The passing of a well-loved island figure, Father Charles Sullivan
Father Sullivan was the first resident priest the island ever had. According to local history, the rectory as we know it now used to be a convent when he came to the island in1985. The sisters who lived there moved to Englewood to be closer to the Placida Road church, St. Francis. He was also responsible for purchasing the house and property next door to the church, which he renovated into a daycare center, now called the Boca Grande Preschool. The old rectory was sold to a resident, Mark Shevitski, and Father Sullivan moved across the street into the newly purchased house.
OBITUARY: Ike Roberts
Isaac “Ike” Blackburn Roberts, age 93, Nokomis, Fla., died on Sunday, April 24, 2022. He was born August 19, 1928 in Clayton, Ga., while his parents, Julian Bryant Roberts and Effie Elvira Blackburn Roberts were vacationing. He graduated in June 1947 from Sarasota High; and he married Dorothy Wilma Buckmaster on June 20, 1948. Ike […]
OBITUARY: Dick Stem
Dick Stem, a World War II veteran who built a successful Sarasota-area building supply company, died surrounded by family at his Boca Grande home on April 13, 2022. He was 94. The patriarch of a multigenerational Florida family, Dick was a character whose quick smile and love for telling a good joke endeared him to […]
Jo Anne Speer: 1928 – 2022
‘Kin to almost everyone on the island’ As the sun would start setting on any given day, you might find Jo Anne Speer down at 1st Street beach. Sometimes her nephew and caretaker, Nelson, would accompany her. Other times it was her little dog. Jo Anne passed away on March 7, 2022, in her sleep, […]
The loss of a legendary chef, and friend
BY CHEF TIM SPAIN Unfortunately, my friend Chef Josh Orlick, passed away last week. He will be sorely missed. Josh and I worked together on several occasions in Boca Grande. He was the first person I always called to ask for help for upcoming events. He usually agreed and sometimes would show up a half-hour […]
OBITUARY: Josh Orlick
Joshua Paul Orlick, 39, took his last cast when he passed away suddenly March 13, 2022. A local chef at The Loose Caboose for many years, as well as at Zekes on Dearborn in Engle- wood, he was passionate about his craft. His dream of owning a food truck was closer than ever. He was […]
OBITUARY: Judy Shaw
Mary Judith (McKee) Shaw, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, passed away on March 19, 2022, at the age of 83. Survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Vincent E. Shaw. Loving mother of four children Eddie, Greg, Mimi (Teddy) Phelan and Jeff (Michaela) Shaw. Judy (Gaga) was loved by her […]
A sad goodbye to a friend
On Sunday, March 20 Pastor Matthew Williams announced to his congregation at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church that he would be moving on from the island in July. “I was approached with an incredible opportunity for our family as we move into the future of both of our callings and careers, and most importantly, the […]
OBITUARY: Lowell Brockway Dana II
Lowell Brockway Dana II, age 85, passed away Sunday February 27, 2022 at his home in North Muskegon, MI, surrounded by his family. He was born in Muskegon, MI on July 12, 1936 to Lowell and Zita Dana (Vos), attended Muskegon Public Schools and graduated from Lake Forest Academy High School in Lake Forest, […]
Celebration of Life for Jane Carlson
A celebration of Life for Jane Carlson will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at 11 a.m. at The Lighthouse United Methodist Church. A reception will immediately follow at the Boca Bay Pass Club Power House. Jane passed away on September 6, 2021 surrounded by family.
