National Cremation Society - Fruitland Park

Bonnie (Mumper) Esbenshade of The Villages, FL, entered into eternal peace on March 9, 2023 at the age of 76. Bonnie was the beloved wife of Carl E. Esbenshade with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Lancaster, PA on August 15, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Ralph L. and Mary (Funk) Mumper. Bonnie grew up in Neffsville, PA and graduated from Manheim Township in the class of 1964. She was the bookkeeper of her husband's building business and later was the owner and operator of an Auntie Anne's franchise in North Carolina. In her free time, Bonnie enjoyed crafts, playing volleyball and tennis, as well as spending time on the beach with a book in hand. She spent her...

Robert D. Wilcox, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and retired Senior Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023, in Florida. Robert, also known as Bob, was born in Altoona, PA in 1947. Bob's love of country led him to enlist in the Navy at the young age of 17, and he served his country with distinction for 22 years. As an AWCS, Bob worked as a crew member on P-3s flying around the world. Bob was proud to serve and protect his country, and he instilled that pride in his family. Bob was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to his service to his country, he was an accomplished square dance caller, sharing his...

Paul Tigar Cohen of The Villages, FL passed away on Thursday, March 2nd at the age of 85. He was born on June 28th, 1937 in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Syracuse University earning a BS in Business Management. Paul worked as a Retail Buyer for Boscov's, a family-owned department store in Reading, PA for much of his career before retiring and moving to The Villages, FL in 2006. He loved his Villages life and fully embraced his twice weekly golf games, daily visits to the pool and discovering new restaurants. He enjoy watching football in his free time- Penn State (WE ARE!!) on Saturdays and the Philadelphia Eagles (Fly, EAGLES FLY!) on Sundays. Paul was preceded in death by his...

Edward Nowacki of The Villages, Florida passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born on August 26, 1932 in East Chicago, Indiana where he grew up in the Harbor. He worked as a chemist at Inland Steel, where he retired at an early age to enjoy his retirement in The Villages, Florida. He was actively involved in golfing, tennis, and fishing. He also enjoyed cruises with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lottie and Steve Nowacki as well as his daughter, Kimberly Bilyak. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Nowacki, his children Brian Hess, Bridget (Patrick) Zakarias, Roberta (Dan) Talian, and Dave Nowacki. He is also survived by seven grandchildren...

Linda Jane (Wilson) Cooper crossed into the next evolution of life on February 25th in The Villages Fl. She was born in Anderson, IN on January 2, 1939, the daughter of Dee Leon and Jewell M. Wilson. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Corey), of Swartz Creek MI, a son Gregg, of Wilmington, NC, a sister-in-law Marlene (Joy) Wilson, also of The Villages, grandson Jonnie and 2 great-granddaughters, Olivia and Hannah, and daughter-in-law Kristi. She was preceded in death by her brother DeLeon ("De") Wilson. Linda graduated from Anderson High School in 1957 where she had been involved in several choral clubs and band. She continued her education studying music at Ball State Teachers College...

Charles (Chuck) LeRoy Witte went to meet his Lord and Savior February 16, 2023, following a long illness. Born October 4, 1931 to Marcus and Esther (Wille) Witte at Watertown, Wisconsin. He married Rachel Franz August 18, 1956. He was originally from Wisconsin where he was last employed as Fire Chief in Oconomowoc. He and his wife of 66 years, resided at Freedom Pointe in The Villages, Florida. A memorial service will be held at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church 4886 Co. Rd. 472 (Rainey Trail) on Tuesday March 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Visiting and refreshments will follow at the church. Arrangements for burial will be made at a later date in National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida' In ...

Douglas Otto Svendsen (Doug) passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. He was born on November 23, 1942 in Washington DC. After graduating from Washington-Lee High school in Arlington Virginia, he served in the Navy as a photographer, PH3 for 4 1/2 years. He then served in the Reserves for another 6 months. During his time in the Navy he was on the USS Lake Champlain, and served during the Cuban missile blockade, and the recovery of the spacecraft's Gemini 2 (unmanned) and Gemini 5, in 1965. After the Navy he worked for United States Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia until his retirement. After living in Arlington, Virginia, he moved to The Villages in Lady Lake, Florida, spending...

Rita M. Post, 88, of The Villages, FL, passed away on February 11, 2023. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 3, 1935, daughter to the late Ernest and Helen Rano. She graduated from Central High School in Madison, WI, and married John S. Post on June 16, 1954. They lived in Davenport, IA for 42 years before moving to The Villages, FL in 2006. Rita was devoted to her faith. She believed in hard work and keeping busy - always with a smile. Rita was the bookkeeper for the family-owned Happy Joe Pizza Parlors in Fargo and Grand Forks, ND. She ran the BIX 7 mile road race for 25 years and placed 3rd in her age group the first year she ran. Rode many eastern Iowa bicycle rides (i.e...

Krista (Kris) M. Newton, 69, passed away at her home in The Villages, FL on February 6th after battling an aggressive mutant cancer for two years. Kris was born in 1953 to Adrian and Marie Flaig in Hamilton, Ohio. Always an enthusiastic learner, she graduated Salutatorian from Stephen T. Badin High School in 1971 and Salutatorian from Albany State University with an MBA. She retired as Director of Finance for the City of Albany, Georgia in 2013. After retirement, Kris and her husband, Tom, moved to The Villages where she spent her time relaxing, reading, volunteering, cooking with Tom and playing games and spending time with family. Kris is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Tom...

The family of William " Bill" W. Harding, Jr is saddened to announce his passing on January 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Norma, and their dear friends in The Villages, FL. Bill was born October 18, 1934 to William and Marie Harding in Texarkana, AR. After receiving a bachelor's degree, he began his career in the military by serving 2 years in the Navy. For the next 20 years, he served in the United States Marine Corp and retired a LTCOL. During his military career, he flew many aircraft, including the F-4 Fighter, completing 222 missions during the Vietnam War. Bill married Joellen Barham in November 1955 in Fort Smith, AR. They shared 43 years together and had six children....

Virginia E. Briddes died January 28, 2023 after a 5 month battle with glioblastoma. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her wife and partner of 34 years, Beth Kammer. Ginni was born in Darby, Pennsylvania on February 23, 1950 to Henry and Janet (Gordon) Briddes. She graduated from Ridley Township High School and later from Shippensburg University. In 1996, she earned a Master's degree in Hospital Administration. Growing up, Ginni had many fond memories of summers in Beach Haven, NJ, working in a gift shop on the Ocean City boardwalk and entertaining her nieces with her row boat, "Slow Gin." Ginni resided in Harrisburg, PA for 43 years. She began her career at Harrisburg Hospital...

William Muenchinger, age 81, of Leesburg, FL, passed away on January 8, 2023. William was born in Detroit, MI, to Harry and Frances Muenchinger. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in chemical engineering, he was employed by the Ethyl Corporation until retirement. Later in life, he continued his education at the LSU Music School, where he majored in voice. He was a member of several choruses, much admired for his "Bass" voice. As a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, he sang in the choirs of Trinity Lutheran in Baton Rouge, LA, and Bethany Lutheran Church in Leesburg, FL. William is survived by his wife, Mary of Leesburg, FL, his brother Dr. Frederick Muenchinger...

James Browne Bannar, of The Villages, FL, died 85 years young on January 6th, 2023. While those who love him always appreciated Jim's commitment to punctuality, they do wish this was one event he'd gone late to. No amount of time with him would have been enough. Jim is deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Doris Marshall Bannar, as well as his children, Andrew and Julie Bannar and Katharine and Shawn O'Day, grandchildren Charlie, Wesley, Kyrie (Andrew), Kayleigh (Jack), Katharyn (Austin), Jordon (Katie), and Noah (Angelica), and his great-grandchildren Rowan, Theo, Olive, Otto, Blaire, Landon, and Evelyn. He leaves them with enough stories to last generations, as his great-grandchildren...

Mary Jane Springer, 92, of Ocala, FL passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 2, 2023. Born in Craig, CO, then later moving to Arvada, she worked many years in the hospital field and for the phone company, retiring in Special Services at AT&T. She moved with her husband to Ocala in 1987. At age 15 she was a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol. As an Overseas Operator she became fluent in 9 languages. Add to that Den Mother, PTA President and Union Rep. But most importantly to her, she was a wife and mother of 3 loving children who miss her dearly. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, gardening, walking, traveling and meeting new people. She embraced the joys of life and triumphed...

Sally Seigworth, 79 of Summerfield, FL passed away peacefully in hospice on January 2, 2023. Sally was born June 8, 1943, to Florence and Fred Bush in Wauwatosa, WI. After Sally graduated Wauwatosa High School in 1961, she went onto major in Education at the University of Kentucky where she was an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Upon graduation in 1965, Sally began her first teaching position in Fairborn, OH as an elementary school teacher kickstarting a 25+ year career in early elementary and Montessori education. In June of 1966, Sally married David Seigworth and together they went onto have two children, Julie and Steven, whom they raised in Houston, Texas. In 1996, Sally...

Norman G. Marquis 1931-2023 Summerfield FL Norman G. Marquis 91, passed away peacefully at The Brandley Hospice house in Summerfield FL on 1/2/2023. He was born on October 14, 1931, in St. Gervais, Quebec Canada to the late Julian & Lea (Talbot) Marquis. He was a US Air Force veteran serving in the Korean War. He was co-owner of Marquis Oil. He was a past communicate of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Holyoke, and a communicate of St Timothy's Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, he also volunteered at the Brandley Hospice house for many years. He was an avid golfer and reader. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Dolores (Rimbold) Marquis, his son...

Fortunato V.C. Santos (aka Ve, Otto), passed away on January 1, 2023. He was born in Manila, Philippines on May 26, 1935. He received a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Philippines (1956) and worked for PMC / Proctor & Gamble (Asia) in the Research Department for 12 years. Upon immigrating to the United States, he worked for Helene Curtis Industries/Unilever for 27 years (Chicago, IL) as Manager of process engineering. He met Lina Enriquez, in the choir, at St Paul's Methodist Church (Manila). They married in 1962. He enjoyed singing and sang in church choirs, as a tenor, since high school. In retirement, he loved to cruise; sing in the church choir; and...

On December 27, 2022, Peter Murphy, of The Villages, Florida, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many, went home to be with the Lord. After his wife Eileen passed away in 2017, he was blessed with love a second time when he met Linda Magill, whom he married in 2020. Linda and Peter settled full-time in The Villages, FL in April 2022. Peter is survived by his loving wife Linda, his siblings, Joseph of Yonkers, NY; Alice (Cathie Lyons) of NY, NY; Maryann Salvin (Richard) of Irvington, NY; Paul (Lynn) of La Jolla, CA; his children, Kevin (Caroline) of Tinton Falls, NJ; Thomas (Candy Conover) of Kill Devil Hills, NC; Regina Keith (David) of Toms River, NJ, and...

On December 27, 2022, Ernest Vail Trowbridge, of The Villages, Florida, a beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away after a valiant battle against Parkinson's disease. He was eighty-three. Ernie, as he was known to his friends, was born on September 6, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Edmund Harrison Trowbridge and Viola Vail Trowbridge. He grew up in Weston, Massachusetts, and resided at the Trowbridge family's home at 625 Boston Post Road with his three brothers Edmund (Ted), Robert, and Jonathan. Ernie lost his father at a very young age, and despite having to mature quickly and help care for his mother and younger brothers, he retained a fun-loving and...

Jack Benny Johnson of The Villages Florida passed away on Monday 12-26-2022 at the age of 86. He was born in Ligonier PA, where he grew up on a farm with 10 siblings. He worked as carpenter/lather for Pittsburgh local #432. He married the love of his life, Elaine, in 1962 and they lived in Latrobe PA for 40 years, when they retired to The Villages FL in 2003. His passions in retirement were golfing, board/card games, puzzles, and going on trips to the beach with his wife and friends. And desserts-lots of desserts. He was also known for being a handyman around the house. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jennie, and by the following siblings: Ed, Ken, Archie, Ellis, Emil,...

Suzanne Hope Miller, age 80, died on Dec. 22, 2022, after almost a year of battling colon and breast cancer. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 54 years, Harry Miller. She is also survived by her cousin, Cindy Wedel, of Lewes, Delaware, and her sister-in-law, Shanita Zinn, of Niles, Michigan, as well as many friends in many states, and especially the Children of Mexico, where Suzanne & Harry worked as volunteers for many years at the Hogar de Ninos (Home for Children), which was operated by the Mexican Salvation Army. Suzanne & Harry moved from Michigan to The Villages, Florida in 2004. Suzanne was a graduate registered nurse from Presbyterian-St. Luke's School of...