A Prayer for the Departed Members of our Church Family

 Christ our eternal King and God, You have destroyed death and the devil by Your Cross and have restored man to life by Your Resurrection;

give rest, Lord, to the soul of Your servants who have fallen asleep, in Your Kingdom, where there is no pain, sorrow or suffering.

In Your goodness and love for all men, pardon all the sins committed in thought word or deed, for there is no man or woman who lives and sins not,

You only are without sin.

For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and Repose of Your servants who departed this life, O Christ our God;

and to You do we send up glory with Your Eternal Father and Your All-holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit;

both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen

Nicholas Borick - Fell Asleep in the Lord March 28th, 2024

Nicholas, along with his wife Patricia who fell asleep in the Lord in December 2022, were founding members of St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church. He and others first met in a room at a local Catholic church, then at a converted warehouse. Then the founders found our current location. He and Patricia helped to fund the mortgage. He worked tirelessly with other men of the new temple to build a platform for the Iconostas and altar, to obtain icons, to maintain and beautify the grounds. He reached out to the community to find other Orthodox and a priest, at first on a part-time basis. Nicholas was a bass singer, and both he and Patricia sang in the choir as long as they were physically able. He was a wonderful looking person, and dressed in three-piece suits for church, even into his nineties. Everyone respected his gravitas and commitment to St. Raphael Orthodox.

Memory Eternal, Nicholas Borick!

Iwan Butenko - Fell Asleep in the Lord September 8th, 2023

Iwan and his wife Nina started attending services at St. Raphael of Brooklyn toward the end of his life. In a short time, they became regulars, taking part in coffee hour luncheons and wedding celebrations. They were a loving couple and despite Iwan's breathing issues and use of oxygen, they traveled 45 minutes from Ocala to join us. Nina is still a part of our church family and made a lovely luncheon at his 40-day anniversary.

Memory Eternal, Iwan Butenko!

Joel Stuart Miller - Fell Asleep in the Lord June 4th, 2023

Patricia Borick - Fell Asleep in the Lord December 30th, 2022

Olga Nan Keane - Fell Asleep in the Lord February 15th, 2022

ANDREW CUTTIC (Dec 4, 1945 - May 30, 2020)

Andy Cuttic, age 74, The Villages, Florida. Andy was born in Frackville, PA to the late Michael and Eva (White) Cuttic and moved to Florida from Allentown, PA in 2008.

He was an administrator in the textile industry and a graduate of Penn State University.  He proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force.  Andrew was a man of strong faith in the Lord.  He loved his church and its sacraments and was a faithful member of St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church in Inverness, Florida.

He was a loving husband to Karen and fiercely devoted to his son Ben and grandsons Hunter and Clayton.  He performed in community theater; served on his church council and sang in the choir.  Upon moving to The Villages, Andy embraced The Villages lifestyle and served as a lobby host, allowing him to share everything The Villages has to offer with potential new residents.  He volunteered at The Villages Hospital. 

Andy was a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest.  He was an avid golfer, hiker and biker, at one time biking 60 miles.  He also loved to learn new things and prided himself in keeping abreast of the newest technology and innovations.  He built intricate 3D puzzle masterpieces with LED lighting.  These  included the intricate St. Basil's Catherdral in Russia, Black Beard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, the famous Notre Dame de Paris, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Andy loved a challenge and began learning to play the organ when he was 71.  He became proficient in playing beloved songs and hymns, often giving impromptu concerts for neighbors and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Karen (Brown) Cuttic of 46 years, one son Ben A. Cuttic, two grandchildren Hunteer and Clayton, and his sister Eugenia Holowaty.

Rose Marie Vandergrift (83)  ( 2/10/36 - 2/6/20) Leesburg, FL.

Rose Marie was born in Carbondale, PA to the late John and Mary (Hruby) Gamble.  She was married to her husband Stanley for 60 years and they made Florida their home 20 years ago after relocating from Atlanta, GA.   In addition to her loving husband Stanley, those left to mourn Rose's passing include her daughter, Deborah Vandergrift, her granddaughter Serena Vandergrift, her son-in-law, Craig Louie Baxter of Northfield, IL, and her sister Patricia Higgins of Oxford, FL.

Rose was a parishioner of St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church in Inverness, FL.  In her spare time she greatly enjoyed reading and spending time with family. 

Rose Marie's wishes were that, In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org) or to another organization supporting breast cancer research.

Arrangements were made by Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.

Michael Richard Wasilko

Michael Richard Wasilko, age 74, of Hernando, FL passed away at his home on March 12, 2019. Arrangements under the direction of Chas E. Davis Funeral Home

Margaret Rose Wereszczak

It is with deep sadness we announce that Margaret Rose Wereszczak (1930 - 2019) fell asleep in the Lord while under the care of hospice at her home on March 1, 2019. Legacy.com >

Mary Ann Bassett

It is with deep sadness we announce that Mary Ann Bassett has fallen asleep in the Lord.

BASSETT, Mary Ann,88, of Hernando, died January 21, 2019. Funeral Liturgy Tuesday, 11 am, St Raphael's Orthodox Church. Burial Florida National. Chas E. Davis Funeral Home

Mary (Menthopolis) Pappas 1/21/2018, Webster, MA and Ocala, Florida

Mary (Menthopolis) Pappas left her earthly home on January 21, 2018, having lived a life filled with energy, independence, and a deep, abiding love of family. She loved to laugh; she loved to dance; she loved her church; she loved life.

Known as “Mom” to daughter Ellen (Cary Pantazis), as “Granny: to granddaughters Alethia (Tom Brown) and Katina (Tim Woods), and “Baboo” to great-granddaughters Sienna, Katerina, Christina and Eleni. To her many nieces and nephews she was “Aunt Mary: and was always “Mary” to her many friends, neighbors, parishioners and acquaintances. She was a role model to all those women and girls in her family and an inspiration to all who knew her. Click HERE to read a letter by her grandaughters.

A full-time mom before that was common, she spent twenty-five years employed with Eastern Airlines, while living in Miami Springs.

When she moved to Ocala in 2000 she became a driving force behind the work of the Greek Orthodox Mission in Ocala, energetically and tenaciously working on the annual Greek Festival, which provided much funding for the building now in Belleview.

She was a proud and dedicated volunteer at the Appleton Museum, using her best saleswoman’s skills in the Gift Shop and being named “Volunteer of the Year” more than once. She could always let you buy more than you originally intended.

She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, George J. Pappas.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 35 Lake Parkway, Webster, with burial to follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

The Orthodox Forty Day Memorial service will be March 11, 2018 at St. Raphael Church, St. 1277 N. Paul Dr., Inverness, Fl.

Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to St. Raphael Orthodox Church,  St. Basil Orthodox Church, 5200 NE 29th St., Silver Springs, Fl, or Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 713, Webster, MA. 01570

1932 - 2017

Raissa Podolak peacefully passed on November 5, 2017, at the age of 85.

Daughter of the late Gabriel Abramzov and Maria Sosva, Raissa and her family emigrated to the United States after WWII.   Raissa married and had 1 son, Roman with whom she shared her love for the arts.  Raissa was employed at The United States Department of State in the East Asia and Pacific division, where she received many awards for her exemplary service and dedication.

Raissa was a very proud descendant of the Cossacks, famed horsemen and warriors. She devoted much time to the research and preservation of her heritage to share with her family .Raissa was a prolific writer, poet, sketch artist, and seamstress. She was fluent in several languages, including Serbian, Russian, Ukrainian, and German.

 Raissa retired to Inverness Florida where she was close to her sister and brother in law, Nina and Michael Senkiw by which whom she was pre-deceased. Raissa was a devout member of Saint Rapheal's Orthodox Churh in Inverness, Florida.

Raissa will be laid to rest in Baltimore, Maryland beside her mother. She is pre deceased by her parents, 3 sisters and brother.and is survived by her loving son Roman Podolak and grandchildren Ashley and Kelsey in addition to extended family and many caring friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Rapheal's Orthodox Church, 1277 N Paul Dr, Inverness, FL in her memory.

John Husowitz, 84, Lecanto, FL
John Husowitz, 84, of Lecanto, FL passed away October 12, 2017 under the care of Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast in Lecanto.  He was born in Frackville, PA on March 9, 1933 to the late Andrew and Stella (Varanka) Husowitz. John was a Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, and a Route Salesman for Lance Snack Foods for 20 years.  He arrived in this area in 1978, coming from West Islip, NY. John attended St. Raphael's Orthodox Church, was a member of the American Legion Post #77 in Inverness, and the Korean War Vets.  He loved singing, music and fishing.  He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Ann Husowitz.  Other survivors include: his children John, Jr., of Lecanto, and Deborah Ann and her husband Richard of Inverness; and one brother, Peter Husowitz of Bethlehem, PA.  He was preceded in death by his sister Olga Sorenson of Lecanto.  A Memorial Service of Remembrance is scheduled with Fr. Sergious Gerken of St. Raphael's Orthodox Church officiating. Military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery,  Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness, is in charge of the arrangements.

ZIVKO DONOVSKI, 69, Beverly Hills, FL
Zivko Donovski, 69, Beverly Hills passed away September 22, 2017. Mr Donovski was born in Macedonia on April 29, 1948 to the late Mihajlo and Marika (Cavdaroska) Donovski and came to Citrus County in 2014 from Warren, NJ. He worked in the plumbing industry as a young man and then became a foreman in the tool & die industry where he was an excellent machinist. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 48 years, Rodna (Janevska) Donovski, Beverly Hills, FL; two children, Julijana Prest and husband Jeffrey of Beverly Hills; Mihajlo Donovski, Fords, NJ; two sisters, Liljana Markoska and Fance Veleska, both of Elmwood, NJ; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Jacob. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tome Donovski.

It is with a sad heart that we announce John's passing. John was a very active member of our church. He never said No to any task. He helped make pierogies for the church festival. He also worked on our church garden with Fr. Sergious.  He could be counted on coming almost every day to water the flowers and bushes. His smiling face and wonderful personality will be missed.

John M. Peregrim, 93 of Inverness, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017 at the Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast in Lecanto. Born in Blakely, PA, John was the son of the late Michael G. Peregrim, his birth mother, Mary Ciolka and Mary Salitsky Peregrim. He was educated in Blakley schools graduating in 1941. In 1942 John enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve, serving as a Radioman 1st Class. Upon graduating Radio and Radio Direction Finding Schools, he was assigned to the USS Samuel S. Miles, Destroyer Escort 183. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 570, Blakely, PA and VFW Post 6082 Shopa- Davey, Peckville, PA. John has been a member of St. Raphael Orthodox Church in Inverness, since moving to Florida.
Immediately upon discharge from the Navy in January 1946, John enrolled in the University of Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. he was employed by the Petroleum, Heat & Power Company in Stamford, CT, as a cost accountant and later was promoted to Office Manager for American Oil Company in Washington, DC. From 1954 to 1957, he was employed by the First National Bank of Scranton, PA. He was hired by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and was later promoted to Comptroller of the Turnpike. In 1960, while still employed at the Turnpike, he was appointed by the Office of the Governor to serve on a committee created for the purpose of reviewing and recommending needed change to the systems and procedures as relating to various State Department's fiscal policies. John was listed in Who's Who in the East among Executives and Professionals since 1958. From late 1966, he was employed by the Geo. T. Bisel, Co., Law Book Publisher in Philadelphia, PA. Upon retirement, John relocated to Florida, where he pursued his dream to own and operate his own business.
John is survived by a son, John J. Peregrim, Phd. and his wife Kim, in Sacramento, CA; his brother Michael Peregrim of Blakely, PA and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters, Mildred Juris, Anna Peregrim, MSGT (WWII) retired, Johanna Ligosh , Elizabeth Derco and brother, Walter Peregrim.
The Panikhida Service for John, will be conducted on Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 AM from the St. Raphael Orthodox Church in Inverness, with Fr. Sergious Gerken, Celebrant. Friends may call at Church from 10:00 AM until service time. Burial with Military Honors will be on Monday, January 23rd at 10:00 AM at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The procession to the cemetery will begin from the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness. Anyone planning to attend should arrive at the funeral home at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, John would prefer that donations be made to the St. Raphael Orthodox Church, 1277 N. Paul Dr., Inverness, FL 34453. 

Stephen Pappas, son of George and Nikki Motika, was born on June 11, 1953 and passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016.  Stephen was a resident of Livermore, Colorado at the time of his passing.  He graduated from Upper Arlington High School and later went on to attend Ohio State University.

Memorial and burial services are being planned for Spring 2016.

Brother of Sub-deacon Paul Besserman

Edward S. Besserman, 79, of Granite City, Ill., born Jan. 18, 1937 - Jan. 18, 2016.

Mr. Besserman was employed with Tri City Grocery for 26 years, with Thomas and Thomas Saksa Funeral Homes for 38 years, and was a deputy coroner in Madison County, Ill., for 35 years. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Granite City, Ill., and Venice Crippled Children Organization. He founded the bingo at St. Margaret Mary Church in Granite City, Ill., was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and Madison-Venice Rotary, and was a former soccer coach, soccer and softball player, avid bowler and usher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nina, nee McKinney, Besserman Sr.; a brother, Elwood Besserman; and a sister, Theresa Besserman.

Surviving are his wife, Jerry K., nee Fraley, Besserman; children, Mary (Gary) Richmond of Southern Illinois, Tina (Steve) Kucchenmeister of Arnold, Mo., and Terry (Lisa) Besserman of St. Charles, Mo.; his Rosie, beloved best four-legged friend; grandchildren, Angela (Verlin Jr.) Pully, Adam (Billie Jo) Sanchez, Derek (Jenna) Sanchez, Wyatt Brewer, Kaylee Brewer, Courtney Nicholson, and Christopher Billner; great-grandchildren, David, Brianna, Carlee Jo, Dylan and Alivia; and a brother, Paul (Judy) Besserman Jr., of The Villages, Fla.

Memorials may be made as Masses or to the Animal Protection Association.

Mother of Judy Besserman

Patricia J. Huniak, nee Eck, 82, of Granite City, Ill., Feb. 17, 1933, in Commerce, Okla., passed away Sept. 12, 2015, in Granite City, Ill.  

Mrs. Huniak was a LPN at Colonial Haven Care Center of seven years.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Huniak, whom she married on July 25, 1952, in Madison, Ill.; parents, Anthony and Birdie, nee Phelps, Eck; son, Gregory Huniak; brothers, Tony Eck, Edgar Eck, and Michael Bradford; and sisters, Marilyn Fasbender and Beverly Jones.

Surviving are her children, David (Carol) Huniak of Granite City, Nick (Diana) Huniak of Maryville, Cheryl (Charles) Causey of Granite City, Judith (Paul) Besserman of The Villages, Fla., Stephen Huniak of Granite City, and Patricia (Richard) Relleke of Granite City; 10 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

FRANKLIN DELANO ALLGOOD (78) Of Ocala, FL.

Passed away peacefully at his home on July 8, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born on December 30, 1936, to the late Walter and Lillie Allgood of Elizabeth, IN. Frank was the husband of Helen Stathphopoulos Allgood, to whom he was married for 51 years. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are daughter Mary Gage, sons Thomas Pauter (Tracy Vail) and Michael Pauter, five grandchildren (Johnny Gage, Anthony Gage, Matthew (Meggan) Gage, Francine Pauter, and Andrew Pauter), three great-grandchildren, and siblings David (Barbara) Allgood, Jim (Sandy) Allgood, Marilyn (Bill) Wilson, and Thelma Curry, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William Allgood.

Frank grew up on a farm in Indiana, where he returned annually for visits and family reunions. He graduated from Bloomington University with a degree in mathematics. Frank served in the U.S. Army and had a long and rewarding career with the U.S. Information Agency (Voice of America). During Frank's career with the VOA, he and Helen traveled aboard regularly, including TDY assignments in Spain and Greece. He finally retired in 1991 yet he and Helen continued their world travels, covering over 85% of the globe. They returned to Maryland often for visits with family; he loved the history of the Washington area. Frank and Helen were active in their Greek Orthodox faith and were members of St. Raphael Orthodox church. Frank was an avid reader; always seeking to expand his knowledge. He enjoyed quiet time at the beach and sitting on his porch with a good book and listening to thunderstorms with his cat Mr. Gage, who was at his side in his final days. Frank was a sports enthusiast and was particularly fond of the Maryland Terrapins and the Washington Redskins. Frank enjoyed the simple things in life. He was a patient, kind and caring man. His family was the center of his life and they adored him. He will truly be missed by many.

Buttner, Peter J. NISKAYUNA Peter J. Buttner, 83, departed this life on Monday, April 27, 2015.

Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Peter and Margaret (Flood) Buttner. After graduating from high school in Queens, Peter served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War. Subsequently he continued his education graduating from Hofstra College, acquiring his master's degree from The University of Rochester and earning a PhD in geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Peter served as director of Environmental Management for the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation from 1974 until his retirement in 1991. He later worked as a self-employed computer consultant. Peter was a member of St. Basil's Russian Orthodox Church in Maplewood. His wide-ranging interests included fly fishing, ham radio and photography.

In his retirement years he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Natalia. Together they explored the Amazon, Machu Picchu, Iceland, New Zealand, China, the Alps, the Galapagos, Greece, Italy and France, as well has many interesting places in North America, all of which he documented with his brilliant photographs. When not traveling, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family at his cabin in the Adirondacks.

He is survived by his loving wife, Natalia Prajmovsky Buttner; his devoted sons, Steven Buttner (Kim Moody) of Poland, Maine, and Gregory Buttner (Darlene) of Colonie; his cherished grandchildren, Jake Buttner Moody, Johanna Buttner Moody, Stephen Gregory Buttner and Nicole Elizabeth Buttner; his dear sisters, Joan Buttner of Old Brookville and Margret Wickterman of East Falmouth, Mass., as well as several nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Buttner of Oceanside, N.Y.

Albin "Al" Kaimer, age 81, of The Villages, FL, died peacefully November 19, 2014 surrounded by his loving family and friends at The Villages Regional Hospital. Al, was born on February 5, 1933 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Albert and Jennie (Gribko) Kaimer. He served our country in the United States Army. Al was employed as a lead man for Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT for over 38 years. He enjoyed gardening and fishing, playing cards with his many friends and was known around his community as a handyman. Al was a faithful and devoted member of St. Raphael's Orthodox Church in Inverness, where he was actively involved in many parish projects.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Helen Kaimer; sons, Albin (Carol) Kaimer, Jr., Brookfield, CT, Paul (Sheila) Kaimer, New Port Richey, FL, Joseph (Tracy) Kaimer, Seth, WV; daughters, Katherine (Greg) Chase, Milford, CT and Daria (Paul) Vonstein; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter Tamara Kristof.

Brother of Judy Besserman

Gregory A. "Gary" Huniak, 56, of Granite City, Illinois passed away on September 14, 2014. He was born December 10, 1957 in Granite City, a son of Patricia J. (Eck) Huniak of Granite City and the late Nick Huniak. He was a member of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Madison. He was an all around mechanic, loving his days of building engines or helping others in their automotive needs. He enjoyed attending drag races and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. He was an avid duck hunter and was a good dog trainer. Gary was a special brother and uncle to many and cherished his dog. He will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.

In addition to his beloved mother, he is survived by six brothers and sisters, David and Carol Huniak of Granite City, Nick A. and Diana Huniak of Maryville, Cheryl and Charles Causey of Granite City, Judy and Paul Besserman of The Villages, Florida, Stephen J. Huniak of Granite City and Patricia and Richard Relleke of Granite City; many nieces; nephews; great nieces; great nephews; other extended family and many friends.