The Leesburg Daily Commercial

Dawn Swailes, 75, entered into eternal life with Jesus on August 4, 2022. Dawn was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family; and set an example for her children and grandchildren that will lead them all their lives. The daughter of the late Harry Leroy Applegate and Florence Esther Kuhn Applegate, she was born on September 16, 1946, in Monticello, New York. Dawn loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and she loved God's Word. She made Him the focus of her life, determined to glorify Him in whatever she did. Colossians 3:23 explains her work ethic, her moral standards, and her love for family and friends. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working...

Sandra Gremer Conklin, 83, went to be with the Lord on August 2, 2022. Sandra was a native to Florida, she was born in Tampa to her loving parents Robert and Juanita Irene (Mitchell) Gremer. Sandra's early years consisted of working with her family at the business they established in Jacksonville, FL; Professional Optical. Shortly after, she graduated from Temple University and became a Dental Hygienist She pursued this line of work in both Florida and in Virginia. Sandra had always had a helpful nature, from training and teaching students to volunteering at her local Church. Sandra had a fondness for being in the water. She enjoyed spending her time swimming, water skiing, and...

David A. Shearer, 64, of Tavares passed away at Advent Health Waterman July 16, 2022. Dave was surrounded by loved ones as the complications of a 10 year battle with Multiple Myeloma took him from us. Dave was born August 10, 1957 to Donald and Zoe Brinsley Shearer at Johnson Air Base while his father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Japan. He graduated in 1975 from Chesterton High School in Chesterton, Indiana and relocated to Florida shortly thereafter with his family. Dave was a small engine mechanic for many years until his cancer forced him to retire and focus on his health. Dave was an amazing single father to his daughter, Kristin and an incredible grandfather to his...

On Friday, July 15, 2022, Roger Douglas Miracle of Fruitland Park, FL, passed away at age 82 after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). He was born in Three Rivers, MI to Wilfred and Avis Miracle. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1957 and later received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics and Meteorology from the University of Michigan in 1962. After college, he joined the Air Force where he served as an officer during the Vietnam War. After his discharge from the Air Force, Roger went to work for and retired from Hoover Universal / Johnson Controls / Vintec, Inc. as a Manufacturing and IT Executive in the automotive parts industry. He had a...

Kenneth Ray Cheak, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Tavares, FL, on July 12, 2022. He was born January 30, 1939, in Anderson County, KY, to his parents: William Raymond and Nora (Howard) Cheak and lived in Versailles, KY. Kenneth was a retired fleet technician working 28 years for KU Energy/LG&E in Lexington KY, and served on the Versailles Fire Department as Assistant Chief in the 1980's. Ken is survived by his children: Scott (& Myra) Cheak, Julie (& Don) Whitehouse, John (& Debra) Cheak and Kathy (Cheak) Collins; 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and his sister: Bessie "Bea" Eads. He was preceded in death by his wife:...

On Monday, July 4, 2022, David Mathews III of Fruitland Park, FL passed away at age 53. He was born in Fort Walton Beach, FL to David Mathews, Jr. and Dorothy Evelyn Stockwell Mathews. He graduated from Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL in 1987 and later received his Associate of Arts degree from Lake-Sumter Community College. David had a passion for Native American history and archaeology. He loved searching for Native American artifacts, especially arrowheads, and amassed an impressive collection that he treasured. He even took up knapping to create arrowheads, crosses, and other items from stone for many people. He loved fishing, hunting, being outdoors, and had a deep love and respect...

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Strickland announces his passing on Sunday, June 19, 2022 with his daughter by his side. Born in Columbus County, North Carolina in the 1920's, Mr. Strickland was part of the "greatest generation". As a child, his family moved from North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida. As a young man, he began his career in banking with 'American Finance Corporation' eventually being promoted to corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C. Later he joined Citizen's National Bank in Leesburg, Florida as Senior Vice-President for 25 years. Mr. Strickland was a Florida Supreme Court State Mediator, Mayor of Leesburg 1975, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1990, and Leesburg...

Jerry Gordon Colyer, 85, of Lady Lake, Florida passed away on June 15, 2022 in Leesburg, Florida. He was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on January 3, 1937. After graduating from Jefferson City High School, he obtained his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Mathematics. He applied his education to a successful 33-year United States Air Force civil service career, retiring as the Director of the Office of Aerospace Studies at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM. Jerry was known throughout various communities for his selflessness and humble service. While in Albuquerque he was an avid supporter of Pets are Working Saints (PAWS), often taking dogs to the local Veterans Administration...

Philip B. Perry Sr. (March 14, 1934 to June 2, 2022) beloved brother, father, grandfather and friend will be sorely missed. He is survived by his sister, Sandra Perry Farrar of Sumner Maine, his 5 children and their spouses, Brenda Powell of Left Hand West Virginia, Stephen & Patti Perry, Cheryl and Lennie Robinson, and Philip Jr and Julie Perry all of Terryville, Connecticut, Sandra and John Kerski of Bristol Connecticut, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and many loved friends. Wake will be held from 2-4pm on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Scott Funeral Home, Plymouth, CT. The celebration of life will be held following the wake.

Linda Green, 63 years old, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Linda was born in Ulster, Pennsylvania on April 20, 1959. She was the daughter of Robert Earl Parker and Phyllis Parker. She grew up in upstate New York on her father's farm. Linda was an Air Force Veteran, and her career in the armed forces led her to her husband, Dewey Green, Jr., who predeceased her in 2006. Linda and Dewey met in Tulsa, Oklahoma while serving in the Air Force together. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Florida. Linda enjoyed stuffed animals, buffets, and flea markets. She always enjoyed sharing a meal with the people she was closest with. She is survived by her father, Robert...

Mealy W. Reed Sr August 29, 1928 - May 29, 2022 Weirsdale, Fl 32195 Mealy (Dad) is survived by his wife of seventy-four years, Velma, his son Bill Reed and wife Betty Jo, his son Huey Reed and wife Penny, his daughter Sue Corbin and husband Steve, eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Dad was born in Weirsdale, Fl during the great depression. Working in the orange groves with his Dad, he and his siblings were too busy to know just how bad the times were. He said we always had food on the table and indoor plumbing! He met his wife Velma at a Weirsdale high school basketball game. Dad was very active in family life, he...

Jack H. Hallett, Sr., 101, of Leesburg, FL, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Jack was a Major in the United States Air Force and a pilot in World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, son, and daughter. A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Barnstable, MA. Online condolences can be left at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com

Marion Eugene "Gene" Vaughn, 86, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. He was born in Miami, Florida to Harry Vaughn, Sr. and Imogene Griffis Vaughn and raised in Coconut Grove, Florida. He went to Coconut Grove Elementary, Ponce de Leon Junior High and graduated from Coral Gables Senior High in 1956. He was a Printer and Commercial Artist with Florida Advertising Art, Inc. and retired from Florida Power and Light as Form Designer and Senior Draftsman. He was married to Roberta "Bert" Jean Vaughn for 33 years. Gene's laugh could be heard from a mile away! His friends and family were everything to him, and he was so kind and sentimental. He was an avid collector of WWll books and...

Bob Jenkins (age 79) passed away peacefully in his sleep at Waterman hospital on April 23, 2022 from heart failure. He was born in Corning, NY in 1943. His family moved to Florida and he graduated from Eustis High School in 1961. He then served four years in the US Marine Corp, having been deployed aboard a Navy ship off the coast of Cuba in 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis, guarding the Navel base in Cuba in 1963, and helping in restoring order to the Dominican Republic during their civil war of 1965. Bob married the love of his life Ms. Lena Mae Oliphant of Mooresville, NC in late 1965. He graduate from the University of Florida in 1972 and returned to Eustis, Florida with his...

John F. Caparaso, 80, Leesburg, Florida passed away on April 16, 2022 at University of Florida Health at Leesburg, Leesburg, Florida. John was born on February 13, 1942 in Hudson, New York to his parents Andrew Aniello Caparaso and Angelina Julia (Chellelli) Caparaso. John originally moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida in 2005 from Fort Wayne, Indiana and then moved to Leesburg, Florida in 2018. He was a former Owner / Broker of Gallery of Homes Real Estate in Fort Wayne, Indiana. John was of the Catholic faith. He was a proud U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. John is survived by his loving daughters: Cara Marie Dafforn and her husband, Douglas of Indianapolis, IN...

Carole Jean Rozewicz, 88, of Leesburg, Florida, was called from this life on April 8, 2022. Mrs. Rozewicz was a retired Administrative Assistant with Nationwide Insurance Company. She was a native of Cicero, Illinois, moved to Birnamwood, Wisconsin in 1976, arrived in Ocala, Florida in 1998 and moved to Lake Port Square, Leesburg, Florida in 2011. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gilbert Rozewicz and their infant son, Glenn Rozewicz. She is survived by her son, Robert Rozewicz, daughter, Renee (Jeff) Kluz, three grandchildren, Lauren Rozewicz, Michael (Olivia) Kluz, and Emily Kluz, and a great grandson, Nicholas Forgione-Rozewicz. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul's...

Stead, Robert L.; Passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 after a lengthy illness. Affectionately known as Bob to all that loved him, he was born in Port Jervis, NY, August 29, 1946. Beloved & devoted husband to the love of his life Sylvia (nee Jensen). Loving friend to adopted daughter Diana Meneses. Dear brother of Raymond. Beloved brother-in-law of Al & Diane Jensen. Dear uncle of Michele & Andrea Stead, Joseph and Anthony Jensen, Mary Macheska, Ceil Altomare, Grace Paulsen, Linda Zotynia, Marty & Linda Ferber, Kristy Jensen, Kathleen Orlanes and great uncle of Szymus Stead & Mia and Luca Orlanes. Predeceased by mother Marsena Westbrook Stead, brother...

Patricia A. Windhorst of Fruitland Park passed away on Sunday April 3, 2022 at LRMC, after a brief illness. A Memorial Service will be held at Good News Church 400 Executive Blvd. Leesburg, FL on May 7, 2022 @ 11:00am. Fond Memories and condolences can be made at www.neptunesociety.com

Carl H. Martin passed away on March 3rd, 2022 in Lady Lake, Florida at the age of 75 after a prolonged hospitalization for congestive heart failure. Carl now joins his beloved wife Joyce in heaven. Carl was a proud father, grandfather, brother and uncle, a generous friend, and an active member of the church and community. He loved the game of golf and spending time with friends on the local courses as well as many golf trips over the years. Carl enjoyed plenty of Gator football Saturdays with friends as a member of the Leesburg Quarterback Club. Carl was born December 4, 1946 in Eustis, Florida to Hugh and Azalee Martin. He grew up as an Army Brat living in numerous countries around...

Michael Rebel, 74, of Eustis, Florida, passed away in Georgia Sunday, January 30, 2022, after having a stroke. Mike was born April 19, 1947, in Eustis, Florida, to Ben and Helen (Lynch) Rebel. He graduated from Eustis High School in 1965. Mike attended Florida State University briefly, transferring to the University of Arkansas, where he met and married Kay Rutland, June of 1969. After he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1971, they moved to Eustis. During this time, Mike dabbled in many different job fields. He was a science teacher, a longline fisherman (out of New Smyrna), a landscaper, as well as worked at the Florida Game and Fish Commission. In 1980, he started...

Wayne Ashley Blake, age 88, originally of Jamestown, New York, passed away in Lady Lake, FL on January 9, 2022 after a long, valiant fight with cancer and Alzheimer's. Wayne was a current resident of Lady Lake, but had been a resident of Wildwood for many years prior. Wayne was proud to have served in the US Navy during the Korean War, and later taught dance for Arthur Murray Dance Studios. In his later years, Wayne was a loan manager in Leesburg, then an insurance salesman in Wildwood, where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Wayne." He was a kind, quiet, loving man, known for his dry sense of humor, and he loved to play golf, tinker around on the piano, and make pancakes for his...