In Memoriam | August 2024
Robert N. Scott | BSBA ’53 | 1930-2024 | Scott, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed on June 23. Robert “Bob” Scott was born on November 4, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, and moved with his family to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1942. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Business and was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, forming lifelong friendships. After marrying Darlene Duguid in 1953, Bob served in the Army and later had a successful career with Exxon, negotiating exploration contracts in the Middle East. He retired at 56, allowing him and Darlene to enjoy travel and leisure, eventually settling in Amelia Island, Florida, where he contributed to his community.
John W. Griffin | BSAC ’67 | 1938-2024 | Griffin, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed on July 6. Born on August 28, 1938, in North Branch, Michigan, John graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1967. A former collegiate athlete in football and baseball, Jack became a successful entrepreneur, excelling in industries like mobile homes, tax services, and check cashing. He was known for his quick thinking, accounting skills, and dedication to creating jobs, particularly in rural areas. Jack and his wife Carolyn, to whom he was married for 63 years, established a scholarship program for underprivileged youth in his hometown, reflecting his passion for higher education and community service.
David D. Burton Jr. | BAA ’69 | 1942-2024 | Burton, of Clearwater, Florida, passed on June 23. Born on October 31, 1942, in Richmond, VA, David lost his mother at a young age and later gained a stepmother, Audrey Burton, and a brother, Jack Warner. After serving four years in the Air Force at MacDill Air Force Base, he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he earned an accounting degree in 1969. He built a successful career at Harper, Van Scoik CPA firm in Clearwater, FL, specializing in tax and real estate investment. David was married to Donna Stone for 31 years, and after her passing, he found love again with Beth Lane, with whom he spent 24 years. He was a devoted family man, an active member of his church, an avid car collector, and a passionate Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Rays fan.
Eddie Jackson | MA ’74 | 1938-2024 | Jackson, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed on June 3. Born in Orlando, he graduated from Jones High School and went on to Gibbs Junior College, Florida A&M University (B.S.), and the University of Florida (M.S.). After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, he had a distinguished career at FAMU, where he was an editor, sports information director, and later served as Vice President for University Relations before retiring in 2002. He published a book on FAMU football in 2009 and was instrumental in founding the 220 Quarterback Club. He was active in various community and alumni organizations, including Bethel AME Church and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and served on the Board of Directors for the Leon County Public Library.
Gregory M. Kelly | BSBA ’81 | 1959-2024 | Kelly, of Atlantic Beach, Florida, passed on June 1. Born in Gainesville, FL, Greg graduated from Sandalwood High School in 1977 before earning a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1981, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He had a successful career in medical capital equipment, becoming a leading sales manager and skilled surgeon educator. Greg was renowned for his ability to build award-winning sales teams and train surgeons on cutting-edge technologies. In retirement, he enjoyed outdoor sports and traveling with family and friends, leaving a memorable impression with his towering presence and quick wit.
Carl W. Sahlsten Jr. | BSAC ’83 | 1962-2024 | Sahlsten, of Tampa, Florida, passed on July 3. Born on October 13, 1962, in Miami, Florida, Carl earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting with High Honors from the University of Florida in 1983. He began his career at Peat Marwick CPA firm before co-founding the CPA firm Paulk, Reinschmidt & Sahlsten. In 1988, he became CFO of Hooters of America and later held executive roles at Connerty & Associates and Outback Steakhouse Inc., where he was President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Senior VP of Real Estate. Carl retired in 2020 after a distinguished career, including his role as CEO of Metro Diner. He was deeply devoted to his family, enjoyed traveling, and was a passionate Florida Gators fan.
Thomas P. Begasse | BSBA ’85 | 1961-2024 | Begasse, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, passed on May 22. Tom, who was 63, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology. Known for his deep love and gentle nature, he was a self-taught photographer who cherished capturing life’s moments and an avid guitarist inspired by rock legends. His photography and music will be remembered fondly by his family, including his three children and partner. Tom is survived by his three children, Lauren, Daniel and Aeberli Begasse, his nephews Kenneth Begasse, Jr. and Brian Lennon, his nieces Kerri Lynn Litrenta and Lorraine Lennon, and his partner Shennette Gibson. He is preceded in death by his father, Francis, his mother, Dorothy, his brother and sister, Kenneth Begasse, Sr. and Janice Lennon, and his nephew Paul Lennon.
Cheryl L. Young, PMP | BSAC ’96, MA ’98 | 1969-2024 | Young, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed on June 5. Born June 22, 1969, on Little Rock Air Force Base, Cheryl earned her high school diploma from Munster High School in 1987 and a Master of Arts in Decision and Information Sciences from the University of Florida in 1998. She had a distinguished career as a Senior Project Manager at CVS Health, where she was a leading advocate for women in technology. Cheryl was also known for her significant volunteer work with the American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity. She lived her life to the fullest, traveling the world and enjoying sports and music, leaving a lasting impact on her family and community.
