Richard Linn Hosterman Jr.
Richard Linn Hosterman Jr., 75, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 8.
He was born in Boston Sept. 25, 1946, to Richard and Jane (Weber) and lived in Weston, Massachusetts most of his life until retirement.
After several years vacationing in Florida, he grew to love the beach lifestyle and climate and decided to make the move.
He went to Syracuse University and afterward started working for a lumber company in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Starting as a forklift driver he advanced to the general manager job, running the company.
He was an avid reader and had interests in cars, boats and planes.
He was a member of the Weston Rotary club for several years.
He is survived by his sister, Sue Smith of Scituate, Massachusetts; nephew Peter Smith and wife Provan along with their children, Caleb and Lydia; former wife Patia Campbell of Bourne, Massachusetts; and his friends at the Freckled Fin in Holmes Beach.
Gregory James LaPensee
Gregory James LaPensee, 39, of Bradenton, died Dec. 14.
He was born Dec. 17, 1981, and was a true Manatee County native.
He fought a long, hard battle for months but spent his final days in the comfort of family and friends.
He grew up on beautiful Anna Maria Island.
He graduated from Manatee High School in 2000 and immediately went to work in the family business, LaPensee Plumbing Inc. in Holmes Beach.
He took pride in his work, becoming an owner and growing his passion and reputation throughout the area.
He had big dreams and his determination and work ethic led to expanding the business to where it is today.
In 2010, he married the love of his life, Carlee, and together they created a beautiful home and a loving family.
In 2012, they welcomed a son, Preston, and in 2015 completed their family when they welcomed another son, Chandler.
Fatherhood suited him — he was a family man and loved coaching his sons’ youth sports teams. Spending quality time with family and friends was paramount — it is when he was happiest.
He put others first, always striving to make everyone else happy and have a good time.
He touched the lives of so many throughout the community and will forever be missed.
His life would seem too short to many but those who knew him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.
His laughter, wit and larger-than-life presence brought so much joy to anyone who spent time with him.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations can be made to the center via weblink.donorperfect.com/In-Memory-of-Greg-LaPensee. Condolences may be made to brownandsonsfuneral.com.
He is survived by wife Carlee; sons Preston and Chandler; parents J. Michael and J. Karen; sisters Michele Crouthamel and husband Jereme and Shawn Shields and husband Logan; brother Michael J. and many nieces and nephews.