Obituaries 4/21/16

Thomas Paul DiLoreto, Ph.D

Thomas Paul DiLoreto, Ph.D, age 69 of Fleming Island, Florida passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice of Orange Park on Thursday, April 14th at 10:35 AM. He died from complications of a bleeding ulcer.

He was born on February 21, 1947 in Steubenville, Ohio. At an early age he moved with his family to Hollywood, Florida and later to North Miami Beach. He graduated from Chaminade High School in Hollywood, Florida. He attended Broward College and graduated from the University of West Florida. He received his graduate degrees from Atlanta University. He served in the US Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida hospital. He worked at Peachford Psychiatric Hospital in Atlanta and when he and his wife moved to Orange Park in 1975, he worked at the mental health clinic of Jacksonville. He later opened his own practice in Orange Park for individual and family psychological services. In later years, he also spent half of his practice in multiple nursing homes.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane and two sons Clayton and Ross; his brother, Edmund DiLoreto, Jr. of Palm Coast.; sisters-in-law, Sue Damm (Bruce) of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Kay Teel (Tommy) of Valparaiso, FL and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was very active in volunteer service to his community. He was a 30 year member of the Orange Park Rotary Club and served in various capacities including President. He served as President of the board of directors of the Clay County Salvation Army and he volunteered his time with the Kairos Ministry and served as the chair of NE Florida division. Tom was involved in numerous ministries as a leader and teacher. He touched many individuals and families in his professional career and in his personal life. He retired from his practice in 2012 when he was diagnosed with dementia.

He and his wife Jane are members of Grace Anglician Church of Fleming Island and the funeral services will be held there on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 3:00 PM. A viewing and gathering of friends will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Russsell Haven of Rest Funeral Home in Green Cove Springs, FL.

Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to two of his favorite charities, Clay County Salvation Army www.salvationarmyflorida.org or the Kairos Ministry at www.kairosprisonministry.org

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

Charles "Charlie" Nicholas Mabe

Charles "Charlie" Nicholas Mabe, 35 of Middleburg, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2016.Arrangements by Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  904-284-9696 www.helmgallagherfh.comElizabeth Ann "Beth" Butler Murphy, 37 of Middleburg, FL passed away April 12, 2016 Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center2335 Sandridge Road Green Cove Springs, FL  32043904-284-7720 www.RHRFH.com

Alejandro "Alex" Zuniga

Alejandro "Alex" Zuniga, 83 of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away April 12, 2016 Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center2335 Sandridge Road Green Cove Springs, FL  32043904-284-7720 www.RHRFH.com

Nancy Emilie Fluegel Allen

Nancy Emilie Fluegel Allen, 91, of Fleming Island, died at her home from natural causes on April 13, 2016. She was predeceased by her parents, Alexander William Fluegel and Flora Parrish Fluegel; her sister, Hattie Lee Fluegel Ferguson; her brothers, Stuart Fluegel, Charles Fluegel, and Robert Fluegel; and her husband, Nelson Wayne Allen. She is survived by her daughter Lucinda Allen Mosher, Th.D. (Barrie), of Doctors Inlet, FL; her two sons, Captain Frederick Wheeler Allen (Pamela), US Merchant Marine/USN Reserve (ret.), of Fort Collins, CO; and Lindsey Nelson Allen (Ellen), of Boca Grande, FL; grandsons Joshua Mosher, Jonathan Mosher, Andrew Allen, and Mitchell Allen; granddaughters Hilary North, Rachel Anderson, Whitney Calfee, and Heather Shepard; and eight great-grandchildren. Born on December 12, 1924, in Columbus, Ohio, Nancy grew up in Pratt, West Virginia, graduating from East Bank High School in 1943. On January 20, 1945, she married her high school sweetheart Nelson Wayne Allen, then an Ensign in the US Coast Guard Reserve. When Wayne received a commission in the regular Coast Guard in 1949, Nancy embraced the role of officer’s wife. She and Wayne built a beautiful life together, supporting each other loyally in individual and joint endeavors, and enjoying each duty station to which his Coast Guard career took them—especially his last post: Commanding Officer, Governors Island, New York. Throughout Wayne’s military career, Nancy took advantage of military transfers as opportunities for building a strong family, working hard to create a home wherever duty took them, devoting herself tirelessly to community, church, and Coast Guard Wives Club activities. She also took time to earn a certificate from the New York School of Interior Design. Upon her husband’s retirement from the Coast Guard in August 1975, Nancy moved with him to Orange Park, and later, to Fleming Island. During her Florida decades, Nancy continued the active involvement in church, community, and civic activities that had enriched her life throughout her husband’s military career, often in partnership with him. The Allen’s immediately joined the Orange Park United Methodist Church; and Nancy—as she had done wherever she had lived (Alaska, California, Missouri, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York)—became involved in United Methodist Women, holding numerous offices—including President of the Jacksonville District. She also was a leader in such organizations the Orange Park Women’s Club, Friends of the Fleming Island Library, and the American Cancer Society in Clay County. A keen music-lover who had performed on clarinet and violin as a teenager and as a carillonneur for the Chapel of Saint Cornelius on Governors Island, Nancy was chairwoman for several Friends of the Orange Park Library “Symphony Under the Stars” galas, which featured the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. She and her husband were ardent supporters of the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts in Orange Park. Having joined the Garden Club of Orange Park (GCOP) in 1976, Nancy became accredited as a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Floral Design Instructor, a National Garden Club Master Flower Show Judge, and a Life Member of Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. and the National Garden Club, Inc. In 1986, she founded the GCOP Arrangers Guild, which teaches floral design to members. She held many local and state Garden Club offices, including terms as GCOP president, FFGC Corresponding Secretary, FFGC District IV Director, FFGC Yearbook Editor, Director of District IV Council of Florida Flower Show Judges, and president of the Florida Flower Show Judges Council. In 1987, she directed an FFGC Environmental Conference that brought together some seventy Florida high school students. For her many valuable contributions Nancy was named to the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Hall of Fame. Nancy and Wayne Allen were a remarkable team, renowned (among other things) for their holiday entertaining and for their elegant Christmas décor—which included many items they had designed and constructed, and which was the subject of articles in several national and regional magazines, among them Town and Country. Their teamwork was celebrated uniquely in 1980, when they were co-recipients of the Rotary Club of Orange Park “Citizen of the Year Award” for outstanding service to the community. However, it persisted for nearly four decades more! Nancy was grateful that Wayne lived to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in January 2015. Her friends and family are glad they are together once again. The funeral took place at Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL, on Tuesday, April 19th. Interment followed in Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Garden Club of Orange Park or Orange Park United Methodist Church. Please sign the online guestbook at www.jacksonvillememorygardens.com

David “Shoe” Shoemaker

David “Shoe” Shoemaker, 61, of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away April 14, 2016. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Broadus Raines funeral home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-

Jane P. Smith

Smith, Jane P., born November 29, 1919 in Johnson, Vermont, passed away on April 14, 2016. In the last few years of her life, she was known as “Grandma Jane” or “Mama Jane” due to her kindness, compassion and sweet smile. She was also known for her faith, independence and strength. She loved to dance and travel and was a volunteer. She was also one of the nation’s first lady Marines, a Mayflower descendant and a proud member of the NH Chapter of Eastern Star for more than 60 years. She is home now with her beloved husband of 58 years, George (“Smitty”), and her only son, Don Malcolm. She is survived by her loving daughter and “son,” Barbara and Gary Smith; their four children and their spouses and 15 grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, April 18, 2016 2:00 p.m. at Retreat Gardens, 4100 Jackie Road SE in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Jane will be buried in Florence, Massachusetts with her family. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to the local Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/newmexico, or to a local animal shelter.

Please visit our online guestbook for Jane at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH – Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300

Beatrice E. Robinson, 66, of Orange Park, FL passed away April 15, 2016

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.comArrangements under the care of BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME

501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000

Jared “Kyle” Brown

Jared “Kyle” Brown, 29, of Midway, Georgia passed away April 14, 2016. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. BROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000

MCPO David G. Casias, USN (Ret.),

MCPO David G. Casias, USN (Ret.), of Middleburg, FL passed away at the age of 78 early Friday morning, April 15, 2016, surrounded by family at the Haven Hospice Custead Care Center. He was born on April 13, 1938 in Segundo, CO to Sam and Jennie Casias. At his last duty station, he was a Command Master Chief in charge of recruiting, and retired following more than 26 years of honorable and dedicated service; he then continued working for the military as a civilian for several years both with ISSOT, then retired from NADEP.  Survivors include his beloved wife of 28 years, Ruth Casias; 8 children: Carolina Gullo (Sandy), David Christopher Casias (Sally), Mark Casias, Diane Schroeder (Bill), David Casias II, Ryan Nicholas Keller, Jennifer Casias, and Kyle Casias; 4 grandchildren: Garrett and Pressley Casias and Ethan and Channing Schroeder.  A brother Ronald Casias (Janice) of Colorado Springs, Co and a sister Bernadine Patima (Salvador) of San Jose, Ca.  Wonderful nieces and a special sister in law Leah Craig.The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 22, 2016 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1649 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park. Interment will follow in Jacksonville National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice Custead Care Center, 745 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065 (904) 213-2639.

John W. Nelson

John W. Nelson passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016, surrounded by his family at the age of 95. He was born on December 23, 1920 in Redfield, South Dakota, where he lived out his childhood working on the family farm before joining the US Navy and serving in World War II. John also served in the Naval Reserves for 27 years, retiring as a Chief. He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, June Nelson, his son, Samuel E. Nelson and his grandson Mike Scurrey.

In 1948, John and June moved to Orange Park purchasing a fish camp on Doctors Lake and soon became a local builder where he built many homes and business buildings in Orange Park over the next several decades. He was instrumental in laying the ground work for the construction of Orange Park High School football stadium, St. Johns County Day School, Southeast Bank building and the Clothes Closet. John and June were of the first members of Orange Park United Methodist Church. They both served on the church board and in numerous capacities, including Sunday School treasurer for many years. He served as President of Methodist Men, built Sunday school buildings and worked on the parsonage in the early years of the church. He volunteered with the James Boys to help provide wheelchair ramps and repairs for fellow citizens in need. In the 1950’s when their son became of scouting age, John started a Cub Scout Pack and served as the first pack master and Boy Scout Troop 25 at Orange Park United Methodist Church, which remains active to this day. John and June were initial donors to the Orange Park Library, Orange Park Skateboard Park, Clay County Fair Association. In 1988, he personally hung the first Christmas lights in Orange Park, which his wife had asked local businesses to donate. This project has expanded to the current town holiday lights.John has been awarded many honors for his work in the community throughout the years including the “Orange Park Sertoma Mankind of the Year” and was a long-time-member of the Orange Park Lion Club. Since retiring from the building business, he has continued to delight guests with wooden puzzles and reindeers made in his workshop. He remained active, caring for his home and yard until recently and enjoyed watching the same pair of ospreys come back every year to nest on his beautiful lakefront property. John is survived by his daughters Sandy Beatty and Pat (Gary) Meeks, both of Orange Park; sister, Betty Johnson, Minneapolis; grandsons Rob Beatty, Todd Beatty, Bryan (Tracie) Beatty, Kyle (Karly) Beatty, also Julie Beatty and two great grandchildren Daizey and Donavon Beatty. Graveside service was held 11:00 AM, Monday, April 18, 2016 in Magnolia Cemetery with Reverend Charles Hubbard and Reverend Pearl Boles officiating, where family and friends l gathered to celebrate his life. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch www.youthranches.org or a charity of your choice in his honor. Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

Gloria H. McKinney

Gloria H. McKinney passed away to be with the Lord on April 15, 2016. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 7, 1926 and lived in Florida since 1953. She worked for many years as a volunteer at Orange Park Medical Center. She attended Jones Business College in Jacksonville, then became Vice President of Mighty Mac's Electric, where she worked until 1991. Gloria was a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. Gloria loved bowling and working in her garden tending to her flowers and plants. In addition, she loved to play with her beloved dog, Pepe. Additionally, she loved to take care of stray animals that came around her home. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend to all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband, William P. McKinney Jr. and a grandson, Richard L. Gatz, Jr. They were married 71 years. She is survived by her son, William P. McKinney III (Carol), her daughter, Carol Gatz (Richard); and daughter Gloria Milan (Gerald). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ruthie Itani; William P. McKinney IV (Rhiannon); Dana Qadadah (Ali); Kelly Cerrillo (Hector); Carol Lynn Smith; Cheryl Morton (Rodney); Gloria Boyles; Ronda Rusnak (David); William Rogers; and Gerald T. Milan, Jr. Gloria had 25 great-grandchildren and eight great, great-grandchildren. Family and friends were received Monday, April 18, 2016 at Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the services at Riverside Memorial Park. Arrangements in care of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home.

Hazel Little Mason

Hazel passed from this life after an extended illness on March 27, 2016 in Weatherford, TX. She was born in Middleburg, KY on May 24, 1934. After living in Florida since the late 1950’s Hazel had relocated to Texas to be nearer to her new great-grandson in 2010. Hazel was best known by the community for the time she spent running Little’s Grocery and Feed in Virginia Village with her husband Sam Little. Hazel was predeceased by her father - Ernest Wilson, mother – Nannie Kinnaird Wilson, daughter – Sandra Faye Little, husbands – Sam Little and David Mason, and brothers – Chester Wilson, Edgar Wilson, and Hershel Wilson. Survivors are daughter – Paula Hunt (Jack), grandson – J.D. Hunt (Stacey), and great-grandson – Jack, all of Weatherford, Texas, as well as brother – Ernest Eugene Wilson (Beulah) of Interlochen, FL and many nieces and nephews. Reverend Charlie Hunt officiated at graveside services on April 3rd at Oak Grove Cemetery in Douglas, Georgia where she was laid to rest beside the love of her life Sam Little.

Teresa Kay Ryan

Teresa Kay Ryan, 44, of Middleburg, FL, passed away April 16, 2016

Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.comBROADUS-RAINES FUNERAL HOME, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

James P. Howard

James P. Howard, 89, went on to be with his Lord, this past Saturday, April 16, 2016.  Dad was born in Boston and grew up near Bunker Hill during the depth of the depression.  He joined the US Navy at age 17 and served for 23 years with a number of flight crews in both Atlantic and Pacific theaters.  In 1951, he met and fell in love with our dear Mom, Donna Marie Paulson.  Ironically they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary just a few weeks ago.  He retired in 1966 having attained the Rate of Chief Petty Officer. 

For the next 23 years he served a national firm as an insurance investigator and retired in 1989. He was an active member of The Fleet Reserve and Holy Name Society, Sacred Catholic Church, and for many years volunteered at the soup kitchen downtown and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office.

He is survived by His wife, Donna, 5 children, Paul Howard, Jim Howard, John Howard, Kathy Wright, and Mike Hward, 25 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. 

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fleming island with Father Donal Sullivan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 US Hwy 17 Fleming Island, FL 32003. www.sacredheartcatholicchurch.orgArrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720Our dad was a faithful servant of God, an American hero, model husband and father.

Paul, Jim, John, Kathy, & Mike