This Week's Obituaries

TBT provides basic obituaries as a free service. To place a local obituary in our publication, simply email the listing to obituaries@thebradentontimes.com.

Norman R. Ponto, 80, Bradenton, died December 2, 2014. Born in Tokio, North Dakota, he moved to Bradenton in 1980 from Greenwood, Indiana attended the First Church of the Nazarene and was a member of the Lions Club.

Survived by wife of 60 years, Katherine of Bradenton, FL; son, Ricky (Chris) of Bradenton, FL; daughters, Cynthia Bond of Bradenton, FL and Susan Rehmani of Sarasota, FL; granddaughter, Jordan Ponto. 

Memorial Service 6:00PM Monday, December 15, 2014 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1616 59th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207 is in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Marjorie A. Kolbet, 90, died December 1, 2014. Born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota she grew up in Redwood Falls where her father had a successful and prominent dairy farm. Marjorie went to college at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, received her BA at Catholic University of America and her Masters in Early Education at Indiana University. 

She served at Sisters of Charity of Nazareth of Kentucky, as Sister Mary Pierre. In 1973 she moved to Miami, FL where she was a school teacher and spent the summers traveling the world. After retiring as a school teacher she moved to Bradenton, FL in 1990 and then to Lakeland, FL in 2011 where she lived her final years.

She is preceded by death by her father, Peter J. Kolbet; mother, Anna Zimmer; sister, Lenora Schrichte; brothers, Herbert James Kolbet and Leonard Kolbet; nephews, Kolbet Schrichte and Pierre Schrichte. She leaves behind her sister, Loretta Rowland, several nieces, numerous great nieces and nephews and her beloved dear friend and travel companion of 45 years, Eleanor O’Halloran of, Lakeland, FL.

Graveside Services 1:00 PM Monday, December 8, 2014 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery, 11411 Northwest 25th Street, Miami, FL 33172. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 in charge of arrangements. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

John Kamin, 93, of Anna Maria, died peacefully in his sleep on November 30, 2014.  Born in Lyndhurst, NJ, he was a long time employee of M&M Candies in Hackettstown, NJ retiring in January 1980. Upon retirement, he became a resident of Anna Maria where he enjoyed his life as an islander.

Known by many residents and vacationers alike as ''that guy on the Anna Maria free trolley that plays his harmonica'', John also was a soldier for Christ and a longtime member of the CrossPointe Fellowship Church on the island. He was also a founding member of the Over the Hill Gang that played tennis many a morning at the Anna Maria Community Center where many people his junior ''couldn't handle his serve.''

For over 30 years, he ministered to those in the local prison leading many to accept the Lord, Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

John was a Veteran of the US Navy where he served in the South Pacific during WWII as a chef.

John was the last survivor of eight children of Anthony and Stanislawa (Pogozliski) Kaminski who preceded him in death. John leaves behind his wife of 68 years, May, of Anna Maria, a son, John R. Kamin (Gail Vignola) of Evansville, IN and a grand-daughter, Stefanie Bladel (Greg) of Hoboken, NJ.  John also leaves behind a son-in-law, Tom Fox of Easton, PA who was married to his daughter, Candice, who preceded him in death six years prior.

Visitation was from Noon to 2pm on Thursday, December 4, 2014 with a short Service to follow at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd St West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Memorial donations to CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Condolences can be made at www.brownandsonsfuneral.com .

Perry A. Sawyer, 94, Bradenton, died November 29, 2014. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey he moved to Bradenton in 1980 from Oradell, New Jersey. A Veteran of the US Army Air Corps during World War II, he was with the 15th Air Force 301 Bomb Group, 353rd Squadron, and he was Supervisor for the State of New Jersey Rehab Commission.

Predeceased by his parents, Richard & Carrie (Quimby) Sawyer; wife, Muriel H.; son, David L; survived by son, Jeffrey R. (Susan) of Holland, PA; daughter, Sharon Sawyer of Rochelle Park, NJ; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Sawyer of Murfreesboro, TN; 3 grandsons; 2 great grandchildren.

Graveside Services were 1:30 PM Friday, December 5, 2014 at Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 in charge. Memorial donations to Freedom Village Scholarship Fund 6501 17th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Luis Angel Lugo-Alvarez, 84, died peacefully on November 29, 2014 at home with family at his side. Born on November 11, 1930, in San German, Puerto Rico, he was son to the late Victor Daniel Lugo Vargas and Pompilia Alvarez. 

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 and served in the Korean War and also did two tours of duty in the Vietnam War before retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He was awarded multiple medals during his enlistment with the Army including the Bronze Star. More recently the 65th Infantry Division, where he served during the Korean War, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on June 10, 2014 by President Barack Obama.

After retiring from the US Army he worked with the United States Postal Service as a clerk until he retired at the age of 65.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pergia Antonia Lugo Leon; his daughters,  Migdalia Moulliet and her spouse,  Jerome F. Moulliet of Tampa, FL; Joan Jones and her spouse, Gary A. Jones of Parrish, FL; Vickie Hollobaugh and her spouse, Michael Hollobaugh of Bradenton, FL; sisters, Pricilla Lugo Alvarez of NY, Blanca Lugo Carrion of San Juan, PR, Awilda Narvaez Lugo of San Juan, PR and brother Victor Lugo Carrion of Bradenton, FL.  Luis is also survived by five grandchildren; Jeffrey A. Jones of Parrish, FL, Jason A. Perez of St. Petersburg, FL Danielle B. Hollobaugh of Los Angeles, CA, Amanda M. Moulliet of Tampa, FL and Branden M. Hollobaugh of Orlando, FL; great-grandchildren, Sasha S. Perez, Jaiden L. Laurin, Jordan L. Jones, Grace N. Moulliet, and Harmonie Rose J. Hutchins-Perez.

Visitation was 6-8 PM, Thursday, December 4, 2014 with Services held at 11 AM, Friday, December 5, 2014 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in Bradenton, Florida, followed by an Interment  at 2PM in Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, (Clark Road East) Sarasota, Florida. The family requests in lieu of flowers to please send a donation to the Southeastern Guide Dogs. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Lois N. Burr, 89, Bradenton, died November 29, 2014. Born in Hartford, CT she moved to Bradenton in 1968 from Clinton, CT and she was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Survived by daughters, Charlene Burr Foy and Paula Burr Lewis both of Bradenton, FL, 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will  be 3:30PM Sunday December 7, 2014 at Christ Episcopal Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in charge of arrangements. Condolenceswww.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Thomas Dale Phillips, 44, Cortez, died Nov 28, 2014.

Survived by wife of 13 years, Jackie & family.

Services at a later date.  Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel in charge. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

David A. Van Etten, 62 of Bradenton, Florida passed away November 28, 2014. He was born in Opa Locka, FL  March 1, 1952 to Edward and Dorothy Van Etten. 

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Annette Van Etten. He is also survived by his three children, Christina, Guenevere and David, Jr. and five grandchildren, Taylor, Emerson, Ily, Caleb and Sara.  He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy, of Woodlands Village, and four brothers, Edward, William, John and James.

He retired from Tropicana Products after 34 years of service, continued as a Citrus Consultant under Van Etten Enterprises LLC, and was a Commercial Lobster Diver for twenty nine years. He belonged to the Sons of VFW post 8058, Ft. Pierce. He was truly a family man.  David also was a devoted Dallas Cowboys’ fan through good and bad times for fifty years.

His viewing was held Saturday, December 6, 2014 with a Memorial Service at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. A Celebration of Life followed at his home. The family suggests a donation to Operation Open Arms, POB 101, St James FL33956. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Thomas Dale Phillips, 44, Cortez, died Nov 28, 2014.

Survived by sons, Bradley Dale Phillips & Shawn Michael Phillips; daughter, Sarah Lynn Phillips, FL; mother and step-father, Sally  and Gary McAllister all of Cortez, FL; brother, William  Richard Phillips of Ft. Myers, FL; Bobbi McAllister of Cortez, FL.

Memorial Services will be at a later date.  Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel in charge. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Inc. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Col. John Atkinson U.S.A.F.-Retired, 96, of Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 24, 2014.

Col. Atkinson was born on November 3, 1918 in Auburn, Alabama to the late Thomas and Irene (Caroll) Atkinson. He served with the United States Air Force as pilot during World War II and the Korean Conflict, retiring after many years of loyal service as a Colonel.

He moved to Manatee County over 40 years ago, and served on the Bradenton City Commission for several years and served as Vice-Mayor of Bradenton. He also worked for 15 years as a broker with Merrill Lynch in Bradenton. After living in Bradenton for many years he moved to Holmes Beach. Col. Atkinson was also a member of the Retired Air Corps, and the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post # 24 of Bradenton.

Col. Atkinson was predeceased by his loving wife Nancy Atkinson in March of 2013, a son Tommy, and two brothers. He is survived by his son, Burt Atkinson and his wife Glena of Pompano Beach, Florida, two daughters; Corrine Pool of Bryan, Ohio, Sherry Kirschner and her husband John of Celina, Ohio, step-daughter, Christine and Steven Nelson of Bradenton, one sister, Sara Miller and her husband Jack of Bradenton, Florida, eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

A celebration of Col. John Atkinson’s life was held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 28, 2014 in the Clubhouse of the Key Royale Country Club on Holmes Beach with full military honors by the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post #24 of Bradenton.

The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Westview Chapel, Bradenton.

Robert B. Lewis, 94, Parrish, died November 22, 2014. Born in Columbus, Ohio he moved to Parrish in 2006 from Oswego, Illinois.

A Veteran of the US Army Air Corps, he was a Mason, a member of the Quiet Birdmen Experimental Aircraft Association and the Airline Pilots Association. He attended Green Lake Federated Church and he was an avid golfer.

Predeceased by parents, Glen and Neva Mae (VanKirk) Lewis; brothers, Glen and Jim; survived by wife of 70 years, Grace of Parrish, FL; son, Gary R. (Terry A) of Grand Junction, CO; daughters, Barb (Jeff) Bockman of Naperville, IL and Marsha (Chuck) Baumgartner of Oswego, IL; sister-in-law, Linda Lewis of Sun City Center, FL; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Inurnment with Military Honors were held 11 AM Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in charge. Condolences to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

Martha G. Goodson, 77, Tampa, Florida, formerly of Bradenton, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills, Florida.

She was born on August 13, 1937 in Bradenton, Florida to the late Thomas Rucker , Sr. and Martha (Snyder) Graves. She resided in Manatee and Hillsborough during her lifetime and was a homemaker and political activist.

Martha is survived by her son, Daniel B. Goodson and a brother Thomas R. Graves, Jr.

A graveside celebration of her life was held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the Palmetto City Cemetery on 10th Street West in Palmetto, Florida.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton.

Patricia Heath Baker Miller, 86, Bradenton, passed away Nov. 21, 2014.

She was born on Oct. 25, 1928 in Bloomington, IN to the late William and Lula (McGloan) Baker. She attended Indiana University. Patricia moved to St. Petersburg in 1950 and then to Bradenton in 1972.

She was the co-owner of Miller Furniture in Bradenton for over 28 years until her retirement in 1999. Member of the Florida Furniture Dealers Association. Member of the First United Methodist Church of Bradenton where she served as a Trustee, choir member and served on nearly every board of the church over the years. Was past member of the Bradenton Zonta Club. She also served on the Board of Director for The Shores of Bradenton for 20 years as it became the Westminister Shores of Bradenton.

Patricia was predeceased by her son Gary Lee Miller in June of 2014 and two sisters; Katherine Sheedy and Alice Beutler. She is survived by her loving husband Roger Lee Miller of Bradenton, two sons; William David (Heidi) Miller of Bradenton, George Luis (Elisa) Omeechevaria of Alexandria, VA, three grandchildren; Joshua (Janessa) Miller, Ryan and Sarah Miller and two great-grandchildren; Aunica Miller and Jordan Dixon.

A celebration of Patricia's life was held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, 603 11th Street West, Bradenton.

The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the church or TideWell Hospice in Patricia's memory.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton.

Linda T. Goodman, 72, Bradenton, died Nov 19, 2014.

Due to complications these Services have been cancelled and will be held at a later date.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel in charge. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com