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Nancy Munoz

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Nancy Munoz, daughter of Virginia and Cecilio Munoz, sister and seventh sibling of a family of fourteen Adelina, Cecilio Jr., Heriberto, David, Miriam, Manuel, Benny, Gina, William, James, Wilfredo, Anthony, and Regina, loving wife to Clive Hoayun Sr for over 35 years, caring and doting mother to her pride and joy, Clive and Christopher, first-time grandmother to Bertram, forever the apple of her eye, passed away on March 9, 2023, at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Nancy was born on September 14, 1960, in Brooklyn, NY and was a graduate of both high school and business management. After high school, Nancy excelled in her career, holding various management positions from a large NYC bookstore to the famous McCrory’s Department Store in Brooklyn, NY. Alongside her husband Clive Sr, she was the co-owner and manager of a flooring business in Queens, NY, for many years before moving to Florida in the early 90s.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She had a remarkable willpower that she displayed when she became the primary caregiver for her husband after he suffered a disabling stroke. Despite the challenges that life threw her way, Nancy remained committed to her family and always put their needs first.

Nancy had a deep love of music and enjoyed listening to Spanish songs. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and singing along to her favorite tunes. She also enjoyed solving puzzles, and her family would often gather around the table to solve a jigsaw puzzle together. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her unwavering will, and her positive outlook on life.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Maritza Carmona

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Maritza Carmona was born on April 12, 1960 in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She was called to The Lord’s presence, surrounded by her husband and children, at 10:30 a.m. on March 22, 2023.

She was raised in Brooklyn, New York where she attended Thomas Jefferson High School until her senior year when her family relocated to Camuy, Puerto Rico. She graduated from Escuela Superior Pablo Avila in Camuy, and attended the InterAmerican University.

She joined the United States Army on July 03, 1979 and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany as a Personnel Records Specialist. Subsequently, she was transferred to Fort Eustis, Virginia where she met (then Captain) Waldemar E. Carmona and they married on November 10, 1983. Together they completed a thirty-year Army military career.

Maritza was dedicated first and foremost to the love, nurture, care and overall well-being of her family: her husband, Wally; her children, Misty, Eddie and Christina; and her grandchildren Odin and Zoe.

Given her husband’s military duties, it was Maritza who attended to the family’s needs: raising the kids, rounding out their education, helping with their homework, shopping for clothes, comforting them when they were sick, taking them to their various sporting events, serving as a Girl Scout leader and Sunday School teacher, maintaining the household, and doing a myriad of other responsibilities associated with military life. She served with the family in Japan, Panama, Puerto Rico and multiple locations throughout the United States. On her birthday, April 12, 2002, they retired from the U.S. Army and settled in Orlando.

It was a close Army friend of the family who said “Maritza brought ‘Light’ into every room she entered and into the heart of every person she met.”
We, her husband and children, add this: “Mom was our All, our Rock and Inspiration. What we are today, we owe it to her.”

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 10:00 am at Newcomer Funeral Home – East Orlando Chapel, 895 S. Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, FL 32822 with Msgr. Rafael Matienzo, US Army Chaplain and spiritual advisor to the Carmona family for over 25 years, officiating.

Visitation with the family will precede the service on Wednesday from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at the funeral home.

Committal services and interment with full military honors will follow on Wednesday at 2:00 pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, FL 32754.

OCSO SWAT deputy dies, donates organs after sudden brain injury

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An Orange County Sheriff’s Office SWAT deputy who experienced a headache after a gym training session, has passed away after doctors found a serious brain injury.

On Sunday, March 26, deputy Michael Milmerstadt was laid to rest less than a week after developing a severe headache and being rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Milmerstadt was kept alive on life support to provide his organs to eight other individuals in one final act before his death.

On Monday, March 20, Milmerstadt was training and experienced a headache that medical professionals diagnosed as a serious brain injury.

Milmerstadt, who is the father of three young boys, worked for OCSO for the past seven years. He was a member of the Community Oriented Policing Squad (COPS) and the agency’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Milmerstadt was the sole breadwinner for his family and, as such, a GoFundMe has been established in his name to help his family. The family issued this statement following his passing:

“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, support and love you have shown us. We are devastated that despite all of our prayers, nothing could be done to save Mike. Mike is an amazing, father, husband, son, friend and deputy. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife Melanie and their boys. Mike loved his family, loved his work and his colleagues, and loved Mixed Martial Arts. His dedication to all of those things made him a great husband, father, deputy and fighter. We know he’s been fighting all week in the most important bout of his life. His departure leaves a painful void that can never be filled. We want to thank Mike’s colleagues at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for wrapping their arms around our entire family, and holding us tight as we made our way through this devastating journey. We are so grateful to all of you who have contributed to the GoFundMe. Melanie and the kids will need all of that support as they attempt to move forward. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

To make a contribution, visit the SWAT Deputy Michael Milmerstadt brain injury GoFundMe webpage.

Kevin Clark Murtha

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Kevin was born 03/02/1956 and died on 03/07/23.

He is survived by wife Susan Murtha,son and daughter-in-law Steven and Lauralee Murtha. Beloved Grandpa to 3 wonderful boys Marcus,Malcolm and Major. He has 2 sisters and 1 brother. Sharon Pecarina, Patricia Lawhorn and Thomas Murtha. Aunt Charlotte Porter and cousins Judy Porter Risser, Clark Porter and Karen Porter Mickunas.

Suspects wanted in catalytic converter thefts in Clermont

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The Clermont Police Department is asking the public for help to identify suspects wanted for the theft of multiple catalytic converters from a local HVAC retailer.

According to police, the individuals featured in this story were caught on video surveillance on March 23, 2023 at Strada Services.

During their visit, the suspects stole catalytic converters from multiple service vehicles at the business, which is located at 2250 Ray Goodgame Parkway in Clermont.

Police say the suspects were driving a silver/gray BMW sedan.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Clermont Police Detective Clark at 352-394-5588, option 3, or the Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Sanford police looking for vehicle in hit-and-run with pedestrian

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The Sanford Police Department is asking the public for help to identify and locate a vehicle wanted in connection with a hit-and-run incident that injured a pedestrian.

According to SPD, on Saturday, March 25, at approximately 8:45 p.m., police responded to reports of hit-and-run in the area of northbound Sanford Avenue and Sanora Boulevard.

A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately thereafter.

Police say the vehicle was possibly a 2015 to 2017 Subaru WRX, with an unknown color.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Sanford Police Department at 407-688-5070.

Ruth Russell Burkhead

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Ruth Russell Burkhead was born to Russell and Ruth Burkhead on July 6, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky and left this world for heaven on March 22, 2023 and is survived by her husband, Thomas Harris who she adored. She is predeceased by her parents and brothers, Lawrence and Jimmy Burkhead.

Ruth graduated from Hialeah High School on July 26,1962, and married Thomas C. Harris on October 11, 1963. They were married 59 years and ministered in The Church of God of Prophecy for over 40 years. She loved everyone she encountered. She had a heart for women’s’ ministry, the food pantry, youth camp and Sunday School. She was a prankster with a sense of humor who loved to laugh. But she loved spending time with her family most of all.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Anita and her spouse Mark James with their four children and three grandchildren, Justin James and his wife Esther with their 2 children Camden and Carson, Jayna Race and her husband Jarrid and their daughter Joley, Josh James, Jasmine Martinez and her husband Jeremy. Annette and her spouse Greg Pounders with their two children and grandson, Evan Pounders and his wife Rachel with their son Jackson, and Ashley Pounders. Angela and her spouse Bill Kinley with their two children, Bryce and Jared Kinley. TJ Harris and his spouse Christina with their two children, Zachary and Wade Harris. Ruth is also survived by two brothers, Gordon Burkhead and his spouse Pilla, and Donnie Burkhead and his spouse Carol.

Visitation will be held Monday March, 27, 2023 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am. At Baldwin- Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel. 5000 county road 46A Sanford, FL 32771

Funeral service will be held Monday March, 27, 2023 at 11:00 am – 12:00 am. At Baldwin- Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel. 5000 county road 46A Sanford, FL 32771.

Suspect accused of murdering man outside Orlando 7-Eleven arrested at Georgia bus station

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A 43-year-old accused of murdering a man outside of a 7-Eleven in Orlando on St. Patrick’s Day was arrested as he exited a transit bus in Macon, Georgia.

Horace Conrad Davidson, Jr. was arrested last week in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Marquis Perez, according to the Orlando Police Department.

Perez was found at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Friday, March 17, after police received calls regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Perez suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by the Orlando Fire Department to AdventHealth East, where he was pronounced deceased.

In the days that followed, OPD Homicide Detectives identified Davidson as a potential suspect in the case. A warrant was obtained for his arrest and, through collaborative efforts from the OPD Fugitive Investigative Unit and law enforcement in Macon, Georgia, Davidson was arrested as he got off a transit bus from Florida.

Davidson is facing a charge of first degree murder with a firearm and is pending extradition to Orange County Corrections.

Francis Mello Jr.

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Francis Mello Jr., 88, of Orlando, Florida passed away on March 21, 2023.

He was born on January 12, 1935 in Newark, New Jersey to Francis and Mary Mello.

Frank is survived by his wife, Patricia Mello; sons, Francis L. Mello, Gary Mello, and Thomas Smith; daughters, Sharon L. Desmarais and Tamara Proffitt; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

George Edward Smith Jr.

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George Edward Smith, Jr., of Altamonte Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. His loving wife and family were by his side. He was 76 years old.

George was born on January 12, 1947 in Rawlings, Virginia. He was the son of now deceased parents George Edward Smith and Mattie Rivers Smith, and youngest brother to sisters Faye Williams and Audrey Crittenden. He attended the University of Richmond and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics. He was in the Air National Guard, where he discovered a love for computers and programming. This passion turned into a successful career in software development and entrepreneurship. His work was groundbreaking in the software development industry.

George met Wanda Gail Lowe- the love of his life- in Richmond, Virginia and the two were married on November 10, 1974. From the time that they met, the two of them were inseparable…best friends in every sense of the word. Everyone who met them knew that they were deeply in love. They loved to travel, taking trips to Europe, Alaska, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and several of the Caribbean islands during their life together. The couple also worked together, building several successful companies together over the years. One of their favorite things to do was to spend time with family and fellowship together with God as members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

George’s pride and joy came in the form of his three children- Sarah, Melissa, and Austin. In 1996, the family moved to Orlando, Florida and has lived in Altamonte Springs since 2009. Over the years, the family grew bigger with the addition of two “sons-in-love”- Frank and Nevin; one “daughter-in-love”, Courtnie; and five beautiful grandchildren- Madison, Emily, Logan, Noah, and Carter. “Poppy”, as George lovingly came to be known, loved his grandchildren immensely and did everything he could to spend as much time with them as possible. There was nothing more important to George than his family. His legacy will live on through them…and his memory will never be forgotten, as he meant so much to anyone who had the privilege of meeting him.

George is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Wanda Lowe; his two daughters, Sarah Philip (husband, Frank Philip) and Melissa Wherrell (husband Nevin Wherrell); his son, Austin Smith (wife Courtnie Smith); Grandchildren, Madison Philip (20), Emily Philip (17), Logan Wherrell (16), Noah Philip (15), and Carter Smith (9).