Michael L. Crotts
Michael L. Crotts got his wings from God on Dec. 30, 2019, and went to be with Him.
His young life started on Nov. 30, 1962, in Raleigh, NC. He was a blessing to all who knew him. He was an avid golfer, working at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Country Club of Charleston. He moved to St. Petersburg, FL, his senior year and graduated from Northeast High School.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Crotts of Ruskin, FL. He is survived by his mother, Gail Crotts of Sun City Center, FL; his children, Kelsey Crotts and Brittany Crotts of SC; siblings, Dale Crotts, Robert Crotts and Carmen Harbour of St. Petersburgh, FL.
A celebration of life will be held at the Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin, FL, on Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. In honor of my son, please make a donation in his name to Sober Living America.
Rhoda Chase Curtiss
Rhoda Chase Curtiss, born Rhoda Lee Chase and affectionately known as Pidge, age 85, died due to complications of congestive heart failure on November 26, 2019, in Wilmington, DE.
Pidge was born September 26, 1934, in Auburn, NY, to Claude Frederick Chase and Florence Harwick Chase and was raised in the family home in Aurora, NY. She graduated from Emily Howland School and later SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. Pidge taught elementary grades in the Ithaca School District from 1955 to 1981, retiring early, but continued substitute teaching until 1994.
Pidge married Peter Andrew Curtiss in 1955, and together they lived in Etna, NY, until 1994, when Peter retired. It was then that the two moved to their second home in Tupper Lake, NY, — where they had owned property since 1966 — and enjoyed hiking, canoeing, gardening, bird watching, and preserving the natural history of the Adirondacks. Keeping busy with “Tupper” projects was always a constant, as they acquired additional camps that they opened to friends and family over the years.
In 2002, Pidge and Peter set down southern roots in Sun City Center, FL, where they lived seasonally, and, eventually, permanently in 2009. The two were members of the United Community Church in Tupper Lake, NY, and United Church of Christ in SCC, FL, as well as Rotary, Audubon Society, and many other organizations.
Pidge is survived by younger brother, Robert Chase, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
No matter where Pidge was, she was active in her community and carried with her a genuine, generous spirit. Everyone who knew Pidge will appreciate that the best way to honor her memory is to be kind to neighbors and give back to your community in whatever way possible. Her family hopes you will help carry on her legacy this way and if so moved, make a donation to a charity of your own choosing.
Pidge will be buried beside Peter at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL.
“Every day is beautiful, only the weather changes,” (handwritten note found on Pidge’s refrigerator).
Marion Duick
Peacefully on January 7, Marion (Scrimenti) Duick, 83, passed away at her home in Sun City Center, FL.
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, she grew up in Iselin, NJ. Marion was a prolific reader, possessed a bright witty mind and a flare for creative writing. She was a 1954 Top of Class graduate at Woodbridge (NJ) High School and earned National Honor Society recognition in her junior and senior years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Linda Scrimenti. Marion is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Duick, Jr.; daughter Cynthia and husband Whit Baker, of Boca Raton, FL; son Gregory and wife DiAnn Duick; and grandson Nicholas of Lancaster, PA.
Marion was a dedicated Air Force spouse and meticulous home maker whose pride was her family. Always together, Marion and Bill lived in various places around the world. From Minot, ND, while serving in the Air Force to working assignments while Bill was employed by Armstrong World Industries to Montreal, Canada; Darlington, England; Lancaster, PA; and eventually enjoying retirement in Sun City Center since 1998.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on February 1, at 11 a.m., (which is the couple’s 62nd wedding anniversary) at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, FL 33573.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Hanson Services, Inc., especially Lupita, LaLa and Sam, for their love and attention shown to Marion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Prince of Peace at the above address (www.popcc.org) or LifePath Hospice, 4200 W Cypress Street, Suite 690, Tampa, FL 33607 (www.chaptershealth.org/hospice). Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.
