David Forrest Cannon
David “Bash” Forrest Cannon died Aug. 13.
He was born May 3, 1949, to Bruce and Millie in Patterson, New Jersey.
The youngest of five, he grew up in Smithville, Georgia, with his parents and four sisters.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War.
He raised three children in Bradenton, teaching them the importance of hard work, family involvement, a sense of humor and defensive driving.
He shared his love of fishing, camping, cooking, competition, singing and playing country music on his guitar with many. He will be remembered as a teacher of the important things in life.
Community activist, former commissioner Billie Martini dies
Former Holmes Beach commissioner and community activist Billie Martini died Aug. 20.
Martini, named the Islander of the year in 2002, came to Anna Maria Island in 1944 and resided in Bradenton Beach for 16 years.
After college, she married and, with her husband, opened the first motor court on the island.
She resided in Holmes Beach for many years and held various jobs, including clerk in charge of the city’s post office, bookkeeper of the Karel Water Company, as well as billing clerk and teacher’s aide at Anna Maria Elementary.
She also was a member of Save Anna Maria Inc. and helped lead SAM’s crusade against a “megabridge” replacement on Anna Maria Island.
And she served on the Holmes Beach City Commission, winning election to a two-year term in 1993.
She promised to be a voice for the people: “I believe the present commission has done an admirable job but, as happens so often, when the citizens do not take active participation, the commission will vote their own way.”
In her strong voice, she stood firmly in favor of consolidation of the municipal government services on the island and encouraged cooperation between the cities.
She also led island recreation and conservative campaigns, including a call for a public community swimming pool, which didn’t materialize, and the establishment of the nature preserve that became Grassy Point.
This effort led to the preservation of 37 acres of mangroves.
Martini once told The Islander, “It had been in my mind for several years” that development should be prevented in the area, which is the last large undeveloped waterfront parcel in the city.
Robert W. ‘Rob’ Velardi
Robert W. “Rob” Velardi, 56, of Bradenton, died Aug. 29.
He was born March 5, 1961, to Otello and Marie in White Plains, New York. He relocated to Florida, making Bradenton his home in 1980.
He was a veteran of the Holmes Beach Police Department for 30 years, including two years serving as resource officer at Anna Maria Elementary School. He was loved and respected by the island community, his students and the faculty.
He loved sports and was an avid New York Yankees fan.
Among his many interests were traveling and spending time with family and friends. He volunteered as a coach for youth soccer, basketball and softball and played adult league softball for many years.
He was a devoted husband, father and brother, and also a loyal friend who always made time to help others.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, with a celebration of life at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Condolences may be made online to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Angela (Council); daughters, Adriane of Bradenton, Alise Herschel and husband Cliff of Bradenton, and Amelia of Tampa; sisters Linda Brown and husband Jeff of Bradenton and Patricia Suarez and husband Basil of Ossining, New York; brothers Arthur of Fishkill, New York, and John of New York City; grandsons Nolan Pecora, Grant Pecora and Easton Herschel; and many nieces and nephews.
Sara Elizabeth Walton
Sara Elizabeth Walton, 38, of Holmes Beach, died Aug. 10.
She was born in Elk Horn, Wisconsin, July 25, 1979, and moved to Rising Son, Indiana, where she became a gifted athlete. She played center in basketball for her undefeated high school time. She also played volleyball.
She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana, and her caring heart led her to a degree in social services.
She loved meeting people and, with her infectious laugh and vibrant smile, was quick to make friends. She was a passionate animal lover.
She moved to Holmes Beach four years ago and took a special interest in sea turtles.
She is survived by parents Roger Walton and Sharon Robinson; brother Darin; sister Janella Pryce; grandmothers Bula Walton and Eloise Holland; boyfriend Jesse Candish; and her beloved dog, Mr. Biscuit.