JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | Armard L. “Al” Swindle, died January 25, 2014, at age 95.
He was born in Samantha, Alabama on May 22, 1918 to the late Will and Sally (Hagler) Swindle. He was known to many of his friends and relatives in Alabama as “Cotton.” In 1938, he joined the U.S. Navy and retired after 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer. While stationed at Pearl Harbor, he was aboard the USS New Orleans during the attack on December 7, 1941 that brought the U.S. into World War II. In 1942, he was in the Battle of Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, and was aboard the USS New Orleans when it was torpedoed in November of that year. He went on to serve on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin and was on board when it was bombed off the coast of Japan in March 1945. He left active military duty in 1958 and continued his service with the U. S. Navy as a civilian from 1959 to 1980 at Mayport Naval Station, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVeda Hill Swindle; his brother, Arnold L. Swindle; his stepdaughter, Carolyn DeLoach Avila; and great- nephew, Shane Swindle.
He is survived by his son, Rod (Jan); his daughter, Brenda Smith (Roy); stepdaughter, Jackie Dicks (Wesley), and nephews, A.L. Swindle (Neta) and Philip Swindle (Lisa); step granddaughter, Shannon Amundson; grandsons, Jedediah Smith, and Bridger Smith; step-grandchildren, Cynthia Velazquez (Frank), Sheryl Howell (David), Cary Dicks (Terrianne), Mitchell Dicks (Karen), Lisa Wallace (Michael), Lori Dutton, and many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and step-great- grandchildren.
He was a long-time member of Parkwood Baptist Church. The family would like to thank the staff of the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home for the outstanding care he received the last two and a half years of his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home, 4650 State Road 16, St. Augustine, FL 30292.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 29, at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32211 from 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside ceremony with Military Honors will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218 on today, January 30, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to Westminster Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville for refreshments following the graveside service at 3:30.

Published in Tuscaloosa News on Jan. 30, 2014

Haller, Harry F., of Westminster, passed away on February 22, 2014 at the age of 93 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Beloved father and grandfather, he was born in Philadelphia in 1920, got married to his wife of 57 years (who predeceased him in 2007) at age 30 and moved to California. A Navy man, he was stationed at the Long Beach Naval Yard which brought them out to Westminster where they planted their roots and stayed.

Harry served in both the Korean War and well as WWII and was a survivor of an attack by the Japanese on the USS Franklin.

He was loved by everyone who met him and if he liked you he was the consummate jokester. So, you knew that if he didn’t kid around with you, he didn’t like you!

Harry was a founding member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove and converted to the same religions as his wife, Catholicism in his later years.

Harry’s biggest love in life was his family. Along with building his life around them, he enjoyed woodworking, the beach, ice skating (he grew up in the East playing ice hockey) and staying active.

He is survived by his three children, Keith Haller, Jane Saeman, as well as David (Lisa) Haller and 8 grandchildren. In the last years of his life, he was lovingly taken care of by Javier Avalos at his home of 58 years.

A Rosary and viewing will take place on Thursday, February 27th at 10:30am with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11:30am at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Dana Point.

Published in Orange County Register on Feb. 26, 2014

Charles William Stroeher
Dec. 12, 1922-Feb. 27, 2014
Resident Of Los Gatos
Charles (Charlie) William Stroeher passed away on Thursday, the 27th of February after energetically striving to regain his independence while recovering from a stroke. His positive attitude, bright smile and twinkling eye will be remembered and missed by many.
Charles was born in Mansfield, Ohio. His family moved to Colorado and then to Casper, Wyoming. He went to Grant Elementary school in Casper and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1939. He attended Billings Polytechnic College (Rocky Mountain College) where he was able to work for his room and board until entering the U.S. Navy. During his three years of naval service he took flight training at St. Mary’s College, Norman, OK and at Corpus Christie, Texas. He earned his Wings and his Commission in April 1944, qualified for carrier landings and piloted TBM torpedo bombers on the USS Franklin at the end of the war and survived the bombing of the Franklin. He met the love of his life, Beverly Jean. They were married in April of 1945. They were married for 59 years.
After WWII, Charles graduated from Northwestern University in 1948 with a B.S. in Business Administration. His jobs as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) took him from Illinois to Montana to California. He worked as a CPA/Financial Manager until retiring at the young age of 72.
Charles was always active. He was always interested in “goings on” of friends and family near and far. He loved gatherings with family and friends during the holidays and weekends throughout the year. He was an avid jogger and enjoyed bicycling until he was 90. He loved kayaking, church activities– treasurer, choir, etc. – playing bridge, travel – in the United States and abroad – and friends. He especially enjoyed his time with friends.
Charles is survived by his devoted daughter, Shelley Slingland (Ed) and his grandchildren Greg and Rebecca Slingland, by his sister Mary Lou Ayers of Meridian, ID and his brother, Glenn Stroeher of Evergreen, CO.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 16548 Ferris Ave. in Los Gatos, CA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations made out to Faith Lutheran Church with “Charlie’s Memorial Fund” on the memo line. Donations will go to a charity designated by his family in accordance with his wishes.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Mar. 21, 2014

Thomas “T.W.” Leo passed away peacefully April 20, 2014 after a brief illness. Tom was born November 29, 1926 in Youngstown, OH. He joined the Navy as soon as possible after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was one of the youngest crew members on the U.S.S. Franklin. He survived the attack on the Franklin in the Pacific, and proudly attended every reunion of the ship’s crew. Tom married Sara Margaret “Sally” Smith on June 8th, 1947. They settled in Mt. Prospect, IL where they raised their 4 children. Tom was successful as an independent businessman, selling industrial baking supplies. He and Sally retired to their dream home in Southern Pines, NC until returning to the Chicago area in 2006. After retirement Tom was able to devote time to painting, and he created many works of art reflecting his fascination with architectural details and patriotic themes. Tom is survived by his children and their spouses, Dana Leo (Jan Gollins), Scott Leo (Chris Leo), Denise Leo, and Keith Leo (Lynn Bidwell) and by grandchildren Kirsten Leo, Amy Gollins and Matt Leo, as well as many close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, brother Wally, and son-in-law Johnie Curtis. Services will be held Friday April 25th at 3 pm at the Summit of Uptown, Park Ridge, IL. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to the veteran’s group of choice.

WILLIAMSBURG – Joseph W. Trabucco, 86, formerly of Endicott, NY, died on Monday, May 5 in Williamsburg, VA. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas and Raymond and sister, Marie. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette Bellinger Trabucco, and children Mark (and wife Melissa Collins) of Owego, NY, David, of NY, NY, Linda (and husband Poe) Walker (of Williamsburg, VA) and Thomas (and wife Kimberly) of Franklin TN. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Casey Jordan Walker, and Margaret, Joseph, and Cassandra Trabucco. Mr. Trabucco grew up in Wappingers Falls, NY, and served aboard the USS Franklin (“Big Ben”) during the second World War. He later graduated from Syracuse University (where he met Jeanette). He had a long and distinguished career in the Automotive Industry, primarily in upstate New York. Joe loved to travel, and he and Jeanette visited all seven continents, and made many memories abroad. He enjoyed watching his four grandchildren grow up, and his greatest pleasure was having the family all together. A memorial service will be held May 11 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23188 at twelve o’clock. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Olaf or the charity of your choice .
Published in Virginia Gazette on May 8, 2014

Margaret D. Wineman, 92, and Robert J. Wineman, 94, of East Orleans, both died peacefully at home with family on April 26, 2014, and May 9, 2014, respectively. Margaret, Peg, was born on Aug. 7, 1921, in Casper, Wyo., and grew up in Braintree, Mass. After attending Thayer Academy, she went on to Wellesley College (B.A. in chemistry, class of 42) and American University (M.A.). Robert, Bob, was born on Sept. 11, 1919, in Chicago, Ill., and grew up in various parts of the country, graduating from Baltimore High School and Williams College (B.A. in chemistry, class of 41). Bob went on to obtain his M.S. from the University of Michigan and earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Harvard University. Peg and Bob met while working together as chemists at DuPont in Niagara Falls and married on May 6, 1944. While serving as aircraft electronics lieutenant in the Navy, Bob was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic action on the USS Franklin in the aftermath of a catastrophic bombing attack off Kobe, Japan, in May of 1945. Following the war, Bob and Peg were founding settlers of the progressive Conantum residential community in Concord, Mass., where Peg taught elementary school and Bob served ultimately as research director of Monsantos Boston Laboratory, in Everett. While in Concord, they raised five children and were active in the town, Conantum and Unitarian church communities. In 1971, they moved to Maryland where Bob became associate chief of the Artificial Kidney program with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda. He later became director of the Chronic Renal Disease program. During this time, Peg worked in the special education field, including teaching the visually impaired for the Montgomery County school system. In 1982, they retired to East Orleans where they had enjoyed being summer residents since the early 1960s. Peg and Bob were devoted parents to their children and families, which include Janet and her husband Joe Brevard of Newton, Mass., Jean and her husband Terry Sargent of Ann Arbor, Mich., the late Barbara Wineman of Orleans, Marian and her husband John Rundall of Seattle, Wash., and Tom Wineman of Osterville, Mass. They were also special to the lives of their six grandchildren: Jesse and Nate Brevard, Lindsey, Kelsey and Maisie Sargent, and Alexi Rundall; and to their extended family: Jacquie Brevard and her husband Laye Thiam of Westfield, N.J., and their sons Condi and Amadi; and Jane Brevard of Philadelphia, Pa. Peg and Bob remained active in their support of programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Peg having served for over 10 years with the Arc of Cape Cod. During this period, they were instrumental in the formation of a group home in Orleans for people with disabilities where their daughter, Barbara, lived. In 1990, they helped organize a water quality lab for monitoring area towns estuaries and in 1997 they obtained an EPA grant for a Nutrient Monitoring program of the five Orleans salt ponds of Pleasant Bay, which they continued to monitor for many years. In 2003, they received the Good Citizenship Award from the town of Orleans where Bob served on the Board of Health for 15 years and more than 10 years on other water quality committees, and Peg served on water quality, wind energy and transportation committees. Peg and Bob also enjoyed traveling and even in their mid-80s traveled to Belize, Denmark for a tour of wind farms, and China. Throughout their lives, Bob and Peg enjoyed outdoor activities that included camping, hiking, sailing, swimming, fishing, skiing and gardening. They worked avidly on political and conservation action groups to protect the environment, prevent climate change, and support tolerance and world peace, and passed these values on to their children and grandchildren. They lived their lives with joy and enthusiasm and their warmth and spirit for life will be missed by all. Memorial gifts may be made to: The Orleans Pond Coalition (to protect the water quality of Pleasant Bay), P.O. Box 2485, Orleans, MA 02653-6485; or the Cape Cod Foundations Barbara Carol Wineman Fund (therapeutic horseback riding program for the disabled), 259 Willow St., Yarmouthport, MA 02675. Condolences may be sent to Wineman Family, P.O. Box 306, East Orleans, MA 02643.

Published in The Cape Codder from June 11 to June 18, 2014

Robert Walter Swanson was born Oct. 31, 1919 to Swedish immigrant father John T. Swanson and his wife Ella (Anderson) in Mount Vernon, WA. He lived his entire life on a farm in the Nookachamps area, including time with his grandparents after his mother died when Bob was six. During his childhood he worked hard on the farm, producing crops and dairy cattle. His favorite childhood memories included fishing and swimming in Nookachamps creek and going to town to watch movies. He rode a horse and buggy to town to deliver lunch to his maternal grandfather, a craftsman who did impressive plastering at the Skagit County Courthouse and Lincoln Theatre. Bob started his education in a one-room school house and graduated from Mount Vernon Union High School in 1939. As a teen, he planted and sold strawberries and drove a Model T.

Bob joined the Navy in 1942, serving on the USS New York and the USS Franklin. On March 19, 1945, the Franklin was attacked for a second time. Trapped in a boiler room, Bob survived a horrific situation as bombs exploded and fire surrounded him and his shipmates. More than 800 men died that day and Bob was fortunate to be part of the crew that brought home the most heavily damaged ship to make it back to port on its own power. As with many members of the “greatest generation,” he never talked about his experience until later in life when he attended many ship reunions, where his family learned he was a hero!

He returned home after the war and worked first at Highland Pacific Dairy and then for many years at Darigold. Being a milk truck driver, Bob knew many people in Skagit County and was known by all as a very kind man.

While working at the downtown dairy, he met his first wife, Aletha (Kitty) Herzberg. They were married July 11, 1947, and raised six children. Bob kept the family together as a tight and loving group after Aletha died of cancer in 1969. During his years at Darigold, he continued to enjoy small farming, including cows, pigs and a raspberry patch that helped his children learn their parents’ values of faith, hard work, education and family fun.

In 1980, also while on his dairy route, he met Adrianna Hamm. His family doubled in size when he married Adrianna on Oct. 28, 1980.

In their retirement years, Bob and Adrianna enjoyed camping, growing and canning produce, traveling, holidays and family reunions, especially any time they could be with their grandchildren. Wonderful memories were created each spring camping with “Grandpa Bob” at Pearrygin Lake State Park. Bob raised dahlias and loved sharing them with family, friends and the couple’s church.

He was preceded in death by first wife Aletha, son Donald, brother John, and his USS Franklin shipmates.

He is survived by his wife Adrianna; his children, Marlene Hansen, Shirley Swanson (Sherry), Bob Swanson (Jennifer), Janis Swanson (Lester), Carol Donovan (Richard); daughter-in-law, Moira Frey; grandchildren, Stephen Hansen, Dane Swanson, Courtney Gonzales (Johnny), Timmy Swanson, Jessie Donovan, Alex Swanson, Gracie Donovan (Florin), Ethan Donovan; one great grandchild, Kitty Gonzales; special supporters Richard Sanchez and David Herzberg; and many nieces, nephews, stepchildren and their families, who are part of the blended family he shared with Adrianna.

The family thanks the caregivers at Skagit Valley Senior Village for their excellent care and compassion and their appreciation of Bob’s personality and sense of humor.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday June 2, at the First Christian Reform Church, 701 W. Blackburn Rd, Mount Vernon, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society .

Published in Skagit Valley Herald Publishing Company from June 29 to June 30, 2014

WOODS, Benny 88, of Springfield, Ohio passed away peacefully in his residence on Friday June 20, 2014. He was born July 13, 1925 in Springfield, Ohio the son of Catherine Elizabeth Woods (Jones). Benny was raised primarily in Springfield, Ohio, he attend High School in New Jersey. Benny was an ordained Deacon at People’s Baptist Church for many years. He was employed with Clark County Engineers for 25 years before retiring as a Supervisor. Benny proudly served his Country in the United States Navy during World War II. He served aboard the U.S.S Franklin. He leaves to cherish his memory to his children Vera Daniels, Geraldine Stinnett, Jessie Davis, Theresa (Sullivan) Jones, Catherine Christian, Rochelle (Mike) Harris and Brock Woods 16 grandchildren 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother, wife Iola Woods. Service for Benny Woods will be held on Saturday June 28, 2014 at People’s Baptist Church 2327 E. High Street Springfield, Ohio. Visitation will be 9:00am until time of service which will be at 10:00am with Pastor Christopher Peterson officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Porter – Qualls – Dunlap Funeral Home.

Published in Springfield News-Sun on June 27, 2014

James Walter Lyons, 93-years-old, of Woodbridge, Virginia passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Sentara Hospital.

He served with United States Navy aboard the USS Franklin CV-13 during World War II from 1942-1946. In 1982, he retired from the Navy Yard, Washington DC as a Power Plant Foreman. After retirement, he worked as a school bus attendant for Prince William County Schools for 15 years, retiring in 2003.

Jim is a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, the Knights of Columbus, Council 5750, and American Legion Post 290, Stafford.

He was preceded in death by Rita, his wife of 50 years. He is survived by one brother, Kenneth Lyons of Woodbridge, VA, three daughters, Ruth Camerlin (Larry) from Reading, MA, Karen Williams (Ron) from Fredericksburg VA and Kathleen Lyons from Woodbridge, VA, one son, James Lyons from Colonial Beach, VA; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 13752 Mary’s Way, Woodbridge VA. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

The family will receive visitors from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Boulevard, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192