Alene Napier Colwell
Alene Napier Colwell passed peacefully in the arms of her Lord Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 7:07 p.m. Alene was married to the love of her life James Colwell in Liberty, Ind. on August 29, 1953. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August of this year.
Alene was born on April 8, 1936, in Leslie County, Ky. She resided in Hamilton, Ohio most of her life until she retired to the Apollo Beach/Ruskin area. She was retired from Avon Products in Springdale, Ohio. She leaves behind three daughters, four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her dear sister Wilma Hamilton of Ruskin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother. She was a member of the South Hillsborough Church of Christ in Ruskin. Alene had a large family and was loved by all. She loved to cook for everyone and enjoyed her politics. Special thanks to all her nurses and doctors at Tampa General Hospital for their kindness and compassion. Services are pending at her church.
Bobby B. Helmer
Bobby B. Helmer, age 92, of Sun City Center, Fla., passed away Monday, November 5, 2018, at Hospice House in Sun City Center, Fla. He was born March 31, 1926, in Dayton, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Preceded in death was wife Doris of 65 years, his youngest son Jeffery, and brother Fred Brucker. He is survived by two children, Steve Helmer (Linda) of Ruskin and Cindy Ward (Bob) of Sun City Center; sister Myra Kegley (Bill) of New Carlisle, Ohio; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and family and many friends. At Bobby’s request, there will be no services.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Lifepath Hospice and Palliative Care, 1647 Sun City Center Plaza,SCC, FL 33573. Special thanks to nurses and aides from the Hospice Green Team.
Anthony R. Maio
Anthony R. Maio passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018. He was a resident of Aston Gardens Assisted Living in Sun City Center, Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years Norma Maio, his children Carl (Rita), Norma M. Tignanelli (James), Lisa N. Kane (Eugene), eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one brother Carl R. Maio. Tony was predeceased by his parents, Carlo E. and Theresa Maio and one brother, Charles P. Maio.
Known as Tony throughout his life, he was born on February 29, 1924, in Grimaldi, Italy. As a young child Tony came to the United States and the family settled in Lancaster, Pa. While attending St. Anthony’s and Lancaster Catholic High School, he was known for his kindness and generosity. He had a profound sense of faith. Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Tony was a corpsman with the 84th Seabees, the USS Orizaba, and the USS Los Angeles. He was a Petty Officer First Class and was awarded numerous honors of commendation and medals.
Tony earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Millersville University and went on to teach at the William Tennent High School, Centennial School District, in Bucks County, Pa. for 38 years. He furthered his education with several advanced degrees including a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy. He believed the profession of teaching was his way of touching the future.
Upon retirement, Tony and Norma moved to Florida where they remained active in the community and enjoyed international travel. Tony was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus for 70 years, volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 22 years and participated in numerous other endeavors contributing to the community.
Tony had a profound respect for family and faith. He was a man of quiet responsibility and principled determination. Character and courage defined his life. His has been a life well lived.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Aston Gardens Assisted Living and Life Path Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road #300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Grace Hays Reese
Grace Hays Reese, age 98, died on November 1, 2018, in Simsbury, Connecticut.
Grace was born to Norman B. and Harriet Sage Hays near Calgary, Alberta, Canada, while her American parents and grandparents were ranching on the Canadian prairie. After a move to the Oregon coast, the family returned to the East for her father to study optometry.
Grace grew up as the oldest, with five younger brothers in the New York state western tier, graduating from Youngstown High School. She attended a small liberal arts college in Hiram, Ohio before returning to work in her father’s practice. She enjoyed horseback riding and was a strong swimmer.
Grace married Merle W. Reese on June 1, 1940, at the Youngstown Presbyterian Church with a reception at her family home. Merle and Grace lived several places in New York State before moving in 1948 to Plattsburgh, where they raised their four children. As the children grew, Grace started back to college at Plattsburgh State (now SUNY Plattsburgh), which was conveniently located on the next block from their home.
Two years after WPTZ TV came on the air, Grace spent several years hosting and producing a live afternoon television show, “Hospitality House.” She arranged for the guests and did on-air interviews, cooking demonstrations and commercials. When she finished her undergraduate and then master’s degrees, she joined the Plattsburgh State faculty in Home Economics Education and then as Foreign Student Advisor.
Upon retirement, Merle and Grace embarked on restoring old houses in Essex and Westport, in Essex County, New York. They enjoyed traveling abroad and began spending winters in Florida, first in Ocala, then Sun City Center for nearly 30 years. Grace moved North in 2011 to be nearer her children. Grace enjoyed golf and won championships at both her northern and southern courses. Grace also enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and keeping up with current events and national politics. She was an active member of her Unitarian Universalists group in Florida where she was president of the group twice. She was accomplished at clothing design, tailoring, construction and also knitting.
Merle and Grace had 55 wonderful years of marriage before his death in 1995. Grace is also predeceased by brothers David, Paul, Jim and Sidney Hays.
She is survived by her children Paul Reese (Bonnie Lichter) of New York City and Port Henry, N.Y.; Marcia Reese (Skip Smith) of Jericho, Vt.; Gail Westenfeld of West Suffield, Conn.; and Sarah Hussa (Rick) of Queensbury, N.Y.; and by nine grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Harry Brownson “Brownie” Hays.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.