Wilfredo Rodriguez

The Day The Music Stopped

All who knew Freddie know he loved music.    He had a collection of more than 1,000 CDs. He listened to music all day, and every day, at all times; so, our home was never in silence. In order for me to have TV time or listen to my favorite tunes, I had to beg. At times, even I used to clean the house with music in the background blasting, and even the neighbors enjoyed the tunes. So, that for sure is the reason why our son became a guitar player and loves music.

When I had to place Freddie in an assisted facility, I came to a home possessed by silence.    Even though I wanted to have some quite time, this was painful because I had a feeling that the end was near.

He was my husband for 50 years, the one I used to dance with -- oh boy and he was a great dancer, he even won some dancing shoes in a TV program in Puerto Rico, comparable to “american band stand”.   He loved playing the conga and drums and entertain his guests at home.  He was a great host, and we were known for our home parties.  We surely had fun.

He was a great worker, winning many stars at Disney’s Planning Center, a job he greatly enjoyed and retired from with 15 years of service, wining the respect of his co-workers and supervisors.

As a father he was an example of responsibility.   Taking his son to the Bronx Zoo was a yearly tradition when summertime came, as it was going to the beach and to wrestling matches. As Tito grew, going to concerts and seeing him play was what made him happy.

Then came that little red-headed jewel called Vivi. She came into our lives and, because of the distance from Orlando to New York, we used to Skype, to take part in her growth.

Every weekend, boy! he looked  forward to those Sundays were we were called  grandma and grandpa and hear our granddaughter’s stories. Seeing her grow was his greatest joy, as well as seeing her drawings and the greeting cards she used to send us.

Freddie loved his brothers and was very proud of them, especially Golo, who had the same music talent as he did. He loved my brother since he first met him, and he will always be his “Carlitos”. He loved my family: Pilar, Sonia, Nestor, Miguel, Frank, cousins Wilma and Diana.

As you can imagine, the love of my life for 50 years, the one I promised to be there with in sickness and in health, is no longer with us, and our home is in silence now!

Oh boy! St Peter you better watch out!!! You now have the best members of the Rodriguez Rivera salsa group: Tio Julio in timbales, Walter in congas and Freddie in the drums.  There is no stopping them now. From here to eternity, they will be playing, and Heaven will be jamming. I will hear them for sure!

Therefore, in his honor and cherished memory, let the music play non-stop and let’s have a fiesta, and you are welcome to dance!

Love Ma 

The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 5:00p until 7:00p at Dobbs Funeral Home.  The funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 11:00 am.  

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to:

 St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Andrew Catholic Church, 801 N. Hastings, Orlando FL 32808

Frank Joseph Niemas, Jr.

Frank Joseph Niemas, Jr. of Orlando, Florida passed away on Saturday, November 19th 2022. He was 76. 

Frank was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 18th, 1946. He was the son of Frank and Teresa Niemas and younger brother of Terry Lasiewski. 

He grew up in HIllside, New Jersey and attended Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Frank received his Master’s degree at Florida Institute of Technology (now UCF). He worked at Martin Marietta now known as Lockheed Martin for over 30 years. Frank was a mechanical engineer. Arline referred to him as a rocket scientist, because he worked on control systems of missiles.

Frank met the love of his life on Valentine’s Day on a blind date. Frank and Arline both knew immediately that God had put them together. Frank used to say that it wasn’t by chance that they met, that it was God who placed them together.  Seven months later they were engaged and were married a year later. Frank and Arline were married at Sacred Heart Church in Carteret, New Jersey on July 11th, 1970. 

Frank and Arline made a life changing decision by moving to Orlando in 1972. They have resided in Orlando ever since. They were married for 52 years.

Frank was a kind, gentle, intelligent, and humorous man. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud papa, and special friend. Frank was a faithful man who inspired others by living his life. Frank was a devoted member of the Companions, a lay association of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. He truly understood Precious Blood spirituality. His family meant the world to him. When he was able to, he was the first to get on the ground and play with his grandchildren. He had a fantastic sense of humor and had an amazing ability to draw you into his story only to find out he was pulling you into his joke. He only gave it away with a little smirk. Frank loved to sing loudly even if he didn’t know the words or the language. He had a tremendous love of trains. He had trains set up in his basement with his dad. He loved White Castles, history, and green Creme de Menthe. He enjoyed barbecuing for family and friends especially in his backyard. He loved the underdogs and especially the New York Mets and Brooklyn Dodgers. 

Frank is survived by his wife Arline, daughters Heather Niemas, Jennifer Gilbert (Scott), grandchildren, Lucas Niemas, Cole Niemas, Madeline Gilbert, Benjamin Gilbert, and Oliver Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Teresa and his children, Frank and Mary, who were born too early. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Dobbs Funeral Home from 5-7 pm on Monday, November 28th. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 11 am. The address is: 834 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka 32703. There will be a reception immediately following the funeral at the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to make a donation to Cornerstone Hospice.

Terrence "Terry" Coburn

    Our beloved Terrence “Terry” Coburn, went to be with the Lord on November 18, 2022. He was married to “his girl” Judy, the love of his life, for sixty years. He would tell everyone he knew that it was love at first sight. Terry was a tender, loving, and faithful husband. He was a father of two daughters: Kathy (husband Dan) and Julie (husband Brian).

    Terry was loved dearly by his six grandchildren: Kristina (husband Brandon), Jennifer (husband Scott), David, Andrew (wife Courtney), Amy (husband Brandon), and Kerri, as well as his great-grandson, Jonathan. He was a constant and devoted presence in their lives and deeply proud of each one of them. Family was a priority second only to his relationship with Christ.

     Terry and Judy split time between their cottage in Pentwater, Michigan and condo in Sarasota, Florida after his retirement from a career in mathematics education. While in Pentwater, he spent many hours in the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center to conduct woodworking projects. The cottage is filled with his hand-made furniture and built-ins. He played golf weekly with the Tuesday Men’s League that he organized, and he proudly flew his Michigan Wolverines flag every football Saturday. Terry and Judy attended Pentwater Baptist Church, where they attended Sunday service and participated in small groups during the summer months.

    In Sarasota, Terry enjoyed time spent with friends at the Heritage Oaks Country Club. He played golf, went on dinner and movie dates with Judy and friends, and enjoyed the warm Florida winters. Terry and Judy were involved with Sarasota Baptist Church, where they attended Sunday service and participated in small groups during the winter months.

    Terry was a life-long learner, a wonderful storyteller, and he had a quick-witted sense of humor. Time spent with Terry was always complete with thoughtful conversation and insights. When delivering one of his classic jokes, he often struggled to hold back a chuckle or two before delivering the punchline. This only added to the joy and laughter that he loved bringing to those around him.

    As Terry aged, he found much joy in hearing old Christian hymns because of the powerful words that touched his soul. He sang many of them until his very end. During his life and throughout his final days, he told everyone he could that he was not afraid to die because of the assurance of salvation he had in Christ Jesus his Lord.

    Terry enjoyed discussions and books about Heaven, and he lived in anticipation of meeting his Savior face-to-face. He had a deep faith in Jesus, and he was inspired by Psalm 118:8: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Ever the mathematician, Terry would tell you that this verse marks the exact center of the Bible.

    Terry’s life was marked by service and generosity towards others and towards the Lord. That’s why in lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that any gifts be made as donations to his granddaughter Kristina’s non-profit, Victory Road Co. to honor Terry’s life. Victory Road Co. exists to Serve Those Who Serve by equipping missionaries and organizations for service.

    All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at www.victoryroadco.org or by check (made out to Victory Road Co. and mailed to 11713 S. Victory Road, Haven, KS 67543).

    The family is planning a memorial service for Terry, to be held on a date to be determined in Pentwater during the Summer of 2023.

Roger Fred Hurlburt

Roger Fred Hurlburt was born to Fred and Minnie Hurlburt on September 11^th, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Roger was the youngest brother to three sisters, Ruth, Alice, and Lamar. After graduating high school, Roger enlisted into the United States Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam War. Following his tour overseas, Roger left the Navy and used his expertise in Information Technology to manage some of the earliest computer systems at General Electric. During his time at GE, Roger attended night school at the University of Cincinnati (Go Bearcats!) where he graduated with a degree in accounting.

Roger met the love of his life, Dana Lynn Hurlburt, at a singles event at College Hill Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He courted Dana for two years, and they wed on May 24^th, 1980. Roger cherished his new role as a father to Dana’s young daughter, Devyn. Three years later Roger and Dana began their adoption journey and welcomed Caleb, Sylvia, and Benjamin to their loving family.  

Throughout his career, Roger prioritized his family above all else, taking on various positions to ensure the family was well provided. He worked his way through part time jobs, night shift work, and moved his family to Orlando, FL in search of greater opportunities. All the while, he remained strong and steadfast in the plan that he knew God had for his life. He finally received his retirement from the City of Kissimmee after working as an accountant for ten years.

Roger’s core values centered around his faith and his family. His faith and love for Jesus Christ guided him throughout his life since an early age. Roger toured as a gospel singer with his band, The Crownsmen, and volunteered as lead drummer for the praise team at his church. During the COVID shutdown when Roger could no longer attend church in person, he still maintained his passion to serve the Lord, volunteering as an online host for First Baptist of Orlando.  

Roger Hurlburt went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 12^th, 2022 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Dana, his daughter Sylvia, and his sons Caleb and Benji. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly donate to Tunnels to Towers, a charity that benefits families of first responders and veterans who were either injured or killed in the line of duty. As a volunteer firefighter, this was Roger’s favorite charity of which he was a regular supporter. Donations can be made at www.t2t.org. 

A memorial service will be held at  Dobbs Funeral Home on Monday, November 21st, 2022 at 1:00 pm.

             

Don Donner Carter

Don Donner Carter the Artist, husband and amazing friend and father! Don settled in Central Florida back in the early 70’s. He relocated from New Jersey with his wife and young son Chad to start a new life and career. Soon after they settled in – along came their baby girl Danielle.  In 1979 Don moved into Wekiva, in a ‘edge of woods’ lodge style home, where he would remain for the rest of his days. His new town work career began with Fry Hammond & Barr -where he remained for the next 27 years.   In 1990 he met his wife, Theresa. They did not get married until 2005 at his now or never request!  Their interest in love of water, enjoying each other and giving one another enough space to do what made them happy – secured their relationship to the end.

Don’s favorite pastime was anything to do with water and spending time together. He loved fishing and his boat or turning a pile of wood into a fabulous 3-tiered deck or a studio which would become his home away from home! He also had his fair share of fun and fast cars.  Around 2002 Don retired from FHB and became a Film/Video/Print consultant. He loved that freedom and continued for the next 5 years.  Somewhere along the way Don turned his love and passion for his love for boating and the water, into an a real-time work of art.  Without any formal training, Don had it naturally in his heart and in his eyes to create the most incredible, ‘come to life’ boat Replicas that you only would experience and get to see in a historical museum.  He loved history and was an avid reader. Once he figured out he could build these masterpieces, we would lose him for days and weeks while he toiled away on one boat after the other. What drove him more than the construction was the reason for their existence. He wanted to preserve the nautical history that he studied passionately and became so endeared to. Don made it known he built his fleet of boats with no intention of selling them – he was connected to every single one of them.

From 2005 to 2015 Don was proud to bring his fleet to life at Art shows from Winter Park to Bar Harbor, Maine. I remained his first mate as we made our way from show to show. As life was passing on, Don knew when he was losing his knack and quietly stopped making his way to the studio to bring to life another boat on his list.  For the last 7 years we managed our way through navigating his best health. He was such a trooper and willing to do whatever it took to beat any odds that may have come our way.

Moving into our life journey, Donner was the consummate and willing participant in paving a path of best health for his best life. Don maintained his class, style, dignity, and a glowing gentle soul – no matter how puzzling life became. He will remain in so many hearts for many years to come.  He is survived by his wife Theresa Carter, brother Richard Cater, his son Chad Carter, his wife Julie and daughter Isabelle, Danielle Vogel his daughter, Eric her husband and their 2 sons Austin and Jake. 

 A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, located at 526 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park FL 32789 on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

Antonio Lopez

In loving memory of Antonio Lopez who has passed in his sleep on November 6, 2022 at the age of 78 years old. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. 

He was blessed with a large family and is survived by his wife of 48 years, Balbina Lopez. His children Guadalupe, Rosa, Isabel, Rosaura, Antonio, Zoraida, George and Alex. His siblings Samuel, Nicolas, Leorino, Florentino, Manuel, Alfonso, Juanita, Santiaga and Juana. He is also survived by 18 grand children and 25 great grand children. 

Visitation will be held for him at Dobbs Funeral Home on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 1:00 pm  until 3:00 pm followed by the funeral mass at 3:00 pm with Deacon Spencer Silvers officiating.

 

Martin "Marty" Kreppein

Martin "Marty" Kreppein, age 70, of Orlando, FL passed away Friday, October 14th, 2022 at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.  He was born in Richmond Hill, NY, the son of the late Mary (Devine)  and Gustave  Kreppein and was employed as a mason with New York City Transit.

He graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School where he was a track star, holding many records for generations, some only to be broken by his own grandson.  He could possibly still hold one record.  This is a legacy he was very proud of.

Marty was a very devoted Catholic and loved praying for others and feeding the poor and homeless.  He devoted many years of his life researching and writing a screenplay about the life of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, "Padre Pio".  He was a Benedictine oblate  lay brother.  Outside of religious devotions, Marty was known for his love of Coca-Cola, The New York Yankees, Harry  Potter and watching movies.

Martin is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory, four daughters, Melanie Luck, Jill Kreppein, Theresa Kreppein, Bridget Kreppein; three sons Scott Kreppein, Joseph Kreppein, Michael Kreppein;  two sisters Julie Wissell,  Mary Ingrassia; two brothers Richard Kreppein, Thomas Kreppein and  16 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his brother Michael and his son Jonathan.

Public Viewing was held on Friday, October 21st, 2022 at Dobbs Funeral Home in Orlando, FL . The funeral mass was held Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 at Sacred Heart Traditional Catholic Church in Orlando, FL  with Reverend Jonathan E. Derrington officiating.  His final resting place is on the grounds of the church.

The family asks that you keep him in your prayers and continue to pray for the living and the dead.  They ask Catholics to say a rosary in his name and to remember him at Mass.