It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Past Department VA&R Chair Kelton D. Sweet, Jr., of Orlando, Florida. Kelton passed away on November 11, 2024, at the age of 90.
At this time, service information is not available. If service details are provided, they will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Kelton was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War Era and a devoted member of Pine Castle Post 286. Throughout his 32 years of continuous membership with the American Legion, he exemplified dedication and service.
At the Department level, Kelton served as the VA&R Chair from 2005 to 2016. His commitment extended to the National level, where he served on the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee from 2006 to 2016.
Please keep Kelton’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His contributions to The American Legion and his unwavering support for veterans will not be forgotten.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Department Historian Les M. Martin of Palmetto, Florida. Les passed away on July 30, 2024, at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Martin, and three sons, Alan, Brian, and Christopher. Details regarding services are not yet available. Updates on the arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Les was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of Bradenton Post 24. Over his 44 continuous years with the American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Adjutant (1999-2000 and 2002-2003), Post Commander (2000-2002), Post Judge Advocate (since 2023), District Vice Commander (2019-2021), Department Children & Youth Chair (2019-2022), Department Sgt-at-Arms (2022-2024), and Department Historian (since the 2024 Department Convention). On a National level, Les served on the Americanism Council (2019-2022), the Children & Youth Commission (2019-2022), and the Security Council (since 2022)
Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Sunday, September 15th at Post 24, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
Please keep Les’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Past 8th District Commander Donald G. Murphy of Sarasota, Florida. Donald passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Murphy, and is survived by his daughter, Shawn White, and son, David Murphy.
The viewing will be held on Sunday, June 9th, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL. Interment will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241, on Monday, June 10th, at 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the VFW Post 3233, 124 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237.
Donald, a Korean War Era Veteran, proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion for 37 continuous years and a member of Sarasota Post 30. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 1996-1997, District Vice Commander from 1998-1999, and District Commander from 2001-2002.
Please keep Donald’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Robert “Bob” Andrew Verrastro, 71, of Boynton Beach, FL (and formerly of Wilton, CT and Stamford, CT), passed away on May 13, 2024. He was predeceased by his father Vito Verrastro and sister Maryann Verrastro. He is survived by his mother Rose Verrastro, sister Donna Gallo, wife Barbara Verrastro, son Alan Verrastro and his wife Suzanne and their children (Chevy, Corbin, and Cruze), son Scott Verrastro, and daughter Krista Verrastro.
Bob was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and the Sons of American Legion as well as a parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Delray Beach. He loved nature, hiking, walking on the beach, kayaking, spelunking, motorcycles, traveling, having adventures, lending a hand to both those he loved and those he didn’t know who were in need, and watching Leave It to Beaver morning reruns. He was a good example of “dad humor”, was the kind of guy who had many childhood friends ’til the day he died, and the kind of guy who continued to do taxes for his loved ones long after he retired from being a professional accountant.
Friends may call on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483. A funeral Mass and burial will be held in Connecticut.
We regret to inform you, Richard Boss, former commander of Post 64 in Okeechobee, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024. We do not have any further details at this time.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Past Western Area Commander Verna Y. Joyce of Navarre, Florida. Verna passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the age of 79. Verna was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jesse Edwin Joyce. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Roberts, son James Joyce; two grandchildren, Stephanie Swisher and Samual Joyce; and three great-grandchildren, Jessamyn, Jackson, and June Swisher.
Verna will be laid to rest alongside Jesse at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced. Any updates regarding arrangements will be communicated via email and posted on the Department’s website.
Verna, a Vietnam War Era Veteran, proudly served in the U.S. Army for 14 years. She also served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 18 continuous years and was a member of Milton Post 78. She held various leadership positions throughout her membership, including Post Commander from 2009-2011, District Commander from 2012-2013, and Western Area Commander from 2013-2015. On a National level, Verna served on the Conventional Armed Forces Committee from 2013-2019.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through her daughter, Lisa Roberts, at 517 SW South Carolina Drive, Stuart, FL 34994.
Please keep Verna’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Commander 242 Phil Reynolds passed.
Burial May 25,2024 Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 10:00 am Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm American Legion Post 242 East Colonial Dr., East Orlando
For information contact:
Dr. Telka difate
President American Legion Auxiliary 242
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Department National Security Chair Raymond “Chuck” Olsen of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Chuck passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the age of 65. He is survived by his longtime partner, Missi Dyess, and his sons, Brian and Sean Olsen.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Post 382, located at 1850 Luneta St., Navarre, FL 32566. The exact time will be determined later. Any updates on the arrangements will be shared via email and on the Department’s website.
Chuck was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Panama-Lebanon-Grenada War Era and was a member of Navarre Post 382. Over 17 continuous years with the American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander from 2011-2013 and 2014-2017, Post Judge Advocate from 2022-2024, 1st District Vice Commander from 2014-2016, 1st District Commander from 2016-2018, Department Americanism Chair from 2018-2019, Western Area Commander from 2018-2019, and Department National Security Chair since 2022. On a National level, Chuck served on the National Legislative Council from 2016-2021 and the National Security Council from 2017-2024.
Condolences can be sent to the Olsen Family C/O Post 382, at 1850 Luneta St., Navarre, FL 32566.
A funeral service and Post Everlasting Ceremony honoring Chuck Olsen will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Post 382, located at 1850 Luneta St., Navarre, FL 32566
Please keep Chuck’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Past 11th District Commander Francis “Frank” H. Maitland, Jr. of Stuart, Florida. Frank passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, and their children, Sara and Jason.
A Celebration of Life honoring Frank Maitland will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Harold Johns Post 62, located at 2000 SE Fischer St, Stuart, FL 34997. All who knew Frank are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his memory.
Frank was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Stuart Post 62. Frank was also a retired Fire Lieutenant with the City of Lynn, Massachusetts, and a dedicated member of the American Legion for 21 continuous years. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 2009-2011 and 2012-2018. Additionally, he served as District Vice Commander from 2011-2013, followed by District Commander from 2013-2014.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Jo Ann Maitland, at P.O. Box 1710, Stuart, FL 34995-1710.
Please join us in keeping Frank’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.
With deep sorrow, we inform you of the passing of Past 16th District Commander Raymond “Ray” A. Perez of Madeira Beach, Florida. Ray passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the age of 70. Ray is survived by his daughters, Sarah Perez and Emily Perez, his fiancé Maryellen Waskiewicz, and her daughter Nichole Waskiewicz.
Details regarding Ray’s services have not been finalized. Any updates regarding arrangements will be communicated via email and posted on the Department’s website.
Ray served his country proudly for 35 years in the United States Army, spanning from 1971 through 2007. He also served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 15 continuous years and was a member of Madeira Beach Post 273. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 2016-2019, District Commander from 2017-2019, and Department Blood Donor Chair from 2019-2021. On a National level, Ray served on the National Security Council from 2018-2019, the National Legislative Council from 2019-2024, and the National Membership Committee from 2022-2024.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his fiancé, Maryellen Waskiewicz, at 230 Medallion Blvd., Apt. D, Madeira Beach, FL 33708-1958.
Please join us in keeping Ray’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will continue to inspire us, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ray Perez’s family invites family and friends to join them for the following:
Viewing and Visitation
Date: Friday, April 12, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm ET
Location: E. James Reese Funeral Home
6767 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
Celebration of Life
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: American Legion Post 273
600 American Legion Drive
Madeira Beach, FL 33708
With a heavy heart, we inform you of the passing of Past 16th District Commander John P. Bell of St. Pete Beach, Florida. John passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Department Auxiliary President Denise “Dee” Bell, and their children: daughters Renee, Nicole, and Samantha, and son John Jr.
Details regarding John’s services have not been finalized yet. Any updates regarding arrangements will be emailed and posted on the Department’s website.
John proudly served his country as a United States Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran.
John, a member of Treasure Island Post 158, served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 27 continuous years. He held various leadership positions throughout his membership, including Post Commander from 2003-05, 2009-10, and 2012-14. Additionally, he served as District 16 Vice Commander from 2013-15, followed by District 16 Commander from 2015-16.
If you wish to extend your condolences, please do so through his wife, President Dee Bell, at 326 72nd Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706-1913. In lieu of flowers, President Dee is requesting donations be made to Bay Pines Hospice or American Legion Boys State.
Please keep John’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.
***UPDATE***
The Interment Service for Past 16th District Commander John P. Bell will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Bay Pines National Cemetery, located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM at Post 158, located at 111 108th Ave., Treasure Island, FL.
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Past Department Judge Advocate Robert “Bob” S. Jaegers of Jupiter, Florida. Bob passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, Denise, and their children: daughters Heidi and Kathryn, and sons Robert and Charles.
Bob dedicated 31 years of service as a Palm Beach County Assistant State Attorney before retiring in 2019. He also served his country proudly for 28 years in the United States Air Force, spanning from 1977 through 2005.
Bob, a member of Tequesta Post 271, served as a dedicated member of the American Legion for 34 continuous years. Throughout his membership, he held various leadership positions, including Post Commander from 1993-94, 2004-06, and 2020-23, as well as Post Judge Advocate from 1990-93, 2010-20, and 2023 until the present. Additionally, he served as District Judge Advocate from 2006-17 and 2018-2021, and later as Department Judge Advocate from 2021-2022, followed by Department Assistant Judge Advocate from 2022-2023.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Denise Jaegers, at 12600 189th Ct. N, Jupiter, FL 33478-3787.
Please keep Bob’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.
Military Funeral Service Announcement for Bob: A full military funeral service for Bob will take place at the South Florida National Cemetery, located at 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, on Wednesday, May 1, at 12:30 p.m.
Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to any of the following organizations:
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach
West Palm Beach Rotary Club
American Legion Post No. 271 Building Fund
Thank you for honoring Bob’s memory with your support.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of 5th District 1st Vice Commander Joseph “Joe” A. Maichle of Jacksonville, Florida. Joe passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his three daughters, Tricia, Dawn, and Nicole; six grandchildren, Adrianna, Victoria, Kylie, Zoe, Trevor, and Bailey; one great-grandson, Strieder; his mother, Cathline; and five brothers, Ronald, Kenny, Billy, John, and Bruce.
Joe was a dedicated member of the New Castle County Division of Police from 1972 to 1996. Senior Corporal Maichle was highly respected by his colleagues and described as a wonderful friend, always willing to help, incredibly funny, and a great investigator.
In addition to his service in law enforcement, Joe proudly served his country as a United States Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran. He was a member of Jacksonville Post 129, with 17 continuous years of membership. Joe held various leadership positions within the American Legion, including Post Commander from 2017-2024 and 5th District Vice Commander from 2022-2024. He also served as Department Credentials Chair from 2022-2024.
If you wish to extend your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Kathy Maichle, at 12474 Collinswood Dr. S., Jacksonville, FL 32225.
Services to honor Joe’s life are as follows:
Visitation
Tuesday, March 5th – 5 PM to 7 PM
Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens
1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL
Funeral Service
Wednesday, March 6th – 11:30 AM
St. Paul’s Catholic Church
523 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville Beach, FL
Burial Service
Wednesday, March 6th – 2 PM
Jacksonville National Cemetery
4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL
Celebration of Life
Saturday, March 16th – 2 PM
American Legion Post 129
1151 4th St. S, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Please keep Joe’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Post 163 Commander Robert Hughes passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 83. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, Florida. The viewing will be from 9:30 AM – 11 AM.
The Department of Florida Headquarters was just notified of the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Charles F. “Charlie” Shoudy, Jr., of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL). Charlie passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 69. Please see Charlie’s obituary below. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Debra Shoudy Adams, at 14 Ash St., Waterville, ME 04901.
Charles F. Shoudy, Jr., “Charlie,” 69, of Waterville, ME (formerly of Sarasota, FL), passed away peacefully on September 07, 2022 surrounded by the love, strength, and support of loved ones at Central Maine Medical Center.
Charles was born on July 23, 1953 to Charles F. Shoudy, Sr. and Margaret Shoudy in Mount Holly, New Jersey. After graduation, Charlie went on to be a lifelong proud Army man, specializing in Field Artillery, including being stationed overseas in Germany for multiple years. He also enjoyed his time as an Army Recruiter. Charlie married the love of his life, Debra (Adams) Shoudy, on July 23, 1994. Charlie and Debbie moved from Maine to Florida and back home to Maine again; welcomed many beautiful grandchildren and made a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Charlie was a determined, charismatic, force of nature who loved his family. During his military years he was also a competitive bowler, often scoring a perfect 300. He loved to make people laugh, continuing right up to the end, even cracking jokes with the life flight pilot that transported him to CMMC. This charm made him a favorite among participants when he was calling bingo, an activity he loved to do. Charlie was unendingly proud of his service in the military and passionate about the United States of America. He never saw an American flag without taking a moment for a salute. The only thing he was more proud of than his military service was his family. He loved to brag about his children and grandchildren.
Charlie was a lifelong American Legion member, including time spent as Post Commander at Post 51 in Oakland, ME, Post Commander at Post 312 in Oneco, FL, and 2nd Vice Commander at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 2015 at Post 5 in Waterville, ME. Every year for as long as he was capable, you would find Charlie proudly marching in many Veterans Day parades wearing his dress blues. He was invited to speak at a local school’s Veterans Day celebration as well, making his attending grandchildren proud.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents Charles Sr. and Margaret Shoudy; mother-in-law Sally Adams; Sister Catherine Folk and her son; and brother Mike Wasserman. He is survived by his wife Debra Shoudy and their children Trenton Dyer, Kirsten Dyer, Brysenn Dyer; son Jason Stevens with wife Lydia Stevens and their children Caimbree and Callum; daughter Nikole Fowler with husband Branden Fowler and their children Noah, Sophia, Reed, and Quinn; daughter Jennifer Stanfill and her sons Chandler and Gavin; son Aaron Shoudy; daughter Hallie Stevens; brother Chris Shoudy with wife Tami-Lynn; Nephew Matthew Shoudy with wife Amber and their kids Mason, Madison, Dustin; brother Joey Wasserman and family, sister Carol Wasserman and family, father-in-law & partner in crime “Oopee” Jim Adams, sister-in-law Brenda Athy with husband Greg, and many other loved family and friends.
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle of Fruitland Park, Florida, who passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Leonora Biddle. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
TC was a U.S. Army Vietnam Era Veteran and a Lady Lake Post 347 member with 32 continuous years of membership. TC served as Post Commander from 2006-07. At the Department level, he served as 6th District Commander from 2013-15, Law & Order Chair from 2017-18, and Eastern Area Commander from 2015-16 & 2019-21. At the National level, he served on the National Security Council from 2014-16.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Leonora Biddle, at 3434 Trout Ave., Fruitland Park, FL 34731-6318.
Committal Service The committal service for Past Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle, will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Florida, with full Military Honors from American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service at American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL
Family and friends will be gathering at the post at 9:30 AM on Friday to process down to the cemetery.
Obituary for Thomas C Biddle
In Loving Memory: Thomas “TC” Biddle (May 17, 1943 – October 6, 2023)
Thomas “TC” Biddle, born on May 17, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, peacefully departed this life on October 6, 2023, at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Leonora; his sister, Barbara Hall; his step-brother, Ray Toney; his nephew, Rob West, and niece, Lisa Shapiro.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Biddle; his mother, Frances Toney; his brothers, Jack, Robert, and Charles III; and his sister, Janice.
Throughout his lifetime, TC dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving his nation and community. As a valiant combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he proudly served in the US Army 173rd Airborne. Following his distinguished military service, TC embarked on a career as a boat captain, navigating the waters of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, aboard the Jungle Queen and the America, renowned as the World’s Largest Catamaran from the Port of Miami.
Subsequently, he transitioned to a career in law enforcement, serving with honor in the Florida Department of Corrections, Metro Dade Department of Corrections, and the Miami Dade Schools Police. TC’s commitment to service extended to his volunteer work with unwavering dedication for The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the Moose Lodge. In 2003, TC retired from the Miami Dade Schools police, culminating a fulfilling career of unending service.
As a proud veteran, TC assumed various leadership roles within The American Legion, progressing from local Post offices to the positions of Commander of Post 219, 6th District Commander, Law and Order Chair, Eastern Area Commander for the Department of Florida, and served on the National Security Council. His unwavering dedication and 32 years of membership was recognized when he was named Legionnaire of the Year for Post 347 in 2017-2018. At the time of his passing, TC was faithfully serving as the Assistant Judge Advocate for American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, Florida, an esteemed distinction within the largest American Legion Post in the world.
Thomas “TC” Biddle’s enduring legacy of service, camaraderie, and resolute commitment to his country and community will forever be cherished and remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. He stood as a remarkable friend and mentor, offering a helping hand in times of need and embodying resilience and bravery throughout his life’s journey.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2631 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY.10306 in memory of Thomas “TC” Biddle.
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Boys Scout Chair Claude “Sisco” Deen, Jr., of Flagler Beach, Florida, who passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; 3 sons (from a previous marriage), Devin, Brian, and Sisco; their children, Evan, Billy, Sage, Scarlet, Jasper, and Juliana; and Gloria’s sons, Seth and David; their children, Hannah, Tom, and Elsa.
Sisco was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam Era Veteran and a Flagler Post 115 member, with 58 continuous years of membership. Sisco served as Post Commander from 1997-99. At the Department level, he served as Boys Scout Chair from 1986-02 and Scholarship Chair from 2000-02. At the National level, he served on the Legislative Council from 1987-90, 1993-94, and 1999.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Cattleman’s Hall at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Rd., Bunnell, FL 32110.
Condolences may be sent to his family at P.O. Box 637, Flagler Beach, FL 32136.
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Past Department Comptroller, John “Michael” Speck, of Winter Springs, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at the age of 74. Michael is survived by his son, Jason Michael Speck. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated through email and posted on our website.
Michael was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Era Veteran and an Orlando Memorial Post 19 member, with 34 continuous years of membership. He served as Department Comptroller from 1988-2022. Michael was awarded for his 34 years of dedication and service as Department Comptroller during the 104th Department Convention (see the photo below).
Condolences may be sent to Jason Michael Speck, C/O The American Legion, Department of Florida, P.O. Box 547859, Orlando, FL 32854.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Dennis R. Bruland of Punta Gorda, Florida, who passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the age of 74.
The Department was just made aware of the services for Dennis, which will be held today. The Burial Service will be held from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241. A Celebration of Life will be held following the Burial Service at 4:30 pm at Moose Lodge 2121, 3624 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
Dennis was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Era Veteran. He was a member of Punta Gorda Post 103 with 46 continuous years of membership. Dennis served as Post Commander from 2006-2007, 13th District Commander from 2006-2008, and Southwestern Area Commander from 2008-2009. At the Department level, he served as Department Veterans Preference Chair from 2007-2009, Department Law & Order Chair from 2009-2010, and Veterans Benefits Chair from 2014-2016. At the National level, he served on the Constitution and By-Laws Committee from 2006-2017 and the Legislative Council from 2015-2019.
At this time, there are no details regarding where to send condolences. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
With deep regret we report the passing of Past 15th District Commander George T. Pinner, Jr. of Tampa, Florida, who passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the age of 91. He is survived by his Children; 2 daughters: Debbie Pinner and Sandy Riley; two sons: George T. Pinner, III (Chip) and Michael McHerron.
On May 12, 1956, he married the love of his life Betty Lee. He worked for CXS railroad for 40 years (previously named Atlantic and Seaboard Coastline). After the passing of his beloved wife, George met Jeannie York, with whom he spent the last 21 years. Sadly, Jeannie passed away 16 days before George.
George was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was a member of Tampa Post 152 with 36 continuous years of membership. George served as Post Commander from 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 and 15th District Commander from 2002-2003. He also served on many committees and was very involved with Boys State.
The Burial Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the National Cemetery in Bushnell. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Tampa Bay Community Church, 3318 Moran Rd, Tampa, Florida 33618.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to Hospice of Tampa or Tampa Bay Community Church.
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Eastern Area Commander Thomas C. “TC” Biddle of Fruitland Park, Florida, who passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Leonora Biddle. At this time, there are no details regarding services. Any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the Department’s website.
With deep sadness, we report the passing of Past Department Boys Scout Chair Claude “Sisco” Deen, Jr., of Flagler Beach, Florida, who passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; 3 sons (from a previous marriage), Devin, Brian, and Sisco; their children, Evan, Billy, Sage, Scarlet, Jasper, and Juliana; and Gloria’s sons, Seth and David; their children, Hannah, Tom, and Elsa.
