HONORING GREG RUSS

Gregory Brian Russ, 54, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois. He was born July 14, 1970, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and was a long-time resident of Mundelein. A 1988 graduate of Mundelein High School, he played on the tennis and golf teams. Greg was a proud member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he received his bachelor's degree in marketing in 1992. In his younger years, Greg competed in competitive waterskiing tournaments and won first place in the 1991 Illinois Men's novice ski jumping competition. After college, he held a variety of sales positions in California, Colorado, and Illinois. Most recently, he was a sales representative at Service Experts, a beloved bartender at Downing's Tavern in Libertyville, and a lector at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Parish in Mundelein. Proud dad that he was, Greg will be remembered as the most wonderful and involved father, rarely missing a game, and coaching all the sports that he could for his children's teams, including T-ball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. He enjoyed golfing, trivia, audio books, cooking, entertaining, and laughing at his own dad jokes. A true Chicago sports fan, he endured many long seasons, rooting for the Sox and Da Bears. He will be dearly missed by his family and by all who knew him.

HONORING BURT FAURE

Burt Faure April 27, 1955 - May 10, 2025 Burt was born to French parents in New York City in 1955. Shortly thereafter, the family moved back to France, where Burt, along with his younger sister, Laurence, attended boarding school. In that boarding school, Burt met Noelle, the love of his life. They married in 1982 and shared forty-three wonderful years together. Burt entered business school, and after graduating, moved back to the United States, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he started his career in the Trading Department (exports and imports) at International Multifoods, a foodstuffs company. Happenstance led the company to venture into the seafood business, resulting in Burt's transfer to New Bedford, Massachusetts, the largest seafood producing city in the U.S. There, Burt oversaw production and sales of seafood items destined for European customers. He found suppliers of these items in many places, traveling extensively around the coastal cities of North and South America. Building on those experiences, in 1988 Burt partnered with Joel Kolen to acquire Empress International Inc. (of Port Washington, New York), a company specializing in the import and distribution of frozen seafood to restaurants and supermarket chains. Burt and Joel had complementary skills, worked very well together, and built a very successful company, which they sold in 2003. Burt lived life to the fullest; he believed in “front-loading” experiences, because time was precious and there would never be enough of it. He loved traveling the world with his wife and daughters, whether it was scuba diving, skiing, hiking, or jumping into the waters off Antarctica. Burt believed in finding and pursuing passions and was always curious and interested in understanding how things worked. He was especially good at putting things in perspective. He was known for his fun-loving spirit and generous nature. Whether sharing a well-timed joke or simply offering his time or wise advice, Burt had a gift for making people feel special. What mattered most to Burt, above all else, was his family. He was endlessly proud of his daughters (Nathalie and Valerie), his daughter in law (Leigh Ann), his grandchildren (Sophie, Jack, & Alexander), and of course his dear wife Noelle. Burt was the steady center of his family. Burt worked hard to earn an expected long retirement. But shortly after leaving work, he was struck by cancer and then by Parkinson's disease. He did his best to fight them, but inevitably, his condition worsened. As was his nature, he never gave up. Despite the tireless efforts of himself, his wife and his family, and the support of many friends, the inevitable finally came and took him away. Burt leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and a life well-lived. He is sorely missed.



HONORING BARB CABOT

Barbara Cabot was born on Friday, August 13, 1943, earning her the affectionate nickname “Jinx.”  

After growing up in Arvada, CO, Barb attended college in Chicago, where she studied English as well as art. She married Victor Cabot in 1965, then moved to Bloomington, IN, where she raised three children and made a name for herself as an artist due to her excellent painting and crafting skills. After moving to Annapolis, MD, after the death of her first husband, Barb became an active volunteer for organizations in which she believed, but painting was always her first love. Barb visited her daughter Meg Cabot in Key West frequently before passing away from Alzheimer’s on November 27, 2026, not far from where she grew up in Colorado. 


HONORING CONSUELO VALDEZ PINDER

Mother Consuelo Valdez Pinder was born on September 3, 1927, in Tampa, Florida, to the late Mr. Alejandro Valdez and the late Mrs. Edna Howard. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Key West, Florida, where the foundation of the Valdez (Jacko) family legacy began. Consuelo was the fifth-born child of this union, and all of her siblings preceded her in death.

Raised by a God-fearing mother who believed strongly in church attendance and service, Consuelo accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where she remained a faithful member throughout her life and graduated in 1947.

Consuelo was first united in marriage to Nelson Thompson, and from this union two children were born: Ronald and Lunette. She later married Leslie Pinder, Sr., affectionately known as “Shorty,” and together they welcomed three additional children: Keith, Aly, and Yasmin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leslie Pinder, Sr., in 1994, and her sons Aly Pinder, Sr and Ronald Thompson.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Mother Consuelo faithfully attended Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church for many decades. She served on the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society and remained committed to her church until the very end. She could always be found in her favorite seat, singing praises and greeting everyone with her warm, welcoming smile.

Following graduation, Consuelo began her working career at the Naval Base Galley. She later became a devoted caregiver to the Einhorn family, lovingly caring for Betty Einhorn until her passing and assisting with the care of Rose Einhorn until her demise. Alongside her sister Maximina, she also worked diligently at B’nai Zion Church, serving the Jewish community in the kitchen with the same dedication, kindness, and zeal she applied to all areas of her life.

Affectionately known as “Ms. Connie,” she was a loving mother, loyal friend, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, caring family member, and proudly known as “The Mother of Robert Gabriel Apartments,” where she nurtured and looked after everyone. The community also knew her for her famous souse and boiled fish—meals prepared with love that drew neighbors and friends from near and far whenever she was able.

Mother Consuelo welcomed the New Year of 2026 with her customary joy and radiant smile, surrounded by loved ones. On Friday, January 2, 2026, at 5:14 a.m., she peacefully answered God’s call and entered eternal rest, gently drifting into heaven while holding the Master’s hand.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories and mourn her loss her loving children: Lunette (Floyd, deceased) Munnings, Keith (Gail) Pinder, and Yasmin Pinder; her eleven grandchildren: Dulcinea, Anjanette (Mark), Kawana (Frank), Don Jr. (deceased), Kenya, Aly Jr. (Kathleen), Christina (David), Ambiance, Kimolin, Brian (Emilie), and Nadia; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her daughter-in-law Phyllis; and a host of extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

She also leaves behind several very special friends and cherished porch companions—Desiree Barnes, Marc Multy, Rita Mobley, Lurleane Edgecombe, and Linda Freeman—who shared laughter, stories, and fellowship with her through countless moments of joy. THE PORCH at 6A Whitehead Street will never be the same.

Mother Consuelo Valdez Pinder lived a full and faithful life. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, service, and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

 

HONORING JEFFREY WARREN DEAN SR.

Jeffrey Warren Dean, Sr. 66, of Key West, FL passed away on Friday January 17, 2025 at Miami, FL. He was born in Key West, FL on January 17, 1959 to J. Robert and Donna Sawyer Dean. Jeffrey attended the Convent of Mary Immaculate to the 11th grade and gradated from Key West High School class of 1978. He attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service, graduated with honors in 1981. Jeffrey was a licensed Funeral Director with his family at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home. He was a mason with Anchor Lodge 182. He was preceded in death by his mother Donna Sawyer Dean; sister Jennifer J. Dean Lauritzen and grandparents Warren and Nellie (Bethel) Sawyer. Surviving is his wife Brenda Schwartz Dean; Sons Jeffrey W. Dean, Jr. (Wife Alexandria), Robert A. Dean; daughter Jade Carbonell Dean; father J. Robert Dean (Mayola); brothers James R. Dean II (Lilia), Jerry C. Dean; grandchildren Sawyer Dean & Caroline Dean; Aunt Nancy Cooper; nephews Jason Dean, Sam Marino; nieces Ashlie (Todd) Dean and Andrea Dean; numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins.


HONORING DARCELL DEANE

Darcell Elise Deane (affectionately known as "Dee") was born on the beautiful island of Key West, Florida January 10, 1953. She was the oldest daughter of five children to the late Ralph Welters and Frankerline Deane Welters.

With the guidance of her maternal aunties, she was baptized at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church. In her informative years, Darcel! attended Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School and would later transfer to Frederick Douglass High School after integration; she attended and graduated from Key West High School.

Darcell's experiences equipped her with the necessary tools to effectively connect with others, enabling her to achieve results that would not have been possible otherwise. Instead of letting setbacks defeat her, Darcell drew strength from each experience, rising each time with greater determination and a renewed sense of purpose. Her resilience became the bedrock of her journey, inspiring those around her to persevere through adversity. Her life journey consists of many challenges and experiences on which she built her strength and character.

Known for her loving heart, generous spirit and her outspoken personality, Dee's greatest joy was found in her connections with her children, family and friends. Her selfless nature extended far beyond her loved ones as she dedicated countless hours to volunteering for community charities. The impact of her commitment and compassion is woven into the fabric of the community she served, and she will be deeply missed by all who benefited from her kindness. She left her gifts on everyone who was blessed to know her, always offering kindness with a welcoming smile in every interaction.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 states that "there's a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot." On August 28, 2025, God knelt by Darcell's side and, with a silent plea, asked her to rest. He told her, "My child, your work down here is complete, and now it's time to come home with me." 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jesse Lee.

Darcell leaves behind a legacy of love and sorrow in the hearts of her beloved children: Nobleza Mirth Adams (Michael) and Nalio Ayala Sr.; her adoring six grandchildren: Me'Chelle (Leaigha) Adams, Jasmine Adams Carpel (Claude), Briana Adams Grimes (Hudson), Michael Adams II, Deonza Ayala and Nalio Ayala Jr.; her loving four siblings: Rocelia Henderson (Ernest), Gail Miller (Anthony), Fanchon Welters, and Trond Welters; ten nieces & nephews;15 grand nieces and nephews; her devoted in-laws who embraced, loved and considered her part of their family: Lizzie Taylor, Annie McGowan (Arthur), Rose Marie Lee (Bobby), Charles Lee & Joseph Lee (Bertha), along with their children and entire family; a host of cousins as well as many sorrowful friends, all will forever hold Dee's spirit close and carry cherished memories of her in their hearts.     .           

HONORING GLADYS CLARKS

Gladys Louise was born and raised in Key West, Florida to the late Clifton and Cathleen Ferguson. She was the last of seven children.

Gladys attended Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School and graduated from Douglass High School in 1958 with honors. She worked for the Key West Chamber of Commerce over 30 years. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She made time for everyone and always had words of encouragement for them. She spent all of her life in Key West and was well known by most.

Gladys loved the Lord, public speaking, traveling, dancing (especially with the cruise ships and the Junkanoos) and cooking for her family was her passion. Our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend will be truly missed.

She was predeceased by sisters Betty Louis and Marjorie Thomas, brothers Benjamin, Clifton, Danny and William Ferguson.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, our precious Lord called his daughter Gladys Louise Clarks to rest in his glory after 84 years on earth. 

She leaves to cherish in her memory twins, loving daughter Gerlinde (Linda) Quiros (Ronald), devoted son Fred Clarks, two special grandsons who were the love of life, Zion and Joshua Quiros, a special sister-in-law, Gerlinde Ferguson of New York and a host of special nieces, nephews and friends, and a special friend Art Rogers.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

HONORING FRANK TOPPINO

Frank P. Toppino, a beloved leader in the Florida Keys and a man who embodied kindness, hard work, and generosity, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 22, with his family by his side. His life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and community, and his legacy will forever remain a part of the Keys. Frank was born June 15, 1923, in Winter Park, Florida, to Orsolina and Charley Toppino. He was the second oldest of five sons who all became integral members of an emerging construction business, Charley Toppino & Sons. The Toppinos moved to Marathon, FL in 1938, and eventually settled in Key West in 1946. As a 13-year-old boy, Frank's first job with the company was to drive a truck to and from the mainland every day to replenish potable water. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army without informing his parents. He served four years in the Army Air Corps during World War Il, including two years deployed to China. After the war, Frank was eager to rejoin the family business. During the final leg of his travels from Asia back to the Keys, he was riding a bus when he saw his brothers working at a construction site. Before he ever made it home, he instructed the bus driver to stop, stepped off the bus, got to work, and never looked back. Soon after, Frank married Key West Native Betty Rose Kerr, and together they had three children; Danny, Ramona, and Richard. While raising their families, Frank and his brothers expanded their business with new projects throughout South Florida, Cuba, and Costa Rica. They specialized in highway and bridge work, among other heavy construction projects. Frank loved taking his young children and grandchildren to job sites to help instill the family's legacy in them individually. He remained with the company for more than 75-years and served as President from 1972 until 2019. Frank was a tough but fair boss at Charley Toppino & Sons while serving as a mentor and leader. He was an unfailing example of what hard work and pride in the workplace meant. Frank was immensely proud of the exponential growth of the business under the management of his sons Richard and Danny and grandsons Andrew and John. Over the decades, Frank participated extensively in Key West's civic affairs in various leadership roles. In addition to serving on numerous boards and appointments, he served 20-years on the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board. On his 100th birthday in 2023, Frank was honored for 30-years of service as Chairman of the Key West Housing Authority when the Senior Living Center on Duck Avenue was dedicated as the Frank P. Toppino Poinciana Gardens Senior Living Complex. Frank always loved to entertain and was consistently generous with lunch and dinner invitations. He loved to recount stories from his early years with the company, military service in China, and doing business in Cuba and Costa Rica. More recently, his favorite topics included his growing family and their collective accomplishments. While the stories and audiences evolved over the decades, one thing did not; good food and fine wine. Frank was a devout Catholic and never started a meal before reciting grace. As Head Usher and an active member of The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, he welcomed worshippers to Sunday Mass for many decades. He entertained a regular crowd of friends at brunch following Mass and was a generous supporter of the church and Basilica school, providing both construction services and financial support. On his 80th birthday, he received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II. The passing of Frank P. Toppino is more than the loss of a beloved individual; it marks the end of a generation that upheld respect, integrity, and a deep sense of community. Frank's life was a shining example of what it means to live with purpose and generosity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. As we reflect on his life, it's clear how important it is to carry on the values he embodied-kindness, humility, and dedication to others. By doing so, we not only honor his memory but also ensure his spirit lives on in the world around us. 

HONORING AMANDA KIRKMAN

Amanda Kirkman was born on April 6, 1970, to Carolyn Diane Kirkman McIntyre and Charles Kirkman. Amanda did not have any children, but she loved her only nephew Elijah Lang.

In her early years Amanda attended Harris Elementary School, May Sands School and graduated from Key West High School.

She began her career at the Marc House Garden Cafe and was currently employed at Fausto's Food Palace.

Amanda was very active in Special Olympics where she received several medals and 1st place awards, she recently received a Gold Medal in July 2025 in Paddle Boarding.

Affectionately known as "Manda" to her family and many that knew her. Amanda was loving, kind, joyful and full of life. Amanda always had a contagious smile on her face, she loved everyone that she met, and she has never met a stranger.

Amanda was proceeded in death by her mother Carolyn McIntyre, as well as her sister Elisa Lang and on July 16, 2025, the Lord called her home to join them in eternal rest.

Left to cherish the precious memories of Amanda's life and her smile: Her only Nephew Elijah Lang; 4 Aunts: Mona Holmes, Denise (Dennis) Butler, Martha Small and Min. Clarissa (Darron) Deane. 1 Uncle Bishop' Hilliard (Sharon) Lang. A very special Great Aunt and Uncle; Eureka (Franklin) Stevens. Also holding loving memories of Amanda are ALL of her cousins, her Marc House and Special Olympics Family as well as co-workers and a host of sorrowing friends.