Russell John Sepielli

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Russell John Sepielli

March 9, 1945 - May 10, 2024

Russell J Sepielli died peacefully on May 10, 2024 surrounded by his wife and three sons. He was born on March 9, 1945 in Niagara Falls, NY. He was the son of James and Beatrice (Rizzo) Sepielli and the beloved husband of Dianne L. (Romano) Sepielli. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Jimmy Sepielli. He was the brother of Barbara Sepielli, Patricia Barnum (Tom), Ron Sepielli and brother-in-law of F. Michael (Mickey) Sechio, his buddy.

Russell was the beloved father to Robert (Ali) Sepielli, Jon (JT) Sepielli and stepfather to Michael (Michelle) Manocchio. He loved his role as Papa to his nine grandchildren: Sofia, Sebastian, Jackson, Jordan and Charlie Sepielli and Michael, Anna, Grace and Claire Manocchio.

Russell was a man of great faith and integrity. He was an active communicant at Nativity Catholic Church, sat on the parish council, taught CCD, was an annulment advocate and an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He was also a Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He met his wife, Dianne at a prayer meeting in the late 80’s and became “church friends”. He always told the story of how they met and he was struck with a thunderbolt! They finally married in 1992 and had an incredibly blessed life, filled with much happiness, many friends, a loving family and a shared faith that permeated throughout their lives together.

Russell graduated from South Broward High School in 1963 and received a BA degree from the University of Miami in 1968. He taught psychology at McArthur High School for two years after graduation then went into the family business at DuRite Engineering. He was vice president of that business for 20 years. He later worked at All-Rite Paving until his retirement.

He loved traveling with his wife and exploring different countries but his favorite was always Italy, (the Motherland) which he and Dianne traveled to many times. He enjoyed his retirement, especially the time spent at his summer home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

He was an avid reader and active with activities that included hiking, snow skiing, boating, scuba diving, tennis and his Miami Hurricanes.

In 2023, he wrote and had published a book entitled “Riding With History”. He was thrilled to receive so many rave reviews on his book, not only from his family and friends but from total strangers as well.

He was blessed to receive Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion less than 12 hours before he passed away to be with Our Lord and Savior. Thank you, Father Robert Ayala, our dear friend and pastor.

Russell will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, May 15^th 2024 from 6:00-9:00 PM at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Boulevard. Hollywood, FL 33021.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, 11:00 AM at Nativity Catholic Church, 5200 Johnson Street, Hollywood Florida 33021 followed by Entombment at Hollywood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Nativity Catholic Church.

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Address: 4200 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, Florida 33021

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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.