John William Barret

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John William Barret

March 12, 1938 - August 5, 2024

John William Barret, Jr., 86, beloved son of John William and Helen Marie Barret, died peacefully at home on August 5, 2024 after a long illness with family by his side.

John is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Margaret (Bowden) Barret, his son John William Barret, III, his daughter Anne Elizabeth Payne, her two children Foster and Rylan, his son James Walter Barret with his wife Sarah Jane and their five children, Siena, Jude, Jameson, Eve, and Joshua.

Born March 12, 1938 in Miami and raised in The Village of El Portal, Florida, John attended St. Mary's and Archbishop Curley. A proud descendant of Colonel William Barret Travis, his lifelong love of history led to his graduating with a BA in History from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina and with a double MA in History and Education from Barry University in Miami Shores. John loved music, and built a regional following as a radio DJ in college known as “Mrs. Barret’s Little Blue-Eyed Butterball.”

John was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and served as a scouting assistant for legendary basketball coach Al McGuire. He coached Immaculate Conception to their first major baseball championship. His Little League and YMCA basketball teams won multiple championships and he was named Broward Christian Coach of the Year.

He worked for Sun Life of Canada and Crown Life as an Insurance Agent and Broker for many years winning numerous Agent of the Year honors. This allowed him to travel the world representing the company with his wife Peggy throughout the Caribbean to the Americas to Europe to China and beyond.

John resided in Hollywood, Florida and was a parishioner at Nativity Catholic Church for over 50 years. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Davie and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. He served with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and he was a dedicated advocate for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. TN.

John's deep knowledge and love of fishing led to his being on a first-name basis with all of the fish from North Ft. Lauderdale to the Lower Keys. His love of life, infectious laugh, and willingness to help others will forever be remembered by all who encountered him. Often traveling for work and for family outings in his cherished Checker cab, he is now well and truly "On the Road Again."

Visitation will be Friday, August 16th, 6-9pm with family remarks at 7:30pm all at Landmark Funeral home.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 17th, 10am at Nativity Catholic Church, 5220 Johnson St. Hollywood, FL 33021 followed by a friends and family reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital www.StJude.org

St. Jude Children's Hospital

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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.