We mourn the loss of our 2nd District Commander, Steve G. Mears, Jr. Steve passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, 2022, after a plane crash at Calhoun County Airport. On behalf of the entire Florida Legion Family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his son, Steve “Trace” Mears, III, and to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Steve was a forty-eight-year-old Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Iraq War. He was a member of Blountstown Post 272, with twenty-two continuous years of membership. Steve served as Post Commander since 2019, he also served as Post Commander from 2004-2006 and Post Adjutant from 2009-2010.
While serving in the U.S. Army, Steve was awarded many achievements, including the following:
The Army Achievement Medal for his selfless service and outstanding dedication to duty while conducting detainee operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission.
The Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding duty performance during combat operations in Iraq contributed greatly to the overwhelming success of the Brigade’s mission in support of Multi-National Corps and Multi-National Force Iraq.
Honorary Lifetime Member of the 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne) for his dedicated service in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” on September 25, 2007. His patriotism, hard work, and selfless service contributed to the safe and secure environment provided to all detainees.
Steve was a true Patriot and a valuable member of The American Legion and his Community. His absence will be felt by all.
At this time, there are no details regarding services or 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 Department National Cemetery Chairman Jack F. Stanley of Daytona Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Eileen. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Jack was a U.S. Navy Korean War Era Veteran. He was a member of Holly Hill Post 120 with 38 continuous years of membership. Jack served as Department National Cemetery Chairman for 7 years (2013-17 & 2018-21).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Eileen Stanley, at 276 Gala Cir., Daytona Beach, FL 32124-2012.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Luther “Jay” L. Allen, Jr. of Apollo Beach, Florida, who passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Allen; 2 sons: Owen and Jayson; and three daughters: Raquel, Stephanie and Victoria. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Jay was a U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War Era. He was a member of Ruskin Post 389 with 13 continuous years of membership. Jay served as Post Commander (2012-16 & 2018-21), 15th District Vice Commander (2015-16), 15th District Commander (2016-17), and Central Area Commander (2017-19).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Rebecca Allen, at 5340 Clover Mist Dr., Apollo Beach, FL 33572-3421.
With deep regret, we report the passing of Bay Pines VAVS Deputy Rep. Anthony R. Rizzo of Inverness, Florida, who passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the age of 74. Anthony is survived by his wife, Kim; sons: Anthony Rizzo, Jr. and Allan Hernandez; and daughter, Nicey Rizzo. A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Chas E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 S. Florida Ave., Inverness, FL. Following the service, full military honors will be rendered by Inverness VFW Post #4337 Honor Guard.
Anthony was a member of Madeira Beach Post 273 with 27 continuous years of membership. He proudly served his country as a member of the 173rd Airborne Division of the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1970, following his military service, he began a career in law enforcement working at Lake County Sherriff’s Office in Lake County, IN and most recently was a Deputy for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Anthony dedicated much of his life to serving his community and his fellow veterans. He is the former Vice President-Director of the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council VAVS Deputy Representative for the Bay Pines Veterans Administration. He also served as Council Representative for the Veterans Congressional Advisory Council with Gus Bilirakis.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Kim Rizzo, at 975 N. Man O War Dr., Inverness, FL 34453.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Vice Commander Robert C. Schmidt of Citrus Springs, Florida, who passed away on June 22, 2021 at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters Mary (Ron) Brown of Nashville, IL; Ruth (Ron) Wilton of Carlinville; Nancy (Norman) Shade of Chesterfield, IL; Carol (Billy) Rivers of Bolton, MS; Sandra Thacker of Carlinville; Clara Hicks of Citrus Springs, FL and son Robert T (Lori) Schmidt of Ocala, FL; 17 grandchildren especially his granddaughter, Heather Fritz; 42 great grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren; brothers Rev. Carl Schmidt of Effingham, IL, Joseph Schmidt of Quincy, IL and sister Virginia Drew of Quincy, IL; several nieces, nephews, and many other relatives. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Robert was a U.S. Army WWII Era Veteran and a member of Dunnellon Post 58 with 51 continuous years of membership. Robert served as Post 58 Commander (1973-1978 & 1993-1997), 4th District Commander (1981-1982 & 1993-1994) and Northern Area Vice Commander (1996-1997).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Veteran’s organization of your choice. Condolences for the family can be left at www.robertsofdunnellon.com.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander Joseph Edward Pauly of Winter Haven, Florida, born in Saint Clair, Michigan, who passed away on May 11, 2021 at the age of 68. Joseph is survived by: his wife Katherine “Kit” Pauly; his children, JJ (Krissy), Kami and Steven; his grandchildren, Jacar, Ely, Andrew (Hailey), Kaley, Emily, Hannah and Hayden (Jaxson); his great grandchildren, Marcus, Jayson and Elijah; and his siblings, Ruth Ann, Gloria, Herbie and Rick. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Joseph was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Winter Haven Post 8 with 34 continuous years of membership. Joseph served as Post Commander (1993-1994), 7th District Commander (1995-1997) and Central Area Commander (1997-1998).
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through her wife, Kit Pauly, at 410 Taylor Ave., Winter Haven, FL 33880-1450.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander Alan P. Hall of Lakeland, FL, on Friday, January 22, 2021, at the age of 74. Alan is survived by his wife, Joy Hall, and his daughter, Shelley. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 26th at Seigler Funeral Home, 1300 E. Canal St., Mulberry, FL, time TBD. The service will be held at the gravesite on Wednesday, January 27th, time and location TBD. Any new details regarding services will be communicated to you through email and posted on our website.
Alan was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Era Veteran (1966-69) and a member of Mulberry Memorial Post 72, with 50 continuous years of membership. Alan joined the Legion shortly after being honorably discharged from service. He served in every capacity within the Post, most predominately having served as Post Commander for five consecutive years from 1986 through 1990. During his five years as Post Commander, Alan achieved five consecutive all-time highs, and post membership more than doubled. Under his leadership Post 72 was named the Most Improved Post in the Department in 1986. He would again serve as Post Commander in 2003-05. Alan served as 7th District Commander in 1989-90. He led the 7th District to 100% membership and established an all-time high. He served as Central Area Vice Commander in 1990-91. During 1991-92, Alan served as Department Membership Chairman. Under his leadership, the Department attained the earliest 100% membership in its history and was awarded the General Henri Gouraud Trophy for being the first Category 1 (Departments over 100,000 in membership) Department in the National Organization to reach 100%. Most importantly, Alan led the Department to its 27th All-Time High. In April of 1991, Mulberry Memorial Post 172 Instituted “The Alan P. Hall Legionnaire of the Year Award” in honor of Alan’s dedication and service to his Post, community, state and nation. Alan served as Department Commander in 1993-94.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Joy Hall, 6479 Bristol Oaks Drive, Lakeland, FL 33811.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith, of Lewiston, New York at the age of 96 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Betty is survived by her children, Alfred M. (Paula) Hunt, Jr., Robert L. Hunt, Philip E. (Rose) Hunt, Sandra Granieri; her sister, Colleen (Dennis) Dey; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, September 30th in Lewiston, New York.
Betty was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran and a member of American Legion LaSalle Post 1142, Niagara Falls, NY with 48 continuous years of membership. Betty joined The American Legion in 1972 at Portage Post 1465, Niagara Falls, NY, where she became the first woman to serve as Niagara Co. Commander in 1981. She moved to Florida in 1984 and became a member of Holly Hill Post 120 and then Ormond Beach Post 267. Betty served as 17th District Commander (1988-1989) and Northern Area Commander (1994-1995). Betty returned to Niagara Falls in 1999 and became the first woman Commander of the LaSalle Post 1142 in 2001.
Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through her son, Alfred M. Hunt, Jr., at 736 Powell Ln., Lewiston, NY 14092-1132.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander, Richard “Dick” W. Little, of Tampa, Florida at the age of 88 on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Dick is survived by his wife, Louise. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Dick was a U.S. Navy Korean War Era Veteran and a member of Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138, Port Tampa, FL with 35 continuous years of membership. Dick serviced as Department Blood Donor Chairman (2005-07), 15th District Commander (2000-01, 2004-05 & 2017-18) and Central Area Commander.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Louise Little, at 4851 W. Gandy Blvd., Lot B218, Tampa, FL 33611.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John A. Burroughs, of Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 86 on Friday, December 25, 2020. Burial will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Beaches Memorial Park Cemetery, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach, Florida.
John was a U.S. Air Force Korean War Era Veteran and a member of Ocean Beaches American Legion Post 129, Jacksonville, FL with 40 continuous years of membership. John serviced as Post Commander (1999), 5th District Commander (2002/03), Department Children & Youth Chairman (2005-06) and Department Sgt-at-Arms (2007-09).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Michael Patrick Wolohan, Sr. (Mike), 73 of Ormond Beach, Florida on Friday, November 27, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Mike served 26 years in the U.S. Navy as a Petty officer first class and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a member of American Legion Post 267 in Ormond Beach with 53 continuous years of service. Mike served as Post Commander for 5 years, District Commander for 3 years, and Northern Area Commander for 1 year. He earned an Associate degree with a focus in American Sign Language.
Mike was survived by his loving wife Annetta Wolohan of Ormond Beach, sister Joanna Talbert and husband Gary of Mechanicsville, MD, sister Jeanne Lambert of Silver Spring, MD, brother Matthew Wolohan and wife Di of Northport, WA., step-sisters Lois Hoover of Washington, DC and Carol Hoover of San Anselmo, CA, daughter Kelli Mose and husband Paul of Smithsburg, MD, daughter Sarah Ford and husband LCDR Jeremiah of Bluffton, SC, son Michael P. Wolohan, Jr. and girlfriend Phyllis of Gainesville, Va., step-son Jonathan Litmer and wife Christen of Indianapolis, IN, stepdaughter Andrea Papsidero and husband Vincent of N. Tonawanda, NY. Mike is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and several extended family members.
It is with great sadness as we mourn the loss of our brother and friend, Ernie Florig. Ernie played a vital role in The America Legion, Department of Florida 5th District for many years and for that we are forever grateful and will never forget his faithful service and sacrifice.
VIEWING:
October 13, 2020 – 6-8pm at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, 3600 3rd St S Jacksonville Beach, FL (904) 249-1100
FUNERAL MASS:
October 14, 2020 – 11am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church located at 435 1st Ave N Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (904) 249-2600
INTERMENT:
Interment Ceremony 1:30pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery – 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL (904) 766-5222
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Eastern Area Commander, Timothy “Tim” J. Tierney, of The Villages, Florida on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the age of 74. Tim is survived by his wife, Ellen. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Tim was a U.S. Air Force Persian Gulf War Era Veteran and a member of Lady Lake Post 347 with 29 continuous years of membership. Tim served as Post Commander (2013-2017), District Vice Commander (2016-2018) District Commander (2018-2019) and Eastern Area Commander (2019).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Ellen, at 3644 Vineland Ave., The Villages, FL 32163.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander, Charles “Louis” Lee Nicholson, of Bonita Springs, Florida at the age of 77. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Louis was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of John F. Murphy American Legion Post 303, Bonita Springs, FL with 54 continuous years of membership. Louis serviced as 13th District Commander (2000-2002) and Southwestern Area Commander (2002-2003).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 13th District Commander, Charles “Chuck” Weinberg, of Port Charlotte, Florida on Monday, April 20, 2020 at the age of 72. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Chuck was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Port Charlotte Post 110 with 11 continuous years of membership. Chuck served as Post Commander (2012-2013) and District Commander (2016-2017).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his significant other, June Habor, at 3146 Lockwood St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.
We regret to inform you that Dennis Thompson passed away February 15th, 2020 in hospice. Dennis obtained his membership in The American Legion as a US Army Combat Engineer serving a year in Vietnam.
He served several years as American Legion Lakeshore Post 137 Service Officer, Post Adjutant for three years and was selected as Department of Florida Adjutant of the Year 2013. He was elected Post Commander 2006-2008 that included Lakeshore Post 137 being selected The Most Outstanding Post in the Department of Florida in 2008. At FL. 5th District Dennis was appointed District Adjutant several years. At The Department of Florida, he served several years as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee. Dennis was awarded an Honorary Life Member at American Legion Lakeshore Post 137. He was also a member and supporter of the Sons of The American Legion and the American Legion Riders at Post 137.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 15th District Commander, George “Bill” Hamblin, of Tampa, Florida on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the age of 73. Bill is survived by his wife, Rosemarie. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Bill was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of U.S.S. Tampa Post 5, Tampa, FL with 18 continuous years of membership. Bill served as Post Commander (2006-2020) and District Commander (2015-2016).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in their time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Rosemarie, at 4405 W. Vasconia Street, Tampa, FL 33629.
A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Post 5 Commander and Past 15th District Commander George “Bill” Hamblin on Sunday, March 29th from 12pm to 5pm at Post 5, 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Kenneth Lee Powell Sr, of West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, November 25, 2019 at the age of 71. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Natalia, three children, Kenneth Jr, Natasha, and Austin. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Kenneth was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Veteran and a member of Memorial American Legion Post 141, West Palm Beach, FL with 27 continuous years of membership. Kenneth served as an Store Manager while in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Kenneth owned and operated many corporations and was active in Rotary International, Rotary Club and was a Life Member of the VFW as well a Paid Up For Life Member of The American Legion.
Kenneth joined The American Legion in 1994 at West Palm Beach, Florida Post 141. He served in many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion including 2 terms as Post Commander. On a Department level, Kenneth, served as; Department Finance Chairman (2007-20014; 11th District Commander (1998-1999); Department Historian (2000-2001); Vice Commander – Southern Area (1999-2000); and Department Commander (2001-2002). On a National level, Kenneth, served on the Department Historians Organization (2000-2001; American Legion Insurance Committee (2000-2012); National Legislative Council (2013-2015); National American Legion Press Association (2004-2008) ; and Revenue Enhancement Committee (2012-2013).
Kenneth’s wife Natalia will be receiving condolences at;
Natalia Powell
1430 Caribbean Road E
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Southern Area Commander, Joseph A.R. Thibault, of West Palm Beach, FL on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the age of 76. Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 11, 2019 at Lake Wales Cemetery, use lane 3, 630 US-27, Lake Wales, FL at 2:00 pm
Joseph was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran and a member of Memorial Post 141, with 33 years of continuous membership.
Joseph served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. He served as Post Commander (1997-2003 & 2005-07 & 2013-14); 11th District Commander (2000-01); Southern Area Commander (2003-04), and Department Blood Donor Chairman (2004-05).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief.
We mourn the loss of our 2nd District Commander, Steve G. Mears, Jr. Steve passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, 2022, after a plane crash at Calhoun County Airport. On behalf of the entire Florida Legion Family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his son, Steve “Trace” Mears, III, and to his family, friends, and colleagues.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander Alan P. Hall of Lakeland, FL, on Friday, January 22, 2021, at the age of 74. Alan is survived by his wife, Joy Hall, and his daughter, Shelley. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 26th at Seigler Funeral Home, 1300 E. Canal St., Mulberry, FL, time TBD. The service will be held at the gravesite on Wednesday, January 27th, time and location TBD. Any new details regarding services will be communicated to you through email and posted on our website.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith, of Lewiston, New York at the age of 96 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Betty is survived by her children, Alfred M. (Paula) Hunt, Jr., Robert L. Hunt, Philip E. (Rose) Hunt, Sandra Granieri; her sister, Colleen (Dennis) Dey; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, September 30th in Lewiston, New York.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander, Richard “Dick” W. Little, of Tampa, Florida at the age of 88 on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Dick is survived by his wife, Louise. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John A. Burroughs, of Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 86 on Friday, December 25, 2020. Burial will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Beaches Memorial Park Cemetery, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach, Florida.
