Lance R. Bergeron
Lance R. Bergeron, 59, died March 3.
He lived on the island for many years and worked at the Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach while raising his two sons as a single parent.
He was known for his sense of humor, love of sports — especially the Washington Redskins — and his loyalty to his family and friends.
Memorial services were private.
Mr. Bergeron is survived by daughter Michelle Wooten; sons Francis W. and Lee T.; mother Barbara Parkman; brother Dominique and wife Bonnie; sisters Terry Cappello and husband Michael and Linda; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard H. ‘Dick’ Cleveringa
Richard H. “Dick” Cleveringa, 86, of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 28, after a lengthy illness.
He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, where he began his lifelong passion for sailing on Lake Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University, where he received both a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree in business.
Following graduation, he spent two years in the U.S. Army in Texas. Once he completed his service, he began his business career working in management, first for general motors and then for Allstate Insurance, from which he later retired. While at Allstate, he transferred to Kentucky and it was there he met wife Joy. They were married April 1, 1979. After living in Kentucky for several years, they bought a motor home and traveled extensively across the United States and Canada, before retiring to Holmes Beach in 1999. They had many friends throughout his lifetime. He and his best friend, Ed Gehrke, shared wonderful days rambling on the back roads of Kentucky and Indiana, always looking for the best places to eat while sharing stories along the way.
With friend Don Steffan he shared some great adventures — exploring Vietnam, Machu Picchu, and boating down the Amazon River. They also enjoyed many wonderful Thursday evening dinners together.
He looked forward to Monday night poker with the guys. He will be remembered for many things, including being the handsomest man on Anna Maria Island. Then there was his ready smile, his kindness, his wittiness, his brilliant mind, his passion for books, his laughter, his sense of happiness and contentment, his love of food, of adventure, of golf, of Joy and of life itself.
No services are planned. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Donations to the American Cancer Society , the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
He is survived by wife Joy, to whom he was married 37 years; son Rick and wife Lisa of North Carolina; daughter Debbie Stringer of North Carolina; stepsons Chris and wife Lucy Cissell of South Carolina; Steve Cissell Smith of Kentucky; Terry and wife Candi Cissell of Tennessee; brother Ronald and wife Norma of Florida and sister Juanita and husband David Wikman of Michigan.
Phyllis Paige Kitchens
Phyllis Paige Kitchens, 52, of Bradenton, died March 24 at home. She was born Sept. 19, 1964, in Takoma Park, Maryland, to William Earl and Phyllis Erica (Wood) Austin.
She had been a resident of Manatee and Sarasota counties for many years, coming from Polk County. Locally she has lived in Venice, Anna Maria and Bradenton.
She worked as a waitress for several restaurants over the years and was an avid horticulturist. She was well known for the care and beauty of her various plants and flowers, and was a member of Friends of Bill.
A private family celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.
She is survived by husband Barry Keith of Lakeland; daughter Katherine of Lakeland; father William Earl Austin of Bradenton; brother William P. Austin of Spring Hill; sisters Christine Austin of New York City and Jennifer Beck of Sarasota; and many extended family members and friends.
David Martinez
David Martinez, 81, of Holmes Beach, died March 25. He was born July 15, 1935, in Susanville, California.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was the owner/operator of Somar Electrical of San Francisco. He was a member of the Lakeland Yacht Club. He loved his family and he enjoyed golfing and fixing and tinkering with anything.
A celebration of life was held March 31 at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607 and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Condolences may be made online at www.hopewellfuneral.com.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Janice McDonald; children Carole McDonald Wilson and husband Sam of Lakeland, Keith and wife Cecilia of Lakeland and Stephen and wife Jeanette of Winter Haven; grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Carl, Asa, Haylee, Alexander, Kenny and Erin; brother Jesus and wife Mayna; nephew Mauricio of Mexico; sister-in-law Ann; niece Elizabeth and nephews Danny and David of California; many great-nieces, nephews, family, friends; and Yorkies Alice and Stella.
Donna Lea Yohe
Donna Lea Yohe, 55, of Bradenton, died March 23.
She was born in Bradenton and moved back to her hometown in 1991 from Pennsylvania.
She was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a nurse at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.
She was a member of the VFW and a Lutheran.
A private celebration of life was held March 30 at a residence. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Survivors include sons Michael Maggio and Daniel Maggio of Bradenton; daughter Shanna of Jacksonville; mother Maryjane Naeher of Holmes Beach; brothers Donnie Naeher of Sarasota, Danny Naeher of Holmes Beach, Doug Naeher of Holmes Beach, David Naeher of Bradenton and Dana Naeher of Apollo Beach; sisters Debbie Bradley of Bradenton, Denise Harrington of Bradenton and Diane Boak of Holmes Beach; and a granddaughter.