Obituaries
Proud to be AMERICAN
We, at Swilley Funeral Home, wish all of our nations veterans, past and present, a Thank You for your service.
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GRAY, Marilyn D, 88, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, formerly of Tampa, FL passed away September 1, 2024. She is survived by her son, Curtis Gray and wife Gerry. Graveside services will be 12:30 pm, Monday, September 9, 2024, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. She will be laid to rest by her husband Harold Allen Gray who passed away February 23, 2020.
BORGES, Jose (Manolo), 94, of Thonotosassa, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024. He was deeply cherished and will be remembered for his unwavering love and dedication to his family. While Manolo spent much of his life as a successful entrepreneur, his greatest success was his family. With his beloved wife, Mercedes, their home was always a gathering place filled with laughter, love, and the company of family and friends. Manolo was a man of integrity-genuine, wise, and kind. His enduring spirit and the values he upheld will continue to inspire all of those who had the priviledge of knowing and loving him. Manolo is preceded in death by his wife, Mercedes, parents, Leopoldo and Modesta, and sister Caridad. He is survived by his adoring children, Leo (Jane), Felix (Becky), Lazara (Dan); grandchildren, Felix Jr., Stephanie, Amie, Bianca, Selina and great grandchildren, Emily, Kaleb, Aeryn, Jacob, Ethan, Leilani, Emerson, and many loving nieces and nephews, Orlando, Celia Maria, Mari, Pete and William. Graveside services will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 10th at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, 4202 E Lake Avenue, Tampa, FL.
Martin, Lorena Kim, with utmost sadness, the family announces her passing September 5, 2024, in Tampa, FL. Racheal, Paul, Becky, Joey, Adam and Heather will remember their mother as the defining source of unconditional love. Mema's legacy of endearing strength lives on through grandchildren, Austin, Emily, Paul, Hunter, Alyssa, Brianna, Xianna, Benjamin, Kyree, Ellie and Adaline, and great-grandchldren, Kameron and Katalaya. She was the heart and soul of our family, and we will all miss her dearly.
MALDONADO, Mykel Romeo, 24, of Tampa, FL passed away unexpectedly, September 6, 2024. He is survived by his father and mother, Michael and Yadhira Maldonado. A memorial service will take place, Friday, September 13, 2024, at the family residence.
LOY, Samuel Grady Sr, 73, of Tampa, Fl, passed away September 7, 2024, under the care of LifePath Hospice. A fisherman at heart, he was loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Lori, son, Samuel G Loy Jr and wife Becky; daughter, Patricia Myers; grandchildren, Samuel G. Loy III, Blake Loy, Bryce Loy Kai Loy and great granddaughter, Katie Rhodes. A gathering of family and friends took place Thursday, September 12th at the funeral home to remember a great fisherman, and wonderful father, grandfather and friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
CRESCENT, Linda "Elaine", 69, of Tampa, FL went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 17, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Norma Elizabeth "Deedee" Crescent and her brother Harold Wayne Crescent. She is survived by her nephew David Crescent, sister-in-law, Dorothy Crescent and nephew, Victor Marler. Elaine was a Tampa native and worked in Banking for over 20 years. Her last 10 years she worked at the Hillsborough County Clerk's Office in the 13th Judicial Circuit, where she was loved by so many. Elaine was an active member of Christ Central Presbyterian Church. Elaine never met a stranger; she always had a way of making everyone feel special. She loved, church, dogs, cats, fishing, socializing and always asking if she can pray for you. She will be missed by so many,.Until we meet again Rest Easy our Sister in Christ. Services will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Central Presbyterian Church, 6202 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614. All are welcome. A small reception will be held in the hall of the church directly after the services.
HARRIS, Theodore Lester, A.K.A. Uncle Ted, Born May 9, 1951, he left us on October 2, 2024 at the age of 74. Uncle Ted was born and lived in Tampa, Fl. He passed away at Advent Health Hospital with his nephew John Harris by his side. He was the youngest of 3 children born to George and Ethel Harris who he lived with and took care of his whole life. He is predeceased by his sister Christine and his niece Nancy. He is survived by his brother George Harris Jr and George's two sons John and George III. He has 2 Aunts in Pennsylvania, Ruth Moravsky and Harriet Bradway. His nieces Christie Lynn and Georgia Lee, along with other great nieces, nephews and cousins. His is also survived by his girlfriend Rosemary Hall. He worked mostly in the pipeline construction industry with his brother and nephew. He liked to joke about his security job at Paradise Lakes. He also enjoyed fishing. Anyone that ever ran across Uncle Ted would certainly remember him. He was one of a kind. Memorial services will be Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:00 am at the funeral home 1602 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
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BISHAI, Sophie Louca, 83, of Tampa, FL passed away September 29, 2024. Sophie was born in Cairo, Egypt to the late Louca Bishai and Labiba Gorgy. Funeral services will be Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Tampa. She will be laid to rest at Rest Haven Cemetery following services.
MCNALLY, Harrison E Sr, 94 of Tampa left this earth October 4, 2024, to be with Jesus and his beloved wife. Harry is survived by his 4 children, Kathryn Rickner (David), Diane McDaniel (Stephen), Linda Rushing (Dewell), Harrison E McNally Jr (Barbara); 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. He loved to go fishing and hunting and especially gardening. We loved receiving his canned vegetables he and his wife prepared. Before his illness he took exceptional care of his beloved wife May before her passing May 2, 2024. He will be remembered as a strong disciplinarian, teaching us right from wrong at a very young age. He was a devoted Christian reading his Bible (from cover to cover) and talking to strangers about the love of God. Before his illness he and his wife were members of the Wellborn Baptist Church in Wellborn, Florida. He was an usher and loved greeting everyone who entered the sanctuary. He was very much loved and will be missed. Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, October 7, 2024, from 11:00am until 12:00 Noon with a brief service at 12:00. Graveside service will be 1:00 pm at Garden of Memories Cemetery where he will join his wife of 72 years May B McNally. The last words spoken to some of his family was, I am ready to see Jesus and then my wife. Till we meet again.
BRENDLE, Jeffrey Paris, 59, of Tampa, Fl went home to glory October 16, 2024. Born in Dunedin, Fl to Richard and Carolyn Brendle, October 24, 1964. He was a prayer warrior loved visiting the sick and shut-ins who were unable to go to church services. He was a member of Hillsdale Baptist Church and was a dedicated Christian. He leaves behind is wife Barbara "Bobbi", his mother, Carolyn Brendle; daughters, Jami Christine Brendle, Hannah Elizabeth Baltusnik; one granddaughter, Brooklyn Baltusnik and brother, Tim and his wife Michelle. Jeffrey was predeceased by his father, Richard and brother, Sean Parrish Brendle. Funeral services will be 12:30 pm Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Hillsdale Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will take place at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 23,2024 at Rest Haven Cemetery, Tampa Fl. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Hillsdale Baptist Church, 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa FL 33625 in Memory of Jeffrey.
CARUTHERS, Betty L, 92 of Tampa went home to be with her Lord and Savior October 22, 2024. Betty is a Tampa native born to the late, Charles and Elizabeth. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Karen Buchanan and husband David, Kathy Whitt and her husband Danny; son Darryl Caruthers and his wife Rachelle; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren as well as her sister Martha Suddreth. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Henry Flynn Caruthers also known lovingly as Pete and their son Doug. Betty was a member of Idlewild Baptist Church. She taught at Spencer Memorial, now known as Christ Fellowship, Temple Heights Baptist and at Tampa Palms retiring in 1996 after dedicating her knowledge and education for over 20 years. Her family will miss her dearly.
BRENDLE, Barbara Sue, "Bobbi" 57, of Tampa passed away the morning of October 5, 2024. She was a true Tampa native, born to William Carlton and Brenda Sue Barrett. She is survived by her parents; her daughters, Jami Christine Brendle and Hannah Elizabeth Baltusnik; granddaughter, Brooklyn Parry Baltusnik; brother, Richard Carlton Barrett and sister, Victoria Noel Bloomfield. She was a member as well as her late husband at Hillsdale Baptist Church and dedicated her life to God the Father, her family and friends. Funeral Services will be 12:30 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Hillsdale Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will take place 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Rest Haven Cemetery, Tampa, FL. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Hillsdale Baptist Church 6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL, in Memory of Barbara " Bobbie" Sue Brendle.
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DIGRAZIA, Janice Marie, 57, of Tampa, FL, passed away, November 14, 2024. She is survived by her husband Carmine DiGrazia; daughter Danielle Weaver; son, Richard Milton DiMarco Jr;and daughter, Tiffany DiMarco. Janice was a loving wife, mother and friend with an infectious smile. Her favorite time of year was Christmas time, although she did love to dress up for Halloween. Celebration of Janice's life will be from 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, November 19th at the funeral home, 1602 W Waters Ave, Tampa, Fl. Her time on earth was short but she lived life to the fullest, making the best of everyday. Please be prepared to share some funny stories, maybe a few not so funny, but be ready to celebrate a wonderful lady's life and legacy.
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CRAWFORD, Linda Lee, 61, of Wesley Chapel, Fl passed away October 27, 2024. Linda was born in Ithaca, NY to Robert and Susie Mosher February 19, 1963. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Edwards and husband; sons, Billy Mosher and Shawn Perry; sisters, Joan, Barbie, and Patty and brother Terry. A memorial service will be held Saturday December 14, 2024 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the funeral home 1602 W. Waters Ave, Tampa, FL
KNIGHT, Harold Dean Jr, 67, of Wesley Chapel, FL passed away November 2, 2024. He is survived by his brother Leon. Jr as he was called is a US Army Veteran. Graveside services with Military Honors will be 10:30 am, Friday, December 20, 2024 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL
ALEMAN GONZALEZ, Justa Maria, 77 of Tampa, FL, passed away December 1, 2024. She was born in She is survived by her daughter Sandra Estevez. Graveside services will be 10am, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, FL.
CECIL, Jean Marie 73, of Vicksburg, MS, passed away, December 15 ,2024. She was born in California to Clayton and Alice Gilliam. Jean is survived byer her daughter, Sabrina Pigg; brother, Arthur Gilliam and other loving family members. Graveside services will be 12:00 noon, December 28, 2024, at Orange Hill Cemetery, Tampa where she will be interred next to her twin Jimmy Gilliam who predeceased her.
PRICE, Mark Douglas, of Land O'Lakes, FL, born November 16, 1956, died at the age of 68 December 27, 2024. Mark is survived by his wife Wanda Price; 4 children, Dalton Price of Land O'Lakes, Rebecca Price (Dave), Tampa, Mark Price Jr, Texas and Patricia Price (Milton), Texas; 2 brothers Kenneth Price (Mary) and Jr Price (Danyle); sister, Cathy Barton, Lake Wales, FL; 11 grandchildren, Devon, Megan, Julisa, Ava, Kayla, Milton, Ethan, Charis, Jayden, Alina and Dominick; 4 great-grandchildren, Admirah, Lariah, Devin and Dominick Jr. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
CRESCENZI, RoseMarie, 82, of Tampa went home to be with her Lord and Savior January 1, 2025. RoseMarie is survived by her husband Dave Booker; daughters, Leesa Crescenzi and Marlana Velasquez and her husband Diego; grandchildren, Robert, Jada, Nicholas and Tatyana. She was predeceased by her first husband Raymond Crescenzi Jr. A memorial celebration of the life of RoseMarie will be from 5:00-7:00pm, Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the funeral home 1602, W Waters Ave.
A Celebration of Life will also be held at West Broad Street Baptist Church at a later date.
MILLER, Katherine Sue, aged 69, went home to be with the Lord and Savior on December 14, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Born on December 30, 1954, Katherine was known for her caring, loving, thoughtful, and giving nature, always striving to honor God in her actions.
Katherine leaves behind a loving family, including her husband of 52 years, Clyde Miller; daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Robert Warburton; son, and daughter-in-law, Brian and Kim Miller; eight grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild, with another on the way. She is also survived by her brother, Manual Hughes. Katherine was preceded in death by her oldest son David Miller, her mother Helen Jones, her father, Manuel Hughes, and two of her siblings, Danny Hughes and Carolyn (Di-Ann) Sims.
A long-time member of West Broad Street Baptist Church, Katherine was deeply involved in her church community, embodying the virtues of her faith in every aspect of her life.
A memorial service celebrating Katherine's life will be held at West Broad Street Baptist Church, 3809 W Broad, St, Tampa, FL 33614 on January 18, 2025, at 11:00am. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to her home church, West Broad Street Baptist Church.
ADAMS, Raymond Thomas, a devoted caregiver, loving family man, and a pilar of faith, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on January 19, 1938, in Key West, Florida. Raymond grew up surrounded by the sea and sunshine that shaped his love for fishing and crabbing as a boy. Though his childhood was not always easy, Raymond's determination and strong work ethic allowed him to build a life filled with love and laughter for his family. Raymond's storytelling brought joy to those around him as he shared vivid memories of his childhood in Key West. He was a man of unshakable faith who raise his children in church and even sang in the choir, inspiring others through music and devotion. Known for his sense of humor, Raymond has a remarkable ability to make people laugh. An incredible cook and baker, Raymond's desserts, especially his famous pineapple upside down cake, his black beans and rice, and cream of wheat were beloved by all who tasted them. He passed down cherished traditions to his children and grandchildren, including his love of Cuban bread and butter with cafe con leche-an enduring legacy of his Cuban roots. Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Laura Adams; his three children, Andrew Rodriguez, Julia Menendez, and Jennell De La Cruz; his ten adoring grandchildren, Courtney Langford, Ashley Sabados, Lindsey French, Tanya Clarke, Olivia De La Cruz, Vincent De La Cruz, Rebekah Menendez, Gabriel De La Cruz, Brina Rodriguez, and Jennifer Menendez. Raymond will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his legacy of love, laughter, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will be cherished forever.
ADAMS, Laura Josepha, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on February 5, 1935, Laura was a woman of quiet strength, unshakable faith, and an open heart, remembered by all who knew her as a caregiver and a blessing in their lives. Laura's life was marked by resilience and devotion. Despite a challenging childhood, she carried a deep faith in God that became the foundation for her life. She raised her three children, Andrew Rodriguez, Julia Menendez, and Jennell De La Cruz, with love, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to faith, instilling in them the same values and strength that she embodied every day. Laura found joy in the simple moments, like savoring a hot cup of cafe con leche or being surrounded by her loved ones. Family gatherings brought her the greatest happiness, and she took immense pride in each of her grandchildren; Courtney Langford, Ashley Sabados, Lindsey French, Tanya Clarke, Olivia De La Cruz, Vincent De La Cruz, Rebekah Menendez, Briana Rodriguez, Gabriel De La Cruz, and Jennifer Menendez. Her family was her world, and her legacy of kindness and faith will live on in each of them. Laura will be missed dearly by those she touched with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, surrounded by the love and faith that sustained her throughout her life.
FU, Youling, 66, of Tampa, FL, passed away on January 5, 2025. She was born the youngest of seven children on September 10, 1958, in Hainan, China. Youling celebrated and lived her life to the fullest surrounded by family and friends. As a young entrepreneur, she started and successfully operated a food distribution business. In 2019, she moved to the U.S. and enjoyed her retirement in Tampa with her family.
Youling always found joy in simple pleasures, like ballroom dancing, singing, gardening, cooking, or just relaxing with her beloved cats, Sebastian and Sumi. She never stopped seeking growth and adventures in life, demonstrated by her continuous learning and ventures in different areas.
She is survived by her son, Guanghao (Xiangxing); daughter, Guangyu (Ronald); granddaughter, Yuexi; and extended family members, Zhen, Edward, Ying, Danna, Lin, Bruce, and two brothers and a sister in China. Graveside services will be held 3:00 pm, January 27, 2025, at Hillsborough Memorial Gardens in Brandon, FL.
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GRAY, Beth, 65, of Tampa, FL passed away January 8, 2025, at the age of 65. She is survived by her husband Michael; daughter, Sarah; son Mike aka Mikey and his wife Shamaria; granddaughter, Amanda. Beth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved playing jokes on everyone and loved singing to Elvis Presley. Beth never met anyone who could not be called friend. She had an infectious smile and was always ready to lend a hand or give good advice. Beth had several losses in her life especially daughter April. Graveside services will be held 1:00 pm at Rose Hill Cemetery Monday, January 20, 2025.
GARTNER, Deborah Grace, 70, of Spring Hill, FL, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 17, 2025. She was born on January 9, 1955, in Sumter, SC, to Emmett Heath and Marjorie Lawrence.
Deborah spent her career as a Medical Provider Operations Manager, where she was admired for her leadership and dedication. After retiring, she found fulfillment working as a paraprofessional, where her compassion and patience touched the lives of many students. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family. She is survived by her loving children; Stephanie and David Flint, James Allen Sellers and Katie Ely, Lydia Gartner, Misti and Chris Stevens, Arthur and Jilliam Gartner, Kloei Gartner, and Dominic Gartner; her niece, Jessica Hunt; and her nine grandchildren: Kenley, Kalob, Nikki, Jace, Kenny, Brantley, Sydney, Oliver and Owen. A service to celebrate Deborah's life will be held at a later date.
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DANSKIN, Pastor William G, 81, of Tampa, went home to meet his Lord and Savior January 27, 2025. Pastor Danskin is survived by his wife Ann; son, Michael; daughters, Alma Albritton (Lexton), Katy Overton (David), 15 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, his sister, and brother-in-law Aaron Pruitt. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday from 1-2pm with funeral service at 2pm. Services will take place at Sunlake Baptist Church, 18908 Sunlake Blvd, Lutz. Graveside services will be 12 noon Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, FL
POFF, Walter B. (Walt), 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Hospice in Tampa, Florida, Walt is preceded in death by his sister Jeanetta Fauth (Paul), his brother Paul Poff (Linda), and his daughter, Linda James (Kirk). He is survived by his wife Cecile, his children Thomas Poff (Olena), Stephen Poff (Bobbie), Deanna Poff Lanier (Chip), Michael Poff (Allison), Patrick Poff (Nicole), his sister Barbara Hall (Jerry), 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am Monday, February 3, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church (17512 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558), followed immediately by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am and a reception in the Parish Hall. Walt will be interred with military honors in a private ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in Walt's honor to St. Timothy Catholic Church or the Wounded Warrior Project. for full obituary please visit: https://www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=OB57389491&utm_source=copiedlink&utm_medium=
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SANCHEZ, Ernest Jr, 89, of Tampa, FL passed away peacefully January 23, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Sarah Sanchez and his parents, Delia and Rogelio Trespalacios. He is survived by his children, son, David Sanchez and wife Odalis; daughters, Julia Sanchez-Sharabi husband Eran, Stephanie Sanchez, Michelle Vidal and husband Albert; grandchildren, David Sanchez Jr and wife Milah, Brian Sanchez and wife Melissa, Jakob Vidal and partner Daniel Walker, Miranda Vidal; great-grandchildren, Chloe and Ryker Sanchez.
Ernest was a hard worker who always put his family first. He had an amazing sense of humor and never took himself or life too seriously. He valued honesty, integrity and education and loved music and creative writing. He also enjoyed playing cards and dominos with his children and grandchildren. He shared his many years of wisdom with his family which will live on for many years to come. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, Ernest would have preferred that you donate to St. Jude's children's hospital.
Graveside services will take place at Centro Espanol de Tampa Memorial Park (4601 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610) at 10:30am, Monday, February 17th with a celebration of life to follow at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, (2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
RIDGEWAY, Daniel, 84, passed away peacefully January 22, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda; sons, Mark (Boni), Paul (Candy), Charlie (Allison), and Michael (Jessica); 12 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren and a wealth of family and friends. Born on March 18, 1940, he was a lifelong resident of Tampa. Danny loved motorcycling and was the owner of Cahills of North Tampa and Cahills Motorsports for more than 50 years. He was a proud member of the Egypt Temple Shrine and enjoyed helping other through the Provost Guard and Jester units. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his caregivers, Yami and Valerie. Visitation at 9:30am and a Celebration of Life will be held 10am, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Bay Hope Church, 17030 Lakeshore Dr., Lutz, FL with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children. View guestbook www.tampabay.com/obi.
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