Obituaries
Ann Castiglione SEP 02, 1922 - APR 19, 2018
SAVANNAH – ANN CASTIGLIONE, 95, received her angel wings on April 19, 2018. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Hoboken, NJ on September 2, 1922 and moved “across the river” to Queens, NY when she married the love of her life, Carl Castiglione, on February 1, 1948. After working side-by-side with Carl, they retired to Long Island where they enjoyed the many activities and friends that their new community offered. Ann was a devout Catholic who spent time with the Lord every morning. She enjoyed serving and volunteered for the Long Island Blood Bank for 25 ...
Joseph Dunning Farr - APR 19, 2018
JOSEPH DUNNING FARR WORLD WAR II VETERAN He was born in October of 1922 in the Farr home at 1133 Washington Avenue, Savannah, Georgia. He attended Charles Ellis Elementary School, and graduated from Savannah High School in 1942. After completing courses as a ship fitter, he was employed at Southeastern Ship Building Company on East President Street until he entered the Army Air Corp in January 1943. While in the service, he completed several Army Air Corp schools and was qualified as an aerial gunnery instructor stationed at Laredo Army Air Field, Texas. In May of 1944 he was ordered oversea ...
Peggy Taylor Palles - APR 18, 2018
Peggy Taylor Palles passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. The daughter of Redden and Lola Taylor, she was born in Timmonsville, SC on June 22, 1927. She graduated from Timmonsville High School and Winthrop College. Peggy was a sustaining member of the Florence Jr. Welfare League and a contributor to the Florence Symphony League. She enjoyed playing golf, bowling, cooking, walking, and playing duplicate bridge. Singing in the choir at Central United Methodist Church and in the Masterworks Choir were her two most enjoyable activities. She was a wonderful and caring wife, moth ...
Saundra Kay Burke Leon FEB 23, 1942 - APR 17, 2018
TOWNSEND _Saundra Kay Burke Leon passed away on April 17, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born in Gastonia, NC on February 23, 1942 to the late Jesse Burke and Louise Dow. A private family Celebration of Life was held in her honor, as one of her final wishes. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Jean Burke Fox, her children, Barbara Leon Dornbusch (Jerrett), George John Leon IV, Jessica Leon Brack (Michael), and Christopher “Trey” Leon (Leah), 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her son, George, served selflessly as her primary caregiver, a selflessness he inherited from her. S ...
Ethelyne "Lyn" McGhie - APR 16, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Ethelyne (Lyn) McGhie announces her passing after a battle with cancer, on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the age of 74 years. Lyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Patrick and her children, Leesa Cooper (Scott), Joseph Ayres (Audra), Scott McGhie (Morgan), and her step-daughter, Sharon Kwolek (Richard). Lyn will also be fondly remembered by her twelve grandchildren, by her four great-grandchildren, by her siblings, James Polk (Dianne), Sharon Massey (Denny), and Ralph Polk, and by her sisters-in-law, Linda Manning and April McGhie. ...
Kathleen Ann Conboy Filson MAR 26, 1931 - APR 16, 2018
Kathleen Ann Conboy Filson died on April 16, 2018. “Kate” was born March 26, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA. where she grew up and later married “Ed” Filson. They moved their growing family to Isle of Hope, becoming integral members of St. James Parish. Kate celebrated her life through Christ in service to her family, her community, and to the Catholic Diocese of Savannah. In 2002, she received the Benjamin F. Griffith Volunteer Appreciation Award for her extraordinary service to children and their families as a Victim Witness Advocate for the District Attorney’s office (1984 - 2002). She was also rec ...
Nicholas F. Altomare - APR 14, 2018
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After a long and courageous fight, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas F. Altomare, USA (Ret), 63, beloved son, husband, father and brother, succumbed to cancer surrounded by his family and friends on 14 April 2018 in Savannah, Georgia. Born 23 April 1954 in Bronx, New York, he is the oldest son of Marilyn (deceased) and Nicholas Altomare. Known for his athletic prowess and quick wit, he graduated from John Jay High School in East Fishkill, New York in 1972, and was accepted into the United States Military Academy, West Point. Upon graduation in 1977, Nick served proudly around the world in United Sta ...
Ronell Collins Redditt JUN 17, 1938 - APR 13, 2018
GEORGETOWN, SC_ Ronell Collins Redditt died Friday, April 13, 2018, at her daughter’s home in Georgetown surrounded by her loving family. The Cobbtown native was born June 17, 1938. Ronell had a passion for fishing, She and her husband retired to Shellman’s Bluff, GA before moving to Georgetown in December, 2017. She was a cosmetologist for many years before becoming a Physicians Assistant. Ronell was predeceased by her parents, William Penn and Venice Cowart Collins; and her brother, William Penn Collins, Jr. Surviving are her husband, William J. “Bill” Redditt; her daughter and son-in-law, L ...
Joan Lynn Swanson - APR 13, 2018
Joan Lynn Swanson, aged 83, passed away on April 13, 2018 in her beloved cottage at The Marshes in Savannah, Georgia. Born and raised in New York, Joan met her husband, Al, on a blind date at age 19. Three months later, in April 1954 they secretly eloped, getting married at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York. They spent the next 58 years together until Al’s passing in December 2012. Joan and Al raised their five children in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Joan was very active in the Ridgefield community for over twenty years. She was a member of the Caudatowa Garden Club and served a ...
Margaret Kitchens Brantley FEB 24, 1923 - APR 13, 2018
SAVANNAH_Margaret Kitchens Brantley, 95, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018. Margaret was born on February 24, 1923 to the late Charlie and Velma Kitchens in Johnson County, GA and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Adrian High School, she moved to Savannah during WWII and worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. She married JC Brantley in 1946 and devoted her life to her family. She was an excellent cook and was known for her fried chicken and caramel cake. Margaret was an active member of Morningside Baptist Church for 50 years where she served in the Sunday school ...
J. Fred Pierce - APR 13, 2018
J. Fred Pierce, retired Executive Vice President of WJCL, 85, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Sylvania, Georgia, son of John Hubert and Evelyn Pierce. The 1950 graduate of Savannah High School and 1954 graduate of Georgia Southern College lived most of his life in Savannah. In the early 60’s, he began his career with WTOC Television in advertising. Mr. Pierce, along with Russ Fredrich, opened one of the first FM radio stations in Savannah, 97.3 WXLM, in 1968. Mr. Pierce continued his career in the early 70’s with Lewis Broadcasting where he operat ...
Robert Sellers Harris - APR 10, 2018
Robert S. Harris March 31, 1938 - April 10, 2018 Robert Harris, 80, passed away at home surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Springfield, Ohio to William and Mary Harris. Bob leaves behind his beloved family: wife Lori, daughter Kim and her husband Jimmy, son Michael and his wife Brenda, grandchildren, Devin, Caitlin, Zach, Rebecca, and Ethan, and dogs Marty and Thunder. Bob retired in 2000 from Stant Manufacturing as vice president of engineering. He was a dreamer, inventor and was granted seventy-nine patents throughout his career. He was also a very active member of Skidaway Island Pre ...
Ella Ruth Davis Dunn JAN 11, 1911 - APR 09, 2018
Savannah_ Ella Ruth (Davis) Dunn, 107, died April 9, 2018 at home under her loving family’s care. Ella Ruth was born on January 19, 1911 in Effingham County. She lived the majority of her life in Savannah before moving to Roswell to be with her family. Ella Ruth had a High School education and obtained a teacher’s certificate following the death of her husband, John Joseph “Jack” Dunn. She taught pre-school for a number of years before retiring. Ella Ruth was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Savannah. Surviving are her son, Jimmy Dunn of Savannah; a grandson, Jason Dunn of Athens ...
Enrique Juliano Lacanilao JUL 15, 1932 - APR 08, 2018
Enrique Juliano Lacanilao, 85, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at his residence. Lacanilao was born in Manila, Philippines on July 15, 1932 to the late Antonio and Elisea Lacanilao. He was preceded in death by his first wife Dading, his brother Bernardo, and his granddaughter Joyce. He retired as a Col. Judge Advocate for the Philippine Military and was an Agent for the NBI- National Bureau of Investigation. After completing his full career in the Philippines, Lacanilao moved to the states in 1987, where he served 22 years as a registrar for St. Joseph’s Hospital before fully retiring at the age of ...
Dr. George L. Negron - APR 07, 2018
Dr. George L. Negron, 81, entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Hospice Savannah. He was born on December 4, 1936 in New York City to Mr. Antonio and Mrs. Carmen Negron. He was a graduate of Xavier High School and completed his undergraduate studies at Saint Peter’s College, both in New Jersey. He continued his medical coursework and residency in Psychiatry at the University of Puerto Rico in 1962. Upon his graduation, he entered into the United States Navy serving as the Chief Medical Officer for various nuclear submarines. With distinguished service, he retired with the rank o ...
Louis Murray "Murf" Smith - APR 06, 2018
Louis Murray “Murf” Smith, 64, passed away, April 6, 2018 at his home surrounded by his wife and children, after a long illness. A native and lifelong resident of Savannah, GA. Murray was born October 6, 1953 to the late Mary and Edward Smith. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Edward (Coby) and Randy Smith. He was a 1972 graduate of Savannah High School. After high school, he went to Fork Union Military School in Virginia, Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, excelling in baseball, football and running track while at these schools. He came home to Savannah and continued ...
Marjory Rogers Conners MAR 23, 1923 - APR 06, 2018
Marjory Rogers Conners, 95, died Friday, April 6, 2018 at her residence. Marjory was born March 23, 1923 in Fairfax, South Carolina to the late Stephen C. and Lottie S. Rogers. She was a communicant of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist where she was active for over 40 years. She served on the Parish Council, as well as serving as a Communion Minister and a Lector. She was a volunteer for over 10 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was a member of the Tuesday Lunch Club and the Best Friends Club. She was very proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was preced ...
Alfred Howard - APR 05, 2018
Alfred Howard (83), beloved husband of Betty Howard, departed this life on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, surrounded by his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, working in the yard, fishing, and crabbing. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and always lit up the room with his social personality. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty; his children Mark Howard, Christina Dorn (Ed), Cindy Hudson (Jason), and Karen Cunningham (James); his twin sister, Atheline Mathews (Bob); his 9 grandchildren, Shannon, Justin, Faith, Christopher, Leslie, Jessica, Nicho ...
Ruth E. Bryant - APR 05, 2018
SAVANNAH _ Ruth Erlene Bryant, 74, died April 5th, 2018 at Memorial University Medical Center. The Cincinnati native was born on February 10, 1944. She lived most of her life in Summerville, FL before moving to Savannah in September 2017. She was predeceased by her daughter, Christine Mueller. Surviving are her nephew, Darryl Bryant of Savannah; three nieces, Cynthia Thurmon of Virginia, Constance Darnell of Alabama, and Catherine Yarbrough of Florida. A private service will be held in Savannah. Mrs. Bryant’s cremains will be buried with her daughter Christine in Marrtinsville, W. VA. Fox & ...
Nellie Lovelace Hankins Schmidt - APR 03, 2018
Nellie Lovelace Hankins Schmidt, age 102, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in the loving presence of her adult children and their spouses. Mrs. Schmidt, a long-time resident of Savannah, was born on March 16, 1916 in Fordwick, VA. After graduating from Mary Baldwin College, she served her country in the United States Navy as a Lt. J. G. in the WAVES. During the World War II, she met and married Louis W. ("Ray") Schmidt, who predeceased her in 2003. After the war, the Schmidt's moved to Panama, where their two children were born, subsequently lived in Honduras and eventual ...
Douglas Owen Weeter JUL 22, 1944 - APR 03, 2018
Doug passed away in his sleep early Tuesday morning. He was a proud descendant of 1700’s Pennsylvania pioneer families. Doug was the son of Clifford and Jean Weeter and was born in Wilkinsburg, PA amid the massive open hearth steel plants along the Monongahela River valley as WWII raged. Doug inherited family passions for outdoor sports, athletics, cooking and, above all else, aviation. Soon after he graduated from Waynesburg College in 1968 he enlisted in the USMC and, as a 2nd Lt., received his wings at Pensacola, FL. Doug piloted F4 Phantom jets on over 100 combat missions over the skies o ...
Randall L. Ishman - APR 02, 2018
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Randall Ishman. Loving husband, father, son, grandfather, and friend passed away suddenly while on work assignment in Texas on April 2, 2018. He was born on July 7, 1960 in Dubois, PA and grew up in Brookville, PA. Randall attended Toccoa Falls College and Ashford University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management. He worked as a Product Engineer at Eaton Corporation in Toccoa, GA for 17 years. He raised his family in Toccoa. He enjoyed spending time with his family, coaching little league softball, attending athletic games, recitals, church, a ...
Myrtle Drane Scott - APR 01, 2018
Myrtle Drane Scott, age 93, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 1st. She was born in Gastonia, NC, the daughter of the late Mildred Rustin Johnson and Homer Johnson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis E. Drane, Jr., her second husband, Peter Scott, her son, Ed Drane and her brother, Cecil Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Drane DeLoach (Danny) of Savannah, and her daughter-in-law, Betty Drane of Hilton Head, SC. She was the proud grandmother of David Drane (Tricia), Laura Drane Curvin (Jason), Amelia DeLoach Nickerson (Sean), and Caroline DeLoach Terry. In late ...
Eloise Sadler Harris SEP 30, 1933 - MAR 31, 2018
Eloise Sadler Harris, 84, died peacefully at home March 31st surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Henry E. Harris; a son and daughter-by-marriage, Robert William and Carrie Harris of Atlanta; a daughter and son-by-marriage, Ellen and Eddie Wilson of Savannah. She was the beloved Mimi of three grandchildren; Bowen Harris of Atlanta, Drew and Sadler Wilson of Savannah. She is also survived by a sister, Mrs. A.B. Midgett of Virginia Beach, VA and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Eloise was born in Tazewell, VA, graduated from Tazewell High Sc ...
Barbara Stafford Harn Merritt - MAR 31, 2018
Barbara Stafford Harn Merritt, 84, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2018. She was born in Claxton, GA and lived most of her life in Savannah, GA. Mrs. Merritt was retired after 30 years from St. Joseph’s Hospital as a nursing technician and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis K. Harn. Surviving are her husband, J.C. Merritt of Savannah; two brothers, Wallace (Linda) Stafford and James R. Stafford all of Savannah and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 5, 2018 in the Hodgson Chapel of Fox & ...
Rodney K. Johnston - MAR 30, 2018
“Almighty God, in raising Jesus Christ from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death and brought us hope of everlasting life." Confession of Sin What a lovely man we lost. But he is not “lost” because he has transitioned to "everlasting life." Over the years probably all have noticed that Rod was positive and upbeat and never said an unkind word about anyone. (Well, except for some politicians....) We can all learn from him. Even though divorced he never said an unkind word about Angela; in fact he said only kind comments about her being a good person and mother. He never rem ...
Barbara Ann Reardon - MAR 29, 2018
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It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Ann Reardon announce her passing into eternal glory on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Barbara was born on July 3, 1925, in Grays, Essex, England to William and Emily Candler Mumford. She was one of five siblings who preceded her in death: Margaret "Peg" Sadler and brothers William, Ronald, and Peter. Barbara served in the British Army’s Special Force Signals during WWII. During service she met her dearly beloved Robert Reardon, Sr., whom she later married in July 1948 in Savannah, Georgia. Barbara was blessed with 67 years of marriage to the love ...
Helen "Boots" Andrews Bryant - MAR 28, 2018
Helen ‘Boots’ Andrews Bryant died peacefully at home on March 28th surrounded by her three loving daughters after 89 ½ great years of life. She was born August 21, 1928 and was raised on Whitemarsh Island. Boots graduated from Savannah High School and Armstrong Jr. College. Shortly after graduating from college she married the love of her life, Joseph E. ‘Bogie’ Bryant. Foremost, Boots loved her family and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time at her home on Richardson Creek where she was surrounded by nature. One of her many hobbies was gardening; especially the camellias which were p ...