Nina McKinney
Nina McKinney, 60, went to be with her Lord on Friday, May 24, 2002. She was born Jan. 5, 1942 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of John L. and Genevieve Pero. Her family moved from Brooklyn to Long Island, N.Y., when she was young where she attended school. She graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1960.
She began her career in the communication industry and worked as a telephone switchboard operator for AT&T until she moved to Spring Hill, Fla., in 1972.
She was an active member of the DAV Auxiliary Cada-Hadden - Chapter 67, Brooksville, Fla., and devoted much of her spare time volunteering for projects and events of that organization. She had a passion for music, ceramics, cross-stitching and gardening.
She was the devoted wife of Robert McKinney, also from Long Island.
Loving mother of Kathleen Myrick of Welcome, N.C., Duke Rerisi of Clayton, N.C., Laura Kelly of Benson, N.C., Julia Makous or Kirkland, WA, and Daniel McKinney of Niceville, Fla.; cherished grandmother of Jennifer, David, Elizabeth, Heather, Danielle, Patrick, Mollie, Jacob, Jackie, James, Chelsea and great grandmother of Caleb.
She is also survived by her mother, Genevieve Hodge, and sister, Rebecca Wilson of Port Richey, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her loving father, John L. Pero.
May the memory of her love, beauty and wit live in the hearts of her family, friend and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospice of Niceville in Nina's honor.
Geraldine Mary Ceravolo
Geraldine Mary Ceravolo, 76, of Pensacola, Fla., passed away May 25, 2002. She was preceded in death by her son, Anthony Joseph Ceravolo, and grandson, John Ryan Peacock.
She was a devoted wife to her husband of 49 years, Frank A. Cervolo. A loving mother to her children, Marie (Glenn) Currie, Michele (Greg) Thomas, Frank (Valerie) Ceravolo Jr., Robin Ceravolo, Jerre (John) Peacock, Johnne (Eric) Benken, Gina (Danny) Tice, and Cathee (Bob) Edmunds and a caring "Nana" to 24 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Monday, May 27, 2002 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Pensacola, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul and St. Paul's Catholic Church.
Mary Elizabeth Gallagher
Surrounded by her loving family, Mary went with her heavenly father on May 22, 2002 at her residence in Niceville, Fla.
Mary was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 18, 1933. She has been a resident of Niceville since 1977.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Joseph.
Survived by her five loving children, daughter Cathy of Niceville, sons and spouses Jee and Json of Denver, Colo., Richard and Wendy of Niceville, Frank of Fort Walton Beach, and Steve and Susan of Destin.
She will always be remembered for her dedicated devotion to her loving grandchildren, Tom O'Malley of Drexel Hill, Pa., Nicole O'Malley and Christine Perkins of Niceville, Jesse and Steven Gallagher of Destin, Karen and Sharon Gallagher of Denver, Colo., Joshua and Holly Gallagher of Phoenix, Ariz., and Ashley Gallagher of Niceville.
Mary will be missed by the many relatives and friends that shared her life.
Graveside services will be held at Sunset Cemetery in Valparaiso on May 28, 2002 at 6 p.m. Officiating the ceremony will be Deacon Lou Marini of Holy Name Jesus Catholic Church.
Monica "GG" Seebaldt
Monica "GG" Seebaldt, 82, passed quietly into the Lord's care at her home in Shalimar on Sunday, May 19, 2002. A warm and gentle lady, she loved to cook, antique shop and watch her grandson play baseball. She was born in Detroit, Mich., and spent the better part of her life as an Air Force wife, traveling the world. Monica was preceded in death by her husband, Col. (Ret.) Curt Seebaldt Sr., and her sister, Margaret. She is survived by Curt Seebaldt Jr. of Shalimar, Fla., three grandchildren, Kelly Katherine and Sara, as well as great grandchild Kenyon. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 31, at 5 p.m. in the Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Racetrack Road with Father John Scalone officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to Covenant Hospice, 101 Hart St., Niceville, Fla. 32579.
Lorna Jean (King) Cudney
Mrs. Lorna Jean (King) Cudney, age 68, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2002, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 1, 1934, in San Jose, Calif., to Roy (Mike) and Beulah King. She and her family moved to Fort Walton Beach in 1970.
Lorna is survived by her husband of 45 years, Don; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Andrew (Ozzy) Osborn of Fort Walton Beach; daughter and son-in-law Deena and Chris Demoro of Lakeland, Ga.; and son Don Cudney Jr. of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren, Alexa and Danny Demoro and Allison Osborn; two sisters, Sharon Conrad of Morgan Hill, Calif., and Audrey Franco of Holister, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, at 11 a.m. at the Little Chapel Funeral Home on Beal Parkway. Viewing and visitation will begin at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. Stephen Olivier will be officiating at the service and burial will follow services in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 2001 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, Fla., 32501, in memory of Lorna J. Cudney. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Little Chapel Funeral Home, 910 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., entrusted with the arrangements.
Daniel V. Lent
SmSgt. Daniel V. Lent, USAF, retired, age 68, of 210 22nd Street, Niceville, Fla., died at his home on May 25, 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer.
As a member of the military Dan traveled extensively both in the United States and Europe. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served as a crewman aboard the USS Midway. He later joined the U.S. Air Force and served various positions in the United Kingdom the Pentago Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C., Dover AFB, Del., Soesterberg AB, the Netherlands, Maxwell AFB, Ala., and MacDill AFB, Fla. His military career spanned over 26 years of service to his country. After retiring from the military, Dan worked as a civil servant at the Eglin AFB accounting and finance office.
Dan was born in Syracuse, N.Y., on Feb. 3, 1934 and was preceded in death by his loving wife Rosemary Piston Lent, his parents, William J. Lent Sr. and Genevieve Burke Lent, and his brother William J. Lent Jr.
Dan is survived by his loving brothers, Thomas Lent and wife Phyllis, Robert Lent and Paul Lent, sons Lt. Col. John W. Lent and wife Lt. Col. (Ret.) Patricia of Andrews AFB, Md., Lt. Cmdr. (Sol) Michael J. Lent and wife Madeline of Odenton, Md., Mark R. Lent and wife Kristi of Tuscaloosa, Ala., daughters Rosemary H. Davis and husband Steve of Montgomery, Ala., and Jacqueline Ann Samani and husband Masour of Titusville, Fla. Dan is also survived by seven grandchildren, Theresa and Sean Lent, Rachel Lent, Grayson and Tanner Lent and Shayda and Daniel Samani.
Dan was active in many civic and veterans organizations. He was a life members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Syracuse, N.Y., Lodge No. 31. He was also a members of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 112, AMVETS Post No. 78, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10090 and the American Legion in Niceville, Fla.
Visitation will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, May 29, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment services will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, the date and time to be determined.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ming-Chen Chang and the staff at the Okaloosa Oncology Center for their professionalism and concern. We would also like to thank Nancy, Jennifer, Shelby, George and the staff at Covenant Hospice and Ch. Lt. Col. James Ludwikoski, 96 ABW/HC for their compassion and caring during this past week. Finally we would like to thank the members of the DAV Chapter 112 for the friendship and unwavering support during our parents recent illness.
The family requests that a memorial donation be made in Dan's name to DAV Chapter 112, 920 Hospital Drive, Niceville, Fla., 32578 or Covenant Hospice, 101 Hart Street, Niceville, Fla., 32578.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, Fla., has been entrusted with arrangements.
Shirly Pitman Grice
Shirly Grice, 61, of DeFuniak Springs died Sunday May 26, 2002. She was born Oct. 12, 1940 to Preston and Carlie Smith Pitman. When she was a child she moved with her family to DeFuniak Springs where she lived most of her life. Shirly will be remembered as a devoted, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and foster mother. She was frequently seen working at the family business but was always delighted in caring for her family and friends. A dedicated homemaker, Shirly was a fixture in her church and lived by example. At various times through the years she could be found teaching Sunday School classes and teaching at the Galilean Academy. Shirly spend most of her life battling numerious health problems but always stood firm in her resolve. She lived her life her way and on her own terms.
Suvivors include: husband of 43 years, Warren A. "Dub" Grice; two daughters Kathleen Deaver of DeFuniak Springs and Jackie Ann Grice of Pensacola; four grandchildren David and Robin Langford, Sean and Katie Trotman all of DeFuniak Springs; two brothers and sisters-in-law James and Marcia Pitman of New York and U.L. and Darla Pitman of Milton; brother and sister-in-law George and Vesta Owen of Delray Beach; and brother-in-law Starkey Roach. She is also survived by numerious nieces and nephews.
Flowers are being accepted. Graveside services will be held Wednesday May 29 at 3 p.m. at Red Bay Cemetery with The Rev. Lonnie Wright officiating. Jerry Evans Funeral Home handled has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Elizabeth Gallagher
Surrounded by her loving family, Mary went with her heavenly father on May 22, 2002, at her residence in Niceville, Fla.
Mary was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 18, 1933. She has been a resident of Niceville since 1977.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Joseph.
She is survived by her five loving children, daughter Cathy of Niceville, sons and spouses Joe and Joon of Denver, Colo., Richard and Wendy of Niceville, Frank of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Steve and Susan of Destin, Fla.
She will always be remembered for her dedicated devotion to her loving grandchildren, Tom O'Malley of Drexel Hill, Pa., Nicole O'Malley and Christine Perkins of Niceville, Jesse and Steven Gallagher of Destin, Karen and Sharon Gallagher of Denver, Colo., Joshua and Holly Gallagher of Phoenix, Ariz., and Ashley Gallagher of Niceville.
Mary will be missed by the many relatives and friends that shared her life.
Graveside services were held at Sunset Cemetery in Valparaiso on Tuesday, May 28, at 6 p.m. Officiating the ceremony was Deacon Lou Marini of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church
Dr. John A. Johnson Jr.
Dr. John Andrew Johnson Jr. of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, May 27, 2002.
Born June 15, 1935, in Mercer, Pa., he graduated from high school in Mercer at the age 14 and enrolled in Grove City College. Upon graduation he began medical school at George Washington University, where he graduated in 1958 with a doctorate degree in medicine. He was 21 years old when he became a resident and joined the U.S. Air Force. He began his internship at Ohio Valley Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va. He began his residency in 1961 at Wilford Hall in San Antonio, Texas. In 1965, he took the position of flight surgeon at various overseas bases, including Japan and Vietnam.
He became a member of the American Board of Surgery in 1966. In 1968, Dr. Johnson came to Eglin Air Force Base to become the chief of surgery until his military retirement in 1977. He immediately became a staff member of the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and opened his private practice at 924 Mar Walt Drive. He specialized in general vascular and thoracic surgery. During his 23 years in private practice he was an active staff member of the Medical Center, Twin Cities Hospital and the Destin Hospital. He was a member of the Emerald Coast Surgery Center and the Emerald Coast Health Care Alliance. He was on the board of trustees at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Destin Hospital, and president of the medical staff of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center from 1982 to 1983.
Dr. Johnson was a member of the Florida Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Okaloosa County Medical Society, Florida Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Florida Physicians Association. Dr. Johnson was honored with a scholarship fund in his name at FSU in 1996, which provided scholarship money to pre-med students who were in need of support. For over five years he worked alongside his wife, Robin, a registered nurse, in his office.
Dr. Johnson was a very beloved physician who spent countless hours day and night operating on members of this community. He was the most dedicated, kind and gentle man to all who met him and worked with him. He was a diehard surgeon who never gave up. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1994. He continued to practice medicine until he retired from his surgical duties on March 1, 1999. He will be most greatly missed by everyone he touched with his heart and his gentle hands. His unselfish and giving nature brought many people extended lives because of the time he took to see them through crucial hours. He stated just shortly after he retired, "My road has been long and my journey has been hard, but I have completed my goal and my life has been with the greatest of meaning. I used the talent God gave me to the best of my ability and until the end of my time. I would never do it any other way."
Dr. Johnson is survived by his loving wife, Robin Elizabeth Johnson; his sister, Marguerite Johnson Redmond and husband Don of Mercer. He is survived by his sons, John Andrew Johnson III of Fort Walton Beach, David A. (Falena) Johnson of Lake City, Fla., Ray A. (Leslie) Johnson of Navarre, Fla.; and three daughters, Ruth A. (Van) VanLandingham of Navarre, and Ann (Mike) Bass of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; and stepchildren, Katelyn E. Horgan of Fort Walton Beach, and Kevin T. Horgan of Fort Walton Beach. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Nathan, Michaela, Jessica, David, Katina, Heath and Riley.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Simon's-on-the-Sound Episcopal Church, 28 S.W. Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, with father James Spencer officiating. Burial will follow in Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville, Fla., with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Dr. John A. Johnson Endowment Scholarship Fund (for pre-med students at Florida State University), c/o Mary Layfield, P.O. Box 56, Niceville, FL 32588-0056.
Arrangements by Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach.
Jeremy C. Phillips
Jeremy Phillips, age 21, died unexpectedly Monday, May 13, 2002.
He was born in Nuremberg, Germany, on May 6, 1981, the son of Mark and Anne Phillips. Jeremy attended Lamoille Union High School.
Jeremy filled his life with many activities, which included being a sports enthusiast, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and playing other sports; getting into his music, as well as having a wonderful singing voice; and showing a great affection for animals, especially a great love for his recently passed dog, Kaya. Jeremy also had a wonderful sense of humor, he was a good-natured fellow, and often his peaceful demeanor would prevail when situations called for calm. Although his life was short-lived, Jeremy lived his to the fullest.
Besides his mother, Anne Trombley of Hyde Park, Vt., and his father, Mark Phillips of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., he is survived by his brother, Kyle Phillips; his stepfather, Tim Trombley; his maternal grandmother, Ruth Tuthill, all of Hyde Park; his paternal grandmother, Helen Phillips of Rockmart, Ga.; and many aunt, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 17, in the second Congregational Church of Hyde Park, with interment following in the Jedediah Hyde Cemetery.
Logan Michael Hicks
Logan Michael Whitledge Hicks, 14 years old, passed from this life May 25, 2002, at Fort Walton Beach Hospital.
He was the precious child of Jack E. Hicks, Patricia Williams, Brian K. Whitledge and Jennifer Whitledge.
Logan proudly considered himself a computer geek. He taught himself Russian via the web. He found the study of our DNA and genetics fascinating and enjoyed computer programming with Linux. Through the people he initially met via the web, he developed true friendships that lasted for years. He most enjoyed helping people online in foreign countries learn our language.
Logan attended school in Alabama, Freeport, Fla., and at the Denicole Private School in Fort Myers, Fla.
He is survived by his sister, Melissa Earhart; stepfather, Charles G. Williams; stepbrother, Daniel Williams; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his friends at Denicole School.
A memorial service will be held at St. Simon's Episcopal Church in Fort Walton Beach at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30.
Vito M. Orlando
Longtime local resident Vito M. Orlando died May 24, 2002, due to complications from lung cancer. As he wished, he died at home surrounded by his family.
Vito was born on Feb. 12, 1937, in New Jersey. After serving his country for almost three decades, he retired from the U.S. Air Force and was a resident of Niceville, Fla., for over 20 years. Vito took comfort in his neighbors' friendships. He had many of the same neighbors since 1978.
Vito was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Charles Orlando, and will be greatly missed by Takeko, his loving wife of 41 years. Survivors also include four children, Nancy, Joel, Francine and Tina, and three grandchildren, Michael, Matthew and Jordan; and sisters, Jo-Ann Andriola and Dolores Pizzo of New Jersey.
The family will have a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Nellieann Calkin
Nellieann Calkin of Shalimar, Fla., died at the age of 71 on Thursday morning, May 23, 2002.
Mrs. Calkin moved to this area in 1977 when her husband was assigned to Hurlburt Field. She worked as a Realtor with the Sundance Agency from that time until she retired in 1990. Upon her retirement she volunteered many hours with Pet Welfare, Sharing and Caring, and the OMAC health care clinic.
A loving mother, grandmother and friend, Nellie was surrounded by family and friends her last days. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her courageous, kind and loving manner.
She was preceded in death by her husband and soul mate of 32 years, Maynard Starr Calkin Jr., a retired Air Force colonel. She is survived by her son, Maynard S. Calkin III of Fairfax, Va.; and her daughter, Molly E. Berry and son-in-law, Jerry R. Berry of Shalimar; three grandchildren, Kristi, Katie and David Berry; and three sisters, Noralee Ahrens of Bay City, Mich., Phyllisdale Maddalena of Austin, Texas, and Molly Reiss of Kawkawlin, Mich.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30, at 4 p.m. She will be buried with her husband at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a local animal shelter of your choice; or to Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
James Edmund Cooper
James Edmund Cooper, age 52, of Seaside Beach, Fla., died Monday, May 27, 2002.
He was born on June 29, 1949, to Robert and Vivian Cooper. An Arkansas boy at heart, Jim grew up in Lepanto before moving to Memphis, Tenn. He moved to Seaside in the early '90s and has been charming the community ever since.
A gifted musician and self-proclaimed funny guy, Jim was simply wonderful to be around. You never knew what was going to come out of his mouth next. The only thing wilder than that was his guitar. Jim could captivate an audience with blistering riffs and ear bending solos. Even people who couldn't dance were compelled to try. And then came the lyrics. His playing abilities were eclipsed only by his abilities as a writer, and telling stories through music was Jim's gift to us all.
Jim spent the last year before his illness working as a Realtor for Davis Properties. He said it was the greatest job in the world - sandals, shorts, and looking at houses all day.
He will deeply be missed as a husband, father, brother and friend. Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Babette Cooper; two daughters, Candace Lockhart (husband Charles) and Jennifer Vines (husband Brad); two sons, Sloan Cooper (wife Jennifer) and Chris Sheffield (wife Suzye); his parents, Bob and Vivian Cooper; one brother, Case Cooper (wife Pam); and two grandchildren, Carson Vines and Tyler Sheffield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Duke Brain Tumor program at: Duke Brain Tumor Program, DUMC 3828, Durham, NC 27710. Checks payable to: Duke Brain Tumor Program Fund, Memo: James E. Cooper.
A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Episcopal Church on Thursday, May 30, at 11 a.m., 480 North County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
