K. David Burkey
K. David Burkey, age 63, from Gibsonton, Florida, born in Canton, Ohio, passed away on July 30, 2019. Gone too soon, he’s now an Angel.
Preceded in death by his mother Marilyn E. Knotts and father David F. Burkey, he is survived by two sisters: Gayle Fisler of Riverview, Florida, and Dianne Gomoll of North Port, Florida; four nieces: Marcia and Amie Fisler, Rhiannon and Tabitha Gomoll; two nephews: Gregory Fisler and Chris Burkey; three great nieces: Cheyenne and Savannah Burkey and Ah’reya Fisler; two great-nephews; Lincoln Burkey and Bently Gomoll.
He is truly missed.
Martha Dickenshied
Martha “Petey” Neumann Dickenshied, 100, of Sun City Center, passed away August 8, 2019. She is survived by loving family and friends. A memorial service is pending for the fall. Arrangements by Zipperer’s Funeral Home.
Stephen M. Lucas Sr.
Stephen M. Lucas Sr. was born December 2, 1923, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Steve was a Depression Era child. He was the youngest of eight children and, thus, got a lot of “hand me downs” from his five older brothers and two sisters. His mother sent him off to St. Michaels Grade School early in the morning, so he could serve at 7 a.m. Mass. He liked to remind us of his freezing walks in winter.
He was attending Penn State University when Pearl Harbor was attacked. In 1943, as part of the Greatest Generation, he joined the Army Signal Corps and was assigned to Signal Intelligence School at the University of Minnesota. It was there that he met and married Gloria Swartout, the love of his life. While in the Army, he served in Egypt, India and behind enemy lines in China.
When the war ended, he returned home and began a highly successful sales career with the American Sterilizer Co., a major supplier of hospital equipment. He had both national and, since he spoke five languages, international sales territories.
Steve, who passed on at the age of 95, was predeceased in death by his wife of 68 years, Gloria, whom he lovingly and devotedly cared for during her long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, and by his son, Thomas Mark, who died in a tragic automobile accident at age 16. Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking, golf and family gatherings.
He is survived by Stephen Lucas Jr. (Sheri), Deborah Lehrer (Richard), Eileen Lucas, Natalie Dzuricky (Bill), Peter Lucas (Amy) and a niece, Nancy Arndt.
“Papa” was always interested in mentoring his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they were growing into special people. He recited a Croatian rhyme to tickle the little ones. He also took great pleasure leading the older children in a Croatian Christmas blessing. Thank you, Papa, for all you have shared with us, and may God’s peace be with you.