In Memoriam | Summer 2025
David M. Bleech | BSBA ‘54 | 2015 | Bleech, of Canon, Georgia, passed on May 5. Bleech served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later worked as a medical doctor for BJC Medical Center. He was also dedicated to his Episcopal faith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty and his brother Otto. He is survived by his children, Ross, Thomas, Raulie and Claudia; his grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren.
Joseph N. Belflower | BSBA ‘54 | 2025 | Belflower, of Maitland, Florida, passed on April 4. He worked for the Navy Reserves as he obtained his BSBA at the Warrington College of Business. Post-graduation, he worked as a Bank Examiner with the Federal Reserve Bank and later with the First National Bank of Orlando. He was also a dedicated member, teacher and treasurer of his church. Belflower married Sarah Etta Gamel and had three children: Scott, Jeffrey and Steve. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
Lieutenant Colonel Jerome A. East | BSBA ‘55 | 2025 | East, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed on May 16. After graduating from the University of Florida with his BSBA, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He served as a pilot for many years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At the same time, East married Judy and had three daughters: Linda, Laura and Lisa. After retirement, he remained devoted to spending time with his family and friends, embracing island life and worshipping at First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu. He later married Scotty for over 50 years until her passing in 2019. He is survived by his daughters; his adopted son, Scott; and his extended family.
Jerry J. Chicone Jr. | BSBA ‘56 | 2025 | Chicone, of Orlando, Florida, passed on May 29. He was a dedicated student during his time at the University of Florida studying business, leading the Sigma Chi fraternity and engaging with Florida Blue Key. He served in the army and later married his wife, Sue Chicone, of 65 years. They had three children: Cary, Susan and Jay. Professionally, he began his career at Chicone Groves and Properties with his father. His continual involvement in the citrus industry led him to be the president of the Florida Citrus Showcase and on several executive boards. He leaves a legacy of leadership, generosity and devotion to his family and faith. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and extended family.
James A. Landon | BSBA ‘60, MA ‘61 | 2025 | Landon, of Gold Canyon, Arizona, passed on July 6. He obtained his business degree and masters in marketing at the University of Florida. He brought his marketing expertise to several notable organizations including WJT TV, Cox Broadcasting Corp, Swensen’s Ice Cream and NOLL & ASSOCIATES. His selfless, loving heart was exhibited through his work and care for his wife, Gaynor, throughout her battle of ALS. Jim was preceded by his wife and their daughter, Jessica. He is survived by his children, Kim and Brad; his grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren.
Dutton V. Shaw | BAA ‘61 | 2025 | Shaw, of Lake Placid, Florida, passed on April 18. He was a proud veteran serving in the army during World War II. As he dedicated his life to public service, he also worked as an auditor and the Florida government. His greatest passions included Gator football, history and his biblical-rooted faith. He will continue to be remembered by his service, familial love and unwavering faith. Shaw shared 75 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Flora Mave Singleton Shaw. He was preceded in death by his wife and two children, Verl and Florinda. He is survived by his two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Patsy E. Wolff | BSBA ‘61 | 2025 | Wolff, of Highlands, North Carolina, passed on May 23. She dedicated her life to serving others and was actively involved in Roswell United Methodist Church and the Roswell Rotary Club. She also contributed to the family business, Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Tullahoma Inc. and started The Art of Travel. Her heart for charity and adventure lives on through her husband, Bill Wolff; her daughter, Shannon Wolff Everly; her son, Glenn Wolf; and her extended family members.
Richard P. Bernard | BSBA ‘61 | 2025 | Bernard, of Marietta, Georgia, passed on April 24. After graduating high school, he served in the Army. When he completed his service, he completed his accounting degree from the University of Florida and worked as a Certified Public Accountant for over 50 years. He was also a lifetime member of the University of Florida Alumni Association and an avid sports fan. Bernard is survived by his daughter, Rachel; brother Michael; sister-in-law Christine; and extended family.
James D. Eckert | BSBA ‘62, JD ‘65 | 2025 | Eckert, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed on April 23. During his time at the University of Florida, he was deeply involved in Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity as he received his BSBA and JD. He went on to practice law for more than 50 years at various law firms and the Florida Bar. Additionally, he was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. He is survived by his three children, Rusty, Ginger and Kristin; his grandchildren; and his siblings, Dan, Rosella, Laura and Rita. Eckert will be remembered for his quick wit and willingness to help and support others.
James S. Parker | BSBA ‘62, JD ‘68 | 2025 | Parker, of Arcadia, Florida, passed on May 24. Jim married Frances in 1962 and had two daughters, Cassandra and Lenora. Afterwards, he attended the University of Florida earning his undergraduate degree with Warrington and later attended UF Law. His professional career included being appointed as the DeSoto County Judge and Circuit Judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida. He was also a lifelong member of Trinity Arcadia Methodist Church and the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. Parker is remembered by his eagerness to listen and good counsel. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Thomas E. Floyd | BSBA ‘63 | 2025 | Floyd, of Richmond, Texas passed on April 28. He earned both his bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Florida before joining the marketing department of Coca-Cola. His knowledge and passion for market research led him to start Auto-Facts market research company and take his expertise throughout the world. Floyd also had three children with his wife Jean of 63 years. He was known as “Tackle Box Tom” for his passion for fishing and hunting. He is preceded by his loving wife and daughter, Angie. He is survived by his son, Tom; his daughter, Barbara; and his extended family.
Robert W. Decker | BAA ‘64 | 2025 | Decker, of Miami Shores, Florida, passed on May 4. His profound faith in God and his love for his family was woven into the foundation of his life. He graduated from the University of Florida as a member of Delta Tau Delta with a degree in accounting. He was married to his wife Lucienne for 61 years and they had three beautiful daughters: Karen, Lauren and Kristen. He worked for his family’s business, Miller Machinery, his whole life and served as the president for many years. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John V. Jokinen | BSBA ‘65 | 2025 | Jokinen, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed on June 28. A proud gator, Jokinen graduated from Warrington in 1965 and served as the president of Beta Theta Pi during his upperclassman years. While working for Simmons Company as a sales representative for Albany, Georgia, he met his wife Huntie. Jokinen also co-founded E.J. Victor, one of the top furniture manufacturers in the United States. Jokinen was also a proud member of the Finnish community and Grace Episcopal Church. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Huntie; his daughter, Jeanne; his son, John; and his extended family.
Maurice W. Tritschler | MBA ‘65 | 2025 | Tritschler, of Friday Harbor, Washington, passed on April 21. After completing a graduate degree in business at Warrington, he founded Suncoast Yachts Sales and Charter. Remembered for his generosity and love of sailing, he was always willing to share his wisdom with others. He is preceded by his beloved wife, Rhonda, and his eldest son, Marc. He is survived by his youngest son, Jon; his daughter, Ann; and his extended family.
Ronald G. Wilkins | BSBA ‘65 | 2025 | Wilkins, of Elkmont, Alabama, passed on April 21. He married his wife Patricia in 1963 and graduated from the University of Florida shortly after. The same year, he had a son named Ronald and a daughter named Dawn in 1968. Wilkins worked extensively in the medical field as administrators and directors of several hospitals and blood centers throughout his life. He also helped start the Southside church of Christ where he served as an elder for many years. His dedication to his faith and family will be forever cherished by every life he touched. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
John B. Cagnina | BSBA ‘66 | 2025 | Cagnina, of Bradenton, Florida, passed on May 31. After obtaining his business administration degree from Warrington, Cagnina served for six years in the Florida Army National Guard. His professional journey included working in sales, stocks, real estate and opening a citrus company. He will be remembered for his integrity, quiet strength and devotion to his loved ones. John was preceded in death by his son John and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister, Carmon; and extended family.
Lynn Stokes | BAA ‘67 | 2025 | Stokes, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on April 21.
Robert W. Ennis | BAA ‘71 | 2025 | Ennis, of Ponte Vendra, Florida, passed on May 31. Ennis served in the U.S. Navy and later earned a degree in advanced accounting from the University of Florida. He was a founding partner of accounting firm Enis, Pellum & Associates in 1978 where he worked for over four decades. He was a devoted member of Palms Presbyterian Church and cherished time with his family most of all. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonita. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca; son, Jeffrey; and their families.
George C. O’Shields | BAA ‘73 | 2025 | O’Shields of Orange Park, Florida, passed on May 3. O’Shields served in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return, he completed his degree in business administration at Warrington. Professionally, he earned his CPA and joined the Florida Department of Insurance. Personally, he married his beloved wife Marietta LaVonne. They lost two sons, Patrick Ryan and Michael Garrett, in infancy, but had one daughter Luaren Elizabeth. O’Shields was known for his love of the outdoors and his treasured friends and family. O’Shields is survived by his wife, daughter and her family.
Thomas M. Emerick | BSBA ‘75 | 2025 | Emerick, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed on May 14. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a medic before graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business. Emerick was the proud owner of family business Southern Hardware until 2000. He was also a devoted Catholic and a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Emerick is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Bernadette; his children, Michele, Molly, Thomas and Chris; his grandchildren; and extended family. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his inquisitive mind, his resourcefulness and his humble approach to life.
Jaime E. Parra Jr. | BSBA ‘80 | 2024 | Parra, of Hollywood, Florida, passed on September 30. After studying business administration at the University of Florida, he joined the Nielsen Company. 33 years ago, he met his wife Yvette and had a daughter named Julia. Parra was known for his wealth of knowledge, culture and stories. He was also a Jehovah’s witness, football fanatic and a traveler. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Douglas A. Tuttle | BSBA ‘81 | 2025 | Tuttle, of Tampa, Florida, passed on June 14. Tuttle graduated the University of Florida with a business degree in finance and as a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, he married his beloved wife, Sandra, of 44 years. He had a lifetime career in banking, working at Southtrust Bank, Mercantile Bank, American Momentum, BankAtlantic and Seacoast Bank as president. He was also a member of CUP (Coffee United People), Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club,YMKG and the First Presbyterian Church of Tampa. His joy came from his family and his strength from their relationships. Tuttle is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Burton; his daughter, Jenna; and his extended family.
Jim Burness | BSBA ‘81 | 2025 | Burness, of Oldsmar, Florida, passed on June 12. He attended the University of Florida as a finance student and member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He worked in investment management and financial planning and later founded Dublin Wealth Management, a financial planning firm. He was also an active member of the Dublin A.M. Rotary Club, serving as Club President and chair of the International Committee. Burness was known for his famous homemade limoncello, his humor and his dedication to his family. Burness is survived by his wife, Susan; beloved daughters, Megan, Kylie and Mackenzie; and extended family.
William L. Jernigan | MBA ‘82 | 2025 | Jernigan, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, passed on May 2. Jernigan earned his MBA And PhD at the University of Florida, but was a lifetime learner of history, politics, science, philosophy and spirituality. His life was marked with continuous self-improvement, wisdom and time with his family. He is survived by his daughter, Rachel, his son, Everett; and his family.
David A. Briggs | MBA ‘84 | 2023 | Briggs, of Gainesville, Florida, passed on January 8.
Michael C. Leone | BSBA ‘92 | 2025 | Leone, of Fleming Isle, Florida, passed on June 23. He graduated from Warrington in 1992 and later began a career dedicated to the innovation of computer systems across the world. Most recently, he was a director of an incubation start-up with Lenovo. He pursued a life of curiosity and service to his profession and family. Leone is survived by his loving children, Isabella, Enzo and Sofia; his parents Kenneth and Marry; his siblings, Susan and Jonathan; and extended family.
Stephen R. Stark | BSBA ‘92 | 2025 | Stark of Delray Beach, Florida, passed on April 11. He was a man defined by joy, integrity, humility and unwavering devotion. At the University of Florida, he earned his degree in business and met his wife, Amy. Together, they raised two daughters, Broke and Bridget. Professionally, he was president and part owner of the U.S. Info-Comm, Inc. Nonetheless, he never failed to keep others and his family as his priority. Stark is survived by his mother, Darla; his beloved wife, Amy; his daughter Bridget; his siblings; and other family members.
Bryan W. Bush | MA ‘94 | 2025 | Bush, of Jackson, Georgia, passed on May 31. Bush received his master’s degree in finance and real estate from the University of Florida in 1994. He worked for many companies across his professional career including Hendry County Tax Assessors, Commercial Assets Group, Century 21 Crowe Realty and Colony Bank. He also served his community in leadership positions within the Jackson United Methodist Church and Harbor Shores Homeowners Authority. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Jennifer; sons, Brett and Brody; parents, Wilson and Gail; and additional family members.
Susan L. Harris | MBA ‘98 | 2025 | Harris, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed on April 25. She obtained her MBA at the University of Florida and built a career in information technology as a programmer. She shared 31 years of marriage with her husband John and was a proud mother of Adam and stepmother of Jordan. Her adventurous spirit and true light will continue to be cherished by her family and community. She is survived by her older brother, Jimmy.
Andrew D. Spezia | BSBA ‘05 | 2025 | Spezia, of McKinney, Texas, passed on May 17.
John C. Roether | BSBA ‘05 | 2025 | Roether, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed on May 20. Roether graduated from Warrington in 2005. He had a successful business in orthopedics, but found the most pride in his family and his faith. He will be remembered for being the giving, loving and fun person he was. He is survived by his parents, Mark and Suzanne; sister, Jaclyn; his lovely wife, Lauren; son, James; and daughter, Lyla.
Matthew McEwan | MBA ‘08 | 2025 | McEwan, of Krum, Texas, passed on May 21. Known as a man of integrity, intelligence and deep compassion, he was a leader in his professional and personal life. He built a successful career in the graphics and printing industry before becoming a leader in the Wagyu cattle industry in 2015. He was also a devoted and loving husband to Stephanie and father to Hunter, Henley and Hollie. He is survived by his wife, children, parents, sister and extended family.
Lewis R. Blake | BSAC ‘12, MACC ‘12 | 2025 | Blake, of Miami, Florida, passed on June 25.
James A. Perkins | BSBA ‘13 | 2025 | Perkins, of Stuart, Florida, passed on April 4. After graduating with a finance degree from the University of Florida, he started his career with M&C Specialities and married his college sweetheart, Leigh Brown. His sales development career grew internationally as he worked with Lohmann Technologies in Germany and BBI Solutions UK. In 34 years of marriage, he had three children: MacCray, Benjamin and Becket. Perkins held his passions for sports and music in his heart and loved to partake in them with his sons. He is survived by his wife, sons, mother, siblings and extended family members.
