George (K.P.) Bradley Minor

George (K.P.) Bradley Minor, age 20 of Apopka, FL died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in Orlando, FL. He was born June 17, 1989 in Oneonta, NY the son of Jeannine (Gary) Lumpkin, Apopka, FL., and George (Lorraine Newell) Minor of Guilford, NY. He is survived by his parents; his brother Clinton Jon (Kendra) Minor of California City, CA; his sister Nicole House (Joshua Crawford), of New Berlin, NY; a nephew, Caleb Thomas House, and nieces, Shaylee Marie House and Natalie Dawn Minor, several aunts, cousins, and many good friends. A Celebration of the Life of George (K.P.) Minor will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 3 PM at Dobbs Funeral Home, Orlando. The family will be receiving friends at 2:00 PM prior to the service. To honor K.P.'s love of the musical arts, the family requests that donations be made to Neptune Middle School, c/o Fran Piazza, 2727 Neptune Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744. All funds will be directed to the music department.

"Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leafs a flower;

but only so an hour.

The leaf subsides to leaf,

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day,

Nothing gold can stay."

Robert Frost

Colonel Ralph Hillis Groover, Jr., USA, Retired

"Daddy Ralph", 84, of Orlando, Florida joined his parents, Ralph and Betty Groover, brother Kenny Groover, and sister Betty Gene Woods in peace with the Lord he loved so much on December 14, 2009.

Although born and raise din very humble beginnings, he considered his most important jobs in life to be a good Christian, husband, father, and patriot.

Ralph was born in Hinesville, Georgia on February 20, 1925 to the late Ralph and Betty Groover. He was preceded in death by his brother Kenny Groover and sister Betty Gene Woods. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne Hodges Groover, four children; Sherrie Gibney-Sherman (Ken Sherman), Cindy Groover (Charley Gay), Ralph Groover III (Lynne Groover) and Lea Anne Groover; grandchildren Kellen Gibney, Alexandra Gibney, Mollie Sherman, Armando Trey Hernandez (Laura), Hailey Groover, MacKenzie "Ralph" Groover IV, Richard Day, and Christopher Kyle "CK" Day; Great grandson Kellin Waters; Brother Darrell Groover (Linda), sisters Mavis Tootle, Virginia DeLoach (Mondale) and Pat Smiley (Dale). He was Uncle and Great Uncle to many and a friend to all. He never met a stranger.

Ralph Hillis Groover, better known to all as Daddy Ralph - was a proud and amazing man, with a lifetime of accomplishments. Starting from a rural background in Gum Branch, Georgia, near Hinesville, he became a full colonel in the United States Army and had a military career that spanned three decades and several wars. He also served in military intelligence and learned to speak Russian and German. As they say, old soldiers never really leave the military, but he embarked on other careers, including many years in Orlando real estate starting in the mid 1970's. He continued to work in varying areas of interest until he was around 75-years-old.

He is survived by his wife Jo - our Mama Jo - to whom he was married - and completely devoted - for nearly 60 years. Ralph and Joe could tell you many tales about the 35 moves they made during his military career and the adventures four head head strong children can bring to a family. A constant throughout was his love of church, family, and his country. There was never a question where he stood on any of these matters.

Two weeks ago, we got to spend what turned out to be our last time, our last Thanksgiving, with Daddy Ralph. He had just undergone some risky surgery and was struggling to recover. Following the surgery everyone pitched in to help Daddy Ralph get back on his feet and out of the hospital door - his ultimate goal. We had to make sure he was all right and didn't try to pull out his tubes and escape - he had a mind of his own! He wasn't ready to leave the hospital by Thanksgiving Day, but the hospital staff kindly allowed our extended family to take over part of the hospital dining area that evening and bring in our food and music for a very unusual, but memorable celebration. An enduring memory of Daddy Ralph will be of him sitting proudly - in his pajamas - at the head of the hospital dining area table, singing his favorite them song, "Lord, It's Hard to Be Humble." Daddy Ralph was a man of great faith, a fundamentalist christian who made everyone feel completely welcome and at home.

Ralph's memorial service will be held at First Baptist church of Orlando on John Young Parkway on Saturday, December 19th at 11:00 am with viewing at 10:00 am. A reception will be held in Faith Hall immediately following the service. A military burial service will be held on a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Memorials in Ralph's honor may be made to:

First Orlando Foundation

c/o First Baptist Church of Orlando

3000 John Young Parkway

Orlando, FL 32805

Edith Elaine Styczynski

Mrs. Edith Elaine Styczynski, age 83 passed away on Monday December 7th, 2009 in Orlando. She was born in Norwich, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Albert and Emma (Sourbier) Harris. She moved to Central Florida from Connecticut in 1979 and was employed as a Screen Printer in the paper goods industry. She was preceded in death by daughter Dawn Prosser (December 1989). Edith leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Frank Styczynski; daughter Karen Serra; son, Gary Smith; sister Bernice Senkewitcz; brother, Everett Harris; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Dobbs Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM.

"My Grandmother was my sunshine. No matter how dark and gloomy my world became, she was always there to brighten my day. Although sometimes there would be hundreds of miles between us, she was always just a phone call away. I will desperately miss those phone calls and the way we began each one by singing together Stevie Wonder's "I just called to say I love You". I will miss her smell, her smile and mostly her laughter. She was the most beautiful person I have ever known. She was my Mother and my best friend and I am so very proud to be Edith's Granddaughter. MISS YOU GRAM!!! Thank you, Amy Lewis"

The Lord Is the Heart of the Home and

the Home Is the Heart of Christmas

Memories to treasure are made of Christmas Day, and birthdays

Made of family gatherings and children as they play...

And always it is Gram who plays the leading part

In bringing joy and happiness to each heart

of her love one's .... when they were sad or hurt.

These memories grow more meaningful with every passing year,

More precious and more beautiful, more treasured and more dear...

And that is why at Christmastime there comes the

happy thought that she gave us.

Out of all these treasured memories that Gram's love has brought us.

For no one gives us more happiness them Gram did.

The understanding, kind and wise and selfless, loving

I wouldn't trade her for the world.

And of all the loving Gram's, the dearest one is you.

For you live Christmas every day in every thing we do!

Giod Bless you Love and will miss you dearly.

From Sandi Goodman

Mabel Irene Riker

Mrs. Mabel Irene Riker, age 72 of Orlando passed away on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 in Winter Garden, Florida. Mabel was born in New Jersey, the Daughter of the late Frederick and Catherine Wildrick. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband John Douglas Riker; five daughters, Catherine Deikman, Mary Randall, Valerie marble, Amanda Hazen, Heidi Fernandez; son, Eric Kinney; 2 brothers, Wayne and John Wildrick; sister Car Wildrick; and several grand and great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at Dobbs Funeral Home.

Frank Roy Whitman, III

Frank Roy Whitman III, passed from this world December 2, 2009. He is survived by his mother, Elsie Whitman of Steele, North Dakota; his sisters and brothers-in-law Joyce and Ivan Thomsen of Kissimmee, FL, Nancy and Monroe Madson of Bismarck, ND and Elizabeth Whitman of Orlando, FL; his nieces and nephews-in-law Tara and Matthew Stewart of Snellville, GA, Sarah and Thomas Visco of Washington DC, Thora and Steve Yoon of San Antonio, TX and Gina Madson of Bismarck, ND; his nephews and nieces-in-laws Myron Frank Jr. and Kim Whitman of Cullman, AL, Derek Whitman of St. Cloud, FL, Kjeld and Vicky Thomsen of Northville, MI, Jason Madson of Minneapolis, MN and Eric Madson of Manchester, NH; his grandnieces Esther Yoon, Kelsie Thomsen, Jovana Thomsen and Jayde Madson; his grandnephews Jonathan Tharaldsen, Samuel Yoon, Michael Yoon, Maxwell Stewart, and Whitman Stewart. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Roy Whitman (1993) and his brother, Myron Frank Whitman (2003). Frank was born on March 22, 1949. His early years were spent on the family dairy farm in Pettibone, North Dakota. He earned two bachelor's degrees, a degree in Mechanical Engineering from NDSU and a degree in computer science from FMU. Inspite of his higher education, his love and talent was always to work with his hands, solving practical problems. He spent his early career working for the family business in Lake Williams ND, which built homes and ran a grain elevator, gas business and hardware store. He relocated in 1989 to Florida where he was in demand to lend his creative thinking and practical intelligence to any sort of construction problem. He will be always remembered and valued by his friends and family for his quiet ways and the willingness in his heart to help others. May he lay down his tool belt and rest in peace. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 11, 2009 at Dobbs Funeral Home, 430 North KirkmanRoad, Orlando FL 32811.

Joy L. Brosious

Joy L. Brosious born in Orlando, FL on September 13, 1954 died in Orlando on November 29, 2009. Daughte ro fJack Bragg (deceased) and Dorothy Harbin (deceased). She is survived by her loving children Lisa Shaw (daughter), Renee Brosious (daughter), C.J. Brosious (son); brothers, Gary Bragg, Mark Bragg and David Bragg, and 5 grandchildren. She will be loved and missed by all. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Dobbs Fuenral Home. The funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM.

Suggie Ballmick

Nairbekarri "Suggie" Ballmick, age 72 passed away on Monday, November 30, 2009. Suggie was born in Berbice, Guyana, the daughter of Surju and Boodni. She moved to Central Florida from Guyana in 1993. Suggie is survived by her husband, Ramnarine Ballmick; sons, Monie, Chandy and Tomay "Mickey" Ballmick; sister, Betty Ramnaraine; brother, Cyril Surju; and 9 grandchildren, Vidya, Suraj, Asha, Anita, Jaya Anil, Christina; and daughter-in-laws, Indra Kamla and Lalita. The family will be receiving friends at Dobbs Funeral Home from 7-9 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 1st and 2nd, 2009. The funeral service will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009, also at Dobbs Funeral Home followed by Interment at 11:00 AM at Metro Crematory.

Nancy L. Gaines

Ms. Nancy L. Gaines, resident of Orlando, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Everett E. Gaines, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2009. Born in Jacksonville, FL on July 25, 1955, she moved with her family to Orlando, FL and attended school there. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Jane A. Lucia and stepfather Morris G. Lucia, three brothers; Gerald L. Gaines and wife Diane, William E. Gaines, Michael D. Gaines and wife Belinda, two nephews, a niece, four great nephews, an aunt Mrs. Emily G. Tinsley and cousins. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ASPCA. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Dobbs Funeral home, 430 N. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL with Pastor Bob Wooten officiating.

Patricia A. Byrne Fennessy

Patricia A. Byrne Fessessy, born in Yonkers, New York, May 16, 1932, died in Orlando, Florida on November 18, 2009. Daughter of Arthur and Evelyne Byrne (deceased). She is survived by Arthur J. Byrne, Jr., (brother) Michael A. Fennessy (son), Christian Fennesy McNeil (daughter), four grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Missed an loved by all. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 11:00a - 1:00p at Dobbs Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:00 pm with Father Alex Dalpiaz officiating.

Richard C. Kortes, Jr.

Richard C. Kortes, Jr., (Rick) at the age 50, passed suddenly on Saturday, November 14, 2009 in Orlando, FL. A memorial celebrating the life of Rick Kortes will be at the West Orlando Rotary Community Center, 475 S. Kirkman Road from 6 PM to 9 PM on November 24, 2009, where he worked as chef and building maintenance. Rick was a professional welder and mechanic. Rick died doing what he loved, riding his panhead.

Rick was a good man and didn't turn down anyone needing help. Rick was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 31, 1959. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ann Kortes; his loving son Jonathan; his father and mother Richard and Mary Jane Kortes; his brother Duane and Susan Kortes; their siblings Franciska and Stefania; his brother Christopher Kortes and partner Vanessa; Rick's sister Kristina Avila and their siblings, Ethan and Emma; Rick's dog and cat Jack and Uno; numerous life time friends, neighbors and free riders.

Tricia Fischer

Tricia Fischer, age 25 of Winter Garden passed away Monday, November 16th 2009. She was survived by her mother Rita Fischer; father William (Bill) Fischer; brothers Richard Kramer and wife Jill, and Eric Fischer; and grandmother Agnes Kramer.

Visitation services will be held on Thursday, November 19th 2009 from 6-8 PM at Dobbs Funeral Home, 430 North Kirkman Rd, Orlando FL 32811. For those who wish to partake in Prayer of the Rosary, be there by 5:30 PM. Mass service will be held on Friday, November 20th at 10:00 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 S. Vineland Rd, Winter Garden FL 34787. Graveside on Monday, November 30th, 10:00 AM at Winter Garden Cemetery, 13636 Lake Butler Blvd, Winter Garden, FL 34787. 407-656-4682.

God looked around his Garden and found an empty place

He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.

His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering; he knew you were in pain.

And knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw your path was difficult, he closed your tired eyes,

He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.

When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,

We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.

You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.

"Life is a word associated with what you as a person accomplishes, who you meet, what you experience and most of all the day you enter and leave this world. Once you've accomplished those heights your life doesn't just stop there, but accelerates into an everlasting life. While here on earth Tricia associated herself with anyone who was willing to welcome in her unbelievable personality, experienced everything she could to the max and accomplished more than any of us have in our whole lives. Tricia Ann Fischer as of November 16th 2009 has left us here on earth to set foot on a new journey, her long and everlasting trip through heaven on her holy holy Harley. For those who knew her, for those who loved her and for those who never got a chance to tune into her awesomeness, she will be missed...Rest in Peace my loving sister. We will never forget you and always love you. Remember her Team Won!!!"

-Eric Fischer

Robert F. Alvarez

Robert F. Alvarez, 66 of Davenport, Florida passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Robert was born in Havana, Cuba on September 15, 1943. In 1957 he moved to West Pal Beach, FL. While in college, he met and married Eunice Perez Salcines on January 24, 1964. They had two children together, Eunice and Robert.

Robert was a top producing sales executive for Marriott Vacation Club, where he won salesman of the year, and achieved presidential status. He had a unique ability to connect personally with clients and whether they purchased or not, he always made an indelible impression.

Robert was dedicated to his family and loved to spend time with his grand-children. He loved vacationing and had traveled in Europe and in particular went on many cruises of the Caribbean. He was a generous and caring husband and father. He enjoyed swimming with his family and taught both his grand kids to swim. He was the life of the party, entertaining his family with funny stories from his life. He had a knack for always landing on his feet no matter what life threw at him. He will be sorely missed by those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice P. Alvarez, his two children, Eunice A. Fuller & her husband Jeff and Robert H. Alvarez & his wife Emily, his grandchildren Robert H. Alvarez Jr., and Gabriella J. Fuller, and his brother and sisters, Mariana Sylvester and Fernando Alvarez both of West Palm Beach, FL and Dalia Alvarez of Boston, MA.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, November 16, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Orlando located at 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM. Both will be held in Henry Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Robert F. Alvarez, to First Orlando Foundation , at 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805. Proceeds to be used for the First Baptist Church's Cuban Mission.

BLAKELY, PAUL DAVID

Mr. Paul David Blakely, 55 of Winter Park, Florida passed away Saturday, October 17th, 2009. Paul was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan the son of Leonard and Violet (Vance) Blakely. He moved to Central Florida in 1972. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and was a lifetime ABATE member. Paul always enjoyed the Toy Runs every Christmas which benefited the Central Florida Children's Home. Paul owned 2 Harleys, his favorite being the well known "Old Blue".

Paul began his career as a truck driver and then moved on to become an iron worker. The Evans High School Trojan statue was one of Paul's projects. Paul then returned to the trucking industry and started both Vitalis Trucking Company and Vital Logistics Transportation Services.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Paula (Steward) Blakely of Orlando; daughter, Amy Blakely of Orlando; son, David Blakely of Orlando; sisters, Laura Heckman of Titusville, Pam Hamilton of Lockhart, Debra Lynn Komori of Michigan; brothers, Tommy Percival of Kissimmee, Timmy Percival and Santo Percival both of Leesburg; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Paul was a devoted husband and father, a hard worker, a loyal friend with a big heart and warped sense of humor. He will be sorely missed!

The family will be receiving friends from 4 - 5 pm on Friday, October 23, 2009 at Windermere Union Church in Windermere, FL. The service will follow the visitation at 5:00 pm on Friday, with Pastor Barton Buchanan officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Donations can be made in Paul's memory to the Central Florida Children's Home, P.O. Box 574955, Orlando Florida 32857.

Peni Ann Kelty

Mrs. Peni Ann (Lotoza) Kelty, age 39 of Orlando, passed away on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009. Peni was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of Wayne and Catherine (Kennedy) Lotoza. Peni moved to Central Florida from Miami in 1990 and received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Rollins College. She was a theatrical actress belonging to the Orlando Repertory Theatre and Sleuths Mystery Theatre. Peni is survived by her parents, Wayne and Catherine Lotoza of Ft. Lauderdale; husband Christian Kelty of Orlando; and brother, Wayne Lotoza, Jr., of Tennessee.

A Performing Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 18th at the Orlando Repertory Theare, located at 1001 East Princeton in Orlando. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Orlando Repertory Scholarsip Fund in Peni Kelty's name. This scholarship will be used to assist youth Pre-K to 18 so that they can attend classes, camps, and specialized training in the summr program.

Estefanie Marie Martinez

Estefanie Marie Martinez, age 13 of Orlando, passed away on Saturday, October 10th, 2009. Estefanie was born in Altamonte Springs, Floria on March 14, 1996, the daughter of Javier and Jennifer (Rodriguez) Martinez of Orlando. Estefanie also leaves to cherish her memory, brothers, Luis Gabriel Canchaney, Jonathan Javier Martinez; grandmothers, Isabel Flores, Iris Batista; grandfathers, Carlos Rodriguez, Jose Alberto Martinez; uncles, Mizraim Christian Lopez, Alberto Martinez, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Raul Rodriguez, Julio Ayala; aunts, LeAnne M. Martinez, Johanna Rodriguez, Omayra Sanchez, Emilia Rodriguez, Nitza Rodriguez,Elizabeth Batista, Jill Lopez, Rafy Rodriguez, Ivonne Rodriguez; cousins, Genavie Martinez, Shelly Martinez, Logan Martinez, Andrew Rahman, Emmanuel Ramirez, Johannette Rodriguez, Neiska Rodriguez, Nestor Rodriguez, Maria De Los Angeles Ayala, Kathy A. Ayala, Christian Calderon and Kevin Calderon. The funeral sevice was held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Dobbs Funeral Home.

Michael G. Lyons

Michael G. Lyons, age 57 of Orlando, FL, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Michael is the son of Donald T. Lyons of Altamone Springs and the late Gloria M. "Gerrard" Lyons. He is the brother of Douglas Lyons and his wife Julia Wooten of Seattle, WA; Deb Lyons and her husband Steve Jankowski of Belmar, NJ and John Lyons and his wife Helen of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by a nephew Felix Lyons of Seattle, WA and a niece Ashley Clark of Dothan, AL.

Mike Lyons moved to Orlando from Kittery, Maine at a young age, graduating from Edgewater High School in 1970 He began his career in Orlando in 1971 by publishing the city's first underground newspaper and promoting the first rock show at the Citrus Bowl (Cactus, Bloodrock, Potliquor and Dr. John for $3). He was Music Director and announcer for WORJ, WDIZ and WHTQ in Orlando, Program Director for 98 Rock (WXTB) in Tampa and spent the last 8 years of his radio career as Mornings/Assistant Program Director in Miami. Mike entered the record business in the mid 90's. From 1995 - 2000 he was VP of AAA Promotions at Lee Arnold Marketing. Mike joined TripleARadio.com as columnist of The Forest and contributing editor from 2001 - Present.

A private funeral service will be held. Contributions in Mike's name may be made to PANCAN.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.

Irene Azato Flynn

Irene Azato Flynn passed away on September 20, 2009 at the age of 86 following a short illness. Irene's family takes great comfort that she has rejoined Frank, the love of her life, in heaven. Irene loved her family, her friends, and her Church. Irene and Frank, who at one time owned and lived in the former Cherry Plaza Hotel on beautiful Lake Eola, met many famous and interesting residents of their hotel who came from all over the world, including a U.S. President. Irene is survived by her son, Patrick of Houston, Texas, his wife, Jeannine (Keel) Flynn, and their two daughters, Margo and Emily. She is also survived by her daughter, Sandy Peachey of Orlando, and Sandy's two children, Sarah and Jack; and by her daughter, Suzanne Collins of Virginia, and Suzanne's seven children, Christopher, Aaron, Jonathan, Michael (Mikey), Bobby (Robert James), Christy, and Thomas (Tommy). Irene was also blessed to have five great grand-children. Irene was a treasure that can never be replaced. She loved Florida, especially its beaches. She loved butterflies and everyone she met. Her life was as bright as her favorite color, yellow. Her happy countenance and positive attitude will truly be missed. Irene's family wishes to provide a special thank you to the staff at Summerville at Ocoee, and to the staff at Quality Healthcare in Winter Garden (especially to Shaunagh Cook), for all of their good care and attention to Irene over the past nineteen months. Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church next month on October 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The church is located at 801 Hastings Street, Orlando, Florida 32808. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Andrew Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice in her memory.