HAYHURST à Karen Susan Hayhurst passed away after her battle with cancer on January 27, 2012 at Hospice in Hollywood, Florida, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her older sister, Rosemary Barefoot of Port St. Lucie, Fl. (formerly a resident of Tavernier), her brother, Stephen Steinbock of Tavernier, two daughters, Stephanie Fisher of Hollywood, Fl. and Merilee Kern of San Diego, Ca., three grandchildren Jonathan Fisher and Mason and Devyn Kern, two nephews, Steven and Dean Vegliante, and their children and her husband, Dennis Hayhurst. A native New Yorker, Karen lived most of her adult life in the Fort Lauderdale area, visiting the Keys frequently to see her sister and brother and husband's sister, Pat Ring. Karen loved all animals. Cats, dogs, birds and reptiles and other creatures were frequent members of her household. A memorial service was held on Sunday, February 19th at the home of friends in Ft. Lauderdale, officiated by her brother Stephen and attended by her family and many friends.
↧
HAYHURST
↧
SMITH
SMITH à Margaret O. Smith of Islamorada, Fl., passed away February 20, 2012 in Baptist Hospital, Miami after a short illness. Margaret (Pegie) was born in West Palm Beach, Fl., March 1, 1937 and lived there all her life until moving first to Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Fl., just south of Daytona Beach, in 1997, and then to Islamorada in 2006. She was educated at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach. Pegie retired in 1992 as a Vice President of Merrill Lynch after 35 years in the Palm Beach office of Merrill Lynch. Originally married to Robert Hathaway in 1954, Pegie had four children; Kathy (deceased 1975), Cheryl, Robert and Mark. She is survived by her second husband, Donald Smith, and four step children; Lyndsey, Laura, Peter and Thomas. There are also lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren coming along behind her. Pegie's parents were Betty Edwards Binkley and Bernard Michael O'Rourke who named her Margaret Frey O'Rourke and who both are deceased. Pegie also has an uncle John Binkley. Pegie and her husband Donald traveled by plane, cruise ship and freighter to many corners of the world especially after their retirement together in 1992. It's a great world but she felt there was nothing better than the USA. Pegie went down a long happy path and never found anybody she couldn't like and we are happy we could share her. A small group of her children and her husband will place her ashes out in the ocean and the Gulf Stream which she loves so much and where Kathy, her daughter, went.
↧
↧
GASSLER
GASSLER à Marie T. Gassler, 81 of Dade City, FL passed away Sunday, February 26, 2012 at her home under the care of HPH Hospice. She was born February 20, 1931 in Floral Park, NY to John & Margaret Mannion Schwencke and moved to this area 3 years ago from Islamorada, FL. She was a homemaker and attended the St. Leo Abbey Church. She is survived by her husband of 62 years: John H. Gassler; 9 children: John H. Gassler (Ellen), Abaline, TX, James L. Gassler (Laura), Martinsburg, WV, Joseph P. Gassler (Lorie), North Las Vegas, NV, Maureen A. Nokes (Jeffery), Smithville, TN, Marie C. Evans (David), Decatur, TX, Therese M. Reid (Jeffery), Murfreesboro, TN, Paul T. Gassler (Caryl), Rosemount, MN, Mary N. Bunch (John), Albuquerqure, NM, Christopher J. Gassler (Lori), Dallas, TX; brother: John A. Schwencke, Tampa, FL; son-in-law: Miles Drenth, Seminole, FL; sister-in-law: Sarah G. Schwencke, Orlando, FL; 27 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Mary K. Drenth. à Funeral services will be held 10am Thursday, March 1, 2012 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. The family will receive friends for viewing from 6-8pm Wednesday evening at the 301 Chapel of Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in her memory to either St. Leo Abbey Church, St. Anthony of Padua Church or HPH Hospice. Hodges Family Funeral Home www.hodgesfuneralhome.com
↧
WILSON
WILSON à (Sammy) Ruth A. Wilson 86, passed away peacefully at the Melech Hospice House in Tampa, Fl. on Friday, 11/18/2011. Born 8/20/1925 in Atlanta Ga., preceeded in eternal life by her parents Sanford and Ruth Asher, sister Jeryl Stubbs and husband Edward Wilson. Survived by her children Sandy Wilson of Miami, Jane Orr of Key Largo, and Tina Callen of Tampa. Grandchildren, James, Jenifer, Brandon, Rachel, Erik, Mandy, Spencer, Griffin, and Sammy, Great grandchildren, Brandon, Dillon, Silas, Asa, and Sadie Formerly of Miami, Ruth spent summers in Sanibel and the Florida Keys to finally make Key Largo her home. She retired from the Dade County School Board, and worked at Coulter Electronics in Plantation Key. The last years of her life were in downtown St. Petersburg Fl. Her love of the water and beachcombing has been passed on to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed life and will truly be missed by her family and friends. A celebration of life will be held in Key Largo March 18, 2012, Contact family for details.
↧
THOMPSON
THOMPSON à Frank Alton Thompson, age 52. Murfreesboro, Tn, formerly a Big Bine Key resident. Passed away on 03-06-2012 from Cardiac failure. Born 04-23-1959 in Key West, Fl. Parents were Clyde Alton Thompson and Marcella Elizabeth Hinde-Thompson. He was a bachelor who graduated high school in Marathon. FL Class of 1977, and lived his life a true Conch, always willing to help a friend and aid a companion. Survived by one brother Hersel E. Thompson, too many nephews and nieces to mention. Predeceased by siblings: Clyde Allen, Thomas Leroy, Walter Harry, and parents. No Service is planned, at his request. W.O.W. Game on"
↧
↧
COOKSON
COOKSON William E. Pete Cookson. Born 6/16/1928, passed away March 11, 2012 of complications from pneumonia and dementia. à He was born in Canonsburg, PA to Charles and Ella (O'Herron) Cookson; preceeded in death by brothers Charles, John and Robert Cookson, and sisters Dorothy Cookson and Mary Hellen (Cookson) Hollinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy; son Michael of Marathon, Fl.; daughter Michelle of Tampa, Fl; and many nieces and nephews. àPete was a coach, teacher and administrator during his 28 years with Miami-Dade Schools. An avid fishermen, diver and boater, he spent his retirement years traveling, relaxing ad enjoying life in the Florida Keys. àHis generous smile and loving heart will be missed by his family and many friends. à In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Florida Keys. à My soul is full of longing For the secret of the sea And the heart of the great ocean Sends a thrilling pulse through me Longfellow.
↧
BAKER
BAKER à Will Henry Baker, Jr. (Billy), 80, died in his home surrounded by his M.A.R.C. House family on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Billy had lived in the Keys all of his life. After the passing of his father, Will Baker Sr. and his brother George Baker, Billy moved from the Upper Keys and began living in the MARC Windsor Group Home. Being a true Conch, Billy had many friends and relatives in the Keys. Billy left behind many friends at MARC and in the community, which remember him fondly for his kind heart, wonderful spirit and love of opera. An informal service and celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 23rd at 9:00AM at St Mary's Basilica Catholic Church in Key West. Refreshments will follow the celebration at the Rainbow Caf, 1401 Seminary Street In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to M.A.R.C. Inc. Box 428 Key West, Fl. 33041.
↧
SIMONS
SIMONS àJerry Simons of Port Antigua passed away on March 17, 2012. He was 82 years old. He came to Miami in 1948 to attend the University of Miami where he discovered a love of fishing in the Keys. He recalled past days when there was a toll station at the Channel Two Bridge and it cost 75 cents to continue on to Key West. àSimons was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1929. He graduated from Oak Park High where he played football. He often said the game was different then, as the team wore leather helmets without face guards. àHe majored in Journalism at the University of Miami, graduating in 1953. He worked in Miami at United Press and later was a news cameraman for Channel Four under Ralph Renick. He also worked at WCKT when Wayne Fariss was the anchorman. àHe was the Photographic Director for the Florida Development Commission and was assigned to former Governor Claude Kirk as his personal photographer. àSimons turned to freelance photography in 1973 and did assignments for Eastman Kodak, Chrysler, U.S. Steel, and other national clients. à He was a great admirer of Ansel Adams and attended several classes that Adams held for advanced photographic students. Simons used this experience with Adams to shoot food ads and large format layouts for banks, hotels, and other clients. àWhen he and his wife Mary settled in the Keys, he was able to continue his love of fishing and became a certified fly-fishing instructor. He was a lifetime ham radio operator, with friends all over the world. He had a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. He was brave even in the hardest times of his illness. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a dedicated father, fisherman, photographer, friend, and a fine pianist -- an all-around lovable, gentle soul. àHe was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary R. Simons, and is survived by two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Mariners Hospital staff and Lee Thompson cared for him so lovingly. The family is grateful for their part in his peace.
↧
WOOD
WOOD à Jeffrey William Wood , 51, took flight to heavenly realms and joined his departed family on March 9, 2012. Jeff died peacefully in his sleep in Harbor Springs, Michigan. àJeff was a graduate of Northrop University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He held a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Sciences and flew both domestically and internationally as a personal pilot for James K. Dobbs III. His passion for learning also made him a great flight instructor who is fondly remembered by his many students. Though Jeff was a native of Memphis, Tennessee and resident of Germantown, he often worked in Harbor Springs, Michigan and Vero Beach, Florida where he had many close friends and colleagues. Jeff remained a bachelor but embraced everyone he knew with warmth, humor and genuine hospitality. He was the Captain of our hearts. àHe is survived by his father, William Wood of Tavernier, Florida; brother, Mark Wood of Richmond, Virginia; and sister Anne Brinkley of Hillsborough, North Carolina. An extended family of his co-pilots, including his cousin Allen Wood of Islamorada, Florida share this loss and help us keep our thoughts of Jeff aloft. àArrangements for a family memorial service in Tavernier, Florida, are pending.
↧
↧
TAYLOR
TAYLOR àCrystal Taylor, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2012. No services are planned at this time.
↧
BAKER
BAKER à Will Henry Baker, Jr. (Billy), 80, died in his home surrounded by his M.A.R.C. House family on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Billy had lived in the Keys all of his life. After the passing of his father, Will Baker Sr. and his brother George Baker, Billy moved from the Upper Keys and began living in the MARC Windsor Group Home. Being a true Conch, Billy had many friends and relatives in the Keys. Billy left behind many friends at MARC and in the community, which remember him fondly for his kind heart, wonderful spirit and love of opera. An informal service and celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 23rd at 9:00AM at St Mary's Basilica Catholic Church in Key West. Refreshments will follow the celebration at the Rainbow Caf, 1401 Seminary Street In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to M.A.R.C. Inc. Box 428 Key West, Fl. 33041.
↧
KOVALSKY
KOVALSKY à Stephen James Kovalsky, age 82, at rest March 21, 2012. U.S. Marine Veteran, Beloved husband of the late Emily Ann Kovalsky (nee: Gruber) and loving companion of Yvonne Borden. Loving father of Stephen Paul (Barb) Kovalsky, Suzanne L. (Thomas) Schroth and the late Warren James Kovalsky. Devoted grandfather of Valerie, Andrea and Stephen Kovalsky, Bryan and Casey Schroth. Dear brother of Vilma (Andrew) Roerig. à Mr. Kovalsky received degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering and an MBA from Rutgers University and the N.J. Institute of Technology. He had a number of positions in the chemical industry, retiring in 1996 as a corporate vice president of engineering for Sun Chemical Corporation. Stephen enjoyed wintering in Marathon, Fl. after his retirement and was an active member of the Marathon Yacht Club. à Visitation Monday March 26th from 9:00 am until time of service 11:00 am at Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd. 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook. Services will conclude at the funeral home. Interment: Holy Trinity Cemetery, Perth Amboy, NJ. Memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Attn: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 or www.michaeljfox.org would be appreciated. Service information 630-325-2300 or www.adolfservices. com.
↧
HARDY
HARDY à Margaret B. Hardy, 89, died 3/20/12 at St. Anne's Nursing Center. Margaret was a loving mother and wife and enjoyed a long career in nursing. She was predeceased by her husband, John and is survived by her daughter, Ann Sandlin (Sam); niece, Kendall (Jay); great niece and nephew, Jennifer and Jayson and her dedicated, loving, extended family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center at: www.fkwbc.org
↧
↧
SPIKES
SPIKES àJames William Spikes born 12/21/1938, passed away 03/26/2012 at North Shore Hospital in Miami FL. He is survived by his wife Shirley Marie Spikes: Son James Spikes (Cassandra) of Marathon FL: Daughter Jennie Spikes of Kinston, NC: Daughter Evelyn Gaston (Raymond) of Kinston, NC; Daughter Angela Howard of Marathon FL. Also 13 grandchildren; Antoine, James Jr., Jayla, Jayden, Christopher, Andre, Sergio, Markus, Branden, Ray Jr., Donald(Cassandra G.), Johnathan and 1 Great granddaughter Shealyn Gaston. à He was preceeded in death by his parents Drew and Jaime Spikes and youngest son Donald Ashley Spikes. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.The family would like to thank Vista Hospice of Miami for the care of their loved one in his final days.
↧
MILLER-TAYLOR
MILLER-TAYLOR à Crystal Joy Miller-Taylor Jan. 12, 1963 - Mar. 15, 2012 Beloved daughter of Calvin (deceased) and Lynn Miller (nee Wycpalek). Devoted sister of Calvin (Mary), Dawn and Tara (Bill). Loving Aunt of Kayla and Kyle. à Don't compromise yourself, you're all you've got. - Janis Joplin
↧
BATES
BATES àKaren Sue Waskom of Key Largo was born on September 12, 1953, and passed away on March 15, 2012. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, James Bud Bates (who has worked with Monroe County for 20 years); her son Dale and Christi Pleamons of Stevenson, MD; 3 grand children: Lauren and Mike Vanmeter and their daughters Bella and Lizzy of Stevenson, MD; Cortney and Bob Liddy and their son Robby of AZ; Brett Pleamons (a high school senior) all of Stevenson, MD; her mother Edith Waskom; her brother Tim and Nora Waskom; niece Tara Heidle all of Dallas, TX; nephew Eric and Misti of Seagoville, TX; Buds son Joey Bates of Deerfield Beach, FL; and her best friends of 40 years, Stanley and Darlene Black of AK. àKaren worked at K-Mart, Publix, Marr Realty and Barbara Eads Realty. Karen loved to watch NASCAR, football, and Little League Baseball and she enjoyed the water whether fishing, swimming, or boating. àThe family has requested in lieu of flowers please make donations to Upper Keys Little League program or FLKYSF basketball program. Karen loved watching the kids play their sports. àA Celebration of Her Life will be held at Key Largo Baptist at MM 107 at 1:00 pm on Sat. April 14, 2012.
↧
GOODWIN
GOODWIN àDavis Keith Goodwin was born in South Miami, Fl. January 9th, 1965 to LCDR Clyde Davis Goodwin and Rhea Boyle Goodwin. They resided in Coral Gables, Fl. Davis lived in the Florida Keys from 1973 until Dec. 2011 when he came to live with his sister in Marshall, N.C. Davis worked at the MARC Plant Nursery in Key West, Fl. for 20 years and for 13 years lived at the MARC Windsor Lane Group Home. àHe was predeceased by his parents, and Brother Vernon W. Goodwin, Sr. He is survived by his Sister Sarah Goodwin Shaner and Brother-In-Law Henry Shaner, Nephews Vernon W. Goodwin, Jr his wife Barbara and family of Marshall, N. C. and Kevin P. Goodwin; his wife Kelley and sons of Marathon, Fl. àViewing will be 6pm to 8pm April 4th, 2012 at the Munden Funeral Home, with services at 11am on April 5th. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Monroe Association for Remarkable People, 1106 Windsor Lane, Key West, Fl. 33040
↧
↧
GINESI
GINESI à John Ginesi, born June 8, 1952, passed away April 4th, 2012. à John was the beloved son of Genevieve Ginesi of Marathon, and is also survived by his father, Michael Ginesi Sr. of Estero, Fl.; brother Michael Ginesi, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas; sister Judy Ginesi of Hoboken, N.J.; and fianc Terrie Fraser of Marathon. à He was the owner of Pawn Shop in Big Pine Key, Fl. Formerly John, his father and brother were builders of homes and commercial parks in New Jersey. There is no memorial service planned at this time.
↧
WALSH
WALSH John H. Walsh, 89, of Marathon, FL, formerly of North Truro and Wellesley, MA and Houston, TX passed away March 30 2012. He was born in Newton , MA on September 20, 1922, the son of the late Elizabeth (Wenning) Walsh and Valentine S. Walsh. Mr. Walsh was married for nearly sixty years to the late Ruth (Carver) Walsh of Vinalhaven, ME. He is survived by his children, daughter Ellen and husband Peter Sheil of Providence, RI; daughter Elizabeth Diaz of Pawtucket, RI; son John Walsh, Jr. and wife Renee of Houston, TX; grandchildren Matthew Roberts, Aaron Roberts and Elizabeth (Roberts) Balarezo; Lucie, Ian and Bridget Kinahan; Caitlin and Kelly Walsh and five great granddaughters. Mr. Walsh is also survived by his twin brother, Joseph W. Walsh and his wife Maryellen of Plymouth, MA. He is pre- deceased by his older brother, Stephen Walsh of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. à An avid saltwater fisherman, Mr. Walsh loved to surf cast for striped bass on the beaches near Highland Light, North Truro, MA or fish from one of his several motor boats in Cape Cod Bay. He taught his children how to sail and managed the maintenance of the family's summer cottages in North Truro, often supervising family painting crews through long days of painting and scraping to keep the cottages looking their best. He and his wife retired to Florida in the 1980's and built their retirement home in Marathon Key, but always returned to the Cape for the summers. à Mr. Walsh graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a commission as Ensign in the US Navy. He served in the US Navy during World War II in the Asia-Pacific Theater where he attained the rank of Lieutenant while serving aboard the USS Phaon and the USS Casco; he was later promoted to the rank of Commander in the US Naval Reserve. He served as Commanding Officer of the Boston Naval Reserve during the 1960's. à Mr. Walsh received his MBA from Babson College and his undergraduate degree from Boston University class of 1951. He was employed by the Texaco Oil Company for 37 years, retiring as General Manager, US Sales from Texaco's corporate offices located in Houston, TX. à Funeral arrangements are planned for late May in Provincetown, MA with interment in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in North Truro, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Walsh's name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
↧
FAVALORO
FAVALORO àFrank Favaloro passed away in his home surrounded by the love of his wife Judy, three of his children Michael, Joseph and Donna and his brother in law and good friend Bobby; and held closely in the hearts and prayers of his other children: David, Debby, Chrissy, Lauree and their families including his grandchildren Justin, Nicole, Francis, Christina and Angelina. àThrough hard work, integrity and courage Frank beat long odds, creating a rich life for himself and giving his children a foundation on which they could build fulfilling lives for themselves and a code they could live that life by: honor, humility and loyalty. àFrank was a self-made business owner, an excellent fisherman and a Navy veteran but most importantly he was a friend who was good company in a foxhole, a husband who could make the fear of the trouble and danger in this world disappear for the moments when he held his wife, and a loving father who showed up for his children and worked to see and love them for who they were constantly becoming. àHe leaves all those he touched with an appreciation for his humor, capacity for wonder, his insistence on fairness and underneath a tough as nails exterior, a profound gentleness shown through quiet acts of kindness. He will be missed and remembered always. àServices will be held at the Big Pine Moose Lodge this Sunday, April 15th at 5 pm. All friends are welcome. The lodge is located at 3681 Wilder Road in Big Pine Key.
↧