All Obituaries

Angela (Angie) Brooks was a long time resident of the area. She really enjoyed people and many different activities including traveling and time with friends. She had a neat and interesting since of humor and loved to smile. Her pride and joy was her 3 boys, her room was filled with pictures and memories of wonderful times spent with them. She will be dearly missed. She’s survived by her sons Jeremy Helms, Jayson Keen, Andrew Keen and Grandson Hudson Keen. May you be at peace...

Gwendolyn Kay Gosnell, 78, of Avon Park, died Friday morning, April 21, 2023, at her home.  Gwen was born in Illinois to Charley and Opal (Pryor) Henson and lived most of her life (60+ years) in Paris, IL. She moved to Avon Park in June 2022 with her daughter, Kelli.  In her younger days, Gwen played organ and dabbled in oil painting.  She sold wigs, jewelry and clothing out of her basement for several years.  She later moved her boutique to a consignment shop. ...

Mr. Robert William Brown, 81, of Avon Park, died Monday evening, April 3, 2023 at his home.  Born April 5, 1941 in Savannah, Ga and was raised in Avon Park.  Robert served in the US Army after high school and lived in Nashville, TN following his time in the Army.  He worked as a Operating Room Technician before retiring and moving back to Avon Park in 2013.  He loved football and taking his family to Disney.  He and his wife had over 200 foster children.  He is...

Arel "Toni" Lee Kopp, 76, of Avon Park, died Sunday, March 19, 2023 at her home. She was born in Oak Park, IL and moved to Minneapolis, MN. In 1974, Toni moved with her family to Owen WI where she lived until 1997. As a lover of warm weather, Toni moved to Avon Park FL in 1997 where she started working for the Sebring FL chamber of commerce and then later as a clerk for Highlands County. Toni was known for her main hobby of scrapbooking, participating in craft groups, and all...

Frank (Doc) Cocca, 62, passed away March 19, 2023 at his home.  He was born September 21, 1960 in Gowanda, NY to Frank J. and Eva Cocca.  “Doc” graduated from Gowanda Central in 1978 where he excelled in sports and enjoyed his teen years with his many friends and his brother Tom riding his Harley, water and snow skiing and snowmobiling and working various summer jobs.  One summer he worked on a dairy farm where he decided he definitely did not want to be a dairy...

Minnie Margaret Nipper, 96, of Lake Placid, died Thursday morning, March 9, 2023 at her home.  She was born in Dumont, New Jersey and moved here 59 years ago from Miami, FL.  She had been a member and active in the Lake Placid Women’s Club, IHAM – Past President, Lake Placid China Painters, Eastern Star, United Federation of Doll, Inc.  and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church.  Minnie was preceded in death by her husband, James...

Robert Emerson Kist, 79, passed away Friday night, February 24, 2023 in Avon Park.  He enjoyed playing the piano, Karaoke, boating, cruises and horseback riding.  Robert is survived by his four children, Susan, Shealegh, Sandra and Bob; two brothers, Bill (Gail) and David (Yvonne); sister, Deborah (George) ; grandson, Nick; dear friend Pat (PT), mother of his children Karen.  We miss you Dad!!!! See you a week from Thursday(inside joke).  Arrangements with Fountain...

Doris S., Endicott, 75, of Lake Placid, died Monday morning, February 6, 2023 at AdventHealth Lake Placid.  Born in Mayo, FL to Elbert and Ella Mae (Elmore) Santerfeit she had lived here since 1986. Doris worked as a manager at two local stores while living here, including Highlands Food and the Farm Store in Lake Placid.  She  was an excellent cook and enjoyed being home with the grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert D. Endicott; 3 sons,...

Pearl Jul Barfield, 93, of Avon Park, passed away Sunday morning, February 5, 2023 at her home.  Pearl was the daughter of Charles R. and Berma (Dollar) Rutland and was raised in Tifton, GA.  She loved her cats and watching westerns.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years in 2008, David F. Barfield, son, Davy and siblings, twin brother, Earl, Mildred, Edward, Pete, Lloyd, Elton and Gene.  She is survived by her children, Billie Joe Barfield, Cathryn...

Irene L. Connelly, 99, of Avon Park, passed away on Sunday evening, January 22, 2023.  Irene was born May 29, 1923 in Williamsport, PA to Andrew and Margaret (Sullivan) Leuthner.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Frank G. Connelly (2007), son, Paul Connelly (2017), and 6 of her siblings.  Irene is survived by her children, Frank (Jean) Connelly, Patrick (Linda) Connelly and Kelly (Fred) Gray; sister, Ida Buchanan and brother Mick (Susie) Leuthner; 7...