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Obituaries 9/16/21


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Charles Lee ‘Chris’ Smith


Charles Lee “Chris” Smith, passed away on September 3, 2021 at the age of 74 surrounded by loved ones at his home in Fleming Island, Florida.
Chris served our country admirably from 1968 to 1971, completing two tours in Vietnam.
He completed advanced individual training at Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Engineer AIT Brigade (Pioneer) and thereafter served our country with both Companies D and N, 4th Engineer Battalion: 4th Infantry Division, 173rd Engineer Group; 173rd Airborne Brigade. He earned his Paratrooper wings at Fort Benning, Georgia, completed advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri) and Combat Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School at Camp Radcliff, RVN (Republic of Vietnam).
As an Airborne Ranger (November Rangers) in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he was with the first American Army combat unit deployed to South Vietnam. He served honorably throughout Vietnam and excelled in many roles, including Green Beret, Demolitions Specialist, Combat Engineer, Long Range Recognizance Patrol (LRRP), helicopter repelling and paratrooper, successfully completing 1,021 parachute jumps.
Highly decorated, he earned a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces (Vietnam) and a Second Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces, the Cross of Gallantry, the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), and the RVNCM W/DEV 60 (a South Vietnamese government award to members of the South Vietnamese military for wartime service and to members of the U.S. military for support of operations in Vietnam).
Chris was a proud lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 6972) and the American Legion (Post 0205).
After his honorable discharge, Chris returned to the United States and applied his many diverse skills and talents throughout his professional lifetime. His occupations included Certified Accident Investigator, Karate Instructor, Manager of Safety and Maintenance at Oliver Trucking Company, Professional Driver and Driver Examiner.
In his private life, he pursued many interests, including race car driving, acquiring his private pilot’s license, and achieving three black belts in various karate disciplines.
Chris was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Cosby Lee Smith and Ruth Ellen (nee Bensheimer) and was a step-son of Jack Spurlin. Although he grew up in many locations as a “military brat”, his primary residence was in Indiana prior to his retirement. He is survived by his wife of 20 years (and friend of 60 years, whom he first met while their parents were stationed in Paris, France) Anne Critcher (nee Clark) Smith, his daughter, Shannon (nee Smith) Calloway, son Shane Smith, biological daughter, Brooke (nee Willey) Scalf, step-son, Todd (Nicole) Schaefer, step-daughter Christina (Brian) Zechiel, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous half-siblings, his step-father, Jack Spurlin, a sister-in-law, Leslie Littleton Clark, and friends that became family, Tom (and his son, Brad) Umbarger, Mike Hardamon, Gary and Debbie Krupsky, many other close friends and neighbors in Indiana and Florida, as well as numerous life-long fellow “military brats” he has known since his family was stationed in Paris. He is predeceased by his biological mother and father and his in-laws, Colonel Howard Warren Clark (USMA 41) and Elizabeth (nee North) Clark.
Funeral Services will be held at later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Charles “Chris” Smith to the Salvation Army, the VFW, or the American Legion, or any other military organization that aids veterans.
If hands can reach beyond this world, his wife’s hand will always be in his. Death ends life, but not relationships.
Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL 32068 is serving the family. Please leave words of comfort at hollyhillfunerals.com for the family.

Lisa Ann Mosley


Lisa Ann Mosley, 48, passed away August 31, 2021. She was born in Jacksonville, FL on October 8, 1972, to Parents Maxwell Kent and Vivian Cercy Hill. She was married to Floyd Michael Mosley. Survivors include her Husband Floyd Michael Mosley, daughter Destini Nicole Hunter, son Anthony Matthew Kent; brothers, Michael (Cynthia) Kent and Daryl Kent; three granddaughters, Peyton Martin, Lakyn Colvin, Brooklyn Hunter and one grandson, Harley Boyles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lisa was a dedicated wife and mother and loved life to the fullest. She had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m .Saturday, September 11, 2021 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. The family received friends in the chapel from 2 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Peoria Cemetery. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000


Theresa Cate


Theresa Cate, 86, of Orange Park, FL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 6, 2021. Born to Mary and Joseph Marchetti in Drifton, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Freeland High School in Freeland, PA. She went on to attend and graduate from Purth Amboy Medical Institute as a Registered Nurse, with special studies in Psychiatry. Happily married to Billy Joe Cate in 1957, a career Navy man, she relocated directly from college to their first station in Monterey, California and the first hospital she would work in. The family was transferred to Orange Park in 1963 after their third child, where Theresa became a full-time, great mother. An avid sports fan, her encouragement and rides to the games got all the kids and the grands going. A passionate reader, she also loved football the last 20+ years, even dressing in her team colors at home and watching on TV. Very active in our church, St Catherine’s, she Co-Chaired the huge annual Bazaar for 2 years, was a Charter Member of the Church Handicraft Group meeting weekly for more 40 years. Early on, her children were the main beneficiaries of her clothing design talent, but she was profitable with it also.
In later years, her Quilts were the rave, adding thousands of dollars to the annual Bazaar over the years, in raffles for them. She will be remembered most for her loving and serving heart to all, her wonderful friendships and her funny quick wit— she was just the best. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary McCloskey, Rita Marchetti and Emma Marchetti; brother August Marchetti; and great-grandson Christian Cate. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Billy Joe Cate; daughters Catherine Cate, Marianne Nieves, Amy Jo (Gene) Frith; son Billy Cate; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. The funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. with Fr. Edward Rooney officiating. The graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000

Amy Jean O’Neill
Amy Jean O’Neill, 49, of Orange Park, FL passed away September 6, 2021.
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000
www.broadusraines.com

Joseph Patrick Lappin Jr


Joseph Patrick Lappin Jr, 69, of Middleburg, FL, passed away with his family by his side on September 7, 2021. He was born to parents Eleanor Maus and Joseph Patrick Lappin, on December 3, 1951 in New York, New York.
Joe is remembered by many as a hardworking, loving, and compassionate man who made friends wherever life took him. Joe was a Union 551 Electrician for over 20 years, for the remainder of his life he was an entrepreneur and investor. But ultimately, Joe found pride in his role as a beloved father and husband. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, puzzles, spending time with his loved ones and friends, playing with his grandchildren, being outdoors, cooking, watching every 49ers game with his son, collecting items such as stamps and sports memorabilia, coaching all of his children’s sport teams, and showing his loving wife how much be adored her.
Joe met Jan Hamilton Lappin in 1974. They were married on June 11, 1977 in Amston Lake, Connecticut. Together they raised 4 children: Michelle Lappin, Crystal Lappin, Rachael Macy, & Joseph Patrick Lappin III. In addition to their biological kids they helped raise several others sharing their family love and kindness.
Family and friends are invited to Joe’s memorial service at 4 p.m., immediately followed by a Reception and Celebration of life at Calvary Assembly of God on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 9 Knight Boxx Road. Orange Park, FL 32065.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000

Donald J. Dapra Jr


Donald J. Dapra Jr of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away Monday August 30th, 2021.
He was born in Beeville, TX on November 18, 1958 son of the late Donald J. Dapra Sr., and the late Carolyn “Kay” Dapra.
He graduated from Gar-Field Senior High School in 1976. He was a 1990 graduate of the University of North Florida, with a Bachelor of Science degree.
He worked for Bank of America for 30 years most recently as SVP of Business Executive Technology.
Don met the love of his life, Lynda on a blind date in 1997. They married a year later and spent 24 wonderful years together.
Don was the proud father of Matthew Dapra.
He had a passion for his community of Magnolia Point, playing tennis, traveling with his wife, hosting gatherings for family & friends, and for the Florida Gators. He was a talented accordion player and his Lady of Spain was legendary!
He is survived by his loving wife Lynda McGready Dapra, his son Matthew Dapra, sister Tina Hodges (Ron), sister Denese Lee, and his nieces & nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, Donald & Kay Dapra, and his brother-in-law Richard “Ricky” Lee.
A memorial will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday September 21st, 2021 at Grace Anglican Church 5804 US-17, Fleming Island, FL 32003.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Community Hospice & Palliative Care on Sunbeam Road.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000.

Dolly Ethel Van Horn
Dolly Ethel Van Horn, 93, of Orange Park, FL passed away on September 12, 2021. 
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000. www.broadusraines.com

Joshua John Zebro

 Joshua John “Sergeant Slaughter” Zebro, 41, of Green Cove Springs passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville following a brief illness. Joshua was born in Dover, Delaware and had been a resident of Green Cove Springs for the past 12 years, coming from Ellen, New Jersey. He was formerly employed by Hitchcock’s in East Palatka and Winn-Dixie in Jacksonville as a meat cutter. He had served as a volunteer fire fighter and worked in the construction trade while living in New Jersey. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and was a member of Clan Campbell, a Scottish heritage group, where he served as Deputy State Commissioner for the State of Florida. He enjoyed attending Celtic festivals, Scottish music (especially bagpipes), building things, and watching wrestling and Hogan’s Heroes on television. Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Muriel Gerhart; and his paternal grandparents, Stephen and Gertrude Zebro; and his friend Terry Tennant. Surviving are his wife of 12 years, Jayme Zebro of Green Cove Springs; his mother, Norma Zebro of Satsuma; his father, Walter Zebro of Rahway, NJ; an uncle, Bob Zebro, a brother, Walter Zebro of Gainesville; a sister, Barbara Niles of Pomona Park; his parents-in-law, J.L. and Cynthia Hunter of Green Cove Springs; his brother-in-law and fiancée, Brandon Hunter and Samantha Ucci; nieces and nephew, Brooklynn, Elijah, Stephanie, and Wendy; and a great niece, Bailey. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 14th at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka with Bro. Harry Hunter officiating. The family began receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Burial was in Decoy Cemetery in Green Cove Springs. Memorial gifts may be sent by clicking https://www.gofundme.com/f/Joshua-Z-Burial-Expenses?qid=eaa3a3b095baea828a6a905ffae55809. Friends may sign the online register at www.themastersfuneralhomes.com. The family requested everyone wear a facemask and practice social distancing. The service was live streamed and may be viewed at www.vimeo.com/mastersfuneralhome. Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.