Clifford Dean Collins Jr.

OBITUARY

CLIFFORD DEAN COLLINS Jr.

MAY 18, 1946 – JUNE 15, 2022

Clifford D. (Skip) Collins, Jr. Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Navy

Loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully Wednesday June 15, 2022 in Ocoee, FL after a long illness at age 76. Born in Davenport Iowa to the late Clifford D. Collins, Sr. and L. Elaine (Handley) Collins. He was predeceased by his sister Cheryl (Collins) Sargent and nephew Joseph (Joey) Platt. He is survived by his wife JoAnn (Flannery) Collins of Ocoee FL, his son Clifford D. (Dean) Collins, III, his sisters Barbara (Barbie) Platt and Mary Helen Collins-Weldon all of Jacksonville FL, his stepsons Gregory Blotzer of MA, Brian and Kevin Blotzer both of FL, 6 grandchildren, Christopher Brock of AL, Aryette and Emilyn Collins of FL, Ethan and Ava Blotzer of FL and Esme of MA.

Growing up the son of an Insurance salesman his family moved several times from Iowa to Pennsylvania to Florida before settling in Jacksonville when his dad began working for the US Postal Service becoming President of the Postal Union. It was while living in Pittsburgh that he became a lifelong fan of (in this order) the Pirates, the Steelers and the Penguins. He joined the Navy in 1967 during the Vietnam war where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. After Honorable discharge he briefly attended Georgia Tech and the University of Florida, Gainesville before starting to work for Seaboard Coastal Railroad which later became CSX Railroad. After leaving the railroad he opened King Video in Jacksonville and when Blockbuster took over the video scene he sold it and started a home renovation business where he bought run down houses and brought them back to their original beauty. He enjoyed turning houses into homes. Sadly, that business came to an end when we moved to Ocoee. He gained employment with the American Legion, Department of Florida working with what began as the Gilchrist Fund and evolved into what is presently Project VetRelief. He assisted countless Veterans obtain financial assistance with rent and utilities. He also had the privilege of being on an Honor Flight, being the escort of a WWII Veteran. In his time working at The American Legion he made several lifelong friends. He never met a stranger. Cliff was a kind and caring soul, he will be forever loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your local Humane Society or Project Vet-Relief, both organizations were special to Cliff.

A gathering of family and friends to Celebrate Cliff will be held at The American Legion, Department Headquarters 1912 A Lee Rd., Orlando FL 32810 on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 11am to 4pm.

William “Bill” Walsh

Funeral Services for Past Eastern Area Commander William “Bill” Walsh, who passed away on June 14, 2022, will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The interment will occur at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL, at 10:00 A.M. A Celebration of Life will follow at Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake, FL.

William Mcbride

We the Members of Robert Bethel Post 220 deeply regret the announcing the passing of our Fellow Comrade William Mcbride.
Comrade Mcbride Passed on Thursday June 29, 2022. Service will be held Saturday July 9, 2022. time and Location TBA

Jay Walrond

It is with sadness that we report the passing of a Past Commander of Post 304 in Dania Beach, Fl. Commander Jay Walrond held many offices at Post 304, on the District level and also the Dept. of Florida. A memorial was held for him by his son John Walrond at Post 304 on Saturday 25, 2022. Commander Walrond will be sadly missed by family, friends, and fellow Legioniers.

Mark Wilson

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I must announce the passing of Post Commander of 139, Mark Wilson. He passed away yesterday May 4th. As more details on his services become available I will inform everyone. Please keep his family and the Post 139 family in your thoughts and prayers.

Steve G. Mears, Jr.

We mourn the loss of our 2^nd 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 16^th 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.

John Fitzgerald

It is with great sadness, that we report the passing of John Fitzgerald, Post 170 Commander. John passed on Friday, November 26, 2021.

John was a Vietnam veteran and a long-standing member of more than thirty years of the American Legion.

We will post arrangements and additional information as it becomes available.

Jack F. Stanley

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.

Luther “Jay” L. Allen, Jr.

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), 15^th District Vice Commander (2015-16), 15^th 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.

Anthony R. Rizzo

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.

Robert C. Schmidt

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.

Joseph Edward Pauly

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), 7^th 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.

Alan P. Hall

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.

Betty J. Hunt-Beckwith

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.

Richard “Dick” W. Little

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.

John A. Burroughs

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.

Michael Patrick Wolohan, Sr.

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.

Donations can be made in Mike’s memory to Tunnels to Towers and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Annetta Wolohan, at 156 Cumberland Ave., Orlando Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/michael-wolohan-sr/

Ernie A. Florig

Ernie Florig
June 2, 1953 – October 4, 2020

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

Timothy “Tim” J. Tierney

Tim Tierney

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.

Charles “Louis” Lee Nicholson

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.