Bert M. Soden

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Bert M. Soden

September 16, 1949 - December 4, 2022

Bert Mark Soden, known as “The Legend” in the lifeguard community, died at home in Hollywood, Florida, on Sunday December 4th, at the age of 73.

Bert is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 40 years, Patricia and by his son Justin, who followed his father’s steps, and became a Marine Safety Officer for the Hollywood Beach Patrol.

Bert was born in Broomall, PA to Bert Edward Soden and Geraldine Ursula Soden. He married Patricia in 1982 and the couple welcomed their only son Justin Bert in 1995. Bert attended grade school at Saint Aloysius Academy, high school at Marple Newtown Square and college at West Chester University where he played varsity soccer and swimming.

Bert began his lifelong lifeguard career at the age of 16 in New Jersey and continued life guarding for 50 years. In 1975, while working for the Wildwood Beach Patrol, he swam around Wildwood, NJ and in 1977, he was the first person to swim around Sea Isle City. Bert relocated to Florida and worked for the Hollywood Beach Patrol as a Marine Safety Officer. He was the first person to swim from the Haulover inlet in Dade county to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. He retired in 2021 from Miami Beach Ocean Rescue, after 38 years of service with them, at the age of 71. While lifeguarding he competed every year at the National Lifeguard Championships. Bert was an accomplished runner, Ironman Triathlete and long distance swimmer. He competed in 10 Boston Marathons, his first triathlon was the Ironman in the big island of Hawaii, he has 4 Ironman World Championships under his belt.

Bert was a generous and loving husband, father and friend who always had a smile in his face and always willing to help others. During his lifeguard tenure, Bert saved hundreds of lives and prevented hundreds of drownings. He was an icon in the Triathlon community.

After being diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer in January of this year, Bert continued to lifeguard at the Triathlon events. He completed four 5k running races, two 1 mile ocean swim races and three events at the National Lifeguard Championships in Hermosa Beach, CA. For his birthday in September he swam in Wildwood, NJ, with his old lifeguard buddies and ran the 5K in Philly the same weekend. Bert also set up a spectacular weekend for his wife for their 40 year wedding anniversary. His last event was in October, where he paddle the 5 mile Whiskey Creek race with his son Justin and he wore a Superman outfit.

Bert fought his illness to the end and did what he loved the most. Now he is swimming in the Ocean Heavens. He is at peace now and he is probably already a member of the HBP (HEAVEN BEACH PATROL). He will always say: *God and the Ocean are my life source*.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 9th, 2022 from 5:00pm-9:00pm with a Prayer service at 7:00pm. Burial will be held the following day, Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at Dania Memorial Park(East) at 11:00am:324 W Dixie Highway, Dania Beach, Fl.

PADDLE OUT-Wednesday, December 14, 2022-MIAMI BEACH OCEAN RESCUE ,1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 at 4:00PM.

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Diane Struyf

By Kevin Rieth • February 18, 2025

Diane Struyf, born July 10, 1948, in Hollywood, Florida, to James and Eloise Shipman, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by her loving family, after one last epic visit with lifelong friends. After graduating from South Broward High School in 1966 where she formed friendships she would cherish her whole life, she began her career as a legal secretary. Beyond her burgeoning career, Diane's charismatic presence shone brightly in beauty pageants, where she earned several titles—a testament to the grace and charm that remained with her always. In 1977, Diane married the love of her life, Terry, and together they welcomed their son, Michael, in 1985. As a devoted mother, Diane was actively involved in the PTA and ensured her family enjoyed three home-cooked meals daily. In the 1980s, Diane and Terry embarked on a joint venture, purchasing and renovating Marine Villas, a vacation rental on Hollywood Beach. This family business became their labor of love for the next three decades. Diane also pursued a successful career in real estate with Hollywood Beach Realty and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, contributing her time and energy to community service. Her greatest joy came from her role as a grandmother to her beloved granddaughter, Tallulah. Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Terry, Diane is survived by her son, Michael; granddaughter, Tallulah; brother, Wayne Shipman; and numerous relatives and close friends who will forever hold her memory dear. A memorial gathering will be Saturday, February 22nd, 11:00am - 2:00pm with a celebration of life service at 1:00pm all at Landmark Funeral Home.

Joanne Marie Ager

February 18, 2025

June 14, 1960 - February 11, 2025

Freda B. Flynn

By Kevin Rieth • February 17, 2025

Freda was born in Elmont NY in 1931. Her parents were Helen and Al Morsch. Freda was an only child until the age of 16 at which time Helen became the legal guardian of a niece, Lucille, at age two. While Lucille had biological siblings, Lucille and Freda were sisters as well. Freda married Jimmy Flynn, and they had a daughter, Barbara Ann. They lived in Huntington NY until moving to South Florida in 1961 and finally Plantation in 1963 where Freda lived until her passing. Freda worked for the School Board of Broward County we she worked closely in developing the Migrant Education program that became a nation-wide program monitoring the whereabouts of the migrant children as they traveled around the country with their parents. She was an active member of St. Gregory where she volunteered and assisted Sister Jean as her secretary for 10 years. After retiring from her “real” job, she continued to work for her daughter, Barbara Ann, until the age of 93. She performed bookkeeping services, answered emails, learned new software features, and did all that with an unbeatable sense of humor. When she sent emails, she would end them with an emoji wearing cool-looking sunglasses. To quote her co-workers, “Freda was a cool lady and so much fun to work with.” Freda is survived by her daughter, Barbara Ann, her niece Donna Montrony, godson/nephew, John Montrony, her nephew, Christopher Montrony, her almost daughter Audrey Rosso and almost son, Joe Zarranz. Freda passed peacefully at home with her daughter by her side on Monday, February 10. She had a smile on her face as she met Jesus and all the angels in Heaven. Her spirit and love remain in our hearts, and she will always be with us. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. stjude.org/donate

Alfred Anthony Cianelli, Jr.

By Kevin Rieth • February 17, 2025

Alfred A. Cianelli, 94, passed away on February 11, 2025. He was born on March 21, 1930, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to the late Alfred Cianelli, Sr., and Belinda Susi Cianelli. In 1945, Alfred met his beloved wife, Frances (Boyd) Cianelli, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952, living in Norfolk, VA, and Providence, RI. After his service, Alfred and Frances, along with their two sons, Fred and David, lived in Columbus, Ohio, for 12 years before relocating to Hollywood, Florida, in 1964, where they raised their family. In 1971, Alfred co-founded Pre-Cast Specialties, Inc., a company that manufactured precast products for the Southeastern coast of South Florida. In 1984, the business became a family affair as Alfred’s two sons joined the company. Over the next six decades, Pre-Cast Specialties, Inc., grew to become one of the largest producers of hollow core slabs and concrete poles in the country. In 2015, the Cianelli family sold their thriving business to a capital venture group. After retiring, Alfred often visited Bel Air, MD, and Gatlinburg, TN, finding joy in gardening, tackling home projects, and spending quality time with family and friends. Each day, you’d find him immersed in the daily newspaper, Frank Sinatra serenading him in the background, and a steaming cup of coffee by his side. His morning ritual also included a bowl of cornflakes and a banana – a simple, comforting routine. Alfred was a creature of habit, but that didn’t stop him from embracing adventure. He loved traveling, embarking on road trips across the United States and exploring new corners of the world. His travels even took him to Italy and Egypt, where he experienced the thrill of riding camels through the desert. Alfred is predeceased by his granddaughter Meghan Cianelli Bennett (William). He is survived by his loving wife, Frances Ann Cianelli; his son Fred (Colleen) and granddaughter Brittany Cianelli Chalela (Mario); and his son David (Karen Swanson) and grandson Dane. Mass will be held at St. David’s Catholic Church, 3900 South University Drive Davie, FL, on February 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Dana Farber Meghan's Jimmy Fund Fund in memory of Alfred’s granddaughter, to support research for NUT Carcinoma.

Brenda Arzie

February 14, 2025

April 5, 1968 - January 16, 2025

Betty Miller

February 13, 2025

Betty J. Miller, 92, formerly of Hollywood Florida, passed away February 10, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA to James and Sara Brennan. Betty worked for Barry University and the University of Miami department of Neurology as a secretary until retirement. She was a devout catholic and longstanding member of Nativity Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Legion of Mary and very active volunteering with Respect Life. She was married for 62 years to the love of her life Alfred P. Miller(predeceased) and they had 5 children together. Sons Kevin Miller and Alfred P. Miller Jr both (predeceased). She is survived by daughters Diane Diamond (Roland Dezentje) and Susan Miller; son Robert Miller (Annie Fair); grandchildren Jacqueline, Justin (Ashley), Meghan (Vernon), Josey, Courtney, and Crystal; great grandchildren Taylor, Avery, Lucas, Cash and niece Janice Matthews. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 18th, 10:30 – 11:30 at Landmark Funeral Home with Funeral Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00noon at Nativity Catholic Church followed by entombment at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in North Lauderdale.