John Albro Jr., 83, of Inverness
John Irus Albro Jr., 83, of Inverness died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at the Mariner Health Care Center. A native of West Greenwich, R.I., he was born on Jan. 10, 1917, to John and Emily (Beattie) Albro Sr. He moved to Florida 24 years ago from there where he was a retired building contractor. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and State Senate for eight years. He was Christian. He served in the National Guard. His affiliations included Inverness Moose Lodge No. 2112, FOE Aerie No. 3992, charter and life member of West Greenwich Elks Lodge No. 2285, former Boy Scout leader, past president of Coventry-West Greenwich Lions Club and founding member of Lake Mishnock Fire Department. He was a former city council member for the city of West Greenwich, and a former tax assessor. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Gertrude Gifford Albro of Inverness; two sons, Richard Albro of Rockport, Texas, and William Albro of W. Greenwich, R.I.; three daughters, Doris Graska, Donna Young, both of Inverness, and Priscilla Fabbri of Greene, R.I.; one brother, Walte Albro of Phillips, Maine; three sisters, Mary Curls of Inverness, Carolyn Breene of Coventry, R.I., and Susan Fontaine of W. Greenwich, R.I.; 11 grandchildren including Lane Shaw, Jackson Hunt, both of Inverness, Glenn Corp of Dunedin, and Eric Hunt of Tennessee; and several great-grandchildren including Jessica Shaw of Inverness. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

Robert Austin Sr., 96, of Beverly Hills
Robert V. Austin Sr., 96, of Beverly Hills and Ann Arbor, Mich., died Sunday, March 12, 2000, at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness after a brief illness. Born Jan. 9, 1904, to Dr. Henry J. Austin and Mary V. Austin of Geneva, Ohio, he was an engineer with Detroit Edison in Ann Arbor, Mich., until his retirement to Florida. Mr. Austin was an alumnus of the University of Michigan. He was past president of the Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club and an active member of BPOE and the Lions Club of Ann Arbor. He was also a member of the National Eye Bank Network Association and an active member of the Amateur Ham Radio Club and received his license in 1921. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores E. Austin and his son, Robert V. Austin Jr. of Citrus County. Survivors include his daughter, Jean A. Tibbals and husband Paul A. Tibbals of Beverly Hills; daughter-in-law, Doris M. Austin of Citrus County; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A family memorial service was held Wednesday, March 15, with Pastor Lloyd Bertine of Gulf to Lake Baptist Church officiating.

Charles Barriger, 63, of Gladwin, Mich.
Charles R. Barriger, 63, of Gladwin, Mich., died Monday, March 13, 2000. He has been a winter resident to Wildwood since 1980. Mr. Barriger was born in Pontiac, Mich. He was a metal repairman for General Motors. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie No. 3541, Harrison, Mich., past president of the International Lions Club, Harrison, Mich. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union. Mr. Barriger attended the Wildwood Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Marlene (Reiter) Barriger of Gladwin, Mich., and Wildwood; four sons, Charles J. Barriger of Jacksonville, Dennis J. Barriger of Richmond, Mich., David M. Barriger of Union Lake, Mich., and Daniel P. Barriger of Gladwin, Mich.; two daughters, Heidi Marie Davis of Los Lumes, N.M., and Peggy Ann Hansen of Gladwin, Mich.; four brothers, Douglas Barriger of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., George Barriger of Arizona, Bob Barriger of Sun City and James Barriger of Drayton Plains, Mich.; one sister, Elizabeth Barriger of White Lake, Mich.; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Hooper Funeral Home, Inverness.

Grace Bopp, 70, of Holder
Grace Theresa Bopp, 70, of Holder died Tuesday, March 14, 2000. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and came here 12 years ago from New York City. Mrs. Bopp was a telephone operator whose interests included her love of taking cruises. She was Catholic. Surviving are her husband, Henry J. Bopp of Holder; son, Paul A. Bopp of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Joanne F. Sumaya of Poway, Calif.; and a grandson, Albert C. Sumaya of Poway, Calif. Hooper Funeral Home, Beverly Hills.

Corbin Covault, 82, of Sylvan Lake, Mich.
Corbin E. Covault, 82, of Sylvan Lake, Mich., formerly of Plymouth, Mich., and Crystal River, died Thursday, March 9, 2000, in W. Bloomfield, Mich. Born July 23, 1917, in Detroit, Mich., he moved to the Oakland County area in 1950. Mr. Covault was a sales representative for Acorn Window Company, retiring to Florida in 1978 after 15 years. Previously he was founder and owner of Corbin Window Company in Detroit. While living in Crystal River, he continued to work at many small jobs. He always enjoyed working. He was a member and very involved with St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Crystal River. He was president of St. Vincent de Paul. He lived at Independence Village of Plymouth, Mich., until summer of 1999. Surviving are four sons, Ronald (Margaret) Covault of W. Bloomfield, Mich., Ned (Susan) Covault of Pleasant Ridge, Mich., Dennis Covault of Lake Orion, Mich., and Mark (Gean) Covault of Sand Pointe, Idaho; one daughter, Mary (Craig) Haitz of Whitmore Lake, Mich.; seven grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Brother of the late Betty Martin (Betty and Corbin died on the same day, March 9, 2000). A memorial service was held in conjunction with his sister's funeral service, Monday, March 13, at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, Plymouth, Mich.

James Harman, 87, of Homosassa
James William Harman, 87, of Homosassa died Tuesday, March 14, 2000. Born in Homosassa, he was a lifelong resident of Homosassa. Mr. Harman was former owner of Harman Cottages on the Homosassa River for 25 years. He was a member of the Lecanto Church of Christ, past member of the Homosassa Lions Club, and one of the founders and inspectors for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Citrus County. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Nettie W. (Weldon) Harman, married April 16, 1938; son, Newton M. Harman of Homosassa Springs; daughter, Marti Harman Barber of Lecanto; sister, Margaret (Boots) Forbes of Lake Wales; three grandsons, Gregg Barber of Homosassa, Jason Barber of Boiling Springs, N.C., and Christopher Harman of Panama City; and two great-grandchildren, Christian and Hailey Barber of Homosassa. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

George McDevitt Sr., 77, of Inverness
George William McDevitt Sr., 77, of Inverness died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at his home. Born in Palisades Park, N.J., on Aug. 15, 1922, to Charles and Caroline (Barile) McDevitt, he was a 12-year winter resident from Hillsdale, N.J. Mr. McDevitt was a retired labor leader and vice president of ICWU No. 825, East Region. He was a World War II Naval veteran. He was a member of the Citrus County Democratic Club and AARP. He was Catholic. Surviving are his wife, Audrey J. Mullane McDevitt; five sons, George Jr. of Hackensack, N.J., Timothy of Middletown, N.Y., Steven of Lecanto, H. Patrick of Lake Ariel, Pa., and Kevin of Suffern, N.Y.; one daughter, Audrey K. Pazienza of Newburgh, N.Y.; two brothers, John of Hillerest, N.Y., and Thomas of Hillsdale, N.J.; one sister, Caroline Mayer of Westwood, N.J.; 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by brothers: Charles, James and Harry. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

Bette Naber, 61, of Sugarmill Woods
Bette Jo Naber, 61, of Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at her residence. Born in Martinsville, Va., she came here 15 years ago from Homer, Alaska. She was creator, designer and co-owner of Doll Fashions at Naber Kids Doll Factory. She was Methodist. Surviving are her husband, Harald P. Naber of Sugarmill Woods, Homosassa; one daughter, Angela Marie Rodrick of Homosassa; mother, Josephine Strickler of Augusta, Ga.; two brothers, Larry W. Strickler of Hernando and Sydney W. Strickler of Charlotte, N.C.; one sister, Richie L. Williams of Martinez, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace T. Strickler in 1996 and brother, Thomas T. Strickler in 1983. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Albert Bird, 71,of Crystal River
Albert P. Bird, 71, of Crystal River died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at Seven Rivers Community Hospital. He was born to Mabel and George Bird on Sept. 17, 1928, in Haverhill, Mass. He moved here 13 years ago from there. He was a retired independent trucker. He was Catholic. He is survived by his wife, Dolores Bird of Crystal River; son, Gregory Bird of Haverhill, Mass.; daughter, Leslye Zylkuski of Haverhill, Mass.; brother, Eddie Bird of Haverhill, Mass.; sister, Doris McCormick of Haverhill, Mass.; and five grandchildren, Jennifer Bird, Stephanie Bird, Dolly Ann Bird, Nicholas Zylkuski and Alexander Zylkuski all of Haverhill, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Albert can be made to the American Heart Association. Brown Funeral Home, Crystal River.

Leonard Fertig, 84,of Ocala
Leonard Robert Fertig, 84, of Ocala, formerly of Dunnellon, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at Munroe Regional Medical Center. Born in Plymouth, Ind., the son of Floyd R. and Grace (Morgan) Fertig, he came to Florida in 1978 and moved to Ocala in 1989. Mr. Fertig retired in 1978 as assistant to the president of Uniroyal Tires, New York City with 30 years of service. He was a member of Ocala West United Methodist Church, Ocala. He was a member of On Top Of The World Golf and Country Club, Ocala. He was a former Mason in Connecticut and Indiana. He was an avid golfer and gardener. He is survived by his beloved wife of 10 years, Winnie Fertig of Ocala; son, Gerald R. Fertig of Donovan, Ill.; two daughters, Marlen F. Hudson of Argyle, Texas, and Geleta F. Ventrella of Bedford, Texas; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by beloved wife of 51 years, Marga Ellen Fertig, March 17, 1988. Fero Funeral Home, Dunnellon.

James Harman, 87,of Homosassa
James William Harman, 87, of Homosassa died Tuesday, March 14, 2000. Born in Homosassa, he was a lifelong resident of Homosassa. Mr. Harman was former owner of Harman Cottages on the Homosassa River for 25 years. He was a member of the Lecanto Church of Christ. He was a past member of the Homosassa Lions Club. He was one of the founders and inspectors for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Citrus County. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Nettie W. (Weldon) Harman, married April 16, 1938; son, Newton M. Harman of Homosassa Springs; daughter, Marti Harman Barber of Lecanto; sister, Margaret (Boots) Forbes of Lake Wales; three grandsons, Gregg Barber of Homosassa, Jason Barber of Boiling Springs, N.C., and Christopher Harman of Panama City; and two great-grandchildren, Christian and Hailey Barber of Homosassa. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Elizabeth Humphrey, 89, of Inverness
Elizabeth L. Humphrey, 89, of Inverness died Tuesday, March 14, 2000. She was born in Alexandria, Va., and came to Inverness 18 years ago from Miami. Mrs. Humphrey was a telephone operator for C&P Telephone Company in the Washington, D.C., area. She was a member of the Church of Christ of Floral City. She was an avid bowler at Sportsmens Bowl in Inverness. Surviving are her husband, Rembert "Gene" Humphrey of Inverness; two daughters, Shirley Gray of Edinburg, Va., and Ruby Walters of Floral City; seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Wilder-Fountains Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs.

Donna Ingrassia, 37,of St. Petersburg
Donna Marie Ingrassia, 37, of St. Petersburg died Thursday, March 16, 2000, at Edward White Hospital following a short illness. Born in Flemington, N.J., on Jan. 22, 1963, to Angelo and Gelsomina Ingrassia, she moved to St. Petersburg two years ago from Tampa. She spent her childhood in Inverness and graduated from Citrus High School, class of 1981. She attended the First United Methodist Church of Inverness. She was a gemologist and store manager for the Whitehall Jewelry Store in Tampa. She is survived by her parents, Angelo and Judy Ingrassia of Inverness; her mother, Gelsomina Volgey of New Jersey; three brothers, Angelo Ingrassio Jr. of Citrus Hills, John Knowles of Inverness, and Joseph Volgey of New Jersey; two sisters, Rose Mary Moff of Inverness and Lisa Giacone of New Jersey; maternal grandmother, Mary V. Johnson of Ocala; many nieces and nephews; and her former husband and devoted friend, Phillip Clark of Tampa. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.

Rita Malley, 77,of Lecanto
Rita F. Malley, 77, of Lecanto died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness. She was born to Eva and Frederick Lutz on Nov. 22, 1922, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She moved here from Hamilton Township, New Jersey, seven years ago. She attended St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto. She was a housewife. She is survived by her husband, Alex Malley of Lecanto; one daughter, Eva Kelly of Hernando; two sons, Alex Malley of Hernando and Fredric Malley of Tabernacle, N.J.; one brother, Edward Lutz of Belrose, N.Y.; four grandchildren, L.J. Green and Joseph Kelley both of Hernando, Jeff Kelly of Yardville, N.J., and David Malley of Tabernacle, N.J.; and one great-granddaughter, Mary Grace Elizabeth Kelly of Yardville, N.J. Brown Funeral Home, Crystal River.

Marion Mercer, 84, of Crystal River
Marion R. Mercer, 84, of Crystal River died Monday, March 13, 2000, at the Crystal River Health and Rehab Center. Born Jan. 12, 1916, to Minnie (Moser) and Marion R. Mercer Sr. in Johnson City, Tenn., he came to this area 44 years ago from there. Mr. Mercer was a retired musician beginning his career in the early 1940s and '50s having a local band called the Marion Mercer Band in Johnson City, Tenn., then coming to Florida he opened the first Radio Shack and Mercer Music in Leesburg in 1967, Crystal River store in 1974 and finally Eustis in 1976. Many knew him through his music at the Port Paradise, Plantation, Yardarm, Holiday Inn, Citrus Hills, and Seven Rivers Golf and Country Club. Mr. Mercer was a U.S. Army Special Services veteran of World War II and was a member of the Gulf to Lake Baptist Church in Crystal River. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Mallie Mercer of Crystal River; one son, Robert Mercer and his wife Linda of Leesburg; three daughters, Marian Leaphart of Fruitland Park, Judy MacCallum and her husband Roger of Inverness, and Terri Mullins and her husband Marvin of Crystal River; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.

James E. Pruett, 75, of Hernando
James E. Pruett, 75, of Hernando died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Boston, Mass., and came here in 1997 from Medford, Mass. Mr. Pruett was a senior mechanical technician for the thermo-electric industry. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict. He was a member of VFW Post 4252, Hernando. He was Catholic. He was an avid fisherman and bingo player. He idolized Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox. He always "told it like it is," and he loved to travel. Surviving are his wife, Romonita Pruett of Hernando; two daughters, Cheryl Demaro and Frances Sousa both of Massachusetts; four sons, William H. Pruett of Washington, John Pruett of Hopkinton, Mass., Steven Pruett and Robert Pruett both of Massachusetts; one brother, John J. Pruett of Hernando; 13 grandchildren; stepson, Jose' A. Rosario of Homosassa; and stepdaughter, Migdalia Vara of Hudson, Mass. Hiers Memorial Chapel at TimberRidge.

Joseph Webber, 14, of Crystal River
Joseph P. Webber, 14, of Crystal River died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at his home. He was born to Diane and Warren Webber on Nov. 19, 1985, in Stoughton, Mass. He moved here from Middleboro, Mass., nine years ago. He was a student in the Home School program and he played Little League Baseball and enjoyed bowling at the Manatee Lanes in Crystal River. He is survived by his parents, Warren and Diane Webber of Crystal River; three sisters, Yvonne O'Brien of Mayakka City, Michelle (Joseph) Weiner of Homosaassa, and Tanya Webber of Ormand Beach; two brothers, Scott (Jennifer) Webber of Raynhan, Mass., and Shawn (Dayelle) Webber of N. Fort Myers; great-grandparents, Warren and Cora Webber of Holbrook, Mass., and Ruth and Warren Higgins of Randolph, Mass.; and many nephews and nieces. Brown Funeral Home, Crystal River.

Richard Brink, 71, of Crystal River
Richard L. Brink, 71, of Crystal River died Wednesday, March 15, 2000. He was born in LaPorte, Ind., and came here six years ago from Elkhart, Ind. Mr. Brink was a retired sheet metal worker for Alumax Aluminum with 20 years of service. He was a member of the Amazing Grace Pentecostal Church in Crystal River. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Lucille Bottorff Brink of Crystal River; two sons, Alan E. Brink of Elkhart, Ind., and Frederick L. Brink of Crystal River; four daughters, Penny M. Lewanowski of Cheektowaga, N.Y., Cindy K. Moody of Swanton, Ohio, Edna M. Lundy of Elkhart, Ind., and Rosemarie E. Templeton of Crystal River; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. Hooper Funeral Home, Beverly Hills.

Lauren Brown, 21/2, of Panama City
Our precious angel, Lauren, went to see Jesus on Tuesday, March 14, 2000. She was born on July 15, 1997. She is survived by her parents, Don and Letitia Warnock Brown; her sisters, Xanthia Clark and LeeAnne Brown; and her brothers, Donnie and Craig Brown; maternal grandparents, Lowell and Jeannette Warnock of Oxford; paternal grandparents, Jean Poole of Hot Springs Village, Ark., and Joe Brown of Houston, Texas; aunts, Carol Poole, Jeannie Moore, Grace Fields, Kristin Brown; uncles, Joe (J.D.) Brown, Jerry Moore, and Marc Fields; cousins, Danielle and Joey Brown, Leah Poole, Jessica Moore, Anthony Moore, Chelsea and Ryan Warner, and Jeremy and Andy Moore. Lauren is a wonderful gift from God, and we are thankful for the joy she brought to her family for the short time we had her here on earth. She is loved and will be missed by all. Wilson Funeral Home, Panama City.

Robert Fries, 75, of Inverness
Robert Leroy Fries, 75, of Inverness died Friday, March 17, 2000, at his residence. Born in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 13, 1924, to the late Robert and Dama (Whitaker) Fries, he came here in 1977 from Clearwater. Mr. Fries was a retired owner and operator of a paint spray finishing equipment company. He was Presbyterian. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Vivian (Egener) Fries. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.