Ronald Browning
Ronald Lee Browning of Sun City Center, born September 10, 1950, in Arlington, Va., passed away February 9, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife Donna, six children, many grandchildren and a sister and brother.
Ron enjoyed several hobbies, including coin collecting, metal detecting, cruising, visiting flea markets, art and memorabilia from his favorite periods of history. His fondness for history led him to founding and leading The Friends of History group, meeting at Kings Point Clubhouse. He believed the words of Winston Churchill, “A nation that forgets its past, has no future,” which gave him his passion to share his love of history with others.
Due to COVID restrictions, meetings are postponed, and, hopefully will resume as soon as possible. For information regarding club meetings, email Friends of History Group27@gmail.com/.
Alease Bryant
Alease “Anne” Bryant, 78, passed away Feb. 27, 2021, in the care of hospice, after a life well lived.
She was born in Hopewell, Va., September 9, 1942, to Joseph and Alease Benyi. Anne grew up and went to school in Phoenix, Ariz., before moving to Oregon and attending nursing school. She worked as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit for many years before switching to medical transcription the last 10 years of her career. She lived in Virginia, Arizona, Oregon and Texas before retiring in Sun City Center, Fla., with her husband, Ed Bryant, who spoiled her in her remaining years.
One of two children, Anne is survived by her brother, Eric Benyi and his wife Janie of Jacksonville, Fla.; a son, Daniel Graves of Homestead, Fla.; a daughter, Meg Allocco of Springfield, Ore.; as well as her loving husband, Ed Bryant of Sun City Center. She had two grandchildren, Michelle Guarino of Tampa and Joel Graves of Eugene, Ore.; cousins Ann Bristol and Judy Fletcher also survive her. As a result of her marriage to Ed Bryant, she was blessed with his eight children as well.
Anne loved traveling, first by sailboat in her younger years and then by RV where she and Ed spent a couple years living in their RV, traveling across the country. She loved going on cruises, taking road trips to visit relatives, sightseeing and playing cards with her friends. Her adventurous spirit, sense of humor and love will be greatly missed.
James Joseph Harkins IV
Sept. 5, 1935 – March 2, 2021
Jim Harkins, 85, of Sun City Center, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The son of an Irish immigrant, born in Atlantic City, N.J., he joined the US Air Force in 1954, dedicating 20 years of service to national defense assignments. In that role he served as an expert in Aerospace Control and Warning Systems with a final assignment as German-American liaison to civilian and various military intelligence agencies in the Fulda Gap under the aegis of the US/EURO 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. During his last assignment in Fulda, Germany, he met the love of his life, Christa, and remained in Germany for 26 years. After the military, he joined 3M company and retired as European manager, Military Engineer Markets and SHAPE/NATO relations.
Jim and Christa moved to Sun City Center, Fla., in 1994, where he served the community in various positions: Community Association director, Hillsborough History Review Board, Tampa Bay History Center trustee, County Library Board, Elderly Affairs Advisory Council, 4th degree member Knights of Columbus, Florida State historian for the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in America, and as representative of the AOH National Board in Ireland. Jim founded the Florida Catholic Heritage Trail and the Southshore Roundtable. He was a guest lecturer on Irish history at USF and authored a book on Irish Medieval history. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City Center; Caloosa Country Club; United German American Society of Florida and Fuldaer Karneval- Gesellschaft (FKG). He is preceded in death by his wife, Christa Martha Thuenken; and survived by his sons, James J. Harkins V and Rene Erich Harkins; his daughter, Gail Youngman; brother, Peter Harkins; sister, Nancy Harkins Cahill; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City Center. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cancer Research Institute at https://fundraise.cancerresearch.org/James-Harkins or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at http://support.pancan.org/goto/James-Harkins.
Carl D. Kalberer
Carl D. “Don” Kalberer peacefully passed away on Feb. 23, 2021, at the age of 90. Beloved father of Dave (Rosalind), Ken and Keith (Tracy) Kalberer; and proud grandfather of Erica and Eva Kalberer, he is further survived by other loving relatives and dear friends.
Born in West Branch, Mich., on November 5, 1930, to Carl and Mildred Kalberer, Don was their only child. After divorcing Don’s father, Mildred married Art Dixon, who instilled in Don a strong work ethic and provided mechanical skills on the family’s dairy farm. After his high school graduation, his Aunt Helen and Uncle Westie gave Don the option of moving in with them and their paying for his college education rather than his staying on and working the family farm. He attended the University of Miami, earning a business degree. It was Uncle Westie who taught Don the value of money, how to invest wisely and save for the future.
After graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, when he met a young school teacher who would become the love of his life, Martha “Marty” Lee Johns. They married on June 27, 1953. After his service, Don reconnected with his half-brother, Joe Waite, 10 years his senior, who provided Don with the business acumen that allowed Don to earn a successful living as General Sales Manager for the Heil Company for nearly 40 years.
Don’s burgeoning career required him and Marty to move the family often as the company opened new locations. Their eldest son Dave was born in Montgomery, Ala., in 1957; their middle son Ken was born in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1959; and their youngest child Keith was born in Meridian, Miss., in 1962. The Kalberer family finally laid roots in Whitefish Bay, Wis., where all three boys graduated from high school and the University of Wisconsin. Despite having to travel all over the world for his job, Don always attended and/or volunteered for his sons’ activities, be it a musical performance, athletic contest or school program.
After 18 years in Wisconsin, Don and Marty made their last work move to Florence, Ala., where he later retired and began his volunteer work for the American Red Cross. For more than a decade, Don traveled to disaster sites across America, including several weeks in New York City after 9/11, providing comfort and care to people in need. Don was recognized by the American Red Cross of Northwest Alabama for his work, both locally and nationally.
After Marty was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Don returned with her to Milwaukee for care and to be near their two granddaughters, Erica and Eva. Don lost Marty after a 15-month battle and returned to the South to be close to his friends and former co-workers in Tampa, Fla. He enjoyed 10 years of the southern life before Alzheimer’s took another victim. Don passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2021, and is remembered fondly for his kindness, giving-nature, selflessness and dedication by family, friends and co-workers throughout the places he lived.
The family will hold a private service in Tampa, Fla., where Don lived his final years. The family would like to thank the staff at Aston Gardens, especially Susan Scott and Candise Brown, for their compassion and care during Don’s final years. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Carl Kalberer would be gratefully accepted.
Robert Knox
Robert “Bob” Knox of Sun City Center passed away on May 27, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife Karolyn, four children, six granddaughters, five great-grandchildren, one brother, one sister and their spouses. Preceded in death by his parents and sister.
Bob was born and raised in Saginaw, Mich., and spent his entire career as an engineer at Honeywell Corporation in Mpls. Bob had a flair for the dramatic and appeared in plays, sang in various choirs, as well as being a regular at the Karaoke bars. He loved reading, putzing around on the computer, doing Sudoku and hanging out with friends. He was very approachable and warm with a great sense of humor and quick wit. He loved traveling and spending time with his wife and extended family and friends.
Memorial service will be held on March 19, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1250 E. College Avenue, Ruskin, FL 33570. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Calvary Capital Appeal or Life Path Hospice House, Sun City Center.
Neil J. Montello
Neil Joseph “Joe” Montello, 76, of Apollo Beach, Fla., formerly of Wilmington, Del.; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Pittsburgh, Pa., passed away on March 6, 2021. Joe graduated from the Archmere Academy, class of 1962. He was a medical manager at Hewlett Packard for many years, and was a bus driver for Lenzer and Hopewell school district. Joe was an avid fisherman and reader, particularly crossword puzzles. He enjoyed playing golf and volunteering at Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Joe is survived by his wife Kathy, of 53 years; children: Karen (Paul) Puglielli, Sharon (David) Silk and Michael (Christina) Montello; grandchildren: Francis, Nicholas, Juliana and Lydia Puglielli; Ryan and Taylor Silk; and Madison, Mason, Griffin and Skylar Montello; and sisters, Kathryn (Vincent) Corbino and Joan Montello.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 10 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin, FL 33570. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Anne Conference, 106 11th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33570.
Charlotte O’Neill
Charlotte O’Neill, 85, of Sun City Center, died March 1, 2021, at Life Path Hospice House. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, James. She was a loving mother to Karen (Larry) Smith of Cookeville, Tenn.; Bryan (Stacey) O’Neill of Riverview, Fla.; Eileen Sprentall of Palm Harbor, Fla.; James (Candida) O’Neill of Holly Springs, N.C.; and Maryann O’Neill of Apollo Beach, Fla.
She loved her grandchildren: Shannon (James) Roberto, Robert Sprentall, Ashley Sprentall, Shaun Sprentall, Ian O’Neill, Owen O’Neill, and Brennan O’Neill; and her great-grandchildren: Levi Bezweichin and Ruby Roberto. She is survived by her siblings: Ruth Popham Klinger, Richard (Lynda) Hilser, Carol Holze and Nancy O’Connor. She was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Eleanor (Schauer) Hilser; siblings: Edwin Hilser, Eleanor ‘Sue’ Perri, Eugenia ‘Jean’ Strahle, June Gill, Vincent Hilser, Claire McNamara, Peter Hilser, Eugene ‘Skip’ Hilser, Katherine Nuzarro; and granddaughter, Aubrey O’Neill.
She was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., and attended Blessed Sacrament School. After marriage in 1955, they moved to Copiague, N.Y. When her five children were young, the family then moved to Clearwater, Fla., until Jim retired. She has resided in Sun City Center since 1988. She was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
Margaret (Margo) Pelliccio
A Tournament Lawn Bowler Margaret (Margo) Pelliccio passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. She was born on April 27, 1943, in Manhattan, NY.
She grew up in N.Y. City and later worked at New York University. Her first husband, a fighter pilot, was shot down during the Vietnam war. Margo remarried George Smith and had a son, Christopher. She lost George suddenly. In June 1988 Margo was married to Alexander N. Pelliccio until her passing.
Shortly after marriage, the Pelliccio’s moved to Pinehurst, N.C.; and were introduced to lawn bowling. They were very involved in the sport and became tournament players. They traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Scotland. Margo will be missed by so many as she was always there for everyone.
Margo is survived by her husband of 33 years, Alexander of Sun City Center, Fla.; her son, Christopher of Pinehurst N.C.; brother Edward and wife Carol, her stepchildren, Nicholas, Darlene, Alexander and Joseph; four granddaughters; and seven nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Margo’s name to First Health Hospice house or the American Cancer Society.
Claire A Smith
Claire A Smith (nee Gravel) of Sun City Center, Fla., died after a short illness on March 4, 2021. She was born in 1922 in Lawrence, Mass., to J. Elphage Gravel and Alma (Gervais) Gravel. Claire moved to Washington, D.C. in 1942 to work toward the World War II effort. Claire was married in 1948 to Lee Mason Smith until his death in 1962. They lived in Edgewater, Md.
Claire began work in the Panama Canal Administration but moved to the United Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRA), which provided food and other necessities to those in the displaced person camps after the war. This effort was discontinued in 1947. Claire then moved to the US Postal Service as a translator. She studied at American University and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Claire worked for the International division of the Postal Service and lived and worked in Europe, Asia and South America until her retirement in 1979.
Federal Service ended with her retirement, but she continued to work at the Maryland House of Delegates and volunteered as a costume and set designer for various summer theaters in Annapolis, Md. Claire moved to Sun City Center in 1996, where she was active in the Sew and Sews and TOPS.
Claire was predeceased by her sister, Terry (Gravel) Gervais. Claire has cousins in New England, Montreal and Ottawa (Canada). Her cousin, Lynne Murphy, and husband, Donald James, may be contacted for further information. No services are planned at this time due to COVID-19. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date as the virus permits.
Thanks to the staff at Aston Gardens for making the last few years of Claire’s life so happy and to Sun City Center Funeral Home who is assisting with details of Claire’s death.
Robert D. Smith
Robert “Bob” D. Smith, 78, of Sun City, Fla., and formerly of Mayville and Clymer, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Ruskin, Fla., with family at his side.
He was born May 22, 1942, in Corry, Pa., the son of the late Ralph Dean and Doris Janet Querreveld Smith.
Bob was a 1960 graduate of Clymer Central School. He worked as the head custodian for Mayville Central School, retiring in 1995, and also owned and operated Rosie’s Posies Flower Shop in Mayville with his wife Judy. Bob was also the winter Youth Recreation director for the Town of Chautauqua.
He is a life member of the Mayville Fire Department, a social member of the Mayville VFW Post 8647, and a past trustee member for the Village of Mayville. He enjoyed all sports and time with friends and family.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Judy M. Nelson Smith, whom he married April 4, 1960, in Warren, Pa.; a son, David N. (Monica) Smith, of Sun City, Fla.; three step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be no services at this time. A memorial graveside service will be held in the Mina Cemetery in the summer at the convenience of the family and a small memorial service will be held this spring in Florida.
To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com/.
Joyce Ann Watters
Joyce Ann Watters, age 94, formerly of Brandon, Vt., passed away peacefully at Sun Terrace in Sun City Center, Fla., on February 9, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born in Hyde Park, Vt., on Oct. 30th, 1926, to Norman and Mildred (Hooker) Black. She grew up in Hyde Park and graduated salutatorian from Lamoille Central Academy in the class of 1943. She then attended the Fay Business School in Boston, Mass. Relocating to Brandon, she began working at the Ayrshire Breeders Assoc. It was there in Brandon where she met the love of her life, Chester (Chet) Watters. They were married on June 1, 1946, and spent 66 wonderful years together until his passing on Oct. 17th, 2012. Affectionately nicknamed “Gert” by Chet, they traveled all over the United States before settling in Sun City Center.
Joyce was a stay-at-home Mom until all of her children were in school. She then reentered the work force and became the office manager for the Vocational Rehabilitation Office in Brandon, where she played an integral part in the success of the program.
Joyce was involved in many activities outside of work. While her children were in school, she was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and active member of the PTO. She was in many Brandon Community Activities, the Brandon Players, where she showed her acting skills along with her beautiful singing voice. She was also in the Garden Club, the Monday Club, D.A.R. and heavily involved in Eastern Star, Lady Shrine and other related organizations; was an avid golfer at Neshobe Country Club; and became a Hospice Volunteer. She and Chet loved to entertain and held many parties for friends and family. She loved to cook and even tried her hand at wine making. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a good joke.
Joyce is survived by two sons, David Watters of Windham, Maine, and Donald Watters and his partner, Julie Brown, of Bristol, Vt.; two daughters, Linda Dolan of Claremont, N.H. and Suzi Watters of Brandon; her sister, Judith Chase of Concord, N.H.; two grandchildren, Amanda (John) Ewell of Hutto, Texas, and Jason (Shamyra) Watters of Salem, N.Y.; five great grandchildren: Aiden and Avery Ewell, Hayley Watters, MacKenzie (Dalton) Morgan and Jayden Watters. Besides her parents and husband, she was pre deceased by her brother, John Black; brother in law, Jonathan Chase; and a son in law, Ben Dolan.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, followed by a graveside committal service and burial in the family lot at the Forest Dale Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller and Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
