2020
December
We regret to infom our members that Orange Park #2605 PDD, William “Bill” Ruffian Sr., passed away on December 27th. Bill was 87 years old.
We are saddened to report the passing of Peggie McClellan's mother, Cumi Luckie, overnight. Her mother has been in a nursing home. She was 96 years old.
The funeral service and burial will take place in Alabama.
Please send condolences to:
Vic & Peggie McClellan
930 N. Lakewood Terrace
Port Orange, FL 32127
As most of you are aware, our Inverness #2522 Club Steward, Kathy Cariel, has contracted the Covid 19 Virus. She has been hit hard but is recovering at home and is not hospitalized. We have had several others in our Lodge that have become infected.
Regrettably, PER, Ray Fink passed away late last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy Flegle and Ray’s family. He was an integral part of his lodge for many years and his steady hand and clear thinking will be greatly missed by all who knew and admired him.
November
It is with a heavy heart that we pass on the news received this morning regarding another of our members who has passed away this week. I was informed this morning that Lodge Advisor Bill Wilson, PDDGER, Jacksonville Lodge #221, passed away yesterday while in the hospital. We were informed that Bill had been hospitalized a few days ago with breathing issues which worsened very quickly it seems.
We do not know anything yet regarding the funeral services for Bill but as more information becomes available, we will share that with you. Please keep his family in your prayers and hearts. He will be truly missed.
We regret to report the passing Barbara Fournier, PER and Bernie Gordon, PER.
Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2020, to honor two of Holiday Isles #1912 Past Exalted Rulers who have recently passed.
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS!!
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BARBARA AND BERNIE AT 2 pm TODAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
THE LODGE WILL BE RESCHEDULING THE SERVICE AT A FUTURE DATE.
Contact PER Rhonda Smith at 727-742-5782 for questions.
October
We regret to report the passing of Elmer “Smitty” Messerschmidt, PDD. Smitty was from Brandon Lodge having served as DDGER in 1998/99. His wife is Beverly Messerschmidt a past state president (2008) of FLOE. He was 77. An Elks Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday, October 16th at the Brandon Elks Lodge. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund.
https://www.southernfuneralcare.com/obituaries/Elmer-Messerschmidt-Jr?obId=18626713#/obituaryInfo
Brandon Elks Lodge
800 Centennial Lodge Drive
Brandon, FL 33510
Beverly Messerschmidt
5702 Stockport Street
Riverview, FL 33578
Harry-Anna Trust Fund
P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
September
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Past State President, Frank Hayes this morning.
Frank was a member of Crestview Lodge # 2624 in the Northwest District. Frank was State President of the Florida State Elks Association in 2011-12.
Frank will be dearly missed!
Arrangements have not yet been announced.
Condolences to:
Linda Hayes
2026 Blue Sky Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
L_hayes2@hotmail.com
August
It is our sad duty to report the passing of Sarasota South Lodge #2495, Phil Albarano, PER.
There will be a memorial service at Saraota South Elks Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
5680 Rosin Way
Sarasota, Florida 34233
There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
2506 Gulf Gate Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34231
Everyone is invited to both services
A special little note:
September 13 was Elaine's Mother's birthday. September 15 was Phil's Mother's birthday
June-July
![Joseph B. "Joe" Bryant, PDD](/images/sickness-distress/Joe_Bryant.png "Joseph B. "Joe" Bryant, PDD")
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we inform you of the passing today of Joseph B. Bryant, a Past State Treasurer of the Florida State Elks Association. Joe was a member of the Sebring Lodge # 1529 and was a Past District Deputy in 1979/80. Joe served the FSEA as the State Treasurer for 33 years going emeritus in 2018. Joe’s wife Nancy Faye is a Past State President of the Florida Ladies of Elks.
Joe will be dearly missed as he was a friend to everyone, a mentor to many and even a father-figure to a few!
Condolences to:
Nancy Faye Bryant
302 Sparrow Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870-0138
Funeral services will be held at Bible Fellowship Church located at 3750 Hammock Rd., Sebring, FL 33872 this Friday, June 12, 2020.
The services will begin with a viewing at 10:00 AM, the Elks service at 11:00 AM performed by the officers of the Sebring Elks Lodge and a church service immediately thereafter. This will be followed by a military burial at the Bougainvillea Cemetery located at 591 US Highway 27 N. in Avon Park.
Lunch will be served at the Sebring Elks Lodge located at 2618 Kenilworth Blvd., Sebring, FL 33870 after the cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by the Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, Sebring/Avon Park.
April-May
It is our sad duty to report the passing of Inverness Lodge #2522, Bob Holt, PER.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Phil Albarano, PER from Sarasota South Lodge #2495. Phil passed away at 4:55 a.m. this morning (April 29, 2020).
"First please let me say thank you for your support and prayers during this unbelievable journey. I could not have made it through without all of you.
Mr. Phil passed away at 4:55 a.m. this morning. There were tow nurses in the room with hium an they were praying the rosary. This is all very comforting to us. knowing that he did not pass away away alone.
Yesterday we did Facetime with two nurses in POhil's room, our son and daughter-n-law Rob and Tatsiana from Mew Jersay and our daughter Renee was with me at the house. We talked for about 40 minutes and told Phil that we all loved him and wanted him to be at peace. ROb toasted him with his favorite glass of scotch and Renee reminded him that Happy Hour starts at 4:30p.m. in heaven!
Thank you again for all your support and prayers.
-Elaine
2019
September
We were saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of W. Dennis Osborn, PDD of Brandon Lodge#2383.Dennis was Southwest Central District Vice President in 2012/13 and served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2013/14. Dennis has also been a member of the Florida State Elks Association Business Practices Committee since 2014.
Dennis lost his wife of 37 years, Viola, in December of 2018.
Dennis had many friends and he will be sorely missed.
Services for Dennis will be held at the Brandon Elks Lodge on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. preceded by visitation at 10:00 a.m.
The lodge is located at:
800 Centennial Lodge Drive
Brandon, FL 33510
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lois J. Harmes of Sarasota South Lodge # 2495. Lois was the special friend of Lawrence “Larry” Hildebrand also a member of Sarasota South Elks Lodge.
Arrangements have not been released at this time.
It's our sad duty to report the passing of Mrs Jacqueline DiCosmo, Mother of Denise Smith, Exalted Ruler of the South Lake Lodge and the Mother-in-Law of Russell Smith, PER, North Central District Vice President.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Denise and Russ and their family.
It is with a sad heart that we inform our members the passing of Joan Fritz, FLOE PSP from Port Orange Lodge #2723. Please keep her family in your prayers.
August
We regret to inform the passing of DDGER Michael F. Scholdbauer's Mother, Risha Schodlbauer.
Dear fellow Elks, Friends of Elks and Neighbors,
It is with a heavy heart that The Naples Elks announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our Exalted Ruler Sherry Hensley.
Funeral arrangements shall be in Kentucky at the Carman Funeral Home 2301 Argillite RD. Flatwoods, KY. 41139. Tel.# (606) 836-5833
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Delray Beach Past Exalted Ruler, Michael Rodriguez. Mike passed away this morning in Delray Medical Center ending his battle with cancer.
We were advised this morning that PER Joe Slatton, St. Petersburg Lodge #1224, passed after a long battle beginning with prostate cancer that spread through his body. Joe recently was sent home from Bill Young VAVS (Bay Pines) Medical Center for home Hospice Care. Joe was surrounded by his loving family, great friend, PER Judy Schmickle, and his two dogs when he died.
Joe Slatton was a Korean War Veteran who continued his service to our nation by being an active participant with the Korean War Auxiliary Honor Guard and a very active Elk. Joe was a speaker representing the Korean War Veterans in Washington, DC for the 2017 Parade of Heroes.
July
We regret to inform you of the passing of District Vice President Sal Lentine. Sal was the Vice President of the Southeast Central District and was a member of Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658. Sal had been hospitalized as of late with serious heart complications. Just this week we were notified of Sal’s inability to continue as District VP and Tom Carns was appointed as interim DVP. Sal was also the State Chairman of the Community Projects & Activities Committee.
Arrangements as well as next of kin contacts are pending.
Sal Lentine was born in New York City in 1953 and grew up in Queens, N.Y. He moved to Port St. Lucie, Fla., in August 2006.
He graduated from L.I.C. High School in Queens, N.Y., in 1971 and attended the NYPD Police Academy for six months in 1982 studying law, police science and social science.
Lentine worked in the automotive field for 10 years before joining the NYPD in January 1982 as a police officer. He was a first responder to 911 and retired as a detective in February 2002.
In 2006, Lentine became a member of Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658. He had been a snowbird for two years prior to moving to Florida and met a few Elks in a golf league. They would take him to whatever lodge was near the golf course as a guest for lunch. Once he moved to Florida permanently, a friend of his from New Jersey who was an Elk for many years sponsored him and also demitted to Port St. Lucie Lodge.
He has served as Leading Knight and Exalted Ruler and has been a volunteer cook, bartender and assistant bar manager. He served on the House Committee and as a trustee before becoming chairman of both. He is a member of the state First Responders of the Year Award Committee. He was District Chairman of Lodge Activities and Vice Chairman of Community Projects & Activities.
In addition to the Elks, Lentine is a third-degree knight of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He enjoys shooting sporting clays and spending time with family and friends.
Lentine has a daughter, Cheryl, and a son, Robert. Both live in New York.
We regret to inform you that Roy Markham, PDDGER passed away this morning. Roy was a very active Elk at Lake City Lodge #893 and he will be missed by many.
He and his wife Eleanor ( his first wife) were dedicated to supporting the State and National Elks.
We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Tom Ryan.
A visitation and service will be held on Saturday, July 6th at:
TM Ralph Funeral Home
7001 NW 4th Street
Plantation, FL, 33317
954-587-6888
The visitation will take place from 9:30 – 11:00 am with service following immediately at 11:00 am.
The interment will be at 12 Noon at:
Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens
2401 SW 64th Avenue (Davie Road and I-595
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held beginning at 1:30 pm at:
Renaissance Hotel
1230 South Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33324
954-472-2252
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in Tom’s name at Eckerd College.
May-June
We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Vincent "Vinnie" Gough Jr., which occured on May 12th, 2019. Services are being held at Clymer Funeral Home at 39 Old Kings Road North Palm Coast, FL 32137 on Thursday, May 16th at 5:00 p.m.. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday May 17th, at 11a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway Plam Coast, FL 32164.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vincent's memory to:
Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums
P.O. Box 353203
Palm Coast, FL 32135
It is with the greatest of sadness that I deliver to you today the heartbreaking news of the death of a great Elk and friend, Val Bates. Val died peacefully at home this afternoon surrounded by his close family and his loving wife Claudia. On behalf of all the Elks of Florida we send out to Claudia and the family, our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy.
January-April
It is our sad duty to report the passing of our good member Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Lemieul “Lee” Bennett, Sr. Lee passed away on January 21st, 2019. Eulogy was held during our regular scheduled meeting of January 22, 2019.
Lee was an Elk member for over 36 years. He was initiated in 1982 and quickly expressed an interest in serving Elkdom and his lodge. He served as Inner Guard, Chaplain, Esquire, Loyal Knight, Leading Knight, Exalted Ruler and 4 years as a Trustee. During 1992 he served as the North District Vice-President representing the Florida States Elks Association and in 1993 he was the North District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. His contribution through the years are greatly appreciated and he will be missed.
Lee was a very much respected member of our community serving as a member or officer of more than one civic organization and most importantly as the Chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Lee is survived by his mother Mrs. Frances Bennett, one son Lem Bennett (Rebecca), one daughter Tiffany French (Nathan), two brothers Ricky and Daniel Bennett, and one grandchild Jeremiah Lee French.
He cared about his family, his community, our Veterans, our youth….Rest in Peace … “to our absent member”
2018
November-December
Members All:
I regret to inform you of the passing of the Exalted Ruler of the Plant City Elks Lodge, Martin P. “Marty” Carroll.
Marty suffered a massive stroke on Saturday while attending the Elks Midyear Convention at the Plantation in Crystal River.
He leaves behind his loving wife Shelly and a host of friends and family!
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 17th from 6-8:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home located at 6005 S. County Road 39 in Plant City.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 18th at 1:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life at the Plant City Elks Lodge located at 1501 N. Alexander Street in Plant City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Elks Harry-Anna Trust Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 49, Umatilla, FL 32784.
You may also make a memorial contribution to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund on-line by clicking the link below:
Click HERE to make a memorial contribution
Condolences to:
Shelly Carroll
2812 Clubhouse Drive
Plant City, FL 33566
Rest in peace Brother!
October
Tampa Lodge #708 Member Lt. Col. Charles "Ben" Venable passed unexpectantly on 10/22/2018. He served his country honorably for 29 years in the Air Force, and then returned to government service as a civilian for an additional 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Candy Venable, his children: Daughter Brook Smith and her husband Kevin, son Matthew Venable and his wife Jessica, grandchildren Berkley, Dixie, Lily and Hubert, brother Bernard Venable and good friend and former wife, Kathy Venable.
He is preceded in death by both parents, his brother Vernon Venable, and his son Charles Lucas "Luke" Venable
There will be a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Bayshore Presbyterian Church, 2515 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa Fl 33629.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian Appalachian Project: http://www.christianapp.org
It is our sad duty to notify you of the passing of PDDGER William (Bill) Connolly this morning. Bill was a life member of the Eustis Lodge and a former member of the South Marion-Villages and Lady Lake lodges. There are no funeral arrangements at this time.
Bill was a valued member of the North Central District and a loyal Elk. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Please keep Patty and the family in your prayers.
The Visitation for Bill will be on Tuesday, October 23rd at Beyers Funeral Home (1123 West Main St., Leesburg) from 5:00-7:00 pm. The North Central District PDDs will perform the Elks Service at 6:00. Even though the stage is set with the Officers, we would like for any and all PDDs to attend and participate in the ceremony. White DD jacket and gold jewels requested. Please contact me via email or phone,352-459-8282, if you plan to attend.
Mary Ann Bucci, long time District reporter, has passed away. Keep her family in your prayers.
August-September
PDD Glen Dennis Rust, 86, passed away 8/10/2018. Resided in Miami since 1942. Attended St Peter & Paul. Enlisted in Unioed States Air Force for 3 years. Graduated from University of Miami with degree in engineering. Worked for Poole & Kent Mechanical Contractors as a Project Manager. After retriring, he returned for two more terms. He was PEDGER and State Chaplain for MIami Elks Lodge #948 and worked 3 years as secretary lifetime member. Survived by his loving wife, Mary.
July
PDDGER Ed Jackson fell off a ladder at his North Carolina home and shattered both heels. He is undergoing surgery and will be incapacitated for a long time.
The hospital information is:
Edward K. Jackson
Mission Hospital
Room A-632
Ashville, NC 28801
Direct Telephone Number to his room: (828) 213-6632
June
It is our sad duty to report the passing of PER Carl Williamson this morning, June 7th, 2018. He passed away at his home. His family has asked for a Memorial Service with his fellow Elks on June 16th at 1pm at Tampa Lodge# 708. Carl had requested Paul and Tracy H to participate in the Elks Portion of the Service.
Tampa Elks Lodge# 708
3616 W Gandy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
April-May
Members All:
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of R. William "Bill" Wellbaum, PSP. Bill passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill earned many notable titles as an Elk in addition to being a past state president of Florida in 2000/2001. He also served a term as the Chief Justice of the Grand Forum and in his professional life Bill was a talented attorney.
Bill was a loving family man and I can never remember a time that Bill wasn't talking about one of his grand children. He was so proud of all of them! Bill was a devoted husband to Sue and a friend to anyone he met! His motto as State President was Extend the Hand of Elkdom. He certainly practiced what he preached! Bill will be dearly missed!
More information will be forthcoming about services. At this time the family is thinking a celebration of life on Saturday, April 28th at the Englewood Elks Lodge.
Our sympathies to his loving wife Sue.
550 S. Oxford Drive
Englewood, FL 34223
February-March
As many of you already know, two of PDD Bill Orblych’s adult sons were murdered early Thursday morning in an apparent home invasion at their home in a Detroit, MI suburb.
Bill is a member of the Viera Lodge and is a member of the FSEA Board of Directors. Bill and Ronnie served last year on PSP John Harris’ hospitality team.
Our sympathies and prayers to Bill & Ronnie and their entire family.
Bill & Ronnie Orblych
605 Dawson Drive
Melbourne, FL 32940-1967
January
It is our sad duty to report the passing of PDD Ronald Sorrentino on Jan. 31, 2018. There will be an Elks service at the Sarasota National Cemetery on Thursday Feb 22, 2018 at 2pm.
Don Gehring has requested that Ormond Beach Lodge #2193 perform a Memorial Service for his departed wife Patricia Gehring on Sunday, February 4th at the Ormond Beach Lodge.
The service will be at 1 pm and refreshments provided by the Lodge and pot luck will follow. The celebration will end at 4PM. All friends and Elk members are invited.
Please RSVP to Patricia Hubert pathubert@att.net or 386-441-5634.
2017
December
Members All:
I regret to inform you of the passing of Lynn Warburton, PDD. Lynn, as you all know, was the Director of the Florida Elks Youth Camp for 15 years having recently retired this past fall. He was a member of the Palm Coast Elks Lodge # 2709 and served as the East Central District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1994/95.
At Lynn's request there will be no services.
Our sympathies to his wife Ru-Lynn.
PO Box 317
Umatilla, FL 32784
He will be missed.
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sam Berkowitz of West Palm Beach Lodge # 1352. Sam had been hospitalized at JFK Hospital for two weeks after a heart attack and this morning he suffered another. Sam had been a long-time Deputy Rep to the Veterans Hospital in West Palm Beach and was married to PDD, Donna Berkowitz. No arrangements have been announced yet. He will be missed!
Donna Berkowitz
25D Bedford Court
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411-7929
November
Patricia Gehring PER passed away on Tuesday November 21 from a short but very aggressive fight with cancer. I do not know how many Elks were acquainted with Patricia. She was ER of Ormond Beach #2193 for many years as well as a Secretary, Treasurer and Chaplain not to mention ENF and Grant chairpersons.
She will be missed.
Richard A. "Dick" Rhodes, 84, of Brandon, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. A native of Medina, NY, he had resided here 46 years coming from Buffalo, NY. He was retired from the US Air Force, was a US Customs agent for 18 years, an employee of Southern Funeral Care, a member of St. Stephens Catholic Church, Life Member and Past Exalted Ruler of Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, Past Elks District Deputy and the lodge representative for Boy Scouts Troop #627.
He was preceded in death by his son, William A. Rhodes; brother, Robert Rhodes and sister, Peggy Albone and Marcia Jones. He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Rhodes; son, Andrew J. (Cecile) Rhodes; daughters, Linda A. (Phil) Hinkle and Susan M. (Phillip) Singletary; brother, John (Sandra) Rhodes; sister, Carol Licinio; sister-in-law, Carol Rhodes; grandchildren, Christopher W. (Margie) Hinkle, Sean P. (Amy) Singletary, Steven A. (Bry) Hinkle; David P. Hinkle and Richard B. Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Emily and Grant Singletary, Isabella and Zoey Hinkle and Joshua Frazier (Hinkle) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 17, 2017, at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, Brandon.
A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 P.M. Friday, November 17, 2017, at the Brandon Elks Lodge, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations made out to Boy Scout Troop #627, o/o Brandon Elks Lodge, 800 Centennial Lodge Drive, Brandon, FL 33510.
Please sign guestbook at SouthernFuneralCare.com.
October
Wyman McArthur Garland, age 95, of Live Oak, FL passed away Monday, October 16, 2017 at the Haven Hospice Care Center in Lake City, FL. He was a native of Wrightsville, GA moving to Live Oak in 1948 after graduating from the University of Georgia. Wyman worked as the Area Forester for the Florida Forest Service for many years before working for Farm Credit as Vice President while owning and operating his farming business. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Live Oak Elks Lodge#1165. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching football. He was predeceased by his wife, Vivian Garland and a sister, Thena Lou Smith. He is survived by one son, Wyman (Susan) Garland; one daughter, Julie Garland; two grandchildren, Justin and Lindsey Garland all of Live Oak.
Memorial services were held 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 22, 2017 in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Herrington officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church.
Mr. Wyman served as PER of the Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 in 1958 and was still a loyal member coming to every meeting he could. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice or the Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165.
August
Members All:
Our heart aches this morning at the loss of Carolyn Ritchie, wife of Mike Ritchie, PDD of Zephyrhills Lodge # 2731. Carolyn fought a tough battle with pancreatic cancer and succumbed early this morning. Carolyn, with her husband Mike & often their daughter Ashley, was a member for many years of the FSEA Grand Lodge Hospitality Room team and served several State President’s on their hospitality teams.
Funeral services will be held Thursday Aug. 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM. It will begin with visitation at 6:30 to 7:30 P.M and services will follow at Haught Funeral Home located at 708 West Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, Florida 33563. Graveside services will be held Friday at 11 AM at Oakside Cemetery in Zephyrhills, Fl. 33542.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Florida Elks Youth Camp. Checks payable to Harry-Anna Investment Fund with a notation to FEYC. Please include your name, address and Lodge Number (if applicable) for acknowledgement. The family will also receive an acknowledgement letter announcing your thoughtfulness. Mail to Harry-Anna Investment Fund, PO Box 49, Umatilla, FL 32784-0049.
Our sympathies to Mike, Ashley & Clay and all the family! She will be dearly missed!
Carl Seibert
State Secretary
June-July
PDDGER Willam Swatzell passed away. He was a member of Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 and will be missed.
Past District Deputy Harry Avogardo of Boca Raton Lodge #2166 passed away July 01, 2017. He served the SSE District as VP as a member of the Sandalfoot Lodge # 2741 for SP Winston Needham in 1996-97 and as DDGER in 1997-98. He transferred his membership to Boca Raton lodge and remained active until his passing. A true gentleman, he will be missed.
Past District Deputy Lawrence "Larry" Shields, of Oakland Park lodge #2407, passed away on July 18, 2017. As a member of Margate Lodge #2463, he served as Vice President in 1997-98 under SP Jim Solana. In1998-99 he served as DDGER of the South Southeast District.
May
We lost one of our nation’s heroes over the weekend! WWII Veteran and Palmetto Elks Lodge member Francis X. “Frank” Campbell passed away on Saturday, April 29 at the age of 91. Frank recently participated in the Florida Elks sponsored trip to Hawaii for WWII Veterans for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
More arrangement details to follow.
Condolences to his special friend for the past ten years:
Judy Vergason
2727 46th Street
East Palmetto, FL 34221
April
Perry Elks Lodge#1851 Life Member, PDDGER Roscoe Sheffield, passed away April 24thth surrounded by his family. Roscoe was an Elks member for half a century. He was truly one of the Best People On Earth.
Mrs. Dorothy Sheffield
102 Osceola Road
Perry, FL 32348-6003
March
Max Robinett PER, has passed away. A joint Moose/Elk funeral service for Max will be conducted on Friday, March 31 at 2 p.m. The service will be held at the Moose Lodge 2020 located at 5051 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL, phone number 904-264-5355. Refreshments will be served following the service. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Phyllis Bonser.
Al Reker’s son, 60 year old Stephen Reker, was killed in a tragic accident yesterday while riding his bike in Tallahassee. Al is a Past District Deputy, a member of the FL Elks Children’s Therapy Services Board of Directors and is a member of Miami Lodge 948.
Our prayers and condolences to Al & Barbara and the entire Reker family!
Al & Barbara Reker
11357 SW 86th Lane
Miami, FL 33173-4226
February
Patrick Gallagher
We are incredibly saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Patrick Gallagher. Patrick has been hospitalized as of late and has had a history of heart problems. Patrick was a member of the Manasota Lodge and was Chairman of the State Business Practices Committee. Patrick was a Past District Deputy of the Southwest District having served in 2013/14. He was a Drug Trailer Manager and served on numerous Lodge and District Committees.
An Elks Memorial Service for Patrick will be held on Sunday, February 26th at 3:00 PM at the Palmetto Elks Lodge located at 4611 4th Avenue East, Palmetto, FL 34221.
Jill Gallagher - 5521 Denmark Drive, Bradenton, FL 34207
Our love and prayers to the family!
Ralph Ferrell
There will be an Elk service in the Tallahassee Lodge room on Sunday, February 5, beginning at 2 pm. The Tallahassee Lodge PERs will be conducting the Elks Service. Following the service, there will be a reception at the Lodge and everyone is invited. Julia requests casual dress, no coats or ties!
Condolences:
Julia Ferrell
43 Purple Martin Cove
Crawfordville, FL 32327
We regret to inform you of the passing of PDDGER Linda J. “Lynn” Bailey – East Polk Lodge #2882 – Southwest Central District. Lynn was Lodge Advisor to her Lodge and most recently served as a District Director of the Florida State Elks Association Board of Directors. Lynn was DDGER in 2011/12. She was also instrumental in the institution of the East Polk Lodge. Lynn had been suffering with ALS.
Karolyn F. Lind, 76, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021, at home in Lake Placid, Florida. She was born on Oct. 1, 1944, in Yonkers, New York to William and Frances Spangenberger. She moved to Florida in 1955. Karolyn worked as a surgical oncology medical assistant, retiring in 2007. She enjoyed travel, gardening and was an avid reader. She was a member of the Lake Placid Elks, The Lake Placid Women’s Club and volunteered at the chamber of commerce. She was also a cancer counselor for the American Cancer Society, being a survivor herself.
