HONORING AL WALKER

Alfred J. Walker was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 3, 1938. He died peacefully in his sleep on November 26, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Al was an indelible figure in the lives of many – leaving his mark as a kind, charismatic, brilliant, loyal, empathetic, and generous partner, friend, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and mentor.

A graduate of Arlington High School, Al went on earn a degree in psychology at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

He had a varied career, working for Northeast Airlines in Hyannis, Massachusetts, then for C.G. Hokanson, a manufacturer of aerospace equipment in Los Angeles. From there Al moved back to Boston to the financial services sector, working for the securities firm Hayden Stone & Co. and then for the investment banker and brokerage firm Tucker Anthony in Boston. He opened an antiques store in New Hampshire and started a greeting card company in Boston. In 1979, his love of art lead him to open Alfred J. Walker Fine Arts, an art gallery on Newbury Street in Boston. Al was renowned in the art world for his "expertise, trustworthiness, joie de vivre and exquisite eye." He specialized in American art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mounting important exhibitions, handling artists’ estates, showing in dozens of art and antique fairs, and appraising and sourcing work for private collections and major museums.

After thirty years in the art business Al retired to a beautiful estate in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts where he restored both house and gardens to their former splendor. He added a second home near the beach in Bay Saint Louis, Alabama and had just finished renovations when it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Undeterred, he moved to Natchez Mississippi where he again found an old classic house to restore.

Al was a true Renaissance man, with a deep love of art, music, reading, gardening, philosophy, history, politics, travel, food, conversation, and most of all, people, many of whom gravitated to this man with the big welcoming smile and twinkle in his eyes.

When he passed away at age 85, Al Walker had lived a good, long, and full life. His many friends will forever miss him. Rest in Peace, Al!

HONORING ALAN BELZER

Alan Belzer lived an extraordinary life. Born in 1932 in Brooklyn, New York, to Morris and Vera Belzer, Alan described himself as a greatly loved son. He loved and admired his parents as well as his older brother Martin of whom he spoke with unmistakable affection.

Alan had what he considered to be a standard childhood, playing in the neighborhood with friends, learning to ride a bike, and playing with friends in the street. Though intuitive and insightful, when it came to school, he admitted to being a bit lazy; he could often be found playing poker and shooting craps instead of studying. Fortunately, he was a master at cramming for exams, a skill that enabled him to finish high school in just three years and get himself accepted to the NYU School of Economics.

At age 20, Alan graduated from college, joined the Coast Guard, and got married. At 21, he and his wife, Lenore, welcomed their first daughter, Debra. While he was in the Coast Guard, they lived in Norfolk, Virginia, where Alan put his degree in finance and accounting to use working in the controller’s office.

After leaving the Coast Guard, the Belzer's moved to Canarsie, Brooklyn, where their second daughter, Frances, was born. His daughters describe him as brilliant, generous, humble, and corny. They praise his sense of humor remembering that on Halloween he would wait for the kids at his door to yell “Trick or treat!” to which he would always respond, “Trick!” and then sit back and admire their stunned faces. But then, of course, he would give them treats.

Alan loved Red Delicious apples, black licorice, strawberry ice cream, sesame bagels (cut in quarters and buttered with salt added separately and deliberately), weekends on Fire Island, traveling around the world, buying socks in bulk, and, most of all, the Brooklyn Dodgers (and later the Mets), the Knicks, and the NY Giants, not necessarily in that order.

In 1955, Alan got a job as an analyst in the controller’s office at Allied Chemical and Dye Corporation which evolved into AlliedSignal, Inc. The value of his abilities and strength of his instincts were recognized throughout the years, and he eventually became the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. He did this, not by being ruthless and cutthroat, but through what his friend and colleague Fred Poses called an accumulation of experiences. “He’s not a grandiose guy,” said Fred. “He’s just a mere mortal who did well.”

Of course, he also loved wine. His vast knowledge was enviable and his passionate appreciation contagious. The only thing he loved more than the wines themselves, was sharing them with friends and family without judgment or expectation. If he served bottles from different vintages or regions on any given night and you told him you liked one more than the other, his unbiased response was always, “Well, then that’s the one you like more.” And he would pour you another glass.Alan will be remembered with great affection by his wife, Susan, his daughters, Debra and Frances, his sons-in-law Jose and Gary, his grandsons, Jonathan and Dylan, his granddaughter-in-law Natascha, and of course his great-grandsons, Billy and David Leo and his extended family and friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity, wit, and wisdom.

HONORING COMMISSIONER MARY LOU HOOVER

In Loving Memory of Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover

Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, 72, passed away peacefully on November 19th, having shown extraordinary courage throughout her health journey. Born on January 10, 1953, she lived a life defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to her beloved Key West community.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Waite; her daughter, Ashley Hoover Bowmer, and son-in-law James Bowmer; her stepchildren, Kris Waite and Karlie Waite; and her brother and sister in law Bill and Susan Pohrer.

A committed City Commissioner and public servant, Mary Lou championed local businesses, supported numerous nonprofits, and founded Girls' Night Out, a networking and fundraising organization. She served as Queen of Fantasy Fest, on the Board of Directors for the Key West Business Guild, and as President of Helpline of the Keys, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact throughout the Florida Keys.
Before moving to Key West, she built an accomplished 35-year career in public works construction and later consulted on major national projects, including a Superfund site, an airport renovation, and the structural steel contract at the Pentagon.

Her warmth, leadership, and fierce love for her community touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

HONORING JORGE "KIKI" LOPEZ III

Jorge “Kiki” Lopez, 46, departed from this life on December 18, 2025, at Duke
University Hospital, after a brief, but courageous, battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.
He was surrounded by love with his spouse, mother, and a few close friends at his side.
Kiki, a dedicated spouse, father, son, brother, coach, and friend was born in Key West
on March 8, 1979, to Jorge “Kiko” and Norma Lopez, becoming the little brother to Jose
Lopez. Kiki is a proud graduate of the Key West High School class of 1997, where many of his life-long friendships were formed. Kiki enjoyed playing many different sports throughout his youth, especially football, where he learned many of the lessons that he would pass along later in life as a coach. During this time, Kiki often brought friends to his family’s restaurant, El Cacique, to enjoy food that his mom and family prepared with love, keeping him and his teenage friends full and happy. In Kiki’s senior year of high school, he met and successfully pursued the love of his life,
Carly Bervaldi, with whom he continued to love and share his life with for almost 30 years, until his sudden and unexpected illness and passing. Kiki and Carly have one son, Austin Xavier Lopez, who was the absolute center of Kiki’s world. Kiki was an amazing father who was dedicated to giving Austin the best life imaginable. Kiki’s legacy will live on through Austin and the incredible love and affection that he instilled in him. Kiki had a one-of-a-kind, big personality with the heart to match. He shared his love with his family and friends, and also with his community that he held so dearly. Kiki volunteered his time to the youth of Key West, by coaching both baseball and football teams. Kiki wanted to help the youth of the community grow and thrive by teaching them the skills of the game, along with the values of teamwork, confidence, fairness, and heart. His impact will be felt for years to come. Kiki was happy to share his big heart and became a true friend to many. He was incredibly funny, full of life, and could light up any room with his smile and contagious laugh the moment he walked in. Kiki’s big personality carried into his career at FKAA,
where he enjoyed working for almost 25 years. He especially enjoyed his time with the customer service field rep crew, keeping his coworkers on their toes with his daily banter and discussions/ arguments. Kiki will truly be missed by his family, friends, coworkers and many more who knew him. Kiki is preceded in death by his father, Jorge “Kiko” Lopez, his Abuela Caridad Cabrera, and his father-in-law Richard Bervaldi. He is survived by his love Carly, son Austin, mother Norma, and brother Jose, along with a loving extended family of Tios, Tias, nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, and many devoted friends. Our family wants to extend a special thank you to the family and friends who traveled to visit Kiki while he was hospitalized in Miami and North Carolina. Your visits meant so much to Kiki, and we will be forever grateful for your love and support, and for the genuine love, smiles, and happiness you brought to Kiki’s life during his illness. Kiki was a true light and brightened the lives of so many. Although Kiki’s illness was abrupt and he was taken from us so quickly, he found ways to keep others laughing and smiling until the very end. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his light and joyous spirit that lives on and continues to shine brightly through the smiles and laughter of those he loved.

HONORING JOHN "JUANITA" GRAUSE

John Grause

1961-2025

Juanita moved to Key West from Iowa in the early 1980s and made it his home for 20 years. On his island in the sun, he befriended many. He shared his love of Scrabble, Aunt Rose’s, reading, sitting at the pool on Ramrod, Christmas caroling, using your voice for justice, the Deli, flamingoes, and anything from Heliographics. So many of us were many miles from home, and he helped create a sense of family, our Tribe. For that, we are forever grateful, as were our families, to know we had such a good friend.

John returned home in 2003 to help his mom, becoming her primary caregiver. He and his mother often sang songs and hymns to captivated audiences on Facebook, as well as working on her garden together. Her dahlias won awards. He was able to spend time with family and made many new friends, as he was a catalyst in the gay community of Humboldt, using his words and his voice. To stave off the effects of winter, he would go to Puerto Rico and recharge.

Wherever Juanita went, a mumu was packed, along with sunscreen, a carton of cigarettes, a book, a coffee maker, and a good time. We hope he is on his own island in the sun, swimming with flamingoes.

HONORING GLENN HAYES JR.

Glenn A. Hayes, Jr was born on October 4, 1973, to Glenn A. Hayes, Sr and Mildred White in Miami, Florida. 

Glenn Jr was a fashion connoisseur known as “Mr. GQ” who was always well groomed and clean cut. 

He graduated from Key West High School class of 1991. He completed correctional officer training and acquired his CDL license for driving charter buses and limousines. 

He was a certified plumber and a carpenter apprentice. 

Glenn Jr was a dedicated member of Saint James First Missionary Baptist Church in Key West, Florida before relocating to Georgia. He was a member of the Coral City Elks Lodge 610 and an avid fisherman.  

Glenn Jr married Brittney (Bri) Jordan on October 24, 2016, 

On Monday April 7, 2025, Glenn A. Hayes, Jr departed his earthly home and is missed dearly by family, friends and neighbors.

Glenn Jr was preceded in death by his mother Mildred White and his uncle Valgene A. Hayes, Jr.

Glenn Jr leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Brittney Hayes of Georgia; father: Glenn A. Hayes, Sr of Key West, FL; two brothers: Bertrum A. Hayes of Orlando, FL and Nathaniel A. Hayes of Key West, FL; niece: Nova Seylah Hayes; two uncles: Arnett Hayes of Key West, FL, and Arthur A. Hayes, Sr (Donna) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; aunt Sherlyn Hayes-O’Neal (Arthur) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; godbrother Trenton (Poppie) Richardson of Key West, FL and numerous cousins, friends and neighbors.

HONORING RICHARD LAWRENCE GRAND JEAN

Richard Lawrence Grand-Jean died January 16, 2026.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, Rick was devoted as well to his many close friends. He was wise, decent, a fierce believer in social justice, a towering and resilient spirit in the face of relentless illness during his last chapter.

Born August 4, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Fred and Esther Grand-Jean, along with his beloved identical twin Steven, he graduated from Clayton High School in 1960, Princeton in 1964, and the University of Chicago Law School in 1967. He helped create the London office of the Salomon Brothers Investment Bank and later became a partner in the firm. He worked in the 1968 McCarthy presidential campaign, was a founder of Democrats Abroad in London, a founder of the influential local newspaper The Santa Barbara Independent, and led a life of political activism to the end. Rick was an avid tennis player with a mean American twist serve, a huge fan of the Chelsea Football Club, a born storyteller, polymath intellect, and voracious reader. He married the journalist Christine Doudna in 1983, had two magnificent children, Molly and Michael, and lived the second half of his life in New York City and on Martha’s Vineyard. He had a gift for deep and lasting friendship, a sparkling wit, a great love of life. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind two adored grandsons, Beckett and Hugo, his brother Steven and sister Mimi, and many nephews and nieces. He also leaves a world bereft of his passion to make it better.

We will carry him in our hearts forever


HONORING RICHARD NAZELROD

Richard Anthony Nazelrod

August 21, 1953 – March 26, 2025

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of

Richard Anthony Nazelrod. He left this world on March 26, 2025 at the

age of 71. He was born on August 21, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland to

his parents Willard Nazelrod & Mary DeJuliis Nazelrod. Rick was an

amazing and loving husband of Deborah Ann Solesky. Devoted father

of Timothy Andrew Nazelrod, Amanda Marie Jeffries and Joseph Brock

Nazelrod. Loving grandfather of Adelynn Haylee Nazelrod, Clara Jayne

Nazelrod and Nora Ann Nazelrod. He is also survived by his beloved

brother and sisters: Eugene Nazelrod, Barbara Nazelrod, Paula

Nazelrod and Joanne Prinzhorn.

Rick had an infectious smile, a kind spirit and made everyone feel

included. He was the life of the party and had a magnetic energy. He

had a surprising love of sweets – Berger cookies, Krispy cremes and

Caramel creams. He once ate five boxes of Berger cookies in one

sitting. Rick loved country music, his Baltimore Birds and convinced he

thought Johnny Walker Scotch was a complete food group. He was

always there when you needed him, would always answer the phone,

and would listen if you needed advise. He would help anyone build

their deck, give you a ride to the airport or answer your latest injury

question. Rick was the true definition of supportive and dependable.

He was a great cook and made the best prime rib on Christmas night.

One Christmas, in his pursuit of achieving that “best prime rib”, his

enthusiasm resulted in the grill and house siding catching on fire. It was

still a great Prime Rib.

We jokingly called him “big Rick”, but he did in fact earn his title. He

was an unbelievable athlete and held many state records in sports. He

was an all-American catcher in baseball, played in the minor leagues on

Johnny Leones team and was scouted for the Kansas City Royals. He

once hit a hole in one on the golf course, would never complain when

he was in pain, was read his last rights three times in his life and even at

the end – his doctors called him a miracle child and superman.

Rick shared an unconditional love and devoted friendship with his wife,

Debbie. They built a beautiful life together and were lucky enough to

travel the world including living on a beautiful houseboat in Key West,

Florida at Garrison Bight Marina for several years where the most

amazing, lifetime friendships which will never be forgotten. Key West

was Rick’s most favorite place in the world with countless beautiful

memories.

Rick and Debbie continuously showed up for each other no matter

what, loved each other through thick and thin, and never missed a

chance to slow dance together. The love they shared was inspiring with

last New Year’s Eve celebrating 40 years of marriage.

While it might feel impossible now with holes in our hearts . . .

celebrate the spirit of Rick and honor his memory. Live a little like him

. . . enjoy scotch, never miss a chance to slow dance with the love of

your life and make memories with your family every chance you get.

Rick was a man who touched many lives with heart-felt memories

never to be forgotten.

HONORING FRED MOORE

Fred Anton Moore, age 63, of Key West, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Lower Keys Medical Center, Key West, Florida.

 Fred was born, January 25, 1957, in Spring Valley, Illinois, the son of Robert Cecil and Edith (Bubb) Moore. He married Laura Moore on February 22, 1995, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

     Fred spent 30 years in Law Enforcement, he served as an officer with the Sterling Police Department for 7 years. He then joined the Illinois State Police and was recognized as the first officer to serve on land, sea and air. He retired in 2008 at the rank of Lieutenant and Bureau Chief of Air Operations.

Fred loved spending time with his family and many friends from around the country especially those whom he grew close with during his retirement in Key West. He loved music, flying, boating, skiing, biking, riding his Harley Davidson, a great conversation, gardening, summer road trips with the family, game nights, his first cup of coffee ever morning, a great steak, a margarita, a rum & coke with a lime & so much more!!

     Fred was fondly called Derf (Fred spelled backwards) by many =) he loved this little island & all of the people he met here as strangers, who quickly became treasured friends.

     He impacted countless lives throughout his career and countless more after, simply by being himself - kind, loving, and gracious. He may not be physically present with us, but he has given us so many amazing signs to let us know he is still with us.  

     Fred has a bench in memory of him at the White Street Pier, he loved that Pier!  If you’re in the area, please stop & sit with him for a moment, it’s a beautiful place to take in a sunset!  Walking out the pier, after you cross the first footbridge, his bench is the 3rd one on the right #LongLiveFred



HONORING JERI GORMLEY

Jerilyn “Jeri” Smith Gormley was a wonderful wife, mother,

grandmother, neighbor and friend. She was interested in people, in

what they had to say, how they lived, and in how she could help.

Jeri worked hard to do her best in everything. For example, she tried

hard to please her dad. Jeri’s father had no sons but was fortunate to

have his daughter, Jeri, who accompanied him on many camping

trips, loved the outdoors, and hiking in the mountains near Medford,

Oregon where she grew up. Jeri’s father was a hunter and member

of the Medford Rifle Club. When Jeri was 8 years old, her father

taught her how to shoot a 0.22 rifle at the Club shooting range. Jeri

was quick to learn and by age 10 won medals as the club’s

champion child target shooter.

Teaching 4th graders was Jeri’s favorite. She encouraged the children

to learn, be considerate of each other, and be all they could. One of

her best stories was when you insult someone, it is like pounding a

nail into a shingle. When you say I am sorry, you take the nail out, but

the hole is still there.

Jeri enjoyed traveling, visiting people and new places, and becoming

good friends. At Oregon State University, she took the spring quarter

at a university in Mexico City. She learned how people lived and the

problems of poverty. After graduating from college, Jeri drove her

VW Beetle all around Europe with her friend Nancy. This trip inspired

her love to travel and to teach in Europe at a Department of Defense

school in Frankfurt, Germany. While there, she met her future

husband, Kevin Gormley, and continued her travels in her white, hot,

Porsche!

Over the years, Jeri and Kevin traveled to all 50 states, 36 state

capitals, many National Parks, and foreign countries with Hawaii,

Germany, and Australia being her favorites.

Jeri loved trips, but she was the happiest when at home with her

family. The holidays were special. She hosted Thanksgiving,

Christmas and Easter dinners with family including her sons Robert

and Kevin, wives Kari and Maureen, grandchildren William and

Kathleen, nieces Janet Hamlin and Sandra Pfeil, and friends.

Wherever she was, Jeri made lasting friendships with her co-workers

and neighbors: the Frankfurt teachers, the Alexandria, VA teachers,

the Winston Knolls neighbors and the South Run water aerobics

group. Jeri was an avid bridge player, and her Leewood Forst Bridge

Club met for over 50 years.

Jeri was happy, enthusiastic and personality plus. She listened to

people, was a good friend, and uplifted people. She was there to

help!

We will all miss her.