The Islander is a free weekly community newspaper serving Anna Maria Island. There is no charge for our standard obituary, including survivors, services, photo and other lifetime information for present and former residents of Anna Maria Island and people with affiliations on Anna Maria Island.
It’s an honor for us to provide this service to our readers…
— Bonner Joy, Publisher. news@islander.org
Robert ‘Bob’ T. Hinds
Robert “Bob” T. Hinds, 79, of Holmes Beach died April 1.
He was born Jan. 5, 1947, in Hamilton, Ohio.
He also was known as Handyman Bob, having operated a home repair business on the island for many years.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 17, at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Mr. Hinds is survived by five children, Amy Waldron, Tonya, Christopher, Zig and Julia Ware
Mary E. Peevler Neff
Mary E. Peevler Neff, 81, of Bradenton, died April 3.
She was born Sept. 30, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa. She treasured memories of growing up in the Mississippi River town with her mother, Sue Wallace Peevler, and siblings.
She married John William Neff in August 1963. Together, over the years in Stockton, Kirkland and Waukegan, Illinois, they raised four children, embraced their children’s spouses and cherished their grandchildren.
Mrs. Neff valued her relationships with an extended family of friends and co-conspirators. To her kids’ friends, she was “Dear” and “Mom Neff.” She also welcomed into her life the many players on the high school football teams coached by her husband.
She worked for the Waukegan School District and Pierce Florist, and also served as a Democratic precinct committeewoman in Waukegan and on the city’s Bicentennial Commission in 1976.
She was a den mother, baseball coach, cheerleading coach and Democratic activist. She was a protector of Waukegan’s dunes system, a supporter of public libraries and an advocate for historical preservation and community unity.
She was passionate about gardening, designing, cooking and photography and appreciated art, music, the printed word, a good prank, a questionable joke and a great movie line.
As a snowbird, she loved her Madeira Beach community and Florida’s sunshine and warmth.
Strong and resilient, she persevered through illness until the end, which she approached bravely, with a determination to share her remembrances and say her goodbyes.
Rather than flowers, memorials or donations, Mrs. Neff asked people to remember all the good times.
Brown and Sons Funeral Home of Bradenton is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of her life is planned in Keokuk, Waukegan and Madeira Beach this summer and fall.
She is survived by her husband, John; children Lisa and wife Constance Wolgast, Mark and wife Giovanna Guerrero, Melissa and husband Frederick Mutter, David and wife Erin Rogers; grandchildren John Frederick and Jacqueline Mutter and Philippa, Gavin and Georgiana Neff; siblings Suzanne Peevler Arnold, Tom Peevler, Tim and wife Bonnie Van Rheenen Peevler; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Richard T. Morash
Richard T. Morash, 92, formerly of Holmes Beach, died April 7 in Bradenton.
He was born to Ellen and James June 14,1933, in Malden, Massachusetts, and grew up in Queens, New York.
He graduated from CCNY with a degree in engineering. While at CCNY, he served as a member of the U.S. Army Persian Rifles Unit.
He began a career with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. and moved to NASA, where he was a team member for the Apollo Program, specifically working on the lunar module.
In the early 1970s, he moved to Bradenton and worked at Precise Power Corp, where they developed and patented motor generators and uninterruptible power systems.
He and wife Marge moved their family in 1975 to Anna Maria, where he enjoyed swimming and walking the beach.
He also enjoyed his role as scoutmaster for Anna Maria Troop 7 for many years. He was an exemplary role model for many island youth and to many of his children’s friends.
He also was a fourth-degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
A celebration of life and visitation were held at Brown & Sons Funeral Home, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, April 11. Mass was to be celebrated April 13 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive, Holmes Beach. Interment was to follow at Skyway Memorial Gardens, 5200 US 19, Palmetto. Condolences may be expressed at brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Mr. Morash is survived by his sons, Richard Jr. and Kevin and daughter, Kathleen Boucher; grandsons Kristofer II, Stephen and Sean; and nine great-grandchildren.
Ronald Arbanas
Ronald Arbanas, 98, of Holmes Beach, died March 8.
He was born Dec. 9, 1927, in Cook County, Illinois.
He lived a long and meaningful life filled with creativity, connection and love for those around him.
He and his beloved daughter, the late Susanne Arbanas, were well known to many on Anna Maria Island through their business relationships.
Mr. Arbanas was a familiar and friendly face on the island, having worked for years at Hurricane Hank’s Liquor Store, where he enjoyed connecting with locals and visitors alike. He was often seen riding his moped on the island, a joy that reflected his independent spirit and love for the island lifestyle.
He also had a passion for pottery. He found peace and purpose in creating with his hands, shaping works that reflected his artistic spirit and his appreciation for the beauty of life. Those who knew him will remember his creativity.
A celebration of the lives of Ron and daughter Susanne will be noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.
Mr. Arbanas is survived by his son, Keith, of Columbia and cousins Jim and Ronnee Brady and their family. He also leaves behind many friends who will remember him for his kindness, steady presence and the joy he brought to those around him.
Susanne Arbanas
Susanne Arbanas died Dec. 8, 2025. She resided on Perico Island.
She was born June 4, 1956, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Ronald and Dolores Arbanas.
She loved fashion and had the wardrobe to prove it. She had a career in the hospitality industry, including nine years in Australia, where she was a flight manager, overseeing thousands of flight attendants.
She had a sparkling personality that was unrivaled and while operating her AMI Concierge business, she claimed the title, “Director of Contagious Enthusiasm.”
A combined celebration of life for father Ron and Susanne will be noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Center of Anna Maria Island.
She leaves fond memories to siblings Keith and John and a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.