Obituaries
Meta Maria Hogge Wright JAN 23, 1930 - AUG 06, 2023
Meta Maria Hogge Wright “Mimi” passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023, at her home at The Oaks Assisted Living in Pooler. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 23, 1930, to Bertie Rafael Hogge and Cornele Smith Hogge. Mimi spent her youth in several Central American and Caribbean countries where her father worked for United Fruit Company. Mimi and her sister, Betsy, came to the United States to attend high school at Mount De Sales in Macon, Georgia during WWII. After graduation, she attended LSU where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Later, she attend ...
Karen Sanders Kitchell JAN 09, 1952 - AUG 06, 2023
Karen Sanders Kitchell (KK) entered Heaven and joined all the saints and angels on Sunday, August 6, after a heroic three-year battle with breast cancer. Karen was born January 9, 1952, and lived all her life in Savannah. She was always a hard worker and at the age of 13, she and friends helped run the Tiger Gym skating rink on Bee Road. She graduated from Savannah High in 1970 and worked in the chemical industry for most of her career where she was a rock star of customer service, untangling missed orders and handling crisis calls at all hours of the day and night. KK loved fishing, ...
Madeline Cetti AUG 01, 1944 - AUG 04, 2023
Madeline VonWaldner Cetti, 79, died peacefully on Friday, August 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Madeline was born in Savannah, one of four sisters, to John A. and Marie (Rosignol) VonWaldner. Predeceased by her big sister Elaine Smith and survived by younger sisters Anna Settipanni of Flint, Michigan and Marilyn VonWaldner of Portland, Oregon. She graduated from H. V. Jenkins high school. She was a loving wife, mother, granny and friend, loved by everyone whose lives she touched. Madeline married the ...
Jose Rivera NOV 25, 1966 - AUG 03, 2023
Jose Rivera, 56, died peacefully on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Jose was born in Brooklyn, New York, the 5th son of Maria C. Rivera and the late Otilio Rivera. He was educated at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Jonesboro Louisiana class of ‘86. While attending, he joined the Louisiana National Guard. After becoming a high school graduate, he became a soldier in the United States Army. During those service years, Jose started as an Ammunitions Specialist before ending his service career as a Fire Support Specialist. He was medically discharged in 1999. Moving ...
Mary Odom Grosse FEB 13, 1931 - JUL 30, 2023
Sunday, July 30, 2023, Mary Odom Grosse died peacefully in her sleep at Spanish Oaks Retreat in Savannah, Georgia at the age of 92. Born in Evans County, Georgia, Mary worked for the FBI in Washington, DC, where she met her husband Richard (Dick) Grosse. Together they lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Germany, New York State, and finally the last 60 years on Tybee Island, Georgia. Mary was predeceased by her husband Richard, who she loved amazingly. Her advice on marriage was this: “Love is good and sex is great, but you really have to like a person in order to have a succes ...
Virginia Jackson Simmons JUL 05, 1920 - JUL 30, 2023
Virginia Jackson Simmons, 103, died peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Elizabeth is survived by her children, Fred, Diane, and Cindy; grandchildren, Sandy and Edward; and great-grandchildren, Anneke and Marijke. ...
Eileen Lobel - JUL 30, 2023
Eileen Lobel passed away July 30, 2023, at Oaks at Savannah, under the care of hospice. Eileen Luchow Lobel, born June 13, 1929, grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She met the love of her life, Hugh Lobel in Jr High School. They married, September 9, 1951. After having two children, they moved to White Plains, NY in 1956. In her White Plains years, Eileen served the community as President of the PTA, girl scout leader, real estate broker and business owner. In 1993, Eileen and Hugh moved to The Landings, in Savannah, GA. After the death of their son, David, Eileen started “Parties with a Purpose&r ...
Charles C.J. Fritz APR 04, 1967 - JUL 30, 2023
Charles Justin (CJ) Fritz was born April 4, 1967, in Rockledge, FL to Jane Drinkhouse and Charles F. Fritz. He grew up in Merritt Island with his mother and his older brother William Edward (Eddy) Fritz. As a child, CJ enjoyed playing baseball, roller skating, and digging tunnels in the neighborhood sandlot. In 1983, his mom remarried, and CJ gained a stepfather, Thomas DeMars, along with stepsisters Tina DeMars and Amy DeMars. CJ graduated from Merritt Island High School in 1985. In 1989, he married Susan and became a father to her 5-year-old son, Danny. The next year, they were blessed ...
John M. Vergoz SEP 09, 1935 - JUL 30, 2023
John McCaffer Vergoz, 87, died on July 30, 2023, from complications of dementia in the presence of his wife Gail and daughter Robin. John was born on September 9, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, to Agnes and Arthur Vergoz who were originally from Glasgow, Scotland. He had one brother, Ronald Arthur Vergoz who predeceased him, and one sister, Nancy Vergoz Gadzinski who survives him. He grew up in Babylon, NY, and attended public schools there. He spent a great deal of time on the Great South Bay fishing and digging clams to earn money while in school. After high school, he joined the ...
Deanna Rose Kinnaman FEB 19, 1944 - JUL 29, 2023
Deanna was born on February 19, 1944 in New Rochelle, NY to Mary and Victor Cossio. She passed away peacefully at Azalealand Nursing and Rehab in Savannah, GA on July 29, 2023. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her dear Aunt Rose Smitarello and her brother Victor Cossio. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Kinnaman, and nieces, Dina Cossio and Kara Cossio, a nephew, Craig Cossio, cousins in the US and Italy and beloved godson, Matthew Happel. Deanna graduated from College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ. She worked in various professional capacitie ...
Avalyn Fisher Heitmann AUG 12, 1949 - JUL 28, 2023
Avalyn F. Heitmann, 73, died peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Hospice House Savannah. The lifelong resident of Savannah was born on August 12, 1949. She was the daughter of the late William Joseph Fisher and Mildred Haygood Fisher. Surviving are her husband, William F. Heitmann, Jr.; and a son, William F. “Freddy” Heitmann, III, both of Savannah. To honor Avalyn's wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family invites you to please privately celebrate her memory in your own way. We know that she will be with us all i ...
Charles W. Osonitsch - JUL 24, 2023
Charles William Osonitsch, a pioneering aerospace engineer and devoted family man, passed away on July 24th, 2023, at the age of 81 in Savannah, Ga. He was born on March 26th, 1942, in Queens, New York, to his loving parents Hartwin Osonitsch and Mary Osonitsch. Charles leaves behind a rich legacy, his wife, Virginia Osonitsch as well as his four beloved children: Annmarie Caccavale, Kerianne Miller, Vincent Osonitsch, and Alexander Osonitsch. Educated at New York University, Charles achieved great heights in his academic journey, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master' ...
Patsy St Lawrence NOV 27, 1945 - JUL 24, 2023
Patsy St Lawrence died peacefully in her daughter’s home on Monday, July 24, 2023. Patsy was born on November 27, 1945, in Jesup, Georgia. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Bill Newbold; her daughter-in-law, Sherree Teston; her four much-beloved grandchildren, Katie Niven (Michael), Eva Newbold, Michael Teston, and Will Newbold; and her four much-adored great-grandchildren, Hunter Anderson, McKenzie White, Bentlee Niven, and Axel Niven. Patsy was predeceased by her son, Kerry Teston; her husband and soulmate, Al St Lawrence; her parents, Henry and Eva ...
Agatha M. (Aggie) McCullough - JUL 23, 2023
Agatha (Aggie) Morrison McCullough passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023 surrounded by the love of her family. For nearly 90 years, Aggie McCullough made the world a better place and touched the lives of everyone she met. Aggie was born in Ridgeland, S.C., on August 13, 1933. In 1950, she graduated from Ridgeland High School. After moving to Savannah, she studied nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital and subsequently graduated with her nursing degree in 1953. She served on the board for Hancock Academy and was a longtime member of the Savannah Yacht Club. Aggie was precede ...
Jacqueline Elizabeth Hood - JUL 23, 2023
Jacqueline Elizabeth Graham Hood, 89, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023. She was born March 18, 1934, in Denver, Colorado to the late Harold and Elizabeth Graham. Mrs. Hood was a longtime member of White Bluff Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, and was a member of the Mary and Martha Circle. She worked in the office of the church, and for Crawford & Company for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Lee Hood. She is survived by her sons, Randell Hood (Rose), and Mike Hood (Judy), her daughter, Wendy C ...
Benjamin Collins - JUL 22, 2023
Benjamin Collins, 77, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was born March 7, 1946 to the late Benjamin Grant and Marie Banks. Mr. Collins worked for the I.L.A. 1414 for over 20 years, and was a member of Bull Street Baptist Church. He is survived by his wonderful wife, who loved him very much, Janet C. Collins, four daughters, Denise, Natasha, Ivory, and Gina, one son, Nick, two sisters, Margaret, Brenda, one brother, Gibb, and several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 26, 2023 a ...
Shirley Ann Ard - JUL 22, 2023
Shirley Ann Harvey Ard, 78, MeMe as she was known to her family, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Memorial Health. She was born in Savannah, GA to the late Jordan and Mary Priester Harvey. Mrs. Ard worked for many years at Sweet Dreams, an ice cream shop on the Tybee Island Pier. She was known to many as “The Ice Cream Lady”. She loved her job and meeting new people everyday from all over the world. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Ard, Sr., her daughter, Georgianna Ard, and son, Raymon ...
Rebecca Jean Jahn - JUL 22, 2023
Rebecca Walker Jahn “Becky Jean Walker”, 84, went to glory in the hereafter Saturday, July 22, 2023, at her home in Richmond Hill, Georgia. She was born December 8th, 1938, in Screven County, Georgia to the late Raymond and Anna Howard Walker. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Arlington, Virginia and soon after married her husband Donald Richard Jahn. They met on a blind date at a Navy Academy Ball and have been dedicated to each other and God - lovingly married for 66 years. Becky Jahn was a rare gem of a woman who loved the Lord with all ...
Cheryl Rene Latimer - JUL 22, 2023
Cheryl Rene Latimer, 72, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Candler Hospital. Per her request, there will be no local service. ...
Susan Gay Stephens Foley NOV 07, 1948 - JUL 21, 2023
Susan Gay Stephens Foley, 74, died peacefully in her home on Friday, July 21, 2023, surrounded by her friends and family. Susie was also affectionately known as Mom and Nanna by her family. Susie was born in Savannah on November 7, 1948, to parents William Henry Stephens and Pearl Olliff. She grew up in Twin City, Georgia before moving to Savannah for most of her adult life. She retired from Savannah Electric after working for many years. Susan is survived by her husband, George Foley; children, Jeffry Carter, Mitch Foley, and Dawn Foley-Nix; grandchildren, Carter, Ryan, and Caden; and sist ...
Thomas Clouse Madison, Sr. APR 19, 1929 - JUL 20, 2023
Thomas C. Madison died peacefully July 20, 2023 at Summer Breeze Senior Living. He was born in Savannah on April 19, 1929, attended the Waters Avenue School, and was a 1947 graduate of Benedictine Military School. He served during the Korean Conflict in 1952 and 1953, and as he said many times, successfully kept the North Koreans out of Tennessee. His working career began at the Central of Georgia Railroad as a fireman on steam engines, which he remembered fondly, though it was hard work. After several years, he was able to qualify as an Engineer. During that time, he married Joan Cartwright, ...
John O. Reed APR 23, 1959 - JUL 20, 2023
John O. Reed, 64, of Savannah Ga passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023 at Candler St. Joseph Hospital after a brief illness. He was the beloved son of the late James O. Reed and Barbara Dawn Smith Reed of Rome, Georgia. Upon John’s graduation from Darlington School in Rome, GA., he joined the U.S. Navy in 1982 serving his country and traveling the world. Upon his discharge, he attended and graduated from State University of New York at Albany with an Associate of Science in Military Science and then from Temple University in 1992 with a degree in geograph ...
Ralph Heinze DEC 06, 1933 - JUL 20, 2023
Ralph A. Heinze, age 89, died peacefully in Savannah, Georgia on Thursday, July 20, 2023. He is survived by his children, Susan Taylor of Savannah, Georgia and Bob Heinze of San Clemente, California; son-in-law Paul Taylor; daughter-in-law, Julie Heinze; and five grandchildren, Will (Madi) Heinze and great-granddaughter, Georgia; Elizabeth Heinze; Clay Heinze; Sean (Kate) Taylor; and Natalie (Domenic) Scavola. Ralph was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended the University of Arizona where he met the lady who would forever change his life, Ann, who preceded him in death in 2012. Ralph&nb ...
Connie Yvonne Cleary - JUL 19, 2023
Connie Yvonne Cleary, 58, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Connie was born in Savannah, GA, the eldest daughter of Michael A. Cleary, Sr., and Cheryl Vause Cleary. She grew up in Marietta, GA. She worked as mortgage processor for many years. In addition to her parents, Connie leaves behind two sisters, Karen Albanese (Scott Allen) and Tonya Loyd (Jay); a brother, Michael A. Cleary, Jr. (Brandy); nieces and nephews, Marisa Albanese, Ryan Loyd, Madison Loyd, and Dylan, Zachary, and Noah Cleary; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved dog, Archie. Conn ...
Robert "Bob" Mason Langston FEB 22, 1955 - JUL 17, 2023
Passed away suddenly at his residence on July 17, 2023, Robert (Bob) M. Langston, 68, of Savannah, GA. Bob or Bobby, as he was affectionately called by those who loved him, was born at Langley AFB in Virginia to Margaret (Quigley) & Master Sergeant Mason Lee Langston (dec. 1969). He grew up in the area of Crest Hill in Savannah until he moved to Houston, Texas where he would be joined by the love of his life, Sondra (Sandy) Allen and they were married there shortly after. Having spent 20 years in Texas, Bob & Sandy moved back to Georgia where they owned Langston Insurance a ...
Charles F. James Jr. MAY 19, 1949 - JUL 16, 2023
Charles F. James, Jr., affectionately known as Chuck, passed away on July 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. Born on May 19, 1949, Chuck lived a life filled with compassion, dedication, and joy. Chuck was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His gentle spirit and loving personality touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Throughout his 50 years of marriage, Chuck remained a constant source of love and support to his beloved wife, Denise James. Their bond was a testament to the power of true partnership and unwavering commitment. ...
Cecilia Collins Courtenay APR 09, 1930 - JUL 16, 2023
Cecilia Collins Courtenay passed away on Sunday July 16, 2023, surrounded by her family. Cecilia was born April 9, 1930, in Savannah Georgia to James Joseph Collins Sr. and Cecilia Cassidy Collins. She was the eldest of four siblings. Cecilia grew up in Savannah, graduating from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1948 and attended college at Armstrong where she formed a lifetime of enduring friendships with her beloved girlfriends, the “Knitwits.” In 1956 Cecilia married Edward A. Leonard Jr. and together they had four daughters. She raised her children while continuing her 28 ...
Richard "Rick" Peters McGinn FEB 13, 1956 - JUL 15, 2023
Richard “Rick” Peters McGinn, 67, of Tybee Island, Georgia died Saturday, July 15, 2023. He was born February 13, 1956, in Savannah, to the late Richard McGinn and Rochelle Threlkeld. Rick was a graduate of Benedictine Military School, Class of 1974. He attended Armstrong College and Savannah State College in pursuit of his passion of horticulture. Rick was a groundskeeper at Wormsloe Plantation for many years, and also worked for the City of Savannah Park and Tree Division. Rick enjoyed reading, gardening and body surfing at Tybee Island. Survivors include his brothers and sist ...
James Frederick Shonerd NOV 22, 1939 - JUL 15, 2023
James (Jim) Frederick Shonerd, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 15th, 2023, in Savannah, Georgia. He was born on November 22nd, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska to the late George and Edith (Davis) Shonerd. Jim served six years in the Navy and later worked as an installation foreman for the telephone company. In Washington, he met the love of his life Lou, who he married on June 5, 1960. They later moved back to Iowa where they raised their two daughters Lynn and Deborah. Jim loved hunting, shooting pool, and riding his Harley. Prior to hi ...
William Edward Johnson Sr. NOV 25, 1939 - JUL 14, 2023
William Edward “Eddie” Johnson, Sr., 83, of Savannah, GA, passed away peacefully on July 14th, surrounded by family. Eddie was born on November 25th, 1939 in Savannah, GA and continued his younger years in the area, where he attended Savannah High School. He had a celebrated career with Allstate Insurance and retired after 30 years of service. After retiring, Eddie continued to work in security at Chatham County Courthouse as a Blue Coat. He also served in the Armored Division Artillery as a Reserve for the Army National Guard of Georgia. He married his wife Toni (Durante) Jo ...