. Del Webb in Sun City Center.
Vito Turchiarelli
Vito (Vic) Turchiarelli, age 92, died peacefully on October 27, 2018. Vic was born and lived most of his life in Buffalo, N.Y. until he moved to Sun City Center in 2010 to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. A veteran of World War II, Vic is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carmela; children Lynn (Moises) of Seffner, Victor (Lynn) of Sarasota and Michael (Margaret) of Seffner; grandchildren Carmela of Ohio, Lena (Josh) of Pensacola, Dominic of Austin, Texas and Stephany of Brandon; great-grandchildren Makayla, Amiya, Liam and Conor; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Vic’s memory to: Our Lady of Hope Knights of Columbus (#3076), 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216.
Shirley Turner
Shirley Turner, age 90, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24. Born in Ohio, Shirley moved to Pinellas and graduated from St. Petersburgh High School. She met and married Bill Turner of Ruskin, and they celebrated 66 years together before his passing in 2014.
As a young mother in Tampa, Shirley taught Sunday school and volunteered with the Little League, Cub Scouts and PTA.
While enjoying retirement, she served as president of both the Ruskin Woman’s Club and a local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. With her husband Bill, Shirley enjoyed boating, fishing, sailing, taking dance lessons and membership in both Toastmasters and the Coast Guard Auxillary.
She is survived by daughter Cheryl Turner Perotti and husband Al; sons Bill Turner Jr. and wife Darlene, and David Turner and wife Arlene; four grandchildren, Mike Perotti and wife Crystal, Lisa Van Fossen and husband Pete, Nick Turner and wife Brittany, and Jennifer Macheski and husband Brian; and six great-grandchildren, Isabella and Giada Perotti, Kasen and Logan Van Fossen, and Nolan and Allison Turner.
A memorial service and reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. at the National Cremation and Burial Society, 308 E. College Ave., Ruskin, FL 33570
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Shirley and in memory of all the dear friends and family affected by this terrible disease.