RogerWalter Byron
Cmdr. Roger Walter Byron, 86, retired U.S. Navy, of Anna Maria Island, died July 25.
He was born Oct, 29, 1937, in Concord, Massachusetts, to Walter Edmund and Jesse Lilian (Knowlton) Byron.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
His distinguished career began when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 as a seaman recruit. He rose through the ranks, culminating in his retirement in April 1982 as a commander. During his Navy career, he attended Purdue University 1960-65, earning bachelor and master of science degrees in electrical engineering.
He also obtained a master’s degree in business and retired as a commander in April 1982.
Following his military service, he applied his skills and knowledge at Hughes Aircraft, where he worked until 1983.
In 1993, he retired and moved to Anna Maria Island and joined the power squadron, teaching ham radio and volunteering with the American Red Cross.
Mr. Byron is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Karin; daughter Susan Medina; son Roger Jr.; sister Marcia Clark; grandson Chase; and his loving “fur baby” Maggie.
He also will be dearly missed by extended family, including Danielle Ulfers, Juergen Vogel and family, as well as Michelle Byron and Sam Medina.
Andrew ‘Andy’ Place Mitchell
Andrew “Andy” Place Mitchell, 41, of Bradenton, and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Aug. 12.
He was born June 13, 1983, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Curtis Mitchell and Kathleen Quinlan.
He spent most of his life in Holmes Beach and Bradenton.
He graduated Manatee High School and furthered his education at Manatee Technical Institute. He served his country as a machinist in the U.S. Navy. He then pursued a career as an underwater welder, a profession that combined his love for adventure with his technical skills.
Known for his free-spirited and adventurous nature, he eagerly embraced new experiences and explored the world. His journey through life took him to many places but he always found his way back to Bradenton.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Chapel of Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Church, 2850 75th St., Bradenton. A graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave. E., Ellenton.
Donations may be made to help with funeral expenses at https://angelinkweb.page.link/3qV6ittoXK89f8ev9.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by his loving parents, Curtis and Kathleen; brothers Christopher and wife Heather of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Daniel and wife Rosanna of Naples, Florida; nieces Julia, Sara and Ainhoa, and nephews Matthew and Luken.