VARADA, Theodore Frank, 91, of Valrico passed away May 13, 2012. He was born in New York City and has been an area resident since 1973. He was a World War II Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He was a Life Member of the John C. McCarthy Tampa Chapter #4 Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid fisherman, and he loved bowling and snow skiing. Theodore is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughters, Patricia Ann (Robert) Flenner and Palma (Steve) Merkel; grandchildren, Christopher (Alicia) Merkel and Bradley Merkel; great-grandchildren, Faith and Jonathan Merkel; niece, Maryann Kuntz; nephew, Paul Rhinesmith and wife Beverly and children; and good friend, Regina Heiney. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2012 with a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Stowers Funeral Home, www.stowersfh.com. Entombment with military honors will be at a later date at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice.
