This Week's Obituaries

Henry Louis Merucci, 88, passed away July 31, 2014.  Born March 27, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. He resided in Bradenton, FL since 1977. Henry attended Cooley High School in Detroit and after High School he served in the US Army during WW II and was stationed in France from 1944 thru 1945.

Henry was in the Construction Industry for 45 Years, during 20 of those years of his career, he was Co-Owner of Merucci Bros. Excavating Co. in Farmington, Michigan. While in the Detroit area, Henry served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and attended many Christian Retreats at St. Paul of the Cross. He was always in attendance for his three Sons sporting events and his Daughter's piano recitals. In Florida he was always there for his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Henry was an avid fan of all the Detroit Pro Sport Teams. Henry was a loving husband, father and friend who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years Antoinette (Miele), his 4 Children, Louis (Lynn), Susan (Jim Harwick), Michael and Paul (Connie). 5 Grandchildren, Matthew (Christine), Amanda (James Callihan), Tiffany (Andy Hovanec), Daniel (Clarisa) and Anthony, 4 Great Grandchildren, Caitlyn & Conor Callihan, Vincent Merucci and Jase Hovanec. Visitation will be held Sunday August 10, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209. Funeral Mass will be held Monday August 11, 2014 at 9:15 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 3100 26th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205.

A Military Burial Service will be held at 2:00 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. Memorial remembrances may be directed to: The Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude, Dominican Friars, 141 E. 65h Street, New York, NY 10065-6699. Condolence to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com


Elsie Louise Reichenbach, 95, Bradenton, died July 31, 2014. Born in Prairieton, IN she moved to Bradenton in 1979 from Elyria, OH, she was a graduate of Indiana State University and she taught elementary education for 20 years.

Predeceased by husband of 60 years, Dale E. Reichenbach; survived by sons, Randy(Suzi) of Powell, OH, Gary(Theresa) of Bradenton, FL and Tim(Jan) of Gainesville, FL; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren.

There will be no local Services. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes 26th Street Chapel in charge. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolences to
www.brownandsonsfuneral.com


Shirley L. Shinham, longtime Manatee County resident, died Friday, August 1, 2014 at the age of 79.

She was known as an avid lover of music and dance, having spent many years enjoying square dancing and also choreographing and teaching western line dancing in surrounding counties. Her absolute love of simple things, such as the beach, 4th of July fireworks, picnics and family time will always be remembered.

The only child of loving parents Charles and Virginia Grimm, Shirley was born on February 28, 1935 and named after Shirley Temple.  Growing up to be an accomplished artist, she declined several scholarships to art school in favor of life as a loving wife and mother.  She did continue to paint throughout her life with natural beauty and skill.

Shirley married Richard George Shinham on April 18, 1954, enjoying 46 years of marriage before Richards passing in 2000.

Shirley is survived by three children, their spouses, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  Terra and Paul Burnett, Sr.; Lauren, Dave and Benjamin Sproehnle ; Paul and Eva Burnett.  Scott and Sharon Shinham; Jason, Michelle and Audrey Shinham; Stacy, Tyler and Leva Clark.  Jeff and Lisa Shinham; Katie, Sean and Megan Shinham.

Shirley passed at her home with family in attendance.  Family believes that Shirley did not die from cancer but lived with cancer. Fighting the fight with a positive mind set of independence and determination the may be unmatched.  Family will always cherish Shirley's life focus? "Live, Love and Dance."

In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested that donations be made to Tidewell Hospice 5595 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 .

Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with service to follow at 11:00 AM at Family of God United Methodist Church, 5601 16th Ave E, Palmetto, FL 34221. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 in charge.  Condolences to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Margaret F. Sheffield, 89, of Bradenton, FL, since 1964, formerly of Wimauma, FL.  died July 28, 2014. Born in Neese, GA. She was a Protestant.

Predeceased by her parents George and Annie Floyd. Survived by her husband; Wilson, one son; Richard (Diane) of Bradenton, FL, one daughter; Renee Cobb (John) of Bradenton, FL., two brothers; Richard T. Floyd of Lake Wales, FL., R. Wayne Floyd of Hull, GA., three sisters; Charlotte K. Mauldin of Atlanta, GA., Betty Ann Willyard of Hull, GA., and Barbara J. Napoli of Tampa, FL., five grandchildren; Elisabeth A., John L., Clayton Cobb, Richard W., Travis L. Sheffield, three great grandchildren; Tyler & Kaylee Cobb and Carter Perez.

Memorial service will be Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St. W. Bradenton, FL 34209.  Memorial donations maybe made to: Tidewell Hospice, Inc. 5595 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238. Condolences: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com