Obituaries

Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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VICENTE PEREZ JR.

On June 16, 2013, Father's Day, Vicente Perez Jr. went to meet his wife in heaven. He had taken care of her for 12 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Mayra Ayers and Jenny Santana; his grandchildren, Kenny and Adrienne Ayers and Stephanie and Tommy Santana; and his great-grandchildren Tommy, Haylie and Brendan. He is also survived by two brothers, Lionel Rodriquez and Elias Dehoyos and their families.

Vicente worked for the city of Key West for about 45 years. He left his position to take care of his wife, Zoila. He did various jobs in the city, but the one he is best known for was caretaker of Smathers Beach. He had a green thumb and anything he planted grew. He had the beach looking beautiful.

When he was younger he worked two jobs many times to support his family. He would help anyone, giving them the shirt off his back. Well Vicente, it is now time to rest. We love you.

There will be a funeral Mass at 3 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013, at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea. Afterwards, there will be a get together at the Sacred Heart Hall next to the church.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013
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MILTON LEONARD ROUMM

Milton Leonard Roumm, 99, of Indiana and Key West, Fla., died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at the Communities at Indian Haven.

A son of the late David Louis and Sarah Libert Roumm, he was born May 28, 1914, in Indiana.

Mr. Roumm was a 1932 graduate of Indiana High School. At one time, he had been a window trimmer for the former Brody Brothers Department Store in Indiana. He became a scrap dealer and joint owner with his now deceased brother, Art, of RSM Co., for 70 years, now owned by Dennis Roumm.

Mr. Roumm attended the Beth Israel Synagogue in Indiana and the B'nai Zion Synagogue in Key West, Fla. He was a member of the Indiana Arts Council, the Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society, AARP, PA Retired State Employees (associate member), Indiana Free Library Association, Friends of the Key West Library, and Last Stand of Key West. Mr. Roumm had been an avid bowler, at one time belonging to three leagues, but gave it up when duckpins went out of favor. He was a lover of classical music and the big bands of the 1930s and 1940s, having gone to see many great orchestras and their leaders at the Sunset Ballroom in Carrolltown, Penn. Mr. Roumm met his wife, Phyllis, as she walked down the street from a teachers' conference at IUP, and in their marriage, he encouraged her and was very supportive of her career. He had a great sense of humor, so there was a lot of laughter shared with family and their many friends throughout their 67 years together.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Evelyn Gensbigler Roumm, of Indiana; a daughter, Nikolyn Roumm and partner Mary Jeanne Serafin of Pittsburgh; a son, Dennis Eric Roumm and wife Teresa Tate of Indiana; a daughter, Janna L. Mundis and husband Michael of Tempe, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Shawn A. Mundis and wife Amber Ploof, Neysa E. Thomas and husband Nathan, Sarah L. Roumm and Jeffrey D. Roumm; a great grandson, Asher N. Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David L. Roumm, in 2005; two sisters, Marian Nisson and Ruth Brodzinsky; and two brothers, Arthur and Phillip Roumm.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Robinson-Lytle, Inc., Indiana, with Rabbi Eli Reich officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to WQED Multimedia, 4802 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

www.robinsonlytleinc.com

Monday, June 17, 2013
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CATHY R. HOLLNER

Cathy Rae Hollner was the loving partner of Allan Villafana and the loving mommy of Remy, Cognac and Louie Tre. She was predeceased by her parents Catherine and Raymond, and her sister Patricia. She is survived by her sister Mary; brothers Steven and Michael; many nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law Jeanette; in-laws Joanne (Murray), Judy and nephews.

Cathy was a valued longtime staff member of La Trattoria Restaurant.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2013 at La Trattoria, 524 Duval St., Key West, Fla.

Sunday, June 16, 2013
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JOHN J. DIEHL

John "LJ" Joseph Diehl, 58, died at 2:20 p.m. on May 30, 2013, in Key West, Fla. John was born Sept. 6, 1954, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Harry John Diehl and Patricia Ann (Dahill) Niehaus.

John is survived by four sisters, Barbara Patterson of Spencerville, Ohio, Janis Leppla, Doris DeCamp and Peggy Stawarski of Lima; two brothers, Ray Diehl and Scott Diehl of Lima, Ohio; stepfather Allen Niehaus of Lima. He is also survived by the many special friends of Key West and Karen Woodburn, who was a very special friend.

A very sincere thank you to Sheri Smallwood for her continued support through the years who was like a family member of John's.

John was preceded in death by a brother, Rex Diehl, who died in 2005.

John will be put to rest off the coast of Key West, a place that he loved. Friends there want it to be known that he was sweet, kind, generous and entrusting and also "casual." A memorial will be held at VFW Post 3911, Key West, at a later date.

A special memorial service will be held at a later date with family members in Lima, Ohio.

Sunday, June 16, 2013
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Amy Byrd Reinertsen of Edina, Minn., and Key West, Fla., passed away unexpectedly. Amy was born in Minneapolis on Aug. 15, 1964, and was a 1982 graduate of Edina High School. Amy resided in Key West from 1990 to 2009 after which she moved to Florence, where she lived until her passing.

Amy was a wonderful girl known for her kindness, compassion and loving heart. She will be dearly missed by her many friends and her family. Amy is survived by her mother Nancy Larsen of Key West, Fla., brother Robert of Spring, Texas, brother Eric of Acton, Calif., sister Jenny of Two Harbors, Minn., and sister Carrie Hansen of Littleton, Colo.

Funeral services will be held at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home of Edina on approximately Aug. 10 and interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Firm times and dates will be announced later. We love you, Amy.

Sunday, June 16, 2013
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Bruna Clark

Bruna Clark, age 91, of Daytona Beach, Fla., formerly of Newburgh, N.Y., quietly entered her room prepared by Jesus in His Father's home on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

Bruna was born Aug. 25, 1921, in Fume, Italy, to Mario and Catherina Stochich. While serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Edwin Clark met Bruna. They married in 1946 and moved to the United States shortly after, settling in New York to raise their family.

Bruna loved good wine; she served as hostess at the Cognaso Winery in upstate New York. She was a generous listener and advisor to her many friends.

Bruna was a strong-willed, passionate woman with a wonderful smile who loved to laugh.

You could always find Bruna poolside. Raised near the Adriatic, she had a tremendous love of water, which she shared with her children. She celebrated her 90th birthday swimming in the Atlantic.

Bruna is preceded in death by her parents, Mario and Catherina Stochich; sisters Alda, Atena, and Levia; son-in-law, Jon Hunt; and beloved friend Bill Finn.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 66 years, Edwin Clark, of Daytona Beach; children Lillian C. (Clifford) Costa of Warrensburg, N.Y., Edward G. (Anita) Clark, of Key West, and RoseMarie (David G.) Gramling, of Marlboro, N.Y.; grandchildren Richard J. Hunt, George E. Clark and Nicholas Whalen; brother-in-law Sergio Milanese; nieces Marina (Fernando) Intordonato, Tiziana Vecchi (Bruno), Silvana (Renato & Sara) Macoratti, Laura (Massimo) Stacchi; sisters Lucio & Lucia Nanut; and many extended family members and friends.

The family requests that you have a glass of wine, and toast to Bruna's life. (Italian wine, of course!)

Sunday, June 16, 2013
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MRS. SUSAN LENNOX

Mrs. Susan Lennox (Ms, Sue) passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at her home in Key West.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she leaves behind her husband of 53 years, George, sons Bill and George, daughters Noelle and Sheree, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

There will be a beachside celebration of Susan's life this fall.

Sunday, June 16, 2013
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A. ERNEST SAWYER

A. Ernest Sawyer, 83 years old, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2013, in Tallahassee, Fla. He was born on July 22, 1929, in Key West, Fla., to the late Leland and Mary Sawyer.

Ernest was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. Surviving are his wife, Zee Sawyer of Tallahassee, Fla.; son David Sawyer of Calhan, Colo.; daughters Debra Crockett of Naples, Fla., Pati Hachmann (Jon) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Tricia Thomas (Jamie) of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren Dave Sawyer, Scott Sawyer, Jan Garcia, Jenney Sawyer, James Sawyer, Kelli Crockett, David Crockett, Makenzie Thomas, Connor Thomas and Alexie Thomas; great-grandchildren Dakota Sawyer, Sierra Sawyer, MaKenna Sawyer, Micah Sawyer and Kendall Crockett; sisters Mary Russell, Florence Naves and Joan Adkins.

Ernest was preceded in death by parents Leland and Mary Sawyer and sister Lillian Berube.

He graduated from Key West High School in 1948 and began working in the family business with his father at the Sawyer's Paint and Cycle Shop on Eaton Street. Ernest then joined the Navy Reserve at Trumbo Point. In 1950 he went to work for the Overseas Road and Toll Bridge District as a tollkeeper. In 1951, he moved to Miami and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served through 1954. He then returned to Key West and started his 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. Being a dedicated and valued employee of the Postal Service, he was honored with several awards throughout his career. During his postal career he continued owning and operating Sawyer's Automotive Paint Store, originally Paint and Cycle. After retiring from the Postal Service he served 10 years as supervisor of security at Key West International Airport.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Key West United Methodist Church, 600 Eaton St., Key West, Fla. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at the Key West Cemetery immediately following the service.

Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee 850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Sawyer family.

Sunday, June 16, 2013
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CATHY R. HOLLNER

Cathy Rae Hollner was the loving partner of Allan Villafana and the loving mommy of Remy, Cognac and Louie Tre. She was predeceased by her parents Catherine and Raymond, and her sister Patricia. She is survived by her sister Mary; brothers Steven and Michael; many nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law Jeanette; in-laws Joanne (Murray), Judy and nephews.

Cathy was a valued longtime staff member of La Trattoria Restaurant.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2013 at La Trattoria, 524 Duval St., Key West, Fla.

Saturday, June 15, 2013
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CHRISTINE M. DUNN

Christine M. Dunn, age 61, administrator of the Key West branch of the Monroe County Library, originally from Milton, Mass., died unexpectedly at the Cleveland Clinic Florida on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

She is survived by her husband, Steven C. Callahan and three siblings.

Arrangements will be released at a later date.

Saturday, June 15, 2013
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JEFFERY BERMAN

Jeffery Berman, 67, left our world on June 13, 2013, when he lost his battle with liver disease.

As a boy in Key West, he was always into some kind of mischief. He graduated from Key West High and then entered the U.S. Air Force. He earned the rank of sergeant and studied criminal law during his tenure in the service.

After his retirement from the Air Force he continued his passion for criminal law as a corporal for the Monroe County Sheriff's Office then lieutenant for the Key West Police Department. If he wasn't in uniform you'd find him at his "gun shop," GUNS Incorporated.

He had a special "Bubba Conch" love for Key West, always saying he "had sand in his shoes" and would never live anywhere else. He treated his friends as family, always willing to help however he could when in need. He loved having people over whether for a celebration or just because it was a good weekend for a cookout.

During holidays, he always made sure his "work family" and friends were well fed and gifted, especially if they couldn't make it home to be with their own family. They will all miss his spontaneous visits accompanied by his harassing sense of humor.

In his final months he was able to watch his grandbabies grow, and most importantly walked his daughter down the aisle to be married.

There was never a dull moment with him around and he will forever be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his life partner and wife, Sheri, who were together for 42 years, daughter Britney Rose, son-in-law Argelio "Chacho" Alayon, grandchildren Laycee Rose and Argelio Jeffrey "AJ," his sisters Roberta (Tommy) Brazeal and Belinda (Charles) Scudder, his "best" buddy Bubba, numerous cousins and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Gussie Rosinek Berman, proprietor of POPS, "the store on the corner doing business on the square."

Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Southern Keys Cemetery, 258 Avenue A, Big Coppitt Key.

Saturday, June 15, 2013
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PHYLLIS KEMP REINHARDT

Phyllis Kemp Reinhardt of Cutler Ridge passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. She was 76 years old. Phyllis was born in Key West to the late Anthony Kemp and Mary Soldano Kemp. She was a proud, strong Conch who took pride in her family and all of her accomplishments. Phyllis was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gary; her sister, Roxana Pierce (Dent); her brother, Richard (Laura); her five children, Susan, Scott (Karen), Steven, Stewart and Sabrina (Shane); her eight grandchildren, Brandon (Carrie Clore), Chad, Austin, Marisa, Stevee, Stella, Silas and Summer; her nieces Christine (Cayce) and Catherine; her nephew, Dent; and tons of cousins, extended family and friends in Cutler Ridge and Key West.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea. Burial will be in Southern Keys Cemetery on Big Coppitt Key immediately following. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m Friday, June 14 at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, 418 Simonton St., Key West, Fla. The Dean-Lopez Funeral Home is entrusted with all funeral arrangements.

Friday, June 14, 2013
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GORDON JONES

Gordon Jones, beloved friend and brother, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2013, after a brief illness. He was born on July 20, 1960, in Brownsville, Tenn. He attended all 12 grades of school in Brownsville. After graduating, he took over the family business, The Ham House, a profitable service station. Gordon always loved cars, and in 1985 landed his dream job as a racing official for the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), a job that enabled him to travel across America for many years.

In 1999, Gordon grew weary of the cold Tennessee winters and decided to move to Key West. He started his own pool service, fittingly called Southernmost Pools. He could often be seen driving around Key West in his pride and joy, a 1970 ocean-blue Cadillac convertible.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Sonny Jones. He is survived by a brother, Carter Jones; a sister, Jennifer Emerson; three nieces, Kierston and Kaylan Emerson and Leigha Jones; and also countless friends he made across the country.

A memorial service was held in his hometown of Brownsville. A memorial service is scheduled in Key West for July 20, 2013, which would have been his 53rd birthday.

Gordon, may God rest your soul. You left us way too soon.

Friday, June 14, 2013
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DAVID CARL ARCHER

David Carl Archer, 43, of Lake Worth, Fla., beloved son of Carla Gasiorowski and stepson of Jean Gasiorowski, died suddenly on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

Dave was a Florida native born Jan. 28, 1970, in Fort Lauderdale. During his lifetime he resided in Broward and Palm Beach counties, Fla.; Key West, Fla.; and in Montpellier, France.

Dave owned and operated Big Kahuna Tattoo in Boca Raton for nine years.

His passions were tattooing, traveling, the ocean and, most recently, his Harley-Davidson.

He was predeceased by his grandparents who adored him, Carl and Wilma Bates of Pompano Beach.

He was a loving son, and a loyal friend.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 100 N. Palmway, Lake Worth, FL 33460, 561-582-6609.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

Friday, June 14, 2013
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PHYLLIS KEMP REINHARDT

Phyllis Kemp Reinhardt of Cutler Ridge passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. She was 76 years old. Phyllis was born in Key West to the late Anthony Kemp and Mary Soldano Kemp.

She was a proud, strong Conch who took pride in her family and all of her accomplishments. Phyllis was loved and respected by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gary; her sister, Roxana Pierce (Dent); her brother, Richard (Laura); her five children, Susan, Scott (Karen), Steven, Stewart and Sabrina (Shane); her eight grandchildren, Brandon (Carrie Clore), Chad, Austin, Marisa, Stevee, Stella, Silas and Summer; her nieces Christine (Cayce) and Catherine; her nephew, Dent; and tons of cousins, extended family and friends in Cutler Ridge and Key West.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea. Burial will be in Southern Keys Cemetery on Big Coppitt Key immediately following.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m today, Friday, June 14, at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, 418 Simonton St., Key West, Fla. The Dean-Lopez Funeral Home is entrusted with all funeral arrangements.

Friday, June 14, 2013
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FAYE NILES SYKES

Faye Niles Sykes, 88, passed from this world on Monday, June 10, 2013. She was a fourth-generation Conch and lifetime resident of Key West.

She met and married the love of her life, Grady, while he was serving with the Navy and she was a young career woman working to support her mother during difficult times.

Her life was dedicated to the children of the community, from volunteering at various schools, to teaching and managing several day care centers, where she became known as "Miss Faye." Her mantra was "working with children requires having patience of Job and nerves of steel." She would often be seen in public receiving a fond embrace from previous students. She was devoted to her family, which was the center of her life. She took great pride in playing a role in the education and success of her children and grandchildren. The epitome of a "Super Mom," Faye would whip up flans, Key lime pies, cakes and cupcakes at the drop of a hat, while sewing Conchette costumes and arranging parent-teacher conferences.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland and Miriam Russell Niles; her sisters, Bunny Niles Thompson and Elizabeth Niles Pinder; infant brother Cleveland Niles Jr.; her beloved husband, Grady Sykes; and loving daughter Annette Sykes Morroni. She is survived by her childrenm Grady Sykes II, Marilyn Bryant (Andy), Karen Yanchunis (Dr. Jim); grandchildren, Dr. Chelsea Jarvis (Dr. Joe), Chloe Morroni, Tristan Morroni (Kristen), Grady Sykes III, Bradley Sykes, Autumn Yanchunis, Adam Yanchunis, Keri Mason (Gene) and Drew Bryant (Amy); great-grandchildren, Miles and Nicholas Jarvis, Wyatt Morroni, Eden and Zoey Mason, Hayden and Savannah Bryant; many beloved nieces and nephews, including Lisa Connell, who visited with her daily to brighten her day; special friends Pat Allen, Joan Leggett and Charles Major; and her best buddy, Baby the cat.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., today, Friday, June 14, at Dean Lopez Funeral Home, 418 Simonton St.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Florida Keys SPCA, 5230 College Road, or Wesley House Family Services, 1304 Truman Ave.

Friday, June 14, 2013
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MARTHA SORIANO MENENDEZ

Martha Soriano Menendez was born on the 31st of July 1931. She was the second daughter born to Faustino (Flecha) Soriano and Dalia Bello Soriano.

Martha passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, peacefully in her sleep as God had planned it. All of our prayers were answered.

Martha was an amazing woman, mother, aunt and friend.

She was a natural caregiver and a force to be reckoned with. Loyal, all about her family, and she doted on us as long as her spirit allowed.

She will be fondly remembered always, especially during family gatherings and at Christmas dinners. Rest assured the family will continue to honor her and her father with family gatherings and festive Christmas dinners.

Martha was never happier than when she was in her kitchen preparing family dinners and when she was caring for her precious lilies that she inherited from her grandmother, La Vieja Lola Bello.

It fills our hearts just knowing that what she was seeking for in the last days of her life, she finally found -- all the sisters have been reunited.

We will miss you and we love you more than you can imagine.

Martha is survived by her children Jerry Rojas Sr. (Zenaida), Gilda Rojas (Dale), Yvette Valdez (Gerardo), and Gloria Sellers (George); grandchildren Jerry Rojas Jr. (Tammy) and Brandi Bishop (Brent); great-grandchildren Katelynn Rojas, Brent Bishop and Tia Celia Bello Diecidue; and niece Maida Garcia.

Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. today, Friday, June 14, 2013, at Key West Cemetery. Please use the Margaret Street entrance.