Claude Scott Doig
Claude S. Doig, 89, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Jan. 23.
He was born Sept. 12, 1935, and raised on his family’s ranch in Big Timber, Montana. He was the second oldest son of Claude Spencer and Dora Doig.
He graduated from Sweet Grass High School in 1953 and went on to study divinity at the University of Montana. He lived in several places across the United States and was very well traveled. He eventually settled in the Bradenton Beach area with his son Scott in 1976.
He had many talents and interests, including journalism, culinary arts, fused-glass jewelry, ceramics, painting and gardening. “Long story short,” as he used to say, he was a man who wore many hats.
Mr. Doig is survived by sister Darlene Forhart; son Scott; granddaughters Heather and Savannah, former daughter-in-law Carolyn Pickard and family friend Marsha Lindsey.
Gwendolyn E. Romberger
Gwendolyn E. Romberger, 86, of Bradenton Beach, died Jan. 26, in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
She was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
She was a beacon of kindness and friendliness in the lives of all who knew her.
She had an enduring love for the beach, dividing her time between Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and Bradenton Beach. A dedicated member of the Moose Lodge No. 2188 in Bradenton Beach, she also had a fondness for mermaids, seashells and the art of antiquing. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by her community, friends and family.
Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Save the Manatee, 317 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 100, Longwood, FL 32779. Condolences may be made at radzieta.com.
Mrs. Romberger is survived by her son Tim and his wife Meredith; grandchildren Jared, Logan, and Sarah; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Shirley.
Roque Pastorius
September 13, 1963 – January 30, 2025
Roque Pastorius went out the way we all hope to—peacefully in his sleep, probably dreaming of a grand adventure, a good meal, or winning an argument (because let’s be honest, he loved a good debate). He left us in the early morning hours of January 30th, no doubt with a smirk on his face, knowing he got the last word.
Roque was a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and a great friend to many. He was also an entertainer, a storyteller, and the life of every party. If there was music, he was there; if there was a joke, he was telling it (even if it wasn’t that funny); and if there was a drink, well… let’s just say he wasn’t one to let a drink go to waste.
A man of generosity, Roque would literally give you the shirt off his back and has for many—though sometimes you had to wonder if it was just for an atta-boy. He was proud to be able to lend a hand if ever he could. He loved fiercely and deeply, even if, on occasion, that love came with a side of stubbornness and a well-placed f#%& you. Those who ever found themselves on the receiving end of his temper knew that while he could be a real pain in the neck, he was also a giant teddy bear at heart—gruff on the outside, mushy on the inside.
Roque leaves behind his wife, Kathy; daughters Cassandra and husband Andrew Johnson, Stephanie and Michelle Pastorius-Lapinski and husband Shaun; parents Delores and Maynard; siblings Jody and husband Tom Tschida and Todd and wife DeeDee; grandchildren Morgan, Grace Brown, Hunter, Levi, and Wyatt Lapinski; his beloved dog Ricco and many other family and friends that loved him dearly and a world that is a little more empty and a lot quieter now without him.
While we’ll miss his big personality, his bigger heart, and his even bigger hugs, and just the way he made life just a little more “interesting”, we take comfort in knowing he’s now at peace—probably cracking jokes with the angels and making sure heaven’s party never stops. Roque will be reunited in heaven with his brother Mark — revving their motorcycles and giving the angels just enough hell to not get kicked out.
In honor of Roque, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, all who want to join us for sunset and a celebration of life at Coquina Beach South – just the way he loved to do. Afterward, at 7p.m., we’ll head over to the Swordfish Grill where stories will be shared, glasses will be raised, and his legacy of love, laughter, and just a little bit of mischief will live on.
Rest easy, Roque. Save us a seat at the table.