Neal Morris Nightingale April 19, 1929 - January 27, 2025
Obituary for Neal Morris Nightingale
Neal Morris Nightingale, born April 19, 1929, passed quietly January 27, 2025. Neal was the 6th of 8 children born to Samuel and Ella Nightingale of Oregon, Ohio-- a suburb of Toledo, where they owned a flower farm, in addition to Samuel working a rigorous, full-time job at a foundry. From a very young age, Neal embraced the value of being of service to others and of stepping up and helping when a need is at hand. He learned this working on his family's farm, and that ethic followed him throughout his life. Indeed, he was a man you could count on! Parents Sam and Ella were so proud that all eight Nightingale children earned college degrees, and 7 of 8 were educators or administrators of education. After teaching for a couple of years, Neal served our nation in the U.S. Army at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Neal's career passion was physical education. He spent decades teaching, coaching and writing physical education curriculum. He was also an incredibly versatile, all-around athlete himself, demonstrating prowess in every sport he ever involved himself in-- from high school football, basketball and baseball, winning all-conference awards in each; to lawn bowling, tennis and Pickleball in his later years winning club, state, or national championships in each. In Sun City Center, he is best known for his remarkable expertise in Pickleball, having achieved Senior World Game champion, earning several medals and having served as Regional Director of the U.S. Pickleball Association for the States of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and North and South Carolina. Neal mentored and introduced Pickleball to many Sun City Center residents! In athletics, time eventually wins out and as Neal got older he channeled his energy into the Tillers & Toilers Garden Club where he grew beautiful gladioluses, zinnias, irises, and marigolds which he donated to the Good Samaritans of Sun City Center to share with shut-ins throughout the community. Neal married the love of his life-- Mary Mount Nightingale in 1960, and they spent a beautiful and rich life together in Michigan City and West Lafayette, Indiana, and then for over 30 years in Sun City Center, until Mary's passing in May of 2023. Their Christian faith was the pinnacle of their incredibly happy and long marriage. In their retirement years, they also enjoyed Ballroom dancing and playing Bridge. Although he had no children, Neal built notably meaningful, lifelong relationships with numerous nieces, nephews, students and younger friends who considered him much like a father figure. He was a man who filled the hearts of those who knew him with inspiration, confidence and encouragement. Nearly 96 at his passing, Neal is preceded in death by his parents, wife and all 7 siblings, but is survived by most of his nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous beloved friends who will keep his spirit alive and close to their hearts. "The real lasting bonds between people are the strongest when they work for a common cause and get pleasure from it-- no matter how difficult.". -- Neal Nightingale, 2013 You can pay tribute to Neal by donating in his name to any of these clubs that are part of the Sun City Center Community Association: Pickleball, Tillers & Toilers, Tennis, or Lawn Bowling.
Godwin, Ebba Andersen, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025 after a wonderfully full life at the age of 92. Born in New London, Connecticut on February 20, 1933, Ebba's family moved to Tampa in 1944. In 1949 Ebba married her high school sweetheart and began a long career as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ebba retired from Hillsborough County Schools after a 25 year career as a bookkeeper serving the students and administration of Oak Grove Middle School. She loved her large, extended family and meeting with friends and co-workers for lively conversation. Ebba was preceded in death be her husband, Hale Godwin, Jr. and her brothers, Paul and Carl Andersen. She is survived by her children, Karen Godwin Snyder, Jan Godwin Fulghum, Loren Godwin, and her two brothers, Dennis and Chris Andersen. Ebba was a grandmother to seven and great-grandmother to seven. Ebba will be remembered for her love of family, great conversation, and her faith. In lieu of flowers, hug your family and keep them close. As she wished, a small service will be held for her immediate family.
Ana Lucia Morini, age 78, of Riverview Florida passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Lucia was born in Itagui, Medellin, Colombia on September 23, 1946, the daughter of Antonio Jaramillo and Margarita Ramirez. She worked many years in manufacturing assembly line and packaging in Colombia and at the BigY supermarket in CT as a bagger. Lucia was preceded by her loving husband, Bruno Morini. She is survived by daughter, Beatriz E. Webb of Riverview, FL; brothers, Julio Jaramillo and Juan Jaramillo; sisters, Cecilia Gonzalez, Gloria Jaramillo, Julia Jaramillo and Irene Hidalgo; and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation on Saturday morning April 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Southern Funeral Care, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, Florida. A Celebration of life Service will follow at 1:00 PM. Visitation Saturday April, 26 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Southern Funeral Care and Cremation Services, Inc. 10510 Riverview Drive Riverview, FL 33578 Celebration of Life Service Saturday April, 26 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Southern Funeral Care and Cremation Services, Inc. 10510 Riverview Drive Riverview, FL 33578
Cynthia Dumas Fuentes, 66, of Riverview, FL, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025. A native of Detroit, MI, she had resided here most of her lifetime and was a 1976 graduate of Brandon High School. She is survived by her sons, Josh Fuentes and John Fuentes; daughter, Taylor Fuentes and 7 grandchildren. Services are scheduled for a later date.