Obituaries
Robert Eugene ‘Gene’ Mendonsa
Robert Eugene “Gene” Mendonsa, 93, died Saturday, April 1, 2023 in Kingwood, TX following a brief illness.
He leaves his daughter, Leslie Baisden (Barry); his son, Robert E. Mendonsa, Jr. (Julie); his son, Mark Mendonsa; his son, David Mendonsa (Gretchen); his daughter SunHee Robinson (Brandon); thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Born in Defuniak Springs, FL and raised in Plant City, FL, Gene was the middle of three sons born to Arthur A. and Mamie G. Mendonsa. After graduating from Plant City High School in 1947, he attended college at the University of Florida before enlisting with the US Navy in the early 1950s. There he rose to the rank of lieutenant and became a naval aviator. After completing his naval service, Gene joined the Boy Scouts of America, a job he held for almost 25 years. In July 1963, he married Sheila Fay Bremer. They settled in Greensboro and had Leslie (’65) and Robert, Jr. “Bob” (’66). In 1969, the family moved to Okinawa, Japan where they lived for the next 4 years. During this time, he and Sheila adopted Mark, David, and SunHee from Seoul, South Korea. In 1973, the family moved to Tyler, TX where Gene continued his career with the BSA. He retired as an Executive from the Boy Scouts in 1980 and took a position with Flower’s Baking Company. In 1993, he retired at age 64 and moved back to Plant City, FL to care for his ailing mother.
Gene spent the next 23 years in Plant City, serving his local community and church. As his health began to decline, Gene moved to Kingwood, TX to be closer to his eldest daughter Leslie in 2017. He lived out the next 6 years vibrantly and joyfully, treasuring time with family and friends, until his passing at age 93.
A private family celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Memorials may be made to Naomi’s Village Children’s Home in Kenya. (Naomisvillage.org)
Dorothy L. Rice
Dorothy L. Rice, 80, of Valrico, born on Sept. 27, 1942, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on May 3, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Esperanza Gallegos
Esperanza Gallegos, 84, of Lakeland, born on Feb. 14, 1939, in McKinney, Tex., entered into eternal rest on May 3, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Peter A. Ritchie
Peter A. Ritchie, 75, of Lithia, born on Dec. 15, 1947, in Nutley, N.J., entered into eternal rest on May 6, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Patsy Stanaland Patrick
Patsy Stanaland Patrick, 78, of Plant City, Fla., born on January 31, 1945 in Tallahassee, entered into eternal rest on May 6th, 2023.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Marilyn Mercer Kabrich
Marilyn Mercer Kabrich, 78, passed away on May 3, 2023. A Graveside Service was held May 8, 2023 at Springhead Cemetery located on the corner of Medulla Road and County Line Road, Plant City, FL.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Jean C. Turner
Jean C. Turner, 93, passed away on May 2, 2023. A Funeral Service was held May 9, 2023 at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Mable Coleman Hewitt
Mable Coleman Hewitt, 91, passed away on May 5, 2023. The family will receive friends May 11, 2023 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W Dr MLK Jr Blvd., Plant City, Fl 33563. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:30 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Charlotte Frances Wood
Charlotte Frances Wood, 87, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023. Charlotte was born in Buford, Ga.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Wood family.
Maria Monserrate Franqui-Quijano
Maria Monserrate Franqui-Quijano, age 83, of Plant City, Florida passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Franqui-Quijano family.
Nancy Alexander Driscol
Nancy Alexander Driscoll, 92, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Driscoll family.
