Ambrose Tommy and Shirley Ambrose Tommy W Ambrose and Shirley Ann Ball Ambrose, married for 68 years, died eight months apart in 2020. Tommy died January 13th in Pocatello, ID, after a decline from a series of strokes. Shirley died October 2nd at her beloved farm near Pocatello, where she grew up and to which she and Tommy moved in retirement. They leave behind their three daughters Leslie, Julie, and Pamela, grandchildren Shira and Joshua, and Tommy’s sister Arlene DeMars. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Rosemary Thornburg. Besides Tommy, Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Cynthia Guyer. Tommy was born on October 14, 1926, to Fines and Fern (Buff) Ambrose, in Jerome, Idaho. He and his sisters grew up on the family farm. At the start of World War II, Tommy enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the U.S.S. Franklin in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, Tommy earned his bachelor’s (’50) and master’s (’51) degrees in chemical engineering at the University of Idaho. In 1957, he completed his doctorate at Oregon State University. Shirley was born in Pocatello on February 13th, 1928, to Pearl and Frank Ball. She attended Idaho State University for two years, and then transferred to the University of Idaho, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in English. The couple met while attending college and married in 1951. They settled in Richland, WA, where Tommy started his career at General Electric Company at the Hanford Atomic Works. They moved to Corvallis, OR, where Tommy earned his PhD. Returning to Richland, Tommy pursued his careers with GE and Douglas United Nuclear, before moving to Battelle Memorial Institute, as director of the Seattle Research Center and then as director of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland. Shirley pursued her interest in the arts by teaching ballet and acting as choreographer for the Richland Light Opera. She also assumed much of the practical responsibility for raising their three daughters, instilling in them her love of the arts. The family particularly enjoyed their annual trips to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Tommy retired as a Vice President from Battelle to serve the University of California System as liaison between its president and Department of Energy’s three National Laboratories: Livermore, Los Alamos and Berkeley. Tommy received the University of Idaho’s Hall of Fame award (1980), the Oregon State University College of Engineering Hall of Fame award (2001), and the Idaho State University College of Engineering’s Professional Achievement award (2000). In 2011, Tommy was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the University of Idaho’s Academy of Engineers. In retirement, Tommy and Shirley renovated the house at their farm. By their count, they had built three houses and renovated three more over the course of their partnership. They shared a do-it yourself attitude and a strong work ethic, perhaps a result of their farm upbringings. They will be sorely missed. Donations in their honor may be made to the University of Idaho. Individual obituaries for Tommy and Shirley can be found at wilksfuneralhome.com

Leroy Willmirth

Aug. 29, 1925 – Nov. 20, 2020

KNOXVILLE – Leroy Willmirth, 95, of Knoxville, IL, formerly of Decatur, passed away Friday, November 20, 2020.

Leroy was born in Decatur, IL on August 29, 1925, the son of Amos and Ruby (Gray) Willmirth.

He married Norma Jean Bertsch on May 24, 1947. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother: George Edward; daughter: Sharon Kaye; and son-in-law: Michael Martakis.

He is survived by daughters: Linda (John) Burris of Dahinda, IL and Patricia (Bruce) Alleman of Sun City, AZ; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Leroy proudly served our country in the US Navy during WWII. He served on the USS Franklin as a Signalman. He served from May, 1943 to August 29, 1947.

He was a 50 year member of the Central Laborer’s Union. He was employed by L.E. Devore Construction for many years and he retired from Bodine Sewer, Inc.

Leroy was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini basketball fan. One of his greatest joys was in 2016 as he watched the Cubs win the World Series. In his leisure time, he did beautiful needlework and enjoyed playing cards every night with his wife for many years. He and Norma enjoyed taking the Grandchildren on trips for their High School graduation gift.

Graveside Services for Leroy will be held at 12:30 PM, Friday, November 27, at Graceland Cemetery with US Navy military honors. Visitation will be 11:00 – 12:00 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Because of current restrictions, crowd size will be limited to 10 people in the funeral home at any time, with face masks required and social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Courtyard Estates of Knoxville, 415 E. Main St., Knoxville, IL 61448.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.

Petraitis, Joseph
Aug 9, 1926 – Nov 21, 2020
Joseph Petraitis, age 94 of Nokomis Fl. and Port Hope, Michigan went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2020.
He is survived by his beloved wife Marie for 71 years and father to Gerald (Katherine), Michael (Jeannette) Petraitis , Laurie (Chris )Gougeon, Susan Henry, Anne Gongos. Joe was a grandfather to 13 and great grandfather to 8.
“Joe” was born in Detroit and was a WW11 Veteran serving in the Navy from 1944-1947 as a Motor Machinist Third Mate ,Third Class. He survived the bombing of his ship, the USS Franklin on 3-19-1945 (St.Joseph’s Day).
Throughout his life, Joseph’s deep faith in God was clearly evident.
He was a member at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice Florida.
“Joe” enjoyed many hobbies at his Michigan home with his wife Marie. He was an avid gardener, hunter, fisherman and all around tinkerer who offered help to any in need. Joe had a heart of gold with a deep love of his family. He will be greatly missed!
There will be a celebration of Joe’s life at Venice Memorial Gardens at a later date. Please visit www.toalebrothers.com to leave a condolence message.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.Published in Herald Tribune from Dec. 16 to Dec. 20, 2020.

Richard D. “Dick” Chasse, 96, of Nashua, retired Deputy Fire Chief and longtime Nashua firefighter, passed away Sunday morning, December 13, 2020 after a brief illness.

A lifelong resident of this city, he was born on September 21, 1924, one of nine children of the late Jean Baptiste and Marie (Bourbeau) Chasse. Dick grew up in the French Hill neighborhood and attended the former St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and Nashua public schools. A Navy veteran, he served during World War II in the South Pacific aboard the USS Franklin from 1943 to 1946 and held the rank of Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class.

Dick joined the Nashua Fire Department in 1947 as a call man and was appointed to permanent status in April 1952. During his long career, he was promoted to Private, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief, retiring in 1983. Dick continued his career as a licensed plumber for many years.

He served on the Board of Fire Commissioners and also served in the New Hampshire Legislature for two years.

In his leisure time, Dick was an avid reader, especially of history and enjoyed the challenge of solving cross-word puzzles. He was a Boston Bruins and New York Yankees fan.

He was a member of Nashua Lodge 720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks for over 50 years and held membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 483.

Dick was predeceased by his wife, Isabelle Mary (Desmarais) Chasse, who passed in June 1994; and his eight siblings, Romeo, Adelard, Philip, Paul and Robert Chasse, and Lucille Francoeur, Rita Chasse and Aurore Dionne.

Members of his family include his loving companion of 26 1/2 years, Mary Isabell (Stanley) Batchelder; five step-children, Irving Stanley and his wife Vashti, Henry Stanley and his wife Ashley, Robert Batchelder and his wife Betsy, Stephen Batchelder and his wife Josephine, and Stephanie Baker and her husband Jerome; twenty five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Theresa Chasse; brother-in-law, Edmond Dionne; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to the current pandemic, services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. http://www.farwellfuneralservice.com.

Source: https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/obituaries-memorials/obituaries/2020/12/26/richard-d-dick-chasse-4/

DODARO, Louis John

Louis John Dodaro, 88 years old of Boca Raton, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2013, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Louis was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1925 and grew up in Maspeth, NY. In 1943, he was drafted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Radioman 3rd Class Petty Officer on the U.S.S. Franklin CV13 in World War II. He was very proud to have served his country. Louis joined the New York City Police Department on October 3, 1951. On graduation day, he was assigned to the Organized Crime Unit in the Brooklyn D.A.’s office on a temporary assignment. Assigned to the 92nd Precinct for payroll purposes. He played fast pitch softball for the 92nd and only lost one game in three years. Played any precinct that challenged them from the Bronx to Staten Island. This temporary assignment lasted 21 years and he retired in 1972. As a child, he loved the clouds and sky. He always had a love for flying and got his pilots license in 1958. Married Jean Amato in 1954 and they were married for 57 years. He relocated his family to Boca Raton, FL in 1972. When he moved to Florida, he became an avid golfer. He enjoyed playing golf with the many friends he made. During the ’70’s, he went to work for U.S. Customs in Port Everglades for a few years. He also helped a friend/neighbor when he opened The Red Devil Restaurant as a cook. Spent a lot of time taking care of his granddaughters. He is survived by his sister, Gloria Santacroce, three children, Kenneth, Theresa Snyder, Nancy (Mike) Adams, his three cherished granddaughters, Jeanette, Michelle and Jessica and his adored great-grandson, Jacoby. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean and his great-grandson, Jalen. Papa will be forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Attention: Jalen’s Team, 3230 Commerce Place, Ste. B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407. A remembrance ceremony will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the Palm Beach National Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth, FL. Interment will follow at the South Florida Veterans Cemetery in Lake Worth on Monday, August 19, 2013 at 2:45PM.

To express condolences and/or make donations: Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Palm Beach Post from Aug. 11 to Aug. 12, 2013.

Pierce Joseph “Jack” Brown, 92, of Ipswich died on Sunday August 21, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Norrine Brown for 65 years, loving father to Philip Brown of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, Susan Brown Stoddard of Brunswick, Maine, Karen Geggel of Dover, MA, David Brown of Ipswich, MA, Stephen Brown of Ipswich, MA, Nancy Higgins of Ipswich, the late Elizabeth Ichizawa formerly of Rowley, MA and the late Christine Brown, and proud grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of 6. He was born in Malden, MA on September 23, 1918 to Thomas E. Brown and Marion Howarth Brown and lived in the Boston area and Ipswich all his life. He worked for the U.S. Government for 40 years. During World War II, Jack served in the Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, most decorated ship in the history of the US Navy, where he survived extensive bomb damage. Following the war, he turned his attention to raising a family which he did with great love, gentleness, generosity and wisdom. He expressed his creativity through his artwork and cartoons. Jack got great pleasure in being with his family, playing golf, reading | especially books on history, cooking and storytelling and also caring for his birds and garden. Jack’s genuine interest in others, his sense of humor and love of life brought joy to many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday August 27th. at 9:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church 52 Linebrook Road, Ipswich. Burial will take place later that day in the Evergreen Cemetery in Brighton. Visiting hours will be Friday August 26th, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the Morris Funeral Home 45 North Main Street, Ipswich, relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in Jack’s name to: the Jimmy Fund of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 10 Brookline Place West Floor 6 Brookline, MA 02445-9924. For directions or to send condolences to Jack’s family, please go to: www.morrisfh.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.Published in The Ipswich Chronicle from Aug. 23 to Aug. 30, 2011.

Robert V. Hungerford, a resident of Orient, passed on July 5, 2020.

Robert was born in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 7, 1921.

Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and after completing extensive flight training, he served as a naval aviator fighter pilot on board the USS Franklin in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He flew Grumman’s powerful Hellcat fighter on many missions, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, off the deck of the Franklin, as a member of the 13th Fighter Squadron.

With the war over, Robert became an art director at Campbell Ewald in Detroit. Not creatively challenged, he moved to “The Big Apple” with a dream, as many creative people who gravitated to Manhattan had, to become one of the best among the best competition.

As one of the original “Mad Men,” he proved himself well. Bob became a vice president of the prestigious J. Walter Thompson agency, receiving numerous awards and acknowledgments for his creative, successful national ad campaigns, one of which featured the not-yet-well-known Andy Warhol.

He later became a principal in the New York agency Bradley, Dimmock & Hungerford.

An avid sailor and racer, he served as commodore of the Orient Yacht Club.

After moving to Orient, he was co-publisher along with his wife, Nancy, of the monthly lifestyle paper North Fork Country.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters Kathleen and Laurie; son Jay; and stepson Scott; along with three grandsons, James, Matthew and Thomas; and three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Meghan and Connor.

So long, Ace.

Fly high.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Orient Fire Department or North Fork Animal Welfare League in Bob’s name.

Due to the coronavirus, a memorial will take place at a later date. Inurnment with military honors will be held at a later date at Mountain View Cemetery, New Fairfield, Conn.

Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport is assisting the family.

DAVIS, Jr., Zell
Zell Davis, Jr., of Singer Island, Riviera Beach, Florida passed away peacefully in his home, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93 years old.
Zell was born September 2, 1926 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach. He graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1944, after which he joined the Navy and served on the USS Franklin aircraft carrier and was one of 704 survivors who remained aboard the most heavily damaged warship to ever return to the United States from Japan under its own power. He was truly part of America’s “Greatest Generation.”
The officers and crew were the most highly decorated group serving on a single ship in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
The G.I. Bill afforded Zell an education graduating from the University of Florida in 1950 (Go Gators) and the University of Miami law school with a Juris Doctor in 1957.
While practicing law, Zell became Assistant County Solicitor from 1959-1961 in Palm Beach County. He returned to public service in 1964 when he was appointed Assistant State Attorney by Governor Hayden Burns.
In 1968 Zell was elected State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit. He remained in the private practice of law from 1961 until 1998 when he retired, having completed 50 years as a Florida Bar member.
Zell maintained a private pilot’s license, as well as a U.S. Maritime Captain’s License.
Zell was an avid boater and fisherman, fishing the Bahamas, Central and South America. He was a great raconteur, telling stories of “how it used to be” while growing up in the Palm Beaches. He invented and held a U.S. patent on a waterproof lamp receptacle for use in mines and other hostile environments.
Since 1985 Zell served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Comprehensive Alcohol Rehabilitation Program (CARP), and its President during his tenure on the Board. He was a former member of the Sailfish Club, The Old Guard Society of Palm Beach and the 704 Club representing the 704 survivors who remained aboard the USS Franklin returning it to the United States.
He was a lifetime member of the Union Congregational Church of West Palm Beach, where he served as deacon, trustee, and chaired the Church Council.
Since 1998 he has been a member of the First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach.
Zell was predeceased by his wife, Gloria Stice Davis in 1985 and his step-son Brad McLemore in 1994, and is survived by Brad’s daughter, Alexandra Sibille and her husband Seth and their children Addyson and Jude Sibille.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Hope Davis, his loving and devoted children, Mark Davis and his wife, Eileen; Terri Skiles and her husband, George; Karen Hinz and her husband, Nelson; and two adoring granddaughters, Bailey Skiles and Mary Oberto and her husband, Kelsey; and a great-grandson Griffin Oberto, all of whom loved their “PAPA” more than anyone else.
Due to the social distancing restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic his family will hold a private graveside service. A celebration of Zell’s well-lived life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CARP, 1626 Okeechobee Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401 and to The Salvation Army, 2100 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33409. To express condolences, and sign the guestbook, please visit: www.northwoodfh.com

John White Bositian, 101, of Roswell, peacefully passed into his Eternal Home on August 18, 2020. He was born on a farm in China Grove, NC, and was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Earl and Mary Sloop Bostian ; his brothers, Philip Earl Bostian and Frank Sloop Bostian; and his loving and beautiful wife, Gertrude Kelby Bostian.

John was a patriot who proudly served his country in the US Navy and was a brave and honorable WWII veteran. He served aboard the USS Franklin, an aircraft carrier, which was bombed off the coast of Japan on March 19, 1945.

He worked for Union Camp Paper Corporation for over 35 years. He loved playing golf and bridge and especially loved watching his much, loved BRAVES. Most of all he loved his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his daughters, Carol Bostian Hensley (Cliff), Georgetown, Texas, and Barbara Bostian Nichols (Dave), Roswell, Georgia. His four adored grandchildren, Ryan Hensley (Natalie), Kristin Hensley Johnson (Seth), Katie Nichols Garrison (Graham), and Ashley Nichols Yarbrough (Jay), and his nine great grandchildren Nicholas Garrison, Nolan Garrison, Vera Kate Garrison, Violet Hensley, Olivia Hensley, Conrad Johnson, Journey Johnson, McKinley Yarbrough, and Rhett Yarbrough.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Tapestry House of Alpharetta and Agape Hospice for their loving care during John’s final days.

He was a long-time and active member of Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Roswell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cross of Life Lutheran Church, 1000 Hembree Rd., Roswell, GA. 30076. Services will be handled by Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076. The family graveside service will take place Friday, August 21, at 11 am. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to Covid 19.

Source:  https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/roswell-ga/john-bostian-9316691

Henry Ray Ashbrook, age 95 years, 8 months and 17 days, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, at his home in Stearns.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 2:00pm in the chapel of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Eddie King officiating. Burial was in the Silerville Cemetery in Strunk, Kentucky.

Born in Russell Springs, Ky., on August 13, 1924, to Adonis Ashbrook, and Rosa (Chumley) Ashbrook, Henry was a member of the greatest generation, living through the great depression and helping to win WWII by his meritorious service In the US Navy. He proudly served in the Pacific, aboard the USS Franklin, the most decorated ship in history. Nicknamed Big Ben, the ship was one of 24 Essex Class Carriers built during WWII.

In March of 1945, while off the Japanese mainland, the Franklin was struck by two 500 pound bombs that hit the flight deck and penetrated the hangar deck. Six months earlier, the ship had been hit by a kamikaze plane, killing or wounding 120 crew members. The second attack on the ship ignited 31 fueled aircraft as well as most of the ordinance on board. Henry, who was an aviation ordinance man 3rd class, was below when the ship was struck. More than 800 men lost their lives. Survivors who managed to reach the flight deck had to climb hand over hand on a rope across raging waters to a rescue ship. Both the U.S.S. Franklin and Henry would survive. Henry received numerous medals and commendations for his bravery and service.

Henry returned after the war and took a job in the chemical department of the Formica Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. He resided in Cincinnati and Sunbright, Tennessee, and was married to Ruby Edna Burchell for 42 years until she passed in 1991. Time and circumstance would bring him to Stearns, Kentucky, where he met and married Fay Anderson and they began their lives together. Henry enjoyed trading, flea marketing, fishing, reading his Bible, and attending family gatherings. He was a member of First Hickory Grove Baptist Church, a member of the Kinne- Slaven Post of the American Legion, in Stearns, and Wartburg Masonic Lodge, in Wartburg, Tn., for over 50 years, and was a Kentucky Colonel.

In addition to his parents, Henry is preceded in death by his wives Edna and Fay Ashbrook, son, Ray Ashbrook, step-son John, Blair, step-daughters Melissa Parr, Penny Hinchey, and Marcia Welter, two brothers, Lindell and Adrian Ashbrook, and two sisters, Adelyne Smith and Selma Stamer.

He is survived by two sons, Tom and Robert Ashbrook, step-son Joseph Anderson and Diane, step-son inlaw Steve Parr, step-daughters, Karen and Joe Clancy, Susan and Brad Hill, and Brenda and Wayne Hall, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To know Henry was simply to love him. Henry loved the Lord, his church, and his family. He led an extraordinary life, and his testimony, faith, and memories are what we will remember of Henry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s name to the following organizations:
First Hickory Grove Baptist Church
Stearns, KY 42647

Kinne- Slaven Post of the American Legion
1 Veterans Drive
Stearns, KY 42647

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Mr. Henry Ashbrook.