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.
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Bonner Joy, Publisher. news@islander.org
George O’Connor
George O’Connor, 76, a cherished member of his community, died March 22.
He was born March 2, 1950, in Buffalo, New York. As a young man, he’d had enough of the cold, so he relocated and spent most of his adult life on Anna Maria Island.
Mr. O’Connor graduated from Bishop Neuman High School in Buffalo and then headed to Dean Junior College in Massachusetts. However, his college career was short-lived and he enrolled in the U.S. Marine Reserves. His professional journey was in sales, where his charismatic personality shone brightly.
His dedication to his community was unwavering, as evidenced by his tenure as past chairman of the Anna Maria Island Community Center Board and his recognition as the City of Anna Maria Citizen of the Year in 1991.
His passion for mentoring youth was evident in his time spent as a Little League coach, and he left a lasting impression on the community as the cofounder, with his late twin brother Billy, of the O’Connor Bowling Challenge. He was the McKechnie Club president for many years, along with being a season ticket holder with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He also was an active member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, where he demonstrated his commitment to local business and economic growth.
An avid sportsman, his interests included golf, hunting and fishing, from which he forged countless friendships and shared countless laughs. Those who knew him would describe him as loving, funny and friendly — a man whose presence could light up any room and whose humor brought joy to every occasion.
He was a true friend and beloved community leader who will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
The O’Connor family wishes to express appreciation to Tidewell Hospice for its support and kindness in George’s end-journey.
Mr. O’Connor leaves behind a legacy of love and joy.
There will be a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice or the Center of Anna Maria Island.
Mr. O’Connor is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; their son Michael and his wife Katie; grandsons Caleb and Quinton; brother David and wife Mary, nephews David and Billy; and sister-in-law, Sharon.
Ann Snider Schluederberg
Ann Snider Schluederberg, ScD, of Holmes Beach, a devoted mother, distinguished immunologist, accomplished musician, passionate sailor and gifted artist, died at Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton.
She was born in Detroit on May 31, 1929, to Carle J. Snider and Vera P. Allport.
She was raised in Ohio, where she graduated from Circleville High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences at Ohio State University, where she was in the Delta Gamma sorority. She then pursued a doctorate in virology at Johns Hopkins University, where she began publishing research on viral immunology and host immune responses.
Her scientific career spanned several of the nation’s leading research institutions. At Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland and then Yale University, she conducted pioneering research on rubella and measles viruses, contributing to early vaccine development and expanding global understanding of these infectious diseases. She authored scientific publications that helped shape the fields of virology and immunology during a pivotal time in vaccine science.
Dr. Schluederberg later joined the National Institutes of Health, where she became chief of the virology branch, overseeing major research, particularly in the area of chronic fatigue syndrome research, and providing national leadership in the field of virology.
She also was a lifelong lover of music and the arts. A talented pianist and violinist, she was a founding member of the Columbia Orchestra in Howard County, Maryland, where she also was a member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society.
Along with her husband, Richard F., she shared a love for sailing and the outdoors. They were lifelong members of the Gibson Island Yacht Squadron, as well as the Chesapeake Bay Star fleet.
Summers were filled with sailing adventures in Connecticut, where she enjoyed racing with family at the Noroton Yacht Club on Long Island Sound.
In the winter, the couple turned to ice dancing, mastering routines and sharing many hours on the ice.
After retirement, they moved to Holmes Beach, where Mrs. Schluederberg continued to embrace her passion for the arts as a watercolor and digital artist. Her artwork and photography were featured in local studios and galleries. She also played violin with the Anna Maria Island Community Orchestra.
She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her scientific vision and leadership, her artistic and musical talents and an adventurous spirit that touched many lives.
She is survived by her children, Suzanne and husband John Lesko, Rick, Jeff and wife Susan, Peter and wife Jacqueline, and Scott and wife Holly; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.