Adelaide Gonzalez Few

Adelaide Gonzalez Few, a remarkable woman known for her beauty, intellect, and dedication to service, passed away on October 18 leaving a lasting legacy in the Tampa community. Born in 1937 to a Sicilian mother with deep Tampa roots and a Spanish/Cuban father who was a respected physician, Adelaide embodied a unique blend of grace and brilliance that shaped both her personal and professional life.

At just 16, Adelaide graduated as valedictorian from H.B. Plant High School, showcasing her academic excellence and ambition. She began her college education at Randolph Macon Women’s College (now Randolph College) and, by age 19, graduated with highest honors from the University of Florida’s College of Arts and Sciences. During this time, she balanced academic achievements with a presence that earned her titles such as Miss University of Florida and Orange Bowl Queen.

Adelaide later earned a master’s degree in special education (speech pathology) from the University of Florida’s College of Education. She became a teacher and devoted homemaker. After raising her children, Adelaide’s intellectual curiosity led her back to academia, where she graduated cum laude and ranked among the top five of her class at Stetson University College of Law and was a member of the Stetson Law Review. As an attorney, she combined her sharp legal mind with a deep sense of justice, serving as an Assistant State Attorney, where she led the sex crimes division, and later as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

Her commitment to scholarship and service was evident early in her life. As an undergraduate, she was active in student government at UF and was proud to be a lifelong member of Phi Beta Kappa. She served as the first president of the Tampa Bay Chapter. Adelaide was also a dedicated member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and later served as president of its alumnae chapter and served on the national foundation board. Her active community involvement extended to the Athena Society, the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation, and the Girl Scouts among others.

Adelaide’s pioneering spirit and commitment to public service were hallmarks of her life. She was the first woman to serve on the vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church and the first LEM. She was the first female member and chairman of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. She also held leadership positions on several boards, including the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and the Board of Overseers at Stetson Law School.

In addition to her many accomplishments, Adelaide was proud of and remained grounded and devoted to her roots in Tampa, where she lived most of her life on or near Bayshore Boulevard. Her Sicilian and Spanish/Cuban heritage played a vital role in shaping her values of family and community. At her passing she was the most recent matriarch of the “LaRussa Cousins.” Throughout her life, she formed deep friendships that brought her joy and support. Adelaide said one of the best things she did in her life was to collect friends with whom she shared lifelong and meaningful relationships.

Adelaide was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Beatrice Gonzalez, her sister, Ivette Gonzalez Carver, and her former husband, Crosby Few. She is survived by her three children: Terrin McKay (Richard), John Few (Irene), and Jennifer Burchill (Sandy); her six grandsons: Hunter McKay, John McKay (Liz), James Few (Beatrice), William Few, Jesse Burchill (Kelly), and Cory Burchill; and her three great-grandchildren: Lola Burchill, Ella Burchill, and Margot McKay.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to her close friends, Susan Bucklew, Moira Burke, Silvia Pitisci, Marylin Culp, Solon O’Neal, and all those who supported and cared for Adelaide during her time of need.

Adelaide Gonzalez Few will be remembered for her warmth, intellect, and the enduring contributions she made to her community. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration and memorial service will be held August 14th, 2025 at 11am at St. Johns Episcopal Chruch. A reception will follow at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local charity in her honor or one of the many organizations that Adelaide supported over the years including St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Delta Delta Delta Foundation or the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation.