Obituaries – 07-01-2020

Michael Barry Dunwoody

Dunwoody

Michael Barry Dunwoody, 55, of Bradenton Beach died June 13.

He had spent the past few decades in Florida, first falling in love with Anna Maria Island, before moving to Bradenton Beach.

He was born Feb. 3, 1965, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, to Donna K. and John F.

He spent most of his childhood in Voorhees, New Jersey, before moving to Cape May, New Jersey, in 1979 as his family opened the Brass Bed Inn, a bed and breakfast.

He graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School and started a career with National Associates insurance agency in Cape May.

In his younger days, he was known for his athletic and artistic abilities.

He loved Cape May and spent his teenage summers selling funnel cakes and pizza just steps from the beach.

He had a generous heart, dry sense of humor and always opened his home to family and friends.

A car accident when he was 20 robbed him of the use of his right arm and set his life on a different course. Chronic pain caused him to seek a home in warmer climates, which is when he decided to move south.

Although he became a Floridian, he was a huge fan of Philadelphia sports, especially the Eagles.

He also was a dog lover and had several rescue pups over his lifetime.

A service will be scheduled once the pandemic passes. Memorial donations may be made to the Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. Arrangements were by Shannon Funeral Homes. Condolences may be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

He is survived by his brother, John P. and wife Susan (Souder); sister Mary “Kate” Patarcitym her husband Jason and their son Shane; nephew Steven and his wife Aga and their son Jacob; nephew Justin and his fiancée Nikki McKeown.

 

David L. Lester

Lester

David L. Lester, 81, of Holmes Beach, died June 19.

He was born Nov. 19, 1938.

His career included work at NASA as a space engineer during Apollo 11, water analyst for Southwest Florida Water Management District, Honeywell facility director and environmental consultant to the Florida citrus industry.

He played golf and, as U.S. Amateur player, qualified and played the World Amateur in 1983. He also was an accomplished long-distance runner.

He also was a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed boat captain.

Mr. Lester served the community of Lakeland on the zoning and variance committee and, more recently, served Holmes Beach as a volunteer on the planning and charter review committees.

He married Angela in 1984. They were 10-year Holmes Beach residents and intermittently owned a second home on Anna Maria Island.

Due in part to his desire to keep his family safe from COVID-19 and his personal wishes, a private service will be held at sea. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinson.org.

Mr. Lester is survived by his wife of 35 years, Angela; daughters Elizabeth Dumville, Lynda Giles and Susan Wannamacher; 13 grandchilden; two great-grandchildren; and stepsons Brian DeMott and Chris DeMott.

 

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