Past Master Bio: Fred Clark 1949
George Frederick “Fred” Clark was born on November 22nd 1889 in Moira, New York and attended school in Brooklyn where he finished his education at New York University. At an early age he entered business and finally was put in charge of a large corporation, which ultimately sold out to the Borden Company. Fred then joined the sales department of the Borroughs Adding Machine Company. Later he became an executive in the building industry, ultimately going into real estate business in Sparta, New Jersey. Wintry blasts in 1932 sent Fred and his wife to Florida where sunny climate and the beauty of the gulf beaches prevailed upon him to make this locality his permanent home. He purchased a beautiful home in 1933 on Indian Rocks and an Apartment building at 7204 Gulf Blvd. on St. Petersburg Beach. Fred became a well-known realtor on the gulf beaches and member of the St. Petersburg Realty Board, and first president of the Gulf Beach Board of Realtors. He was a charter member, and president, of the Gulf Beach Lions Club, director of the Gulf Beach Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Indian Rocks Beach association, member of the Clearwater Elks, member of the American Legion Post 273, Past Master (1945) of Star Lodge No. 78 in Largo, member of St. Petersburg Chapter No. 31 Royal Arch Masons, Selama Grotto, Sunshine Commandery No. 20, and Egypt Temple Shrine.
It was late in 1949 when a handful of Masons, primarily from St. Petersburg Lodge and Nitram Lodge, who were living on the gulf beaches, decided to ask the Grand Lodge for dispensation to begin a Lodge in that area. None of these Masons however had ever served as Master of a Lodge and needed to find someone with that experience to sign on as the Worshipful Master U.D. (Under Dispensation) to lead the Lodge in the process of earning a Charter. Enter Fred Clark, local gulf beach resident, Past Master of Star Lodge, and strong proponent of civic and community growth on the gulf beaches. Brother Clark, agreed to sign on and help the beach community get its own Masonic Lodge, under the name of “Gulf Beach”. To this end, it was necessary that Brother Clark agree to dimit from Star Lodge No. 78 if, or when, Grand Lodge granted a charter to Gulf Beach Lodge U.D. Brother Clark did take the reins while the Lodge was “under dispensation”, during which time the Lodge had to demonstrate that they were able to confer degrees, run the general lodge business, and confidently do what a functioning Lodge must. The Lodge did earn its Charter on April 19, 1950.
Fred Clark at this time let it be known that although he was Worshipful Master while Gulf Beach Lodge was under dispensation, he had no intent on being its first Master under full charter. The members respecting his wish elected Brother Carl Schaefer as the first Master of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291. Fred Clark was a deacon at Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach and was instrumental in 1950 in getting the Church to allow Gulf Beach Lodge U.D. to hold their Lodge meetings there before a Temple was built and opened in 1952. Brother Clark stayed a member of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 until 1952 and then took a dimit back to Star Lodge No. 78.
On January 22, 1953, shortly after dimiting back to Star Lodge, Brother Clark suffered a stroke and died five months later on June 30, 1953, at age 63. Masonic services were held at Beach Memorial Funeral Home on St. Petersburg Beach by Star Lodge No. 78 assisted by Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 and Brother Clark was laid to rest at Seminole Cemetery, 50th Ave. No & 109th Way. Brother George Frederick “Fred” Clark loved the gulf beaches and worked civically to help build a better, stronger, community. Without the direction and leadership of Fred Clark, Gulf Beach Lodge would not exist today.
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Past Master Bio: Carl Schaefer 1950
Carl John Schaefer was born on January 18, 1900, in Philadelphia PA. Carl received his schooling in Philadelphia and after graduating took a job with the Pullman Rail Car Company. The Pullman Company transferred Carl to St. Petersburg in 1925 during the boom years in this city. He worked for the Pullman Company in St. Petersburg as an electrician and helped with the creation and maintenance of the “St. Petersburg Sunshine City” Pullman car that traveled through the northern states during the summer with the Roy Smith Highlander Band, which worked at spreading the word about the benefits of wintering in the “Sunshine City”. On July 2, 1925, Carl married Mrs. Pearl Harrison of this city, who was a widow, ten years his senior. Carl was Raised in Nitram Lodge No. 188 in St. Petersburg on December 4, 1947, two years before Gulf Beach Lodge sought dispensation for a charter. Carl was a charter member of Gulf Beach Lodge and as such was required to dimit from Nitram Lodge once Gulf Beach Lodge was granted its charter. Carl served as first Master of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291. Carl died on March 25, 1986 at age 86.
Past Master Bio: John Palmer 1951
John “Scotty” Palmer, was born in Glasgow Scotland on February 23, 1894. In 1912 when John turned 18 he sailed for the United States. After getting established in Ohio John returned to Scotland and married Annie Foreland on May 4, 1916, he was 22 and she was 25. On September 18, 1926, an exceptionally warm day in Glasgow with temperatures reaching near 80 degrees, John and Annie Palmer, both 32 years old, boarded the passenger ship S.S. California in Glasgow and made their way to Ellis Island, New York, arriving September 27th, a cool, windy Monday afternoon. They both were to become naturalized citizens and took up residence in Ellet Ohio.
On May 6, 1928, while residing in Ellet Ohio, John and Annie were divorced. Shortly after his divorce from Annie John met Jean Wilde, also a recent divorcee with an 8 year old daughter, Margaret. John and Jean were married on October 6, 1928, which was also Jean’s birthday, she was 26 years old. John formally adopted Margaret soon after the wedding.
While living in Ohio John and Jean had two children, Jean May born in 1931 and Ruthe Joan born in 1934. John was employed in Akron at the Goodyear Tire Company as a freight claim agent. In 1948, after 32 years with Goodyear Tire Company, John retired due to health issues and moved his family to Florida’s sunny Gulf Beaches.
John received his Masonic Degrees at Henry Perkins Lodge No. 611 in Akron Ohio in 1922. In 1949, John took a dimit from Henry Perkins Lodge and worked at organizing Masons on the Gulf Beaches to move forward in seeking a Charter to start a new Masonic Lodge. He was a charter member of Gulf Beach Lodge and the first installed Senior Warden in 1950. At his installation as Master in 1951 he stated that his plans were to organize Rainbow and DeMolay Chapters at the Lodge and to build a Temple (the Lodge at that time was meeting at Church by the Sea). While Palmer was Master of the Lodge the Temple Association was formed to plan and build our Masonic Temple which was completed in 1952.
John Palmer was always an active member of his community and served as Summit County Ohio Township Clerk and as their Justice of the Peace. His memberships included Past Patriarch of the Odd Fellows, Past President of the American-British Progressive League, Past President of the Veterans of Yusef Khan Grotto, Secretary of the Amulet Staff, Past President and Manager of the Madeira Beach Youth Center and Past Madeira Beach Councilman. John Palmer died on May 8, 1957 at his home (Pine Acres Trailer Court in Seminole) at age 63. Masonic services were rendered by the Lodge and were held at Beach Memorial Funeral Home on St. Pete Beach. John’s body was transported to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where he is interred at the Chestnut Hill Memorial Park Cemetery
Past Master Bio: Kenneth A. Vaughn 1952
Kenneth Alonzo Vaughn was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 10, 1916 to Eli “Doc” Vaughn and Mary Alonzo Vaughn, being the middle child between two sisters. Ken graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1935 and excelled in sports, taking many awards. Upon graduating High School Ken took up delivering milk for the family dairy business and on July 25th 1938 ran off to North Carolina to marry his 18 year old sweet heart, Mary Charlotte Babb.
Ken’s father, known as “Doc” was elected Police Chief in St. Petersburg in 1925 and served in that capacity two different times. On October 1, 1939 Ken Vaughn, age 23, was hired as a Patrolman with the City of St. Petersburg while his father was still Police Chief. He was promoted to detective in 1944 and again to Sergeant in 1945. There was much discontent within the department regarding these promotions and some claimed that nepotism was involved. In late 1945 Ken Vaughn decided to resign the police force and go into business for himself.
In 1946 Ken purchased “Mastry’s Winter Garden Grocery” from Michael Mastry which was housed in the old Mockingbird Tea Room Building, located on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Park Street. Shortly after the purchase of the grocery store his wife had their second child, Roger. The oldest child, Linda, was born in 1942 when Ken was still on the police department.
Shortly after the purchase of the meat market, Ken petitioned St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 for membership and was Raised on August 12, 1947. In 1948 Ken Vaughn tried a run for the office of Pinellas County Tax Collector but lost the race.
In 1949 John Palmer, organizer of Gulf Beach Lodge, paid a visit to Vaughn’s Grocery Store and convinced Ken to sign on as a charter member of the new Lodge on Madeira Beach. The new Lodge would be much closer to his business and home. Each charter member had to agree to dimit from their mother Lodge if the charter was granted. Ken’s dimit from St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 is dated April 20, 1950, one day after Gulf Beach Lodge was chartered.
Ken Vaughn served as the third Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1952. Besides being active in Masonry, Ken Vaughn was very civic minded and held memberships in the Selama Grotto, Loyal Order of Moose, Pasadena Men’s Club, St. Pete Rod & Gun Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida State Cattleman’s Association.
In the 1960’s and 70’s Ken worked as a salesman, in the 1980’s he and his wife moved to Reno Nevada where he also worked in sales. In 1999 Ken moved back to St. Petersburg and entered the Masonic Home as a resident. Ken died November 29, 2002 at the age of 83. He had just reached 55 years in Freemasonry.
Past Master Bio: James A. Knowles 1953
James Albert Knowles was born in Montgomery Alabama on January 31, 1920 and attended Sidney Lanier Senior High School. Upon graduation Jim went to work for the Hill Grocery store in Montgomery and became a store manager by age 21. Jim was married on March 7, 1939, at age 19, to Cade Virginia Bruner, a local girl from Montgomery and they had a son, James Jr. in 1940. Not too long after the birth of his son James Jr. Jim and his wife were divorced. Jim remarried in Montgomery on August 14, 1943 to Margie Eleanor Haynes. World War II was in full swing by this time and on December 26, 1943 Jim, then 23 years old, enlisted in the Maritime Service and he was sent to St. Petersburg Florida for his boot camp training at the Maritime Headquarters, now the Coast Guard center. Jim’s young wife followed him to St. Petersburg and they set up housekeeping in this city. Jim excelled so much in his Maritime Training that he was promoted to gunnery instructor at the base.
After the war Jim decided to stay in St. Petersburg with his family and take up business. Post war construction was on the rise and Jim Knowles seeing an opportunity went into the construction business. Jim became one of the largest and most successful contractors in the Tampa Bay area with some of his most notable projects being the building of the St. Petersburg Clearwater Airport, the Sarasota New College Building, Manatee Junior College, University of South Florida Science and Technology Building in Tampa, the ‘new’ Bayfront Medical Center Building, Venice Sands Condos, and most of the Maximo Moorings homes, to name a few. Jim played a strong roll in the construction of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1952.
Jim Knowles took his Masonic Degrees at St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 and he submitted a certificate as a signer for Gulf Beach Lodge UD on March 16, 1950, however had had already been sitting as Junior Deacon for many meetings. Jim did all three Masonic Lectures for the Lodge.
On December 5, 1957 Jim was remarried again to Polly Amy Gillam Martin. Jim and his new wife had become quite active in the social life of St. Petersburg attending and sponsoring many of the most elite gatherings in the city. Their waterfront home at 515 161st Avenue in Redington Beach was designed and constructed in the most modern manner known in 1960. It had a floating stair case leading to the second floor and an indoor pool surrounded by glass interior windows. Jim and his wife Polly were ‘jet-setters’ in every sense of the word. Along with other local couples they flew over 17,000 air miles which included African safari’s, trips to Egypt and Europe, as well as domestic trips to Hawaii and Alaska.
On the evening of April 8, 1972 Jim and Polly attended the Suncoasters Festival of States Coronation Ball in downtown St. Pete until after midnight. They arrived home in Redington Beach at 1:00 AM and headed to bed. Polly came downstairs at around 1:30 AM and suddenly heard a shot ring out from upstairs and upon entering the bedroom found Jim lying on the bed with a handgun in his hand and a fatal wound to the head. It was considered a suicide. Their friends who were with them hours before were astonished at the news and stated that they had no inclination that anything was amiss. The Pinellas County Medical director as well as the States Attorney Office were quoted in the St. Petersburg Times as stating that they were not convinced that it was a suicide, and due to ‘sloppy’ police work and subsequent surgery at the hospital any useful evidence was destroyed. Jim died at age 52.
Funeral services were performed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg and his body interred at Royal Palm Cemetery located at 1st Ave. South and 58th Street in St. Petersburg. Polly Knowles remarried twice between 1972 and her death in 2007. She remained a well known and loved socialite in the area until the time of her death. Jim and Polly are interred together at Royal Palm Cemetery.
Past Master Bio: Robert C. Parker 1954
Robert Columbus Parker was born in Shelbyville Tennessee on July 26, 1910 and in his youth was called “Columbus”, after his grandfather. Bob Parker, dropped out of school in the 8th grade and became a farm laborer. Deciding that this line of work didn’t appeal to him, this 6’ 2” brown eyed, black haired lad decided to become a professional barber. While working toward becoming a barber, Bob met Irene, also from Shelbyville, and they were soon married. Bob took his Masonic Degrees at Benevolent Lodge 122 in Shelbyville Tennessee in 1937, soon after that the Parker’s packed their bags and moved to St. Petersburg, ultimately settling in a home at 11570 87th Ave. in Seminole.
Bob Parker opened a Barber Shop at 15022 Madeira Way (the Main Street) in Madeira Beach in the 1940’s and became a prominent businessman on the beaches.
Bob was an active member at the Seminole Methodist Church and was always interested in civic activities. In 1949 Bob was approached by Brother John Palmer who was contacting all Master Masons on the Gulf Beaches in hopes of chartering a new Lodge in Madeira Beach. Bob was more than happy to join this group of Masons in the formation of a new Masonic Temple and was a first-time visitor on January 26, 1950 at the Lodge while it was under dispensation, this was 7th meeting of the Lodge and he petitioned for affiliation on February 16, 1950. On February 23, 1950 Bob sat as Junior Steward at a tiled meeting. Bob became the Junior Steward of the Lodge upon its charter in 1950 and worked his way to the East by 1954.
Bob Parker was also a charter member of the Gulf Beach Chapter No 241 Order of Eastern Star and he and his wife Irene served as Worthy Matron and Patron in 1956. Besides the OES, Bob was a member of the Scottish Rite and a charter member of the Boca Ciega Scottish Rite Club that met at our Masonic Temple.
Robert C. “Bob” Parker died unexpectedly on Thursday May 21, 1964 at the age of 53. Masonic Rites were performed and Bob along with his wife are interred at Memorial Park Cemetery (Mausoleum) in St. Petersburg. Bob died on a Thursday night when Lodge was being held, 10 years after he was Master.
Bob’s widow Irene later moved into the Masonic home and died on April 15, 1989.
Past Master Bio: Elmer H. Shirey 1955 & 1960
Elmer Harry Shirey was born in Johnstown Pennsylvania on April 17, 1921. The son of a steel mill worker, this 6’ blonde haired, blue eyed lad, at age 18, started working in a foundry and at the same time spending time helping in his Uncle’s jewelry repair shop where he learned the art of watch repair.
In 1942 Elmer enlisted in the Army Air Force and was stationed in Lakeland, Florida and then in St. Petersburg. His military duties included working on airplane instrumentation, and he specialized in automatic pilot repair. Elmer met Mary Jane Rosenbaum in 1944 and they were soon married.
After the war Elmer and Mary decided to make St. Petersburg their permanent home and set up housekeeping here in 1948. In 1949 Elmer Shirey opened ‘Shirey’s Jewelry Shop & Watch Repair’ on St. Petersburg Beach located at 431 76th Avenue, which he owned and operated for nearly 40 years. By the mid-1950’s Elmer relocated his store to 537 Corey Avenue where he remained until he retired and closed the store in 1985.
In 1956 Elmer bought a house in the Azalea area at 1200 Robinson Dr. and was very active in his neighborhood, one year winning the Azalea Association’s best decorated house at Christmas. The Shirey’s lived at this address until the late 1980’s when they moved to Port Richey.
Elmer was an avid golfer and was mentioned many times in the local papers for his achievements in local tournaments.
Elmer was civically minded and interested in service organizations. In 1951 Elmer was President of the Gulf Beaches Lions Club, the same year he was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge. Elmer was Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1955. Elmer was a Lodge lecturer delivering all three degree lectures. He and his wife Mary Jane were also members of the Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241, Order of Eastern Star. Elmer was also in the Shrine and was a member of the Holiday Isle Shrine Club. Elmer Shirey is the only Master of Gulf Beach Lodge to serve twice. In 1959, John Kilpatrick was Senior Warden and slated to go to the East the next year, however, in September of 1959 Kilpatrick resigned his position at Madeira Beach Bank following questions dealing with misappropriation of funds and subsequently dropped out of the officer line. Three months later the Lodge held its annual elections, Brother Bill Voss, who was Junior Warden at the time, wasn’t quite ready to take on the East, so W:. Elmer Shirey was elected by a large majority as Worshipful Master again for 1960. After that year the line progressed in a linear manner and has done so to the present day.
Elmer Shirey passed away in Port Richey on May 2, 1998 at the age of 77.
Past Master Bio: Winfield S. Heiney 1956
Winfield Scott Heiney, named after Winfield Scott, the great American commander and General in the War of 1812, Mexican War and the early stages of the Civil War. Winfield was born in Camden New Jersey on May 25, 1906, he was 5’ 6” tall, brown hair, black eyes and weighed 150lbs. Winfield’s father died when he was a boy and he lived with his mother, often helping her handle her laundry business after school. Winfield dropped out of school in the 7th grade to go to work and help support the family. In 1930 Winfield moved to New York City and took a job with an elevator company and in 1931 married Elizabeth “Lillian” Taylor. By 1940 Winfield had packed his wife and mother and moved to St. Petersburg to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
During 1940 in St. Petersburg Winfield worked for an electric supply company and lived with his wife and mother. He later took on a job as an electrician for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad in St. Pete. To get back and forth from work Winfield rode his Indian motorcycle, of which he was very fond.
Winfield Heiney and Elmer Shirey (Master in 1955) took their three degrees together at Gulf Beach Lodge and were both Raised on March 29, 1951. Winfield and his wife (along with the Elmer Shirey and his wife) were members of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 Order of Eastern Star.
Winfield was an avid freshwater fisherman. In 1966, at age 59, Winfield was fishing alone in his john boat on Lake Tsala in Apopka Florida (Citrus County). A witness at the Sleepy Hollow Fishing Camp stated that he saw Winfield lose his balance and fall out of the boat, as he fell he turned the outboard motor , causing the boat to circle and hit him. He never resurfaced. His body was found the next day by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Graveside Masonic funeral services were provided by Gulf Beach Lodge at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
Past Master Bio: George Garrett 1957
George Garrett, the youngest of seven children, was born on a modest farm in Columbus Georgia in 1918 to Alfred and Callie Garrett. By 1920 George’s father had packed up the family and moved to Altha Florida, approximately 40 miles west of Tallahassee and then finally settled in Plant City, Florida where he took up farming. George enlisted in the US Army in December of 1940 and served in WWII being discharged in February 1944. In 1946 George moved with his wife Helen to 15314 Harbor Drive Madeira Beach. In 1949 George was appointed town Marshal for Madeira Beach and in 1951 started a plumbing business called ‘Garrett Plumbing’ which is still in existence today.
George Garrett’s brother Arnie was the first petitioner at Gulf Beach Lodge in 1950 and was the first lodge member to die on April 13, 1951. George was Initiated on December 20, 1951 (just eight months after his older brother Arnie died), Passed on February 14, 1952 and Raised on March 27, 1952. After being Raised George when right into the Officer Line at the Lodge and was Installed as Master in 1957.
George and his wife Helen were members of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 OES and they served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron in 1958.
In 1960 George became the director of the local Chamber of Commerce.
George Garrett died on October 21, 1980 at the age of 62 and received full Masonic Rites at his burial. He is interred at Memorial Park Cemetery on 49th Street in St. Petersburg.
Past Master Bio: Fred G. Lawrence 1958
Fred Giles Lawrence stood 5’9” and 150 lb with brown hair and brown eyes. Fred was born on March 16, 1916 in Laurel Mississippi. In 1937 Fred, at age 21, married Ms. Nevada O. Bryant, however the marriage didn’t last and they were divorced after just a year of marriage. After the divorce Fred moved to St. Petersburg where he met Edith Vaughan, daughter of the St. Petersburg Chief of Police, whom he married in January of 1939. Edith Vaughn’s brother was Kenneth A. Vaughn, a charter member of Gulf Beach Lodge who served as the Lodge’s Master in 1952.
In 1940, at age 24, Fred was working as a motorman for the Trolley Line in St. Petersburg and was living at 334 14th St. North. In August of 1941 Fred was hired by the St. Petersburg Fire Department, however his employment was put on hold in December of 1941 when he enlisted in the Army following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Fred graduated gunnery school in Texas and then was trained as a B-29 Flight Engineer. Fred served in the War effort until his honorable discharge in 1945. When Fred returned to civilian life in St. Petersburg he took up where he left off with the St. Petersburg Fire Department and over the years worked his way up the ranks to Company Fire Captain. Fred also served as Deputy State Fire Marshal from 1961 – 1965.
Fred Lawrence was Raised in Gulf Beach Lodge on March 11, 1954 and served as Master in 1958. Fred was an active Mason in the District and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) in 1960, the first Past Master of Gulf Beach Lodge to serve in this capacity. Fred and his wife were active in Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 O.E.S. and he served as Associate Patron in 1959.
After retirement Fred and his wife moved to Inverness for what he hoped would be a quiet, peaceful existence. Unfortunately after WWII Fred had been treated at the VA for depression and anxiety related to his service and was on 100% disability. Little was understood or done during those years for veterans with PTSD and it was a sad day in August of 1974 when Fred Lawrence took his own life with a single gunshot. Fred received a full military, Fire Department and Masonic funeral and is buried at Royal Palm South Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
Past Master Bio: George E. Lewis Jr. 1959
George Edward Lewis Jr. was born in Brooklyn New York on September 24, 1922. His parents were immigrants from England. By age eight George’s family had moved to Hamilton County Ohio, near Cincinnati, where his father worked in the Insurance Industry. George graduated High School and attended Marietta College in Ohio, a private liberal arts college, where he was on the collegiate rowing team in 1941. George graduated from Marietta College with a degree in Physics. On August 25, 1951 George married Norma Jean Stegeman and shortly after their marriage they packed their bags and moved south to Decatur Georgia. It was in Decatur in 1952 where George took his Three Masonic Degrees at Masters Lodge No. 295.
George and Norma didn’t stay in Decatur long before moving further south to St. Petersburg in 1953 where he took employment with the local New York Life Insurance Company where he worked as an insurance underwriter for 47 years. George was honored in 1977 as the Outstanding Underwriter of the Year.
George was active at St. Vincent’s Episcopal Church where he served as a vestryman. He was also very active civically and was a member of the St. Petersburg Association of Underwriters, President of Family and Children Services, founding member and President of the Holiday Isle Civitan Club.
George affiliated with Gulf Beach Lodge on November 5, 1953 after taking a dimit from Masters Lodge in Georgia. George served as Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1959 and it was during his year that the Lodge’s library was begun. George delivered the Master Mason Degree Lecture for many years. For many decades following his year as Master, George served on the elections committee at Lodge where he would collect ballots during the election and read them out for the official count. George happily fulfilled this duty until his passing in 1999.
George was an avid angler and sports fan. George Lewis died at age 77 on September 8, 1999 and is interred at St. Vincent Memorial Garden.
Past Master Bio: Elmer H. Shirey 1960 (see 1955 Bio)
Past Master Bio: William R. Voss Jr. 1961
William Robert Voss Jr. was born in Pittsfield Massachusetts on June 15, 1917 to William and Olive Voss. Bill’s parents owned a variety store at Swift’s Beach in Wareham Massachusetts, very similar to Webb’s City in St. Petersburg. Their store consisted of 25 departments, an open air theater, an amusement arcade, and was touted as ‘The Most Unusual Beach Store’. By the time Bill was twenty he was owner of ‘Billy’s Gift Shop’ at his parent’s department store.
On August 14, 1942 Bill joined the United States Air Corp and was a corporal assigned as a radio technician to the Yuma Army Airfield in Yuma Arizona. This airfield was an advanced training ground for US pilots heading overseas.
After the war, in 1946, Bill’s father and mother retired to the new Harshaw neighborhood in St. Petersburg and it wasn’t long before Bill Jr., and his wife Bertha, followed them to this area. In late 1946, Bill and his wife purchased a home at 14024 N Bayshore Drive in Madeira Beach, just two blocks from the future site of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291. From 1946 through 1955 Bill managed the Pass-a-Grille Drug Store which was owned by Joseph Clouthier, who petitioned Nitram Lodge in 1952 for the Three Degrees. In 1955 Bill asked his boss, Joe, how he could become a Mason and was directed to Gulf Beach Lodge, just blocks from Bill’s home. Bill was Initiated on April 14, 1955, Passed on January 12, 1956 and Raised on February 23, 1956. Bill’s boss, Joe, affiliated with Gulf Beach Lodge on December 15, 1960.
Bill left Pass-a-grille Drug Store in 1956 to become a sales representative for Sherman Williams Paint Stores where he stayed until his retirement.
Bill Voss has been the longest serving Secretary of Gulf Beach Lodge during its 70 year history. He served twenty terms as Secretary, first from 1962 – 1972 and again from 1974 – 1984.
Bill was extremely active in all Masonic bodies. He was a life member in Scottish Rite, a Past Watchman of Shepherds in White Shrine No. 20 (which met at Gulf Beach Lodge), Knight Crusader of the Cross of the Grand Commandery of Florida (York Rite) and member of Sunshine Commandery No. 20, Advisory Board of the Gulf Beach Chapter of DeMolay, a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, a member of Amaranth No. 35, a member of Selama Grotto, and Past Patron of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241, Order of Eastern Star.
Bill died on June 11, 1985 at age 67. His Masonic Funeral was performed at Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole.
Past Master Bio: Hugh W. Mullenix 1962
Hugh Wilson Mullenix was born on a beautiful Fall day October 21, 1916 in Huntington West Virginia. His father was a machine operator at a glass plant in Huntington and his mother a homemaker. In 1918 Hugh’s family moved to Dayton Ohio to be nearer his grandparents. During the depression times were tough for the Mullenix family and in 1930 Hugh had to go live with his Grandparents. Hugh’s grandfather was a foreman at Dayton Manufacturing Company and more financially equipped to care for 14 year old Hugh. In 1937, at age 21, Hugh married Ms. Bette Jane Muller, aged 19. From 1937 to 1940 Hugh was making his living as a City bus driver in Cincinnati Ohio. In 1940 Hugh took a job with the Cincinnati Police Department as a patrolman. In 1948 Hugh and his wife Bette were divorced and shortly thereafter he was remarried to his second wife, Alma Gajus. By 1953 Hugh and Alma had relocated to Madeira Beach to make a new start.
By 1955 Hugh was residing at 822 Bay Point Dr in Madeira Beach and was working as a Patrolman for Madeira Beach as well as one of their Volunteer Firefighters.
After two years Hugh left Madeira Beach Police Department to work as a Police Security Officer for the General Electric Corporation. In 1956 Hugh received the Insular Certificate of Merit for Law Enforcement.
Hugh Mullenix took his Masonic Degrees at Gulf Beach Lodge and was Initiated on April 25, 1957, Passed on June 27, 1957 and Raised on September 12, 1957. Hugh held the elected office of Treasurer of the Lodge in 1958 three months after being Raised.
Hugh was an active member of Church by the Sea, where many of our Lodge members attended in the 1950’s. He was an avid bowler and held many league awards.
Hugh was very active in the community as well as within the fraternity. He served as Worthy Patron of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 OES, he was a Scottish Rite Mason (Valley of Tampa), a member of Egypt Temple Shrine, a member of the Boca Ciega Scottish Rite Club, a member of the Holiday Isle Elks and a member of the American Legion post 273.
Hugh died suddenly and unexpectedly on September 27, 1967 at age 50. His Masonic services were performed at Seminole Beach Funeral Home. Hugh’s wife, Alma, passed away on Christmas Eve 1999 in Madeira Beach, thirty-two years after Hugh’s passing.
Past Master Bio: Dennis E. Smith 1963
Dennis Earl Smith was born to Dennis Earl Smith Sr. and Kathryn Brown on a steamy Sunday morning in Hyde Park Tampa, August 28, 1932. In 1933, when 18 months old, Dennis was voted the ‘cutest baby in Tampa’ by the German-American Club. Dennis’s father, a member of Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 and a Shriner, managed an A&P Grocery Store in Tampa until 1940 when he moved the family to Madeira Beach and opened Smith’s Food Store at 13195 Gulf Blvd. The family lived on the premises. During this same time period Dennis’s father opened Smith’s Fish Camp on Lake Seminole.
It should be noted that although Dennis’s father was also “Dennis Earl Smith”, (our) Dennis went by “Sr.” after he had a son who was also named “Dennis Earl Smith”. This Dennis Earl Smith Jr. (son of our Past Master) just passed away in 2019.
In the late 1940’s Dennis attended secondary-college prep school at the Georgia Military School (later to become Georgia Military College) in Milledgeville Georgia and graduated with honors in 1950. In 1951 Dennis attended the University of Florida in Gainesville. Before completion of degree work at UF Dennis joined the US Air Force and served in the Korean War. In 1953 he was awarded the Air Medal, which is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was created in 1942 and is awarded for single acts of heroism while participating in aerial flight. Dennis received this award for “his part in far-reaching B-29 strikes against Communist military targets in North Korea. By his courage, fortitude and desire to aid the United Nations’ cause, Airman Smith has brought great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force”. Upon receiving this award Dennis had completed 18 combat missions.
After service in the Korean War Dennis returned to Madeira Beach and took a job with the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). It wasn’t long until he met Ms. Virginia Lee Wenning and the two were married on August 24, 1954. They had three children, Dennis Jr., Jacob and Lynn.
In 1958 Dennis’s father, aged 51, died tragically while fishing from his boat on Lake Seminole. A man on shore saw the boat running in circles with nobody on board. After many hours of dragging the lake the Sheriff’s Department found the body.
Dennis Smith was initiated and Entered Apprentice at Gulf Beach Lodge on December 20, 1959, Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on April 9, 1959 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 14, 1959.
Dennis followed in his father’s footsteps by owning and/or managed grocery stores.
In 1984 Dennis and his wife moved to Lake Panasoffkee where he opened the Red and White Food Store. On June 15, 1988, after thirty-four years of marriage, Dennis’s wife Virginia died. On November 29, 1991 Dennis was remarried to Marjorie, who went by “Margie B”
Dennis died on June 27, 1999 at age 66. His Masonic Funeral services were conducted by Gulf Beach Lodge Chaplain, Donald T. Harriott, and the Lodge funeral team. Interment was at Memorial Park in St. Petersburg.
Past Master Bio: James P. Robertson 1964
James Paul Robertson was born on March 12, 1927 to James Sanford Robertson, a dairyman, and Grace Green Robertson, a homemaker. He was the second of five children and was described on his WWII draft card as being blonde haired, blue eyed and a ruddy complexion. James attended public schools in Springfield Massachusetts and on May 11, 1945, two months after turning 18, joined the US Navy, serving only a month due to an injury in basic training.
James went to work in 1946 as a mechanic in Springfield and soon married his first wife Christine.
In 1948 James took his Masonic Degrees at Samuel D. Sherwood Lodge in Springfield with his EA Degree on November 11, 1948, FC Degree on January 18, 1949 and MM Degree on February 25, 1949.
He and his wife Christine lived in Springfield until their divorce in 1957 when James moved to the Gulf Beaches in Florida for a new start. One of his first priorities when arriving in Florida was to seek a Masonic Lodge and he found Gulf Beach Lodge to be nearby and friendly. James dimitted from Samuel D. Sherwood Lodge on June 24, 1957 and affiliated with Gulf Beach Lodge on February 6, 1958.
James worked as an independent truck driver locally and in 1958 remarried to Rose E. Stancil. James served as Master of the Lodge in 1964 which was the year the Lodge paid off its mortgage. James’ Masters project was to raise funds to pay off the balance of the mortgage and to hold a mortgage burning celebration at the Lodge. On October 29th the Lodge held an official ‘mortgage burning’ with 220 members of all bodies and many dignitaries present. The evening was a great success.
In 1970 James and Rose moved to Ware Shoals, South Carolina and James took a dimit from Gulf Beach Lodge to Brewerton Lodge No. 183. He and Rose lived in Ware Shoals until 1976 when they moved back to Florida and settled in Dunnellon. James passed away on March 20, 2001 at age 74 and is buried at Hickory Creek Cemetery in Marion County Florida.
Past Master Bio: Thurman E. Kinder 1965
Thurman Edward “Ed” Kinder was born on July 15, 1914 in Cabell West Virginia to Elisha and Georgia Kinder, he was the oldest of three children. Times were not easy for the Kinder family while Ed was growing up in Peytona West Virginia where his father was a laborer in a local sawmill and later worked as a coal miner.
On June 15, 1935, at age 21, Ed married Ms. Gertrude Easter and they had a daughter in 1937. By 1938 Ed was divorced and living back with his parents along with his one year old daughter Gloria. During this period Ed was a construction worker in the coal mine at Peytona.
Ed served in the US Army during WWII and married Mary Gately on October 4, 1943. After the war Ed worked as a radio operator for the Merchant Marines. In 1948 Ed and Mary moved to Tampa where they bought a home at 3314 Sevilla Cir.
Ed became a Mason at Community Lodge No. 292 in Tampa, he was Initiated an EA on February 15, 1960, Passed on April 4, 1960 and Raised on May 2, 1960. On February 16, 1961 Ed dimitted to Gulf Beach Lodge as he was planning a move to Largo. Upon arriving in Largo, Ed immediately became active at Gulf Beach Lodge and served as Master in 1965.
Ed retired from General Electric in Largo in 1978 with twenty five years of service.
Upon retiring Ed and Mary moved to a beautiful mountain home in Blairsville Georgia. Ed filled his time in retirement with gardening and being a ham radio operator, two of his passions in life. After a time in the mountains Ed and Mary moved back to the warmer climate of Florida and landed in New Port Richey. After 62 years of marriage Mary died on September 1, 2005 in New Port Richey. Ed died October 2, 2011, six years later, aged 97 years. Masonic Funeral services were performed by Gulf Beach Lodge and held at Dobies Funeral Home in New Port Richey.
Past Master Bio: Paul N. King 1966
Paul Norman King was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on May 4, 1938 to Norman and Ruth King. Paul’s father worked for the telephone company and Ruth was a homemaker. Paul’s father was also a Freemason in Pennsylvania and in later years was a frequent visitor at Gulf Beach Lodge.
Paul attended Bellevue High School in Pittsburgh where he took part in many school activities. Upon Paul’s graduation in 1956 the King family moved to Florida. Upon arrival in the area Paul, following in his father’s footsteps, took a job with GTE (General Telephone). Paul stayed with General Telephone for 37 years retiring in 1993.
Also, following in his father’s footsteps, in 1961 at age 24, Paul joined Gulf Beach Lodge taking his EA Degree on April 13, 1961, his FC Degree on May 10, 1961 and his MM Degree on June 22, 1961. Five years later, at age 28, Paul became the youngest Master to serve Gulf Beach Lodge. As of this writing (in 2020) and after 70 years of Lodge existence, Paul is still the youngest Mason to have served as Master of our Lodge. He is also the most senior living Past Master of Gulf Beach Lodge.
Paul married his first wife, Anita, and they had three children. Paul and Anita were divorced in 1979 and Paul married Patricia Woodard in 1983. Paul has two grand daughters and three great grandchildren.
Paul and his wife spend their retirement years between their home in Seminole and a mountain home in Blue Ridge Georgia.
Paul has always been very active in Masonry as well as in the Community. He served as District 19 Chairman of Let Your Pennies Make Good Cents. He served as a project manager during the building of the new Tampa International Airport. Paul served as a lobbyist in Tallahassee and Washington DC. In 1968 Paul was Co-Chairman of the Ms. Seminole Pageant, he is a member and Past President of the Seminole Rotary, he served on the Board of Directors of Abilities of Florida, and a Past President of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce. In 1990 Paul was named Mr. Seminole by the City of Seminole. Paul served for 25 years as Director of Operations for the Senior Golf Tour and Champions Tour at the Tournament Players Club in Tampa. He also served on the Executive Committees of the JC Penney and GTE Golf Classics. Paul is currently the Locker Room Chairman for the Valspar Championship Tour at Innisbrook.
In 1993 Paul received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Association of Community Leadership and served as President of Leadership Pinellas.
Paul received his 50 year Masonic Service Award in 2011 and in 2021 will receive his 60 Award.
Past Master Bio: Eugene M. Nungesser 1967
Eugene Marion Nungesser was born on November 19, 1909 in Cleveland Ohio to Eli and Emma Nungesser. Gene’s father was a streetcar motorman for the City of Cleveland. Gene did his schooling in Cleveland and after completing his second year in High School he dropped out and took a job as an order clerk with a local lumber company.
During WWII Eugene moved to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where he took up work as a tool and die maker for Superior Valves and Fittings Company and where he met Harriet Elizabeth Lindsay who he would later marry. Harriett was born of Irish immigrants, her mother and father having come from Northern Ireland.
In 1957 Gene and Harriet packed their car and with their kids, relocated to St. Petersburg where he had accepted a job with the International Resistance Company (IRC) later to merge with TRW Inc. This company manufactured components for governmental and aerospace projects. IRC was located under the Tyrone Blvd overpass in the Tyrone Park Industrial area. In 1961 Gene was appointed to the Executive Board of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, local 1978, which covered employees at IRC. He served in this capacity for many years.
Gene took his Masonic degrees at Gulf Beach Lodge in 1959. He was initiated on January 8th, Passed of February 5th, and Raised on March 26th which shows that he obviously had a head for memorization. Gene was active in many other Masonic bodies including Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 OES where he and his wife were both members.
In 1975, at age 66, Gene retired and began to do what he loved most, which was to facet (cut and shape) replicas of famous diamonds. Gene was a member of the Suncoast Mineral and Gem Society as well as the Anclote Earth Science Club and the Pinellas Geological Society. In 1985 the St. Pete Times ran a full-page article on Gene and his gemstone work.
Gene died on March 11, 1994 at age 84. His wife Harriet passed January 12, 2000. Gene’s Masonic Funeral was performed by Gulf Beach Lodge and held at Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole.
Funeral was performed by Gulf Beach Lodge and held at Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole.
Past Master Bio: Gene K. Mumma 1968
Gene Kimble Mumma was born on August 16, 1931 in Cambridge Ohio to William and Jane Mumma and was the oldest of five children. This was the height of the great depression and times were tough for Gene’s family. Gene’s father was an auto mechanic and not making enough money to support the family on his own, so they moved in with Gene’s grandparents who were already housing Gene’s Uncle, also an auto mechanic. Gene’s grandfather was a local blacksmith in Cambridge.
Gene attended school in Cambridge and during High School was active with the sound and lighting crew during school plays and productions. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1949 with the High School Yearbook nickname “Brains”. The Yearbook also listed his aspiration as being an “Automotive Engineer”.
After graduation Gene enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Korean War. It was in the Navy that Gene received training that later would help him toward his career as an electrical engineer.
After his tour of duty in the Korean War Gene moved to Columbus Ohio where he took classes in electrical engineering and where he also met and married Barbara Donohoe. Gene and Barbara were married until the time of her death on January 9, 2015. Gene and Barbara had two children, Jodelle, and David.
In the late 1950’s Gene moved to St. Petersburg to fill a position as an electrical engineer at the new General Electric Plant which was being built in Largo.
Gene took his Masonic Degrees at Gulf Beach Lodge in 1962. He was Initiated on April 26th, Passed on May 24th and Raised on June 28th. It is obvious from the short time between degrees that Gene had a head for memory work and a desire to excel in his degree work.
Gene spent many years caring for his wife Barbara while she suffered from Alzheimer’s. He was a devoted and loving husband and sacrificed to stay home and care for his wife. Barbara died in 2015. Two years later, on July 7, 2017, Gene passed away, aged 85 years. Gene’s funeral service was held at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater.
Past Master Bio: John R. Cone III 1969
In 1950 John’s family moved to Tampa where his father had secured a job with a road contractor. This would turn out to be the last move for the family.
John attended Hillsborough High School where he was a 1953 graduate. He attended the University of Tampa for one year and then transferred to the University of Florida where he earned a pharmacy degree. In August of 1957, while still in Pharmacy school, John married Ms. Patricia Lee Andrew of St. Cloud, Florida. John and Pat had three children, Lori Lee, Robert Mathew and Randolph Andrew.
From June of 1958 to April 1960 John worked in Delray Beach, Florida. His employer (and mentor) was a Mason who introduced John to Freemasonry. His boss kept a small box on a shelf in the pharmacy work area marked “Let Your Cents Help the Masonic Home”. There was a small lunch counter in the pharmacy and when salesmen would come in and offer to buy his boss a .25 cent cup of coffee, he would decline and say “give me the .25 cents instead and I will donate it to the Masonic Home of Florida in St. Petersburg.” At the end of the year, he had many quarters to convert to dollars and send to the Masonic Home.
In 1960 John moved to Pinellas County to accept a position at the Madeira Rexall Drug Store in Madeira Beach, which he later purchased. The store also had a small lunch counter and one day while sitting at the counter he met a man who was wearing a Masonic ring. He asked this man how he could become a Mason and the man answered that he would be back in touch with him. The next day the man returned with a petition for Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291.
John took his EA Degree at Gulf Beach Lodge on June 8, 1961, was Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on July 27, 1961 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on August 24, 1961. John was Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1969, the year man first stepped foot on the Moon. John received his 55-year service award in 2016 and received his 60-year award in 2021.
John finally retired from Pharmacy work in January of 2020 with over 60 years of service.
John laid down his working tools on May 29, 2024, at age 88, Masonic services were conducted by Gulf Beach Lodge.
Past Master Bio: Roy Saunders 1970
Roy Saunders was born on March 19, 1907 in Detroit Michigan. Roy decided in 1951, at age 44, that he and his wife Irene should leave Detroit and move to the sunny south. Roy and Irene arrived in Pinellas County in 1951 and moved into a house a mere three blocks from the Lodge on Miramar Ave. Roy became owner of the Madeira Beach Paint store.
On July 4, 1962 Roy’s wife Irene (age 44) died unexpectedly. Six months later Roy petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Symbolic Degrees. Roy was Initiated in Gulf Beach Lodge on February 28, 1963; Passed on April 25, 1963 and Raised May 23, 1963.
During the late 1960’s Roy met Jessie Carlin, a widow whose husband had died in 1957. Roy and Jessie were married in 1969, a year before Roy became Master of Gulf Beach Lodge. Roy and Jessie were both active in Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 O.E.S. Roy’s Masters Project in 1970 was the start of the Lodge’s Building Fund, which is still a healthy fund to this day. Roy was past president of the Boca Ciega Scottish Rite Club and a member of Selama Grotto.
Roy Saunders died on November 28, 1990 at age 83. His Masonic Funeral was held at Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole and Roy was interred at Memorial Park Cemetery. Following Roy’s death Jessie moved into the Masonic Home where she lived until she passed away on September 26, 2001 at the ripe age of 96.
Past Master Bio: Barney E. Walker 1971
Barney Earl Walker was born on December 4, 1917 in Morgan City, Louisiana to Florence and Frank Walker. As a young man Barney was described as tall, standing 6’ 3” with a ruddy complexion, gray eyes, and brown hair. Barney was the youngest of three children, having two older brothers. By 1930 the family had relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana where Barney attended Arsenal Technical High School (from 1864 – 1912 the Arsenal was a munitions arsenal, later becoming a High School. In 1976 it was placed on the National Registry of Historic places). Barney graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1934 with a graduating class of 1000.
After graduation Barney took a job as a salesman for the Sargent – Gerke Paint Company. While working for the paint company Barney met a young waitress by the name of Kathryn Irene Drager and soon the two had fallen for each other and were married in 1940.
In 1944 Barney petitioned Evergreen Lodge No. 713 in Indianapolis for the Three Symbolic Degrees. He received his EA Degree on March 23, 1944, his FC Degree April 7, 1944, and his MM Degree April 21, 1944, in less than a month Barney had completed all three degrees. Barney went on to join Sahara Grotto in Indianapolis taking an active officer roll.
Barney and his wife Kathryn spent the next twenty-five years raising their family in Indianapolis. At age 48 Barney and Kathryn decided to retire to Florida and moved to Madeira Beach buying a home on Pruitt Dr., just one block from Gulf Beach Lodge. The first thing Barney did when he settled into his new home was to seek out the Lodge where he transferred his membership on December 16, 1965. One year later Barney was installed as Senior Steward (1967) and progressed up the line until reaching Master in 1971. It was during Barney’s year as Master that the Lodge purchased the Winding Stairs carpet that is still used today in our Fellow Craft Degree. Barney and his wife Kathryn were active in Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 O.E.S where Barney served as Worthy Patron. Barney was also a member of Scottish Rite and the Shrine.
Locally Barney sold Real Estate and leased office space at 222 150th Ave in Madeira Beach. He was also an avid bowler holding many long-standing records in Indianapolis. Besides bowling he enjoyed fishing and spent many hours testing the waters off Madeira Beach.
Barney and Kathryn moved away from the beaches in the 1980’s and ended up in Brooksville, by way of Inverness. Barney Earl Walker died in Brooksville on October 10, 1996 at age 78, he was survived by his wife Kathryn and son James. A Masonic Funeral was performed in Brooksville by Gulf Beach Lodge.
Past Master Bio: Walter J. Hiel 1972
Walter Jacob Hiel was born in Trenton New Jersey on January 30, 1925 to John and Catherine Hiel. Walter’s parents immigrated from Yugoslavia in 1904 and Walter’s father became a machinist in Trenton. Walter attended grade school in Trenton and like most boys in 1942 couldn’t wait to sign up for the service in WWII. Walter dropped out of High School at age 17 and enlisted in the US Army on August 13, 1942, serving until November 30, 1945.
Walter returned to Trenton after the war and finished his schooling after which he moved to Brooklyn NY. Walter used his GI bill and enrolled in Rider College, New Jersey, where he earned a BS Degree in Business Administration in 1948. Walter got his first taste of fraternalism in college as a member of Kappa Phi.
Walter took a position with Fair Lawn Radburn Trust Co. in Passaic NJ and by 1960 had made his way to Assistant Vice-President.
In 1961 Walter married Maryanne Roebling and they soon had a daughter Ruth.
In 1964 Walter moved his family to St. Petersburg where he took a Vice-President position with the National Bank of St. Petersburg, located at 1000 Tyrone Blvd.
It was in March of 1966 that Walter petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 for the Three Symbolic Degrees. He was Initiated on April 16, 1966; Passed on June 23, 1999; and Raised on October 27, 1966. Two months after being Raised a Master Mason, Walter was installed Junior Steward, and his trek to the East was begun. Walter was also a member of the Scottish Rite and was in Kiwanis.
While moving through the officer chairs, Walter stayed busy professionally. He helped found, and served as President of, the Florida State Bank in St. Petersburg.
In 1973, just after his year as Master of the Lodge, Walter was named President and CEO of the Pinellas State Bank. This same year Walt, an avid golfer, opened Walt’s Golf Shop in Largo. In 1978 he also opened a Laundry on Keene Rd in Largo. In 1984 Walter opened a new Golf Shop at 1250 Seminole Blvd with his daughter Ruth.
Walter Jacob Hiel died October 15, 1992 at age 67. He was buried with Masonic and Military Rites at Bay Pines National Cemetery. His wife Maryanne died on December 2, 2008.
Past Master Bio: Rex I. P. Newman 1973
Rex Inigo Pemberton Newman was born in Wales on October 4, 1912 to Joseph a wagon builder who also worked in a steel mill and his wife Violet. Rex arrived at Ellis Island New York aboard the RMS Cedric, part of the White Star Line, with his parents on August 4, 1924 at age 12.
The Newman’s ended up in Youngstown Ohio where Rex attended grade school. While in Youngstown Rex met Eleanor Jeanette, two years his senior, and they were married May 5, 1935. By 1940 Rex and Eleanor were living with his parents and he was working as a foreman for a steel works company.
Rex and Eleanor lived in Youngstown Ohio where they raised their two daughters, Edie and Jean.
In 1958, at age 46, Rex and his family (including his parents) left Youngstown and moved to St. Petersburg where he opened and ran Newman’s Grocery on Madeira Beach.
In 1959 Rex’s father Joe, a member of Alban’s Lodge No. 677 in Youngstown, dimitted to Gulf Beach Lodge. Six years later, in 1965, Rex approached his father about becoming a Mason, and his Masonic career began.
Rex was initiated on December 2, 1965, Passed on March 24, 1966 and Raised on April 28, 1966. Rex’s father was present (and Raised) Rex at his MM Degree. One month later Rex’s father passed away.
Rex began working his way through the chairs at Lodge and became Master in 1973. His Masters project was to remodel the downstairs fellowship hall.
Rex Newman died on June 1, 1994 at age 81 and is interred at Garden Sanctuary in Seminole. Masonic services were rendered by the Gulf Beach Memorial Association.
Past Master Bio: Jefferson DeR Capps 1974
Jefferson De Rosenroll Capps was born in Cleburne Texas on August 8, 1924. Jeff’s father, William, was a Deputy County Clerk and his mother Richelda De Rosenroll Capps was a housewife. Jeff went through grade school in Cleburne and graduated from Cleburne High School in 1942. While in High School Jeff was active in the High School drama club and the band. Jeff then attended the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and graduated in 1943. Immediately upon graduating he enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and served in combat in the Pacific theater. By the end of the war Jeff had reached the rank of Major and decided to make a career out of the service. During the Korean War (1950) Jeff served with the 24th Division in Reconnaissance. From 1952-1954 he was assigned to train the York National Guard 2nd Bat. 104th Armored Cavalry Regiment at York Pa.
Jeff was awarded the Bronze Star with V device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Japanese Occupation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, Korean Campaign Ribbon and three battle stars.
In 1947 Doris Ann Sargent (who went by Dorann) went with her parents to Japan where her father, Geoffrey W Sargent, served as Governor of Kyushu during the occupation years. It was shortly after she had arrived in Kyushu that she met Jeff who was assigned to duty there. They soon fell in love and were married in Japan in 1948. During the Korean War Dorann remained in Japan and was a volunteer for the Red Cross.
Jeff’s father-in-law retired in 1955 and purchased a home on the Gulf Beaches. In 1957 Jeff had decided that he was ready to leave military service after a final four-year tour in Germany and after 15 years of service he returned to civilian life. Jeff and Dorann came to visit her parents here in 1957 and they loved the area (not to mention the proximity to her parents) and decided to settle here in 1960.
Jeff earned a law degree from Stetson Law School in 1963 and opened a practice in St. Peterburg. One highlight of Jeff’s law career was litigating and winning a US Supreme court case.
In September of 1965 Jeff petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees and was Initiated on October 14, 1965, Passed on December 23, 1965 and Raised January 27, 1966. Jeff was a Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason. Jeff was appointed District Deputy Grand Master in 1982. In 1986 the sitting District Deputy Grand Master, Danny Harris, died unexpectedly and Jeff was appointed to finish that Masonic year as DDGM. He is the only DDGM in our District who ever served a second term, albeit a partial one.
Jeff was active in the community being a member of the Exchange Club, President of the Tides Tennis Club, and member of the Redington Beach Bath Club among many other involvements.
In 1998 Jeff’s wife Dorann passed away after 50 years of marriage and having raised two daughters together. R∴W∴ Jefferson DeR Capps passed away on August 8, 2005 and was buried with Masonic and Military honors at Bay Pines.
Past Master Bio: James D. Cairns Jr. 1975
James Donaldson Cairns Jr. was born on August 29, 1920 in Westbrook Maine. James was the second oldest of six children. His father, a Scottish born machinist, worked in a factory in Westbrook but later had turned to retail sales. James spent just two years in High School and at age 19 (1940) dropped out to take a job as a delivery truck driver. On October 23, 1942 (at age 22) James enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and served throughout the war as a heavy equipment operator. Once released from active-duty James returned to Westbrook where he married Ms. Doris Eileen Shaw in 1947 and the two had a son, James III as well as her two sons from a previous marriage.
James and his family lived in Westbrook until his mother died in 1956 when they decided to move to Florida where James took a job with the city of St. Petersburg as a heavy equipment operator. Not too long after coming to Florida James and Doris were divorced. James would later married Wilma Jean Anderson.
James petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge in 1968 and was Initiated on December 12, 1968; Passed on January 23, 1969, and Raised on February 27, 1969. James immediately started his advancement through the officer line of the Lodge and in 1975 was installed as Worshipful Master.
In 1977 James and his wife Wilma moved to Lorida (near Sebring, Florida) where he lived until he passed away on June 4, 1993, at age 72. James is buried at Basinger Cemetery in Okeechobee. James’ wife Wilma passed away on May 22, 2012.
Past Master Bio: Donald E. Watson 1976
Donald Eugene Watson was born May 26, 1926, in Hickory Grove South Carolina, a small farm town with a 1930 population of 310. Donald, and his five brothers and sisters, worked the farm alongside their mother and father. Donald attended Hickory Grove schools and graduated in 1943 enlisting immediately in the US Navy. Donald served in active duty from 1944 – 1946 in the South Pacific. Upon receiving his honorable discharge Don attended the University of South Carolina and then took a job at the Orange Hosiery Textile Mill in Efland North Carolina. It was there that Don met Elsie Carolyn Crisp who was also employed at the Mill, and the two were soon married. They had three children, Donna, Phillip and Gary.
In 1959 Don moved his family to St. Petersburg and in 1965 Don and Carolyn were divorced. In 1970 Don petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees and took his EA Degree on June 11th, his FC on September 10th and his MM on October 29th. Don immediately entered the officer chairs working his way to Master in 1976. In 1978 Don’s son Gary tragically lost his life in a traffic accident, he was 27 years old. It wasn’t long after this that Don moved back to Burlington North Carolina where he lived until the time of his death on May 18, 2010, just shy of his 84th birthday
Past Master Bio: Thomas L. Cox 1977
Thomas Leon Cox was born on November 25, 1933, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to Everett and Martha Cox. Tom was the sixth of eight children. Tom’s father Everette worked for the B&W Tube Mill in Beaver Falls. Tom graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1952. On February 26, 1954, at age 20, Tom enlisted in the US Air Force and served in Korea, he was honorably discharged on October 21, 1957. In August of 1958 Tom married Delana Kudlicka, the marriage lasted until their divorce in June of 1968. Tom had taken a job with Honeywell where he met his second wife Linda and the two soon were married. It was Linda’s brother, Tom Loutitt, who introduced Tom to Freemasonry and paved the way for Tom to petition Gulf Beach Lodge in 1971. Tom was Initiated on April 29, 1971; Passed on June 10, 1971 and Raised on September 23, 1971. After being Raised Tom went immediately into the officer chairs working his way to Master in 1977. He dedicated his year as Master to Brother Tom Loutitt (who died in 1975) who was instrumental in Tom’s entrance to Masonry.
Tom served the Lodge, District and State in many capacities over his years in Masonry. He earned many proficiency cards, chaired many District and Zone Committees, was proficient in the EA Lecture and Lambskin Poem, was a Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason, was Lodge Secretary from 1993 – 1995, was Treasurer in 1999, was a perpetual member, and was appointed in 2000 by Grand Master Louis King to be District Deputy Grand Master of our District.
Tom loved spending time with his family and adored his daughters Linda and Melanie. He loved fishing and woodworking and made several handcrafted wooden items for the Lodge which still hang in the Lodge room. Rarely seen without a cigar and beaming smile, Tom never knew a stranger. Tom passed away on January 2, 2006, at age 72 and was buried at the Bay Pines National Cemetery with full Masonic and Military honors.
Past Master Bio: William P. Gamel 1978
Bill and Carol had two children, Christopher, and Natalie.
It was in 1972 that Bill decided to petition Gulf Beach Lodge for membership and was Initiated on June 8, 1972; Passed on September 14, 1972 and Raised on October 26, 1972. Bill went immediately into the officer line and was elected Master of the Lodge for 1978.
In 1979 Bill and Carol were divorced and on June 20, 1980, he married Louisa Wiggins. Bill and Louisa moved to Pasco County where Bill became active in the Kiwanis of West Pasco. Bill was divorced from Louisa in 1984 and married again to Karen Cuff.
William “Bill” Philip Gamel died on February 23, 2011, at the age of 68. Bill was buried at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens in New Port Richey following a Masonic Service.
Past Master Bio: Thomas R. Bingham 1979
Thomas Rudolph Bingham was born on June 22, 1941, in Cleveland Ohio to John and Gertrude Bingham. His father was a police officer for the city of Cleveland and his mother a secretary for the same department. Tom was the eldest of four sons born to John and Gertrude. At age 14 Tom became a member of Bedford Chapter of DeMolay while he was attending Bedford High School, where he graduated in 1959. Following graduation Tom joined the US Navy and spent four years on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. He spent two additional years in the Naval Reserve aboard the USS Greenwood, a Buckley-class Destroyer Escort. In 1961, while serving aboard the Franklin D. Roosevelt, Tom married Ms. Marianne Decker, a recent Northeast High School (St. Pete) graduate who was working at the time at the General Telephone Co. The two were blessed with two sons, Thomas C. and Bryan A., both members of DeMolay and Gulf Beach Lodge (Thomas C. serving as Master in 1993).
In 1963 Tom was hired as the 4000th employee at the Honeywell Aeronautical division as a detail draftsman. During this period Tom was attending classes at St. Petersburg Junior College. In 1965 Tom joined Florida Power Corporation and spent the next 35 years there. In 1973 Tom was promoted to Manager of Generation Services and retired as Bartow Plant’s Maintenance Superintendent.
In 1974 Tom petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the degrees and was Initiated on September 12, 1974, Passed on October 24, 1974 and Raised on December 12, 1974. The following year Tom’s father John Henry Bingham, affiliated with Gulf Beach Lodge from Hart’s Grove Lodge No. 397, Hartsgrove, OH. Tom started right into the officer chairs after being Raised and became Chapter Dad for DeMolay at Gulf Beach Lodge from 1975 – 1978. In 1977 Tom, as a Senior DeMolay, received the Degree of Chevalier which is the highest honor that can be granted for outstanding DeMolay activity. Also, in 1977 he became a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Egypt Temple Shrine. In 1978 Tom received the DeMolay Legion of Honor and was presented the DeMolay Cross of Honor. In 1979 Tom was elected Master of our Lodge and his Master’s project was to remodel the Lodge kitchen. From 1980 – 1988 Tom served as Dad Advisor for our DeMolay Chapter. It was also in 1980 that Tom served as President of the Master’s and Warden’s Association for the 19th Masonic District. From 1982 – 1985 Tom served as District 19 Masonic Youth Chairman and from 1985-86 was the District 19 Chairman for Perpetual Memberships. In 1986 Tom served as Worthy Patron of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 O.E.S. In 1989 he earned his green proficiency card and in 1994 became one our first Perpetual Members.
In 2006 Tom joined Morning Star Lodge No 94 in Ocklawaha, Florida, as a plural member and served as their Master in 2011. He is the only Master of our Lodge to have served as Master of another Lodge after his time in the East. In 2007 Tom was appointed scribe for the Ocala Shrine Club where he served in that capacity for 10 years. In 2008 Tom became a charter member of the Ocala Shrine Legion of Honor and served twice as Commander of Unit and served the past 13 years as Adjutant and Financial officer. From 2012 – 2014 Tom served as District 15 (Marion Co.) Chairman for Masonic Youth and Perpetual Memberships.
Tom continues to live with his wife Marianne in Ocklawaha and enjoys spending time with his boys and his grandchildren.
Past Master Bio: Jack D. Brown 1980
Jack Dale Brown was born on December 8, 1924, in Portland Oregon, the middle child of Oaf and Merle Brown. The day before Jack’s 17th birthday, December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked. Jack finished out the school year, and on August 8, 1942, he joined the US Navy where he served as a Coxswain until his discharge on October 25, 1945. It was on September 3, 1944 (three months after his father died) that Jack married Ms. Margaret Cecelia Murray, who was at the time living in New York and working as a credit clerk. Since this was during the time that Jack was serving in active duty, it can be assumed that he was on leave, he was 19 and Margaret just turned 21.
After his discharge from service in 1945, Jack and Margaret settled in Brooklyn NY where they had their two sons, Jack Jr. and Kenneth. Jack took a job with the Babylon New York Police Department where he worked his way up to the rank of Homicide Detective. In 1965 Jack petitioned Babylon Lodge No. 793 for the Three Symbolic Degrees and was Initiated on April 28, 1965, Passed on April 27, 1966 and Raised on December 14, 1966.
In 1973 Jack retired from police work and moved to Florida with Margaret, the couple settled in Seminole. Jack visited most of the Lodges in the area and made his decision in September of 1976 to Affiliate with Gulf Beach Lodge. Four months later (1977) Jack was installed as Senior Steward of the Lodge. Jack had a wonderful memory and quickly learned the Master Mason Lecture. In 1978 Jack was elected Junior Warden of the Lodge having previously learned all other officer parts. From there Jack moved up the line in succession to Master in 1980. Jack earned several Grand Lodge proficiency cards for the many ritual parts he had put to memory.
Jack was very active in other Masonic bodies including, Scottish Rite (and the Boca Ciega Scottish Rite Club), York Rite, Tall Cedars on Lebanon, Egypt Temple Shrine, OES Chapter 241. He was also a member of VFW Post 9272 (Seminole).
In 1983 Jack was elected Treasurer of the Lodge, but his term was cut short by his passing on October 31st 1983, he was 58 years old. Masonic services were performed by Gulf Beach Lodge at Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole.
Past Master Bio: John W. Bingham 1981
John William Bingham was born on April 10, 1944, in Cleveland Ohio to John and Gertrude Bingham. His father was a police officer for the city of Cleveland and his mother a secretary for the same department. John was one of four sons born to John and Gertrude. John graduated from Grand Valley High School (Orwell Ohio) in 1962. While at Grand Valley High School John met Cheri (attended 1961 – 1965) who in 1966 would become his wife. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016.
John’s family was very active in Gulf Beach Lodge prior to his joining. His brother Tom Bingham Sr. (Master in 1979) was Raised in 1974, his brother Ken was raised in 1975, his father John Henry Bingham affiliated in 1975. John, who was working for General Telephone, was raised in 1977 and served as Junior Warden the year his brother Tom was Master (1979).
John and Cheri Bingham have two children, Lee (also a member of the Lodge) and daughter Anna. John and his family moved to Dade City, where he still resides. He enjoys being a grandfather to Brett, Brooke and Kimberly.
Past Master Bio: David E. Edwards 1982
David was Initiated in Gulf Beach Lodge on January 12, 1978, Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on March 9, 1978 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on April 27, 1978. He served as Master in 1982, Treasurer in 1985, District Chairman of MH-100 from 1987 – 1989, Lodge Chaplain from 1990 – 1992 and became a Perpetual Member in 2005.
David was married to Patricia and had two daughters, Wendy, and Joy. David became a grandfather when Joy had two children, Cayla, and Austin, and he became a great grandfather when Cayla had a daughter named Millie, born two months before David passed away.
David was known as “Captain Dave” by most people and his hobbies included fishing and spending quality time with family and friends. His best companions were Mary, his lovely dog ‘Laddie’, and his wild parrot ‘Moondoggie’.
David passed away on August 29, 2020, and is sorely missed by his family, who cherish his memory which lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.
Past Master Bio: Archie L. M. Graham 1983
Archie Lowell Muffeny Graham was born on September 23, 1924, in Martins Ferry Ohio, to Edward and Marie Muffeny. The year following Archie’s birth his parents divorced and his mother remarried in 1926, to Ralph Graham who adopted Archie. Archie’s stepfather worked for Standard Oil Co. of Ohio as a salesman, while they were living in Warren Ohio. By 1940 Archie was attending the Boys Industrial School in Hocking Ohio. On August 1, 1942, when Archie was 18, he married Catherine Ann Randolph and took a job with the railroad. In 1945 Archie and Ann were divorced. Archie left the railroad and went into the steel business where he remained until 1972, when he, his second wife, Ellenor, their daughters, along with his parents packed their bags and headed to Seminole to get away from the harsh cold weather. When they arrived in Seminole Archie opened a lawn maintenance business and Ellenor went to work at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo.
Archie petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge and took his EA Degree on September 29, 1977, his Fellow Craft Degree on February 9, 1977, and his Master Mason Degree on March 23, 1977. Archie immediately got into the officer line at Lodge and in 1983 was installed as Master. His Master’s project was twofold, first to apply ‘sparkle-crete’ to the exterior of the building, and second to purchase a new Master’s chair for the East (it is the chair we currently have). Archie was active in the Scottish Rite (he served as President of the Boca Ciega Scottish Rite Club) and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Archie died on January 4, 1989, at the age of 64. Masonic funeral services were conducted at the Lewis Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole by the Gulf Beach Lodge Memorial Team.
Past Master Bio: Ernest J. Freeman Jr. 1984
Ernest Jordan Freeman Jr. was born on March 26, 1915, in Wakefield Massachusetts (about 11 miles north of Boston), the only child of Ernest and Eva Flannagan. The family name remained Flannagan until about 1939 when he and his parents changed their last name to Freeman. I couldn’t find any explanation of why the sudden official name change.
Ernie was educated in the local schools of Wakefield and was quite the outstanding student. Upon graduation he was accepted into Harvard University where he graduated in 1938. When Ernie first entered Harvard, his last name was Flannagan, and by 1938 it was Freeman. Ernie was immediately accepted into Harvard Business School where he earned his Master’s Degree in 1941.
On June 16, 1941, just after graduation, Ernie enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the Soldiers Field Station in Boston, which was begun by his father, Captain Ernest J. Freeman Sr., the year before. Little did Ernie know that within 6 months the US would be at war.
On March 10, 1942 (just three months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor) Ernie married Ms. Alice Emmet Whitehouse. The couple had no time for a proper honeymoon as Ernie was being shipped out to the USS Tuscaloosa where he would serve as an Ensign. During the war Ernie’s father served as the Commander of the Portland Naval Station, Portland, Maine. Ernie was blessed being assigned to the Tuscaloosa, which had earned 7 battle stars in WWII. The ship was never damaged in battle, she had a charmed life compared to her six sister ships, three of which were sunk and the other three heavily damaged.
On November 4, 1945, Ernie was discharged and returned to the states. In 1948 Ernie and Alice had their first son, Ernest III (two other sons were to follow, Robert and William). Ernie immediately found employment as an accountant at a Silver Manufacturing Co. in New Haven CT., but soon had moved to Bangor Maine where he took a position with the Viner Brothers Shoe Manufacturing Co. and there served as Exec. Vice-President. After 20 years with Viner Bros., Ernie retired and with Alice moved to Bar Harbor ME., to take care of his mother.
Tragedy struck the Freeman family when Ernie’s wife Alice died at age 58, in 1972. Ernie stayed in Bar Harbor another three years caring for his elderly mother who passed away in May of 1975. Ernie was ready to get away from the harsh north and as soon as he settled his mother’s estate and sold his house, was on his way to Florida.
Ernie arrived in St. Petersburg in the Fall of 1975. Ernie having an active mind and not one to sit back in a rocking chair for retirement, decided that he was going to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Freemason (His father was a member of Golden Rule Masonic Lodge in Massachusetts).
Ernie was Initiated on December 16, 1977; Passed on March 3, 1978; and Raised on September 28, 1978. Within one year of being Raised (while he was Junior Steward), Ernie earned his Gold Card for memorization of all 3 lectures, all 3 catechisms (question and answers) and all the esoteric work in all three degrees. In 1984, when Ernie was Master, he announced that his Masters Project was the formation of a Lodge Scholarship to be given to a deserving High School student each year. After Ernie died, the Scholarship Fund was named in his honor.
Ernie died on November 11, 1989, at age 74 and was buried in Bar Harbor Maine next to his beloved wife Alice.
Past Master Bio: James B. Tillinghast 1985
James Budd Tillinghast was born on November 8, 1943, in Upper Darby, PA., the youngest of five children. Jim’s father (a member of Lansdowne Lodge No. 711 F.&A.M.) worked at an oil refinery. After graduating from Lansdowne High School, Pennsylvania in 1960, Jim enlisted in the US Army where he was able to take some engineering courses. In 1964 he reenlisted and in 1965 Jim’s unit was sent to Vietnam where he served as a staff sergeant until the time of his discharge on August 23, 1972. In 1969, Jim’s father was tragically killed in an explosion at the Atlantic-Richfield Refinery in Philadelphia where he had worked for 36 years, he was 62. After his military service, Jim went to work for the US government as a Sky Marshall. In 1971, Jim’s mother had moved to St. Petersburg and 1976 Jim joined his mother here. On March 18, 1978, he married Carol Lee Underwood. Six months after his wedding Jim petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees and was Initiated on October 12, 1978, Passed on November 9, 1978, and Raised on January 25, 1979. The following year Jim started in the officer line as Junior Steward, working his way to Master. In 1984, Jim earned a silver proficiency card. Jim was Past Royal Patron of the Order of Amaranth No. 43 in Largo, a Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason and a member of Egypt Temple Shrine. He was also a member of the AMVETS Post 7467, Pinellas Park and attended Church By The Sea in Madeira Beach.
Jim was locally active in the commercial fishing industry with the Southern Offshore Fishing Association (SOFA) and served as their administrator in 1985.
Jim died at home on March 31, 1993, he was 49 years old. Masonic services were rendered at Mohn Funeral Home in Seminole.
Past Master Bio: Frederick A. Larges 1986
Following military service Fred took a job with the Simplex Time Recorder Company in Troy Michigan, a large manufacturer of work time clocks. In 1978 Fred decided to leave Michigan and relocated to St. Petersburg, where he began selling real estate. Soon after arriving he met Ms. Shirley Lee Moore, and the couple were married. They had no children.
In 1979 Fred petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees and was Initiated on May 24th, Passed on September 13th and Raised on November 29th. Fred began in the officer line in 1981.
Fred, always the successful businessman, started a travel company in Seminole called ‘Florida World Travel’. By 1985 he and Shirley had divorced, and Fred never remarried. It was about this time that Fred, who always loved art and design, began volunteering as a guide at the new Dali Museum in St. Pete.
Fred was a Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, and Past President of the Seminole Shrine Club.
Fred sadly passed away on March 21, 1994, at age 53 and is buried at Garden Sanctuary in Seminole.
Past Master Bio: Henry Geoffrey Zelner 1987
Henry Geoffrey Zelner, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1987, was born on April 3, 1912, in Manhattan New York to Emanuel and Hilda Zelner. Henry, or Hank as his parents called him, had one older brother, Lawrence, nine years his senior. Henry’s father was an electrician and was the owner of an electrical contracting company.
Henry attended local schools and in 1930 graduated from George Washington High School, in Manhattan. While in High School Henry joined the local DeMolay chapter, which started him on his way into Freemasonry. After High School he entered NYU, but after 3 years of study left the university to take a position as a wireless operator at a local phone company. In 1937, Henry took a job with RCA in New York city working in radio operations. WWII interrupted Henry’s employment when he enlisted with the US Navy and served throughout the war as a radio operator/technician aboard ship. After the war Henry returned to his job at RCA.
When Henry returned to the states he met, and married, his first wife Dorothy. They had one son, Robert, in 1946. Henry, Dorothy and Robert lived a comfortable life in New York while Henry worked his way up in the RCA company. In 1950, Henry again felt the call to serve during the Korean War and spent two more years in the US Navy.
In 1959, Henry petitioned Harlem Valley Lodge No. 827 for the Three Degrees and was raised on May 19th of that year. In 1972, Henry retired from RCA and moved with Dorothy to Redington Beach. Dorothy passed away in 1975 at age 55. The following year Henry petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for affiliation and was elected to membership on January 15, 1976. On September 15, 1977, Henry married Mrs. Flora Dean Flynn.
After his term as Master Henry served as Lodge Secretary from 1988-1991. Henry was very active Masonically and was past commander of the Sunshine Commandery No. 20 in St. Pete., and member of the Red Cross of Constantine and member of Egypt Temple Shrine. In 1991 Henry and Flora decided to move to Adel Georgia, and on September 5, 1991, he dimited to Adel Lodge No. 310. Henry remained very active while in Georgia and served as Secretary of Adel Lodge, Worthy Patron of the Adel OES Chapter, and an active member of Hasan Shrine Temple (Hot Sand Blasters Parade unit).
Henry died on October 28, 1995, at the age of 83. Masonic services were provided by Adel Lodge No. 310.
Past Master Bio: Mark Felix Niceley 1988
Mark Felix Niceley, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1988, was born in Beech Grove, Indiana on October 3, 1953, in the same hospital as Steve McQueen. Mark’s parents were Harry and Florence Niceley, Harry was a postman and member of Calvin Prather Masonic Lodge in Indianapolis. Mark came from a strong Masonic family, his maternal grandfather, Tim Smith, was a member of Circle City Lodge in Indianapolis, and his maternal great-grandfather, Isaac Smith, was Master of Jasonville Lodge in Jasonville, Indiana in 1906.
Mark attended local schools in Indianapolis and graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1971. Mark and his father shared a deep love for all things railroad, and the two spent many memorable trips on the Monon line. Mark developed a love of photography early in life and worked in the same photo supply store that his paternal grandfather had managed before World War II.
In 1979 Mark’s parents decided to move to St. Petersburg and he came along for the ride. Once established here Mark went to work for Ro-Mo Color Labs, in one of their camera shops. In 1980 he was promoted to Manager of the Treasure Island Ro-Mo Shop, eventually buying the shop from them. It was at this time that Mark petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees, being raised on November 12, 1981, along with Brother Joe Gribbin. Within weeks of being raised, the incoming Master, David Edwards, approached Mark to become a Conductor, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Mark worked his way up the line becoming Master in 1988. In 1989 Mark served as Chaplain and most recently has been our Lodge Tyler. Mark became a perpetual member of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2012 and is immensely proud of his association with this lodge.
Past Master Bio: Joseph Gribbin 1989
In 1978 Joe decided to immigrate to the US where he hoped to make a new life for himself, he was 46. When Joe arrived in the states, he located himself in Treasure Island and took a job as a commercial fisherman out of John’s Pass. Joe became associated with the Southern Offshore Fishing Association whose administrator was Jim Tillinghast, a member of Gulf Beach Lodge and Master in 1985. Joe and Jim became good friends and in April of 1981, Joe approached Jim about becoming a Mason.
Joe married Ms. Dorothy Jean Wescott on September 8, 1980, but the marriage only lasted four years and they were divorced in 1984. Joe never had children.
Joe was Initiated on June 11, 1981, Passed on September 24, 1981, and Raised on November 12, 1981. Another Paster Master, Mark Niceley, was Initiated, Passed and Raised, the same nights as Joe, and took all their proficiencies at the same time, led by Lodge Instructor, Les Eshleman.
Joe began in the officer line in 1984 as Marshal, in 1986 he was Senior Deacon, in 1987 he was Junior Warden, In 1988 he was Senior Warden and Master in 1989.
Outside of Masonry, Joe enjoyed reading, listening to opera, carpentry, and raising birds. He even converted his carport into an aviary.
In about 1993, Joe moved to New Port Richey to live with his sister as his health was beginning to fail. As luck would have it, this writer was at that time working for Pasco County Fire Rescue in New Port Richey, and was also Senior Steward of the Lodge. Every third Thursday when taking time off work to drive from New Port Richey for the Lodge meeting, Joe would be picked up and driven to and from Lodge. Many hours of conversation took place on those drives.
In 1994, Joe decided to return to Glasgow and live with his sister there. He mentioned on one of those trips to Lodge from New Port Richey that he wanted to go back home to Scotland and die there. This came to pass when on November 11, 1995, Joe Gribbin passed away in Glasgow, he was 63.
Several years after Joe passed away, a Scottish Mason, Walter Sneddon, who had on many occasions visited Gulf Beach Lodge and at a number of our Installations made the Charge to the Master and Wardens, was passing by an oddity shop in Glasgow. While there he spotted a Past Master’s apron that looked surprisingly familiar, and when he looked under the flap found it to be Joe Gribbin’s Past Master’s apron. It is unknown what became of that apron, but the story was passed on to Gulf Beach Lodge.
Past Master Bio: John Ramon Henry 1990
John Ramon Henry was born February 12, 1943, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He moved to Florida in 1953 with his mother and two brothers. He left school at an early age to help support his family doing odd jobs. At fifteen, he worked at an auto body shop and quickly learned the trade. He taught his younger brother, George, the trade and established Henry’s Body Shop, Inc, in 1968. He owned and managed the business for over 40 years.
At seventeen, John joined the Naval Reserves. He received an honorable discharge in 1961 due to health reasons. He retired from Henry’s Body Shop in 2008 and sold the business. After retiring, John built his retirement home in Chiefland, Florida, and has been residing there since 2011 on his 40 acre tree farm with his wife, Joan, of 60 years.
John was Initiated and Entered Apprentice Mason at Gulf Beach Lodge on March 10, 1983; Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on May 12, 1983 and Raised a Master Mason on September 22, 1983, and will this September receive his 40 year service award. He earned his 32nd degree and is a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite. He was also affiliated with Egypt Temple Shrine. Serving as Worshipful Master at Gulf Beach Lodge in 1990 was an honor for him.
John’s hobbies include boating, fishing, hunting, and gardening. Over the last several years his health declined, and he had open heart surgery in 2021 which resulted in a massive post-operative stroke. John is presently recovering at his home in St. Petersburg where he is receiving physical and speech therapy. He will be celebrating his 80th birthday in February.
Past Master Bio: William Storms O’Brien 1991
William Storms “Bill” O’Brien, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1991, was born in Syracuse NY on June 19, 1941, to Edward and Jassamine O’Brien. Bill was an only child and reared in Marcellus NY, a suburb of Syracuse. Bill received his education in Marcellus and graduated from Marcellus Central High School in 1959. Bill was extremely active in sports, academia, and the arts. He was a member of the basketball team and football team, he was on student council and Vice-President of the student body. Bill was a member of the National Honor Society and attended the American Legion Boys State and performed in the school play his senior year. While in High School Bill joined DeMolay and served as Master Councilor his senior year. It was his membership in DeMolay, and the fact that his father was an active Mason at Morning Star Lodge No. 524 in Marcellus NY, that would one day lead him to petition Gulf Beach Lodge for membership.
After graduating High School in 1959, Bill moved with his parents to Temple Terrace Florida and was accepted into the College of Engineering at University of Florida. While attending UF, Bill met Ms. Sally Anne Dennison who had just recently graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa and was working for the city of Temple Terrace. Bill and Sally fell in love and were married on March 30, 1963, at the Temple Terrace Community Church. Bill was in his senior year at UF, so he and Sally moved to Gainesville where Bill could complete his engineering studies.
Bill and Sally had two children, Steven and Penny.
Upon graduating from UF, Bill took a job with Florida Power Corp in St. Petersburg, as a nuclear engineer, a position he held until his retirement.
In 1983, Bill petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the three symbolic degrees and was initiated on June 30, 1983, Passed on October 20th and Raised on January 26, 1984. Bill was a strong believer in being extremely active in everything he became involved in and immediately started his progression through the officer chairs after being Raised.
For his year as Master (1991) Bill had lapel pins made that said “Cead Mile Failte” which translates to “A 100,000 Welcomes”. His Master’s project was to build the funds in the Lodge Scholarship. Bill served many years as our Lodge Treasurer and was a supporter of youth and their educational advancement. He worked diligently in the creation of a Scholarship Fund within the Suncoast Masters and Wardens Association (now known as the Suncoast Master Mason Association). The Masters and Wardens Association named the scholarship after him after his passing in 2003, a name which remained until 2021 when the association dissolved the scholarship.
Bill was active outside of Masonry serving as President of the Gulfport Lions Club, President of the Florida Power Club and President of the Florida Power retiree Club. After retirement in 1997, Bill and Sally began spending their summers in Dillon, Montana helping at the Horse Prairie Ranch, a vacation spot for folks that wanted to spend a few weeks on a ‘dude ranch’. Sally was diagnosed with cancer and after a hard battle, died on November 9, 2003, she was 59. Bill was devastated. Losing Sally was too much for Bill and sadly, Bill died one month after Sally, on December 12, 2003.
Past Master Bio: Irven Leslie Albright 1992
Irven Leslie Albright, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1992, was born in Red Oak, Iowa, on May 11, 1933, to Melvin and Monda Albright. He was the eldest of four children and was named after his grandfather (Irven) taking his father’s middle name (Leslie). On June 7, 1941, when Irv was but 8 years old, his father (age 29) was tragically killed in a traffic accident on Highway 48 in Red Oak. Irv’s mother was left to raise the four children by herself.
Irv was a standout athlete from an early age. At age 15 (1948), Irv was a member of the YMCA baseball team which won the championship that year. In 1949, Irv was on the All-State High School football team, a star forward and leading scorer on the basketball team, and first baseman on the baseball team. Irv lettered in all three of these sports during his senior year. Irv was constantly in the local papers as one of the county and states best basketball players and top scorers.
In 1951, 6’ 2” Irv played for the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. On December 16, 1951, Irv enlisted in the US Army and served until 1953 after which he married Ms. Joan Tolles, a nurse from his home town of Red Oak. Irv took a job with the Iowa State Highway Commission but was soon looking for a change in his life. He and Joan packed their things and in 1954, moved to Florida. They settled in Gulfport where Irv took a job as a butcher.
Irv couldn’t stay away from sports and from 1955 – 1960 was the pitcher for the Arnold Insurance Softball team in the St. Pete City Softball League and was known to have pitched a number of no-hitter games. In 1957, Irv began his automobile detailing company, which he managed until he passed away.
Irv and Joan had eight children, four sons and four daughters. Irv and Joan divorced in 1984, after which Irv married Joretta “Jody” Griffith.
Irv petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for membership in 1986 and was Initiated on May 8th, Passed on October 9th and Raised on December 11th. Irv was also a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine.
It was on August 10, 1993, just seven months after Irv had left the East, that he died tragically of a heart attack, he was 60 years old. Not having had his Past Master photo taken before passing away, Jody provided a suitable picture of Irv in a black hat which has been used as his Past Master picture. Irv was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery with services rendered by Gulf Beach Lodge.
Past Master Bio: Thomas Christopher Bingham 1993
Thomas Christopher Bingham, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1993, was born on December 17, 1966 to Thomas R. and Marianne Bingham. Tom was the eldest of two sons, his younger Brother Bryan is also a member of Gulf Beach Lodge. Tommy, as he was called, received his schooling at Keswick Christian School in St. Petersburg, where he graduated in 1984.
While in High School Tommy became involved with the DeMolay Chapter at Gulf Beach Lodge and served as Master Councilor. It was during this time period that Tommy met and began to date his future wife, Sherry Stanton, who was a member of the Job’s daughters. Tommy and Sherry were married on May 28, 1988, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Seminole, and six months later Tommy, age 21 (at the time the earliest legal age to petition a Lodge) petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Symbolic Degrees, thus continuing a long family tradition of Freemasonry at Gulf Beach Lodge. Tommy’s father and uncle John, were Past Masters, and his uncle Ken was a member.
Tommy was Initiated on November 10, 1988, Passed on January 12, 1989, and Raised on February 23, 1989. He immediately joined the officer line in 1990 as Junior Deacon and was elected Master for 1993, the youngest Worshipful Master the Lodge has had in its 73 years of existence, he was 27 years old.
Tommy’s Masters Project was to remodel the downstairs of the Lodge. During the summer of ’93 the walls downstairs were stripped back to the studs and new wiring was installed, followed by new drywall, wainscoting and ceiling tiles.
Shortly after Tommy’s year as Master, he took a job out of state where he and Sherry raised their two daughters.
Past Master Bio: Ralph Edward Vaughan 1994
Ralph Edward Vaughan was born in Hamilton Ontario Canada on September 5, 1938 (labor- day) and after high school went to work at Westinghouse as a machinist and ended up working at Dominion Foundries and Steel as a millwright and pipe-fitter. In 1979 he traveled to Florida and ended up managing a motel on Treasure Island for a few years. It was during this time frame that Ralph joined Gulf Beach Lodge 291 F&AM taking his EA degree on September 9 1988 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 9 1989. Started through the line in 1990 as Senior Steward under Worshipful John Henry and attained the honor to sit in the Oriental Chair in 1994. Ralph has been active in attending Lodge over the years and helps doing degree work when needed.
In 1992, Ralph joined St. Petersburg York Rite Bodies and proceeded through all the chairs to become Excellent High Priest in St. Petersburg Chapter No. 31 Royal Arch Masons, Illustrious Master of St. Petersburg Council No. 14 Royal and Select Masters and Eminent Commander of Sunshine Commandery No. 20 Knight Templars in. Elected to membership in Florida Priory No. 60, Knight York Cross of Honor in 2001. Ralph served as District Deputy in all three bodies, and served as District Instructor for the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters and for the Grand Commandery of Knight Templar of Florida for a few years. He also joined the Scottish Rite and Shrine but withdrew from both. During this time he also served on the advisory board of Gulf Beach Assembly No. 89 International Order of Rainbow for Girls, 1999-2005 designated a member of the Grand Cross of Color in 2003.
Ralph also joined the following allied and appendant orders of the Knight Masons, York Rite Sovereign College, Allied Masonic Degrees, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, having presided in the East in all bodies, except York Rite Sovereign College.
Ralph married Raymonne Leger and they had three boys (Paul, David and Ronald) the youngest of which passed away in 2020, and after a separation, Ralph came to Florida and has been a resident ever since. After a Divorce Ralph married Fay Ruth Kesler (April 3, 1992) and they have been together for 30 plus years.
Ralph has decided to lay down his working tools and relax after thirty-two years of service to the craft.
Past Master Bio: David Wesley Jones 1995
David Wesley Jones was born on July 18, 1962, in Denver CO. He was adopted by Edgar and Ruby Jones when he was 2 weeks old. Later in life he was able to reconnect with his birth mother and sisters. David lived in Grand Junction until he was 6 years old and then moved to the small town of Oquawka in western Illinois on the Mississippi River, where his parents opened a bar and a few other small businesses throughout the years. Leaving Illinois, the family moved to Florida, settling in Bonita Springs, where they built a duplex. David attended, and graduated from, the University of South Florida. After college David moved to the Gulf beaches where he took a job and met a gentleman by the name of Joe Blasi, who happened to be a member of Gulf Beach Lodge. In 1990, Joe procured a petition for David to join the Lodge, and David was Initiated on September 13, 1990, Passed on December 27, 1990, and Raised on February 28, 1991. Ralph Vaughan led David through his catechisms in all three degrees. David was fortunate to watch his father go through his three degrees in Freemasonry, being Raised at Gulf Beach Lodge eight months after David. Sadly, David’s father passed away on July 20, 1992.
David immediately entered the officer line and was elected Master for 1995. In 1993 David became a Perpetual member of the Lodge and served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1999. David has served on the Grand Lodge Endowment and Investment Committee for 25 years, being appointed initially in 1998.
Professionally, David has been a finance/financial planner since 1985, working for Edward Jones Co. David received his CFP in 1994, and has been the Regional Leader for the Tampa market for about 5 years now, being responsible for about 55 branch teams. David was named a principal of the Edward Jones firm in 2021.
David and Theresa were married at the beginning of 1992, and ultimately, they moved to Tampa, where she had been living. They have two daughters, Olivia, 29, a teacher in Tampa and Maddie, 27, a Physical Therapist in Charlotte.
In the community, David has served on the board for the Gift of Adoption, for the Catholic Foundation Diocese of St. Petersburg. His past involvement includes service as president of both the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Interbay Rotary Club, a board member of the Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council and member of the Academy of Holy Names Board of Trustees.
Past Master Bio: Howard William Knapp 1996
Howard William Knapp was born on February 5, 1959, to Robert and Eva Knapp. His father was in construction and his mother, a High School English teacher. Freemasonry was prominent in Howard’s family on both sides, his father was Raised by his grandfather (who at the time, in 1950, was sitting Master of John Stewart Lodge in Mount Vernon NY), and on his mother’s side most of the males were Masons dating back to the early 1800’s.
Howard received his schooling in the Pinellas County school system and at an early age excelled in music, beginning in 5th grade on trombone. He studied trombone with the best local instructors and was a member of the Pinellas County Youth Symphony, the Pinellas County All-County Band, the St. Pete Trombone Ensemble, and graduated from Boca Ciega High School, where he was Band Captain and solo trombonist.
In 1981, Howard graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and took a local job as a Middle School Band Director. This same year Howard married Ms. Stephanie Eckert, whom he had dated since High School. They were married for three years and had no children. Howard was playing trombone professionally at this time and was a member of the Sunshine City Band at Williams Park and the Derby Lane Band (which performed 7 evenings a week), and performed as a freelance musician for many shows, orchestral concerts, church programs and a variety of musical events.
In 1985, Howard petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge and was Initiated May 9, 1985; Passed on September 26, 1985, and Raised on December 12, 1985.
Howard married Ms. Linda Brethour on February 14, 1987, and they had two sons, Bryan, and Taylor. Howard and Linda divorced in 1992.
In 1989, Howard made a career change and entered the Pinellas Fire Academy where he graduated first in his class of 24 cadets. Upon graduating from the academy Howard took a job with Pasco County Fire Rescue, where he served five years. In 1995, he was hired by the Hillsborough County Fire Department, where he spent the remainder of his career. Howard progressed through the ranks at Hillsborough and retired in 2018 at the rank of Captain.
In 1993, Howard joined the officer line at Lodge as Junior Steward and progressed to Senior Deacon in 1994; Senior Warden 1995; and Master in 1996. Over the years Howard has earned all possible proficiency cards, including the Gold Card which is presented to those who are proficient in all three lectures, charges, catechisms, and the esoteric work (all officer parts) in all three degrees. This card is good for life. He received his Gold Card from M∴W∴ Keith Dean, Grand Master, at the Grand Communication in 2000.
Howard became a Perpetual Member of the Lodge in 1997, the same year he began his 17 terms as Lodge Secretary. He has completed the Master Mason Exams I, II, and III, Lodge Officer Training Course (LOTC); and the Masonic Leadership Training (MLT). Howard served many years as a District Committeeman, Zone Chairman and State Chairman of a variety of programs and was appointed in 2000 by M∴W∴ Louis King as District Instructor, serving follow-up terms in that position in 2007 and 2008. In 2005, Howard was appointed District Deputy Grand Master by M∴W∴ John Kavanaugh.
In 2001, Howard married Janet L. Yeates, and they celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary this past June. In 2018, after retiring, Howard and Janet decided to begin traveling Europe and the US. This was the catalyst for his stepping down as Lodge Secretary after 17 terms. Unfortunately, Covid hit within a few months of his retirement and all travel plans were put on hold for a year.
Howard was elected Treasurer of the Lodge for 2023 and has enjoyed filling this position and working alongside Secretary, W∴ Johnson. Howard is approaching 38 years in Freemasonry in December and has a deep love for Gulf Beach Lodge and its members past and present and is proud of having served 26 terms as an officer in the Lodge.
Past Master Bio: Clarence DeWitt Kennedy 1997
Clarence DeWitt “CD” Kennedy was Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1997. CD was born in St. Augustine Florida on October 6, 1939 one of seven children born to Richard and Gladys Kennedy. His father, a fisherman, died when CD was three years old. CD’s mother married Joseph Collins (also a fisherman) in 1945, when CD was six years old. CD grew up swimming and fishing on the St. John’s River with his family and friends.
CD received his education in the St. Augustine school system and graduated in 1956 from Ketter Linus High School, where he was active in football and track. After graduating High School, CD joined the US Army and became a member of the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell near Clarksville TN. On September 5, 1960, while stationed at Fort Campbell, CD married Ms. Ann E. Marler. He and Ann moved back to Florida in 1961. By 1966, CD and Ann had divorced and he married Ms. Sue Miller. CD and Sue had two children, a son, Clarence Jr. and a daughter, Kimberly. At this time CD was working for General Motors in Atlanta Ga., where he had worked his way up to the position of supervisor.
CD and family moved from Atlanta to Pinellas County where he joined the St. Pete Police Department, serving for 11 years in that capacity.
CD petitioned to become a Mason in 1978 at Northside Lodge, receiving his EA Degree on October 9, 1978; Fellowcraft on January 29, 1979 and Master Mason on April 23, 1979.
CD and Sue were divorced in 1982 and later he met Sandy Oliver, who became his life partner until the time of his passing. CD and Sandy started a pressure washing and painting business called Milditrol which they ran for 35 years until he retired.
On April 19, 1992, CD affiliated with Gulf Beach Lodge, and immediately began in the officer chairs and became a Perpetual Member. He was active in the OES and served as Worthy Patron on a number of occasions.
CD passed away on February 15, 2019 at age 79, receiving a Masonic funeral with military honors.
Past Master Bio: Robert Otto Calhoun 1998
Robert Otto Calhoun, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1998, was born on September 12, 1953, in Utica NY, to Robert and Florice Calhoun, the 9th of 11 children. Bob grew up in a rural area between Binghamton, Utica, and Syracuse. Bob attended Kindergarten in Waterville and the first through third grades at North Brookfield, a small school with only two teachers.
Bob’s older brother Gene was educated in agriculture and went into dairy farming near Poolville NY. Bob helped on his brother’s dairy farm while attending Earlville Central School for grades four through seven. Bob was soon to become one of the primary farm hands and learned to drive tractors and trucks and was able to milk his half of the herd when the power was out. His brother, Gene, purchased a larger farm outside Sherbourne, and this is where Bob attended Sherbourne-Earlville Central High School where he graduated in 1971.
Dairy farming wasn’t easy in the 1960’s and Bob’s day began before dawn, miking the herd, tending them and feed them before school. Those chores were repeated after school, regardless of season or temperatures. During warmer months fields were plowed, crops planted, hay mowed and baled, and corn harvested. Machinery always needed repair and maintenance. Bob learned many lessons on the farm, including that most tasks required hard work and a logical approach. One cold February morning Bob was doing his usual chores when an accident occurred that broke three of his fingers on his right hand and amputated his right ring finger at the first knuckle. He would have to learn to write and eat with his left hand.
While in High School Bob worked in a delicatessen and a pizza shop in Norwich NY. He was accepted at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo and enrolled in 1971, at age 17. Bob received a scholarship from the New York State Regents which paid for tuition, however he still had to pay for the room, board, and books. To help pay the bills he took a job at a gas station pumping gas and driving a tow truck. Having turned 18, Bob was notified to report for his induction physical that summer. The war was still being fought and Bob fully expected to be drafted, so he missed the registration deadlines for the fall semester. In Syracuse at the induction center he was told that he flat feet and injured right hand excluded him from service. Years of wearing barn boots without support made him unable to wear combat boots and his hand injury had made it difficult for him to manage the M16 trigger.
Bob went back to work at the pizza shop and helped open several new stores. He also worked at Montgomery Ward warehouse in Norwich. IN 1973 he returned to Buffalo for the fall semester at SUNY, where he majored in Psychology and worked to help cover the costs. While at SUNY Bob met Ms. Fay Irene Wells, from the small town of Gowanda, south of Buffalo and the couple were married on January 3, 1976. They rented a small cottage in West Seneca. Bob was accepted into the Psychology graduate program at SUNY. Upon graduating, Bob began working with group homes in and around the Buffalo area.
Bob and Fay had their first child, Kelly, in 1979, at the same hospital and attending doctor as her mother Fay. In 1981, Bob, Fay and Kelly joined Fay’s parents (who had just retired) in relocating to Florida and settled in Pinellas Park. Once settled Bob took a job working for a contractor operating tractor and doing grading work, and Fay worked in nursing. Bob was finally able to take a position as Behavioral Program Specialist at the St. Petersburg Cluster in 1982, and employed by the private agency, Sunrise Community, serving persons with disabilities. As a certified behavioral analyst, he was soon promoted to Program Coordinator. He would later become Director of the Williams Road Cluster in Brandon Fl and oversaw the construction and completion of the new building. He commuted from Pinellas Park to Brandon for the next five years and then returned to Pinellas where he worked his way up in the Developmental Services Program Office for the State of Florida Dept. of Children and Families until 2004. Bob and Fay then ran a small business of their own until 2015, when they retired.
In 1983, Bob and Fay had their second child, Chad (born in St. Pete).
Bob became acquainted with Freemasonry through his daughter Kelly’s membership in Gulf Beach Assembly No. 89, Rainbow Girls. He ultimately petitioned the Lodge and was initiated on October 14, 1993, passed on November 11, 1993, and raised on December 23, 1993. Bob immediately joined the officer line and became Master in 1998.
Fay’s father was killed in a traffic accident in 1985 and Bob and Fay took guardianship of Paula and Ronna, who Fay’s parents had adopted years before, and both with special needs. In 2015, Bob, Fay, Paula, and Ronna moved permanently to Clarkrange TN.
Bob remains an active member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and member of Clarkrange Lodge No. 605 F&AM. He is also an Honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge. He and Fay remain very busy, with both Kelly and Chad and their families (11 grandchildren and 3 great grand children) living within a few miles of Clarkrange.
Past Master Bio: Douglas John Ashcroft 1999
Douglas John Ashcroft, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1999, was born on September 1, 1960, in Kingston New York, the second of five children, born to Edward and Shirley Ashcroft, his father a machinist by trade was also a Freemason.
Doug attended Wallkill High School in Wallkill New York, which lies about 50 miles northwest of New York City. Doug graduated High School in 1978, and immediately relocated to St. Pete. Doug took a position with Schooner Prints in Largo as a foreman in their silk screening division.
On September 13, 1990, Doug was Initiated an Entered Apprentice at Gulf Beach Lodge, just twelve days after his 30th birthday. He was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on December 27th and Raised on January 24, 1991. Doug started in the officer line as Junior Deacon in 1997, the same year he earned his silver proficiency card and became a perpetual member. In 1998, Doug was elected as Junior Warden and in 1999 was Elected as Master. Doug received his 25 year service award in 2016.
Past Master Bio: Wesley Robert Stacknik 2000
Wesley Robert Stacknik, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2000, was born in Chicago Illinois on October 28, 1942, to Stanley and Helen Stacknik, his father was a dentist. Wesley had two younger siblings, a brother, and a sister.
By 1950, Wes’s family was living in Cicero, Illinois where he attended J. Sterling Morton East High School, participating in tennis and track. Upon graduating High School Wes entered Loyola University in Chicago where he earned a degree in Humanities (and where his father was a professor for five years).
In 1967, Wes married Ms. Claudine Maslowski, and they had three children.
Wes’s interests turned toward the study of Law, a field in which his uncle Frank was involved, and he entered John Marshall Law School in Chicago where he earned his Law Degree in 1976.The following year Wes and Claudine relocated to Pinellas County where he established a private law practice, which he still runs to this day.
Wes’s children are now long grown, leaving him and Claudine empty nesters for many years.
Wes was Initiated an EA on May 13, 1993, at Gulf Beach Lodge, Passed to Fellow Craft on November 11, 1993, and Raised a Master Mason on January 3, 1994. In 1996 the incoming Master, Howard Knapp, having no brother able to take on the office of Secretary, went to Wes on election night and convinced him to be Secretary for one year, until Howard could take over the office in 1997. Wes did a magnificent job as Secretary in 1996 and the following year started in the line officially as Senior Steward. He was elected as Worshipful Master for Y2K (remember that year?)
In 2019, Wes received his 25 year service award.
Past Master Bio: Joseph M. Engolia 2001
Joseph M. Engolia, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2001, was born in New Orleans on January 9, 1955, to Salvadore and Annie Engolia. Joe was the youngest of three children, his father was a machinist.
Joe received his education in New Orleans, graduating from Brother Martin High School in 1973. After completing High School Joe enlisted in the US Air Force, serving at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin Texas.
After Joe’s tour of duty in the Air Force, he took a position as a marine electronics technician and later transitioned to engineering support for Nuclear Power Plants. After working at seven different nuclear plants nationwide, Joe accepted a position at the Crystal River 3 Nuclear Power Station.
Joe took a position with Florida Power (now Duke Energy) and moved to St. Pete. While at Florida Power he met Bill O’Brien and Tom Bingham Sr., both Past Masters of Gulf Beach Lodge, and it wasn’t long before Joe submitted a petition to our Lodge. Joe was Initiated on November 14, 1991, Passed on January 23, 1992, and Raised on March 26, 1992. He started in the officer line in 1998, serving as Senior Steward, and then Junior Warden in 1999, Senior Warden in 2000 and Master in 2001. In 2003, Joe served the District as Chairman of Masonic Renewal, and in 2005 became a Perpetual Member of the Lodge. In 2017, Joe was presented his 25 year service award.
In 1995, Joe left Florida Power and went to work for GTE (General Telephone) in Tampa. It was here that he met Candice Lovett whom he married on February 23, 1996, they recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary.
In 2016 Joe retired and he and Candy began traveling and enjoying an active lifestyle. In 2020, they moved from St. Pete to Citrus Springs, Fl., where they continue their retirement activities.
Past Master Bio: John Cornelius Denehan 2002
John Cornelius Denehan, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2002, was born in Manhattan New York on August 16, 1946. John grew up in Islip New York (Long Island) where he attended school, graduating from Islip High School in 1965. John was active in basketball and a member of the Varsity Club.
After graduating High School John enlisted in the US Army and was sent to Vietnam where he served with distinction and honor. He earned the purple heart for serious wounds received while in combat. John suffered from these wounds for the remainder of his life and was listed as a disabled veteran.
John married Maria D. Davila and they had one son, Timothy.
John was a dedicated volunteer for the American Red Cross and spent much of his time in support of this worthy organization.
In 1997, John petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge and was Initiated on January 8, 1998, Passed on March 26, 1998, and Raised on June 25, 1998. John immediately entered the officer line serving as Junior Deacon in 1999, Junior Warden in 2000, Senior Warden in 2001 and Master in 2002. John became a Perpetual member in 2006.
On April 22, 2003, John’s son Timothy received his Masonic Degrees in Gulf Beach Lodge all on one day by dispensation of the Grand Master. Tim, a US Marine, was being shipped out to the Gulf War the following month. Tim died unexpectedly on October 10, 2017, at his home, he was 36. John passed away 9 months later, on July 5, 2018, he was 72. Masonic services were held for both brothers.
Past Master Bio: David Nelson Webster 2003
David Nelson Webster, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2003, was born on July 7, 1954, in Boston, Massachusetts to Lawrence and Audrey Webster. He was the middle child of five children. His family moved to Hollywood, Florida when he was two months old. His father served in Army Air Corps during the Korean War. He was an independent painter, wallpaper hanger, and carpenter until he accepted a machinist position with Pan Am at Cape Canaveral AFB in the late fifties and worked there until he passed away in 1973.
David received his education from Titusville High School in 1972. He was an officer in the Naval Junior ROTC program and served as Master Councilor of the Greater Titusville Chapter Order of DeMolay during his senior year. David worked the last two years of high school part-time as a framing carpenter with Coleman’s Construction. He received his AS Degree from Northern Michigan University in 1981, and his BA from the University of South Florida in 1997.
He married Elaine Estep on April 20 th , 1974, and they have four children and a nine-year-old granddaughter. David enlisted in the U S Air Force and served six years as a weapons control systems technician on the F-106 Delta Dart for the Air Defense Command. His assignments included the Denver AFB Training Center CO, 87 th FIS K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI, and 84 th FIS Castle AFB, CA. After returning home in 1981, he accepted a job at Disney’s energy control center as a computer systems technician and taught evening classes at Mid-Florida Tech. In 1987 he accepted a similar position at Florida Power Corporation’s energy control center in St. Petersburg. David was a NERC Certified System Operator for Duke Energy when he retired in 2021. David and Elaine moved from Seminole after residing there for 33 years to Auburndale to be closer to their granddaughter. They celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary this year.
Soon after David became a DeMolay advisor that was meeting at our lodge, he submitted a petition to join. He was initiated on Jan 8, 1998, Passed on March 26, 1998, and Raised on June 25, 1998. He entered the officer line as Junior Steward in 1998, Senior Steward 1999, Junior Deacon 2000, Junior Warden 2001, Senior Warden 2002 and was Master in 2003, Secretary 2005-2006 and Treasurer 2007-2020. He was presented his 25-year service award in 2023.
Past Master Bio: Daniel Sam Saltzman 2004
Daniel Sam Saltzman, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2004, was born on September 5, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. Dan had three siblings, Mike, Bill and Cindy. He grew up in Homewood, Illinois and received his schooling in that town. Dan was a graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
On August 30, 1975, Dan married Ms. Denise Shirley Holmes in Chicago, they had their first daughter in 1981 and their second in 1983. By 1985, Dan and Denise had divorced, and he moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he worked at the Ace Auto Electric Co.
Dan had moved around the country, working primarily at rebuilding electric motors. In 1998, Dan moved to St. Pete where he opened the Acme Auto Marine Electric Co. located on Madeira Beach, just north of John’s Pass.
Dan petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees in 2000, and was Initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 25, 2000, Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on September 28, 2000, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 30, 2000.
Dan immediately entered the officer line in 2001 as Senior Steward. He served as Junior Warden in 2002, Senior Warden in 2003, and Master in 2004. Dan was installed as Master by the current District Deputy Grand Master at the time, R∴W∴ Richard G. Hoover, who later would serve as Grand Master of Florida.
Dan retired and moved to Tennessee but later returned to Florida where he lived outside of Gainesville until the time of his death on August 6, 2020, at the age of 70.
Past Master Bio: Craig Steven Cramer 2005
Craig Steven Cramer, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2005, was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 9, 1960, to Ken and Judt Cramer. His father was working at the time in the printing business. Craig had one sister, Christine.
Craig’s family moved to Niles, Michigan, where he grew up and attended school. In about 1966, when Craig was 6, his family moved to Pinellas Park, where Craig continued his schooling. He attended Clearwater Comprehensive Junior High School where he earned a spot on the Junior National Honor Society.
Craig was active in the Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1978, the same year he graduated from St. Petersburg Christian High School.
Craig’s father was a local fireman who worked his way up through the ranks at Largo Fire Department and would become the longest serving Fire Chief at Pinellas Park, serving 27 years in that capacity. When Craig graduated High School, he went to school to become a paramedic, and took a position with a private ambulance company in Pinellas County. Craig immediately enrolled in the fire academy and upon completion was hired with Clearwater Fire Department in 1980.
Having secured a full time job with Clearwater Fire, Craig proposed to his girlfriend, Tina Marie Clement, and the couple were married on September 24, 1982. They had two sons, Alex (1983) and John (1985) – both of whom would become Eagle Scouts like their father.
In 2000, Craig petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees and was Initiated on January 11, 2001, Passed on February 8, 2001, and Raised on April 26, 2001.
Craig and Tina had divorced and through his activities at Lodge met Ms. Eileen Roney, daughter of Brother Don Roney and herself a member of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 OES. Craig and Elieen hit it off and they were soon engaged. They were married in the Lodge room on December 11, 2005.
In 2007, Craig dimited to Nitram Lodge No. 188, where he kept his membership until his passing. Craig retired from the Fire Service in 2009, and passed away July 29, 2018, at age 57.
Past Master Bio: David George Brown 2006
David George Brown, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2006, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on October 27,1941. His Father, a Scottish immigrant, owned a Toledo Scale Distributorship, and his Mother was a homemaker.
David completed his college education in Fargo, ND and Winnipeg before moving to Toronto, Ontario, Canada with his young family to work for Baxter Laboratories as a pharmaceutical Representative and, two years later, Divisional Sales Manager for Canada. In 1971, David left Baxter Laboratories to work in the financial industry with Bache & Co. in Toronto.
In 1976, David moved to St. Petersburg to work for E.F. Hutton & Co, as a financial Advisor and Tax Shelter Specialist. In 1983, David was promoted to assistance vice-president. Since that time, E.F. Hutton has morphed into 6 different financial organizations, the last of which is Morgan Stanley, and David was part of all of them.
David took his Masonic Degrees at Gulf Beach Lodge and was initiated on May 10, 2001, Passed on March 28, 2002, and Raised on June 27, 2002. David was a Member of Egypt Shrine, Scottish Rite (Valley of Tampa), York Rite Masonic Bodies, and Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241 OES.
David passed away on March 25, 2023, at age 81, and was buried with full Masonic rites at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
Past Master Bio: Derryl Brent O’Neal 2007
Derryl Brent O’Neal, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2007, was born to Ervin and Betty Jo O’Neal on November 8, 1959, in Tampa, Florida and raised in Pasco County where he received his early schooling. Derryl was one of five children, his father, Ervin O’Neal, was minister at House of Prayer in Dade City, Florida.
In 1979, Derryl started as a volunteer firefighter with Pasco County Fire Department and soon after became a career (professional) firefighter/paramedic for the same department. Derryl advanced quickly at Pasco County, eventually rising to the rank of District Chief. In 1996, he was hired as Fire Chief of Charlotte County Fire Rescue and would later take the position of Fire Chief at Madeira Beach.
Educationally, Derryl earned degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Derryl’s relocation to Madeira Beach introduced him to Gulf Beach Lodge, where he was Initiated on January 9, 2003, Passed on March 27, 2003, and Raised on May 8, 2003. Derryl became a Perpetual Member in 2005 while he was in the officer line and served as Worshipful Master in 2007.
Derryl earned his silver and green proficiency cards in 2007 and his orange proficiency card for memorizing the EA lecture in 2008. In 2009, he was elected President of the Suncoast Master Mason Association and in 2015, was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District by the Grand Master.
Currently Derryl is enjoying a relaxing retired life where he travels globally meeting Masons from around the world.
Past Master Bio: Richard Ambrose Sansom 2008
Richard Ambrose Sansom, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2008, was born October 19, 1944, in Farnham Kent, England, a suburb south of London. Dick received his early schooling in Farnham Kent and at age 15 began working for various companies, including the Victory Club in London, where he held a position in the accounting department. Later he began working for a publishing company selling advertising, a career that he maintained until he moved to Treasure Island, Florida in 1980.
Once settled in Treasure Island, Dick purchased a pet supply business, which he sold after three years and went to work for the Tampa Tribune’s advertising department. Dick left the Tribune after eight years and started renovating and selling houses.
Dick was Initiated in Gulf Beach Lodge on April 10, 2003, Passed on June 12, 2003, and Raised on September 25, 2003. In 2004, he entered the officer line and in 2008 was elected Worshipful Master. In 2005, Dick became a Perpetual member, in 2007, he earned his silver proficiency card and in 2008, his green proficiency card.
In 2007, Dick began working for Brother Barry Loft, a member of Gulf Beach Lodge, as his local property manager for retail property owned on Madeira Beach Causeway. He remained as property manager until Brother Loft passed away and assisted the family in the sale of the property. Dick then retired after which he and his wife Natalie moved to Spring Hill, Florida. Dick enjoys his home in Spring Hill, but misses attending Gulf Beach Lodge.
Past Master Bio: Shawn Joseph Rae 2009
Shawn Joseph Rae, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2009, was born September 22, 1971, in Buffalo, New York and was adopted by Jim and Marie Rae at the age of 5. Growing up in a small farming community south of Buffalo, Shawn was deeply influenced by family values and traditions of rural life. His Grandpa, Oz, spent countless hours in the woods with him, teaching him about the outdoors and instilling in him a passion for hunting and fishing, interests that would become lifelong pursuits. His Grandma, Shane, who lived with the family, was not only a guiding figure but also his best friend sharing countless cherished moments together watching “The Walton’s” while dumped on by Buffalo’s notorious snowstorms.
In 1993, after two years of college, Shawn entered the US Air Force, serving an 8 year tour with the 305th communication squadron as a radar maintenance technician. Shawn’s early educational pursuits led him to earn a degree in Electrical Engineer Technology from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Shawn transitioned into the mortgage industry, where he quickly made his mark as an entrepreneur. He founded and operated Florida’s Reverse Mortgage Center and Advantage Title Partners showcasing his business acumen and leadership skills. In 2010, Shawn partnered with Past Master, David Brown, honing his expertise in financial services at Morgan Stanley. His dedication to his clients and deep understanding of the market led him to eventually become an independent registered investment advisor in 2022 with Pinnacle Wealth Advisor of St Petersburg.
Shawn is not only a respected advisor but also a successful entrepreneur. He is a partner in Vino Simpatico, a thriving wine store and tasting room in South Pasadena, where his passion for fine, quality wines, shows through in every aspect of the business.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Shawn is deeply committed to his community. He has served on the board of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce since 2011 where he has held positions of “member at large”, “board chair” and currently holds the position of “community advocacy chair”. His leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the local business community. In August of 2024, he was appointed to the “planning board” for the City of St. Pete Beach, where he continues to contribute to the development and growth of the area.
Shawn has been happily married to his beautiful wife, Angela, for eight years. They have three grown sons and are the proud grandparents of two amazing young men, Gunner who is 7 and Preston, 14.
If not at the ballpark with Gunner, Shawn can be found pursuing his love for the outdoors in a tree stand looking for deer, on a boat catching fish, or on the bottom of the Gulf looking for scallops or lobster. On occasion you might find him sliding downhill on a pair of skis or on ice skates chasing a hockey puck around the rink, both left over hobbies from his early days in Buffalo.
Shawn petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge in 2005, beginning a dedicated journey within the Masonic community. He was Initiated April 21, 2005, Passed to Fellowcraft on May 26, 2005, and Raised on June 30, 2005. He was appointed Junior Steward in 2006 and served as Junior Warden in 2007, Senior Warden in 2008 (the same year he became a Perpetual member and earned his Silver Proficiency Card), and Worshipful Master in 2009.
As Junior Warden, Shawn revamped the monthly breakfast, transforming it into the beloved tradition it is today. His Master’s project was particularly impactful, overseeing the gutting and remodeling of the upstairs lodge room, a project completed with the invaluable assistance of John Anthony. Shawn also introduced the Angel Tree initiative to our Lodge, further enhancing its community outreach.
In addition to these roles, Shawn has served on the Vigilance Committee and the Financial Committee, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the governance and financial health of the lodge.
Past Master Bio: Thomas Willmot 2010
Thomas “Tom” Willmot, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2010, was born on a cold winter day in Staten Island New York, January 11, 1968, to Gertrude and Frederick Willmot. His father, a dedicated officer of the New York Police Department (NYPD), and his mother, a devoted homemaker, worked hard to provide for their family. While Tom’s early years were spent in New York, the family later moved to New Jersey, where he spent much of his childhood.
In the mid 1970’s, life took a turn when Tom’s parents divorced. His father, having retired from the NYPD, sought a fresh start in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he opened a small locksmith shop. Tom, then a teenager, chose to move south with his father, embracing the slower pace of life in Florida.
Working alongside his father in the locksmith shop after school, Tom quickly mastered the trade, learning the intricacies of locks, keys, and security systems. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1986 and seamlessly transitioned into a full-time career as a locksmith, a craft that had become second nature to him.
Seeking new challenges, Tom later branched out into entrepreneurship, opening a thrift store at the corner of 7th Avenue North and 2nd Street in St. Pete. However, after a time, he felt the pull of his original trade and returned to the locksmithing profession, where his expertise was valued.
In 1995, fate stepped in when Tom met Sheila Elaine Driskell. Their connection was instant, and their love grew quickly. On May 17, 1997, the couple exchanged vows at the Church By The Sea in Madeira Beach, beginning a journey together filled with love, support, and shared ambitions.
Over the years, Tom honed his skills, rising through the ranks to become a senior lead locksmith. He later transitioned into commercial building engineering, a career shift that utilized his problem-solving skills and technical expertise. By 2009, he had taken on the role of senior building engineer, overseeing 16 buildings—a testament to his dedication and knowledge.
Tom’s journey into Freemasonry began in 2005 when he petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 12, 2005, Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft on November 10, 2005, and was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 25, 2006. It wasn’t until he began filling out his petition that he learned his uncle John was also a Mason—a discovery that deepened his connection to the craft. With encouragement from his uncle and newfound brethren, Tom progressed through the Lodge, ultimately ascending to the East in 2010 as Worshipful Master.
Beyond the Lodge, Tom applied his strong work ethic to various roles. He spent time working for Brother Barry Loft, performing maintenance at his marina before continuing his career as a commercial building engineer. Yet, no matter how busy life became, he always found time for hunting, fishing, and collecting ‘treasures’—a passion that reflected his knack for finding value in the overlooked and forgotten.
Throughout the years, Tom and his family have remained steadfast supporters of Gulf Beach Lodge’s monthly breakfasts, a tradition they hold dear. His dedication to his family, his craft, and his Masonic brothers defines the legacy he has built—one of hard work, integrity, and fraternity.
From a young boy learning locksmithing in his father’s shop to a respected Mason, leader, and building engineer, Tom Willmot’s journey is one of unwavering dedication—a true reflection of the Masonic principles he holds dear.
Past Master Bio: Joseph R. Finocchiaro 2011
Joseph Raymond Finocchiaro was born on August 31st, 1975, in Lowell, Massachusetts to Raymond and Janet Finocchiaro and was one of two children. His father was a real estate broker and his mother a tailoress.
In 1989, the family relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida. Joseph Attended Admiral Farragut Academy and upon graduation attended St. Petersburg Junior College. He went on to graduate from the University of South Florida with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Performance. He returned to St. Petersburg College to finish a degree in Funeral Service Education, and he completed an Executive Juris Doctor in Law & Technology from Purdue University Global Law School.
He began a career in funeral service in the mid-2000s working for Reese Funeral Home in Seminole, Florida. He left the funeral service to become a Professor at Miami Dade College in 2012.
As an academic he has taught and designed funeral service courses in five different states, offered workshops on teaching and assessment, and runs an educational YouTube channel for funeral service education topics.
Through the funeral home he was introduced to Freemasonry and petitioned to join Gulf Beach Lodge. He was initiated on June 6, 2006, passed on October 28, 2006, and Raised on December 14, 2006. He was installed as an officer of the line after being raised and served as Worshipful Master in 2011. Joe earned his silver proficiency card in 2007 and became a perpetual member in 2008. He is also a member of the St. Petersburg York Rite Bodies, Egypt Shriners, and the Royal Order of Scotland.
He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and President of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. and the President of the American Board of Funeral Service Education.
Past Master Bio: M. Fernando Salazar 2012
M. Fernando Salazar, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2012, was born on a cool morning in the Andes Mountains on September 20, 1957, in Bogotá, Colombia. His father was a physician-pathologist who moved the family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His mother was an artist.
In 1981 Fernando married Ms. Barbara J. Havrilla, an artist, who was commissioned to paint “The Construction of King Solomon’s Temple,” which is now exhibited on the eastern wall of the Lodge Room. Fernando and Barbara had traveled to Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland for her to sketch the apprentice pillar in person, this pillar holds a prominent position in her mural.
Fernando became a physician specializing in internal medicine and cardiology in New York City. He moved his family to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1999. He has been very active in the medical community serving as the Chief of Staff-President of the medical staff and a member of the Board of Trustees at several hospitals.
Fernando took his Masonic degrees at Gulf Beach Lodge and was Initiated on February 9, 2006, Passed on October 28, 2006, and Raised on December 14, 2006. Fernando went “through the chairs” immediately upon being Raised and became Worshipful Master in 2012. His Master’s Project was the checkerboard tessellated floor with star in the center of the Lodge Room that his daughter Teresa helped design. He is a member of Scottish Rite-Valley Tampa and member of Egypt Temple Shrine. His youngest brother, Oscar Salazar, became Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2018.
Past Master Bio: John F. Anthony 2013
John Franklin Anthony, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2013, was born on November 13, 1948, at St. Vincent Hospital in Staten Island, New York, to Roy and Nereida Anthony. He was raised in Staten Island, where he attended school and graduated from Curtis High School in 1966. During his high school years, John was an accomplished swimmer, excelling on the swim team and later assisting with coaching. He was also a talented pianist, known for entertaining friends and performing at local taverns.
Following high school, John pursued higher education at Minot State University in North Dakota. In 1975, he married Sandra J. Jacobick of Staten Island, with whom he remained until 1993. In 1979, John relocated to Florida, where he established himself as a brilliant and successful pool contractor.
In 1996, he married Victoria Moffitt while living in Hudson, Florida. Together, they shared a family of four children: Melinda, Laura, Danielle, and Eric. John petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge in 2007 and progressed through the degrees of Freemasonry being Initiated on February 22, 2007; Passed September 13, 2007, and Raised November 8, 2007.
On the very night of his raising, John demonstrated his deep commitment to the fraternity by purchasing a Perpetual Membership. He immediately became involved in the Lodge’s officer line, ultimately serving as Master in 2013.
Beyond his leadership at the Lodge, John was active at the district level, serving as Chairman of multiple committees and overseeing the renovation of the courtyard at the Masonic Home of Florida. He was also instrumental in the remodeling of Gulf Beach Lodge, dedicating countless hours of labor to transform the building into a true showpiece in the district. His work had left a legacy before the Lodge was tragically devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
John was a passionate traveler, both by land and sea. He meticulously planned cross-country RV trips and took great joy in riding his motorcycle. He was an avid mariner and a charter member of Hiram’s Knights, a local Masonic motorcycle group within the Widows Sons International Masonic Riders Association.
On October 30, 2015, John tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident. He will always be remembered for his kind spirit, unwavering dedication, and unyielding passion for life. His contributions to Masonry, his community, and those who knew him will never be forgotten.
Past Master Bio: Michael H. Pagnotta 2014
Michael Harold Pagnotta, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2014, was born on December 20, 1975, in Saint Petersburg, Florida. His father was a history teacher at Osceola High School and his mother a math teacher at Largo Middle School. Michael was brought home from the hospital on Christmas day to the family home in Seminole, Florida where his parents still reside.
On May 20, 2000, at the age of 24, Michael married Ms. Lesa Chihak-McLaughlin. The couple then moved into their current residence at 2195 Wrens Way in Clearwater in February 2001. Michael and Lesa welcomed their son, Andrew, on October 3, 2003. Michael was making his living working for various banking institutions from 1997 to 2012. In 2012 Michael decided to make a career change and went to work for Ocean Prime as a server while taking EMT classes and attending the fire academy. Upon further reflection as to his age and medical history (asthma) and enjoying what he was doing at the restaurant, he decided to make that his next career. In 2016, Michael was promoted to dining room manager at Ocean Prime and was later promoted to beverage manager in October 2019.
Michael took his Masonic Degrees at Gulf Beach Lodge and was initiated on October 11, 2007, Passed on December 20, 2007, and Raised on February 28, 2008. Michael entered the “line” the following Masonic calendar year to serve with his catechism coach, and friend, Worshipful Shawn Rae. Michael earned his Green, White and Silver proficiency cards in 2014 and became a Perpetual Member in 2015.
Michael and his family enjoy spending time with each other and plan a major family vacation each summer where they travel to various places within the United States and abroad.
Past Master Bio: Travis James Palladeno 2015
Travis James Palladeno, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2015, was born on April 7, 1964, in West Palm Beach, Florida. His family later moved to Brandon, where he graduated from Brandon High School in 1982. In 1990, he married Ms. Helen Anne Price.
Drawn to the water from an early age, Travis earned his U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s license in 2004 and soon launched his own business, Live Wire Fishing Charters, based in Madeira Beach. His love for the Gulf and the local community would become a defining theme throughout his personal and professional life.
Travis’s stepfather, Gene Bailey, was a Mason, inspiring him to pursue the Craft. In 2009, he petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees of Freemasonry. He was Initiated on April 9, 2009; Passed on September 24, 2009; and Raised on December 10, 2009. Dedicated from the very beginning, Travis entered the officer line immediately, eventually serving as Worshipful Master in 2015. In recognition of his commitment, he became a Perpetual Member in 2012.
Beyond the Lodge, Travis also dedicated himself to public service. From 2011 to 2017, he served as Mayor of Madeira Beach, where his leadership emphasized balanced growth—expanding tourism and amenities while preserving the small-town character and strengthening vital infrastructure.
In 2011, Travis partnered with Sonny Flynn to acquire the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass Village. The attraction became a beloved destination, offering educational, hands-on experiences with reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Tragedy struck in July 2023 when a devastating fire claimed the lives of more than 100 animals and destroyed much of the facility. Refusing to let the mission end, Travis and Sonny worked tirelessly to keep the organization alive, relocating to a temporary space in Madeira Beach and later rebranding as Tampa Bay Rescues.
In 2021, Travis married Sharon Lee Miles and became a grandfather to Lily and Jayce. Like many in the coastal community, Travis’s own home was destroyed during Hurricane Helene in 2024. Today, he continues to rebuild while staying steadfast in his dedication to both the community of Madeira Beach and the mission of Tampa Bay Rescues.
Past Master Bio: Carl Raymond Moore 2016
Carl Raymond Moore, who served as Master of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge in 2016, was born on August 3, 1948, on Staten Island, New York, to Helen and Raymond Moore. He grew up in a close-knit community, attending local schools and graduating in 1966 from Curtis High School. Among his classmates that year was John Anthony, who would later become Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2013.
Drawn to the outdoors and nature, Carl pursued higher education at the North Dakota School of Forestry. However, by 1970, his path had taken a different turn when he joined the Rockefeller Narcotic Addiction Control Commission (RNACC)—a state-level initiative launched in New York under Governor Nelson Rockefeller. The RNACC was part of a larger campaign to address the rising problem of heroin addiction, which had become deeply linked with crime and deteriorating urban conditions.
Carl’s dedication to public service led him to a career with the New York State Department of Corrections, where he served as a corrections officer and a defensive tactics instructor for the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT). Further extending his skill set and community service, he became a certified paramedic.
Outside of his work in law enforcement and emergency medical services, Carl had a strong passion for SCUBA diving. He became certified by the Handicapped SCUBA Association (HSA) to instruct adaptive diving, empowering individuals with disabilities to safely explore underwater. This passion led him to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he founded Aqua Action, the first SCUBA diving business on St. Thomas certified to teach handicapped divers.
While managing Aqua Action, Carl experienced a twist of fate: he ran into his old high school classmate, John Anthony. The two reminisced about their Curtis High days and discussed life since graduation. As they talked, Carl mentioned the increasing difficulties of running a business in the Virgin Islands. John, then living in Florida, encouraged Carl to consider relocating to Madeira Beach and offered him a role in his pool contracting business. Carl agreed, sold his shop, and made the move to Florida.
Once settled in Madeira Beach, Carl followed in John’s footsteps and petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 and began his Masonic journey in 2009. He was:
- Initiated: March 12, 2009
- Passed: June 28, 2009
- Raised: October 29, 2009
Demonstrating his commitment to Masonic education and service, Carl completed the Master Mason Exams I, II, and III as well as the Lodge Officer Training Course (LOTC) in 2011. That same year, he became a Perpetual Member of the Lodge.
His leadership abilities quickly became evident, and he steadily advanced through the officer line:
- Junior Steward – 2012
- Marshal – 2013
- Senior Deacon – 2014
- Senior Warden – 2015
- Worshipful Master – 2016
Carl’s journey through life reflects a deep dedication to service, resilience, and a passion for helping others—whether as a corrections officer, medic, SCUBA instructor, or leader in Freemasonry. His story is one of transformation, brotherhood, and an enduring commitment to making a difference wherever he is called to serve.
Past Master Bio: Steven Michael Fetherman 2017
Steven Michael Fetherman, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2017, was born on April 16, 1954, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to Lafayette and Viola Fetherman. His father, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and a veteran of World War II, inspired in Steve a deep respect for service and dedication.
Much of Steve’s youth was spent abroad, as his family lived in Europe during the 1960s and 1970s while his father was on active duty. He returned to the United States to complete his education, graduating from Chelmsford High School in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, in 1972. After high school, Steve moved to Hampden, Massachusetts, where he attended Westfield State College.
In 1976, Steve answered a personal call to service by joining the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served until 1982. Following his military career, he resumed his education and earned a degree in software systems engineering. His professional path led him into important work on government and military contracts, blending his technical expertise with his lifelong sense of duty.
Beyond his career, Steve had a passion for American history. He became active in Civil War reenactments and joined a Union Marine group, where he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for history with others.
In 2001, Steve married Kendra Arias, with whom he built a loving life together. A decade later, in 2011, he petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees of Freemasonry. He was Initiated on January 27, 2011; Passed on March 24, 2011; and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 12, 2011. Committed from the outset, Steve immediately entered the officer line and became a Perpetual Member that same year. He also completed his Master Mason Exams in 2011 and the Lodge Officer Training Course in 2013.
In 2017, Steve served as Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge. His time in the East was marked by steadfast leadership and a strong devotion to the Craft. Tragically, less than a month after completing his term, Steve passed away on February 10, 2018. He was laid to rest with full military and Masonic honors, a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned in both communities.
In his memory, Gulf Beach Lodge established the Steve Fetherman JROTC Award, presented annually to an outstanding local cadet. This award ensures that Steve’s legacy of service, leadership, and dedication continues to inspire future generations.
Past Master Bio: David William Neville 2019
David William Neville was born on April 22, 1964, in Flemington, New Jersey, to John and Florence Neville. He grew up with two brothers and two sisters in a small town of about 2,500 residents—best known for the historic Lindbergh Trial, where Bruno Hauptmann was convicted for the murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr., and for the Flemington Fur Company, which famously supplied furs to The Price is Right and numerous Hollywood stars.
In 1976, David moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he would build both his career and family. At just sixteen years old, he launched Neville’s Lawn Care in 1980, a business he continued to run while working full time. In 1985, he joined Tropical Hardware, and in 1991 he began a 20-year tenure at St. Raphael Catholic Church and School. Afterward, he worked for Condominium Associates until 2015, when he faced a major health challenge, bravely battling cancer and pulmonary embolisms.
David married Donna in 1984, and together they raised two sons, Ryan and Steven.
Outside of work, David enjoys woodworking and billiards. His Masonic journey began in 2012 when he joined Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291. He quickly became active, entering the officer line and ultimately serving as Worshipful Master in 2019. Among his most cherished memories are meeting his wife, presiding as Master, and seeing both of his sons become Masons—continuing a legacy of service and fellowship.
Past Master Bio: Patrick Charles Lynch 2020
Patrick Charles Lynch was born in 1962, the first son of Daniel Charles Lynch and Nancy Louise Lynch after the family relocated from upstate New York to Florida in 1959. One of six children—four boys and two girls—Patrick grew up in a home deeply rooted in service, faith, and community.
His father, Daniel, was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and his mother, Nancy, left her career as an illustrator with GE to become a full-time homemaker.
Patrick’s lineage traces back to Galway, Ireland—his grandfather, Jeremiah Charles Lynch, immigrated to New York in 1879 and worked as an electrical engineer, a legacy of innovation and dedication that would continue in the Lynch family.
Growing up in St. Petersburg, Patrick attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Madeira Beach Elementary, and Seminole High School. He excelled in sports and scouting. Patrick rose through the ranks of the Boy Scouts—from Cub Scout to Eagle Scout—and later joined Explorer Scouts and Sea Scouts. He played Little League baseball for seven years, earning local recognition for several no-hitter games as a standout pitcher.
Athletically inclined, Patrick participated in high school tennis, baseball, basketball, and track. He also served as a certified lifeguard at local beaches and pools. Even with a busy schedule, he always made time to volunteer, lending a hand to civic groups like the Elks Club, Rotary Club, and local civic associations.
After high school, Patrick pursued studies in engineering and business before beginning a career in financial services. Eventually, he found his calling in residential design and construction, where he worked for over 35 years as a designer and builder in the Tampa Bay area.
In 2000, Patrick married Sharon Ann Noutch. Together, they built a life grounded in service and family, raising their son Shawn, who now serves as an orthopedic nurse at a local hospital. Sharon, a full-time working mother, also worked tirelessly for over three decades with the Pinellas County Health Department.
For 28 years, Patrick volunteered with the Pinellas County Special Olympics and served as an assistant Scoutmaster, youth soccer coach, and Little League coach.
In 2013, Patrick approached Freemasonry, drawn to the fraternity’s ideals of brotherhood, integrity, and service. He petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge and was Initiated, Passed, and Raised. He quickly immersed himself in Lodge activities, earning proficiency cards, moving through the officer chairs, and sitting in the East in 2020—the 70th Anniversary of Gulf Beach Lodge.
2020 was no ordinary year. Just three months into his term as Worshipful Master, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the nation and the Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Florida ordered that Lodge meetings be discontinued until the pandemic had passed.
Following his term as Master, Patrick expanded his Masonic journey. He joined the York Rite, becoming a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar. He also became a member of Selama Grotto and served as an officer and Chaplain for the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association. Beyond Masonry, he is an active member of the Elks, the American Legion, and the Special Olympics.
In 2022, Patrick joined the United States Air Force Auxiliary—Civil Air Patrol—serving in roles such as Cadet Liaison Officer, Crew Chief Officer, and Flight Chief Officer.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Patrick came out of semi-retirement to assist in disaster relief efforts.
Today, Patrick and Sharon continue to live in St. Petersburg. Patrick cares for his 93-year-old mother and his special needs brother. When life allows, he and Sharon retreat to their beloved cabin in the mountains of North Carolina—one of their great joys.
Past Master Bio: Mark Peter Sawa-Szostak 2021
Mark Peter Sawa-Szostak, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2021, was born on May 20, 1992, in Des Plaines, Illinois, to Debbie and Peter Sawa-Szostak. In 1999, his family relocated to Largo, Florida, a place they had vacationed almost every year and had come to love as a second home.
Mark attended Oakhurst Elementary, Seminole Middle School, and Seminole High School. From a young age, he was drawn to music, particularly the drums. His mother, however, insisted that he first learn what she called a “real instrument.” After a short time with piano and saxophone, Mark ultimately returned to percussion, where he found his true passion.
Music played a central role in his school years. He participated in concert and jazz band during middle school, and in high school, he performed in both marching and concert band. In his junior year, he was a founding member of Seminole High School’s Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and in his senior year, he was selected as section leader of the pit for both marching and indoor percussion seasons.
Following high school, Mark briefly attended St. Petersburg College with plans to transfer to the University of South Florida to pursue an engineering degree. While in college, he worked part-time at Publix Super Markets. What began as a temporary job soon developed into a career path, leading him to step away from school and work his way up through management. Over the course of ten years, he served in positions including Customer Service Team Leader and Grocery Team Leader before deciding in 2022 to leave retail behind.
That year, he joined Verifone Inc., where he worked first as a Repair Support Analyst and later as a Database Analyst. During this time, he also developed a deep connection with Asheville, North Carolina, vacationing there for two to three weeks each year. In August 2024, Mark made Asheville his permanent home. The following year, he took another bold step forward, leaving Verifone to focus full time on entrepreneurship. On August 1, 2025, he and his close friend and Brother, Mitch Kiger, launched Updraft Media LLC, a company specializing in luxury real estate photography and videography.
Mark’s Masonic journey began in 2014, inspired by the positive impact he saw in Brother Mitch Kiger’s life. That same year, he petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in December. Eager to contribute, he immediately began learning the degree work and quickly took an active role in Lodge life. In 2015, Worshipful Travis Palladeno invited him to serve as Junior Steward, setting him on the path through the officer line.
In 2021, Mark was honored to serve as Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge. Beyond his Lodge, he contributed to the district in several capacities, including District Committeeman for Let Your Pennies Make Good Cents and for Membership Development. In 2022, he was elected President of the Suncoast Master Mason Association. That same year, Most Worshipful Tommy Turlington appointed him to the General Service Panel of the Board of Trustees, where he served for several years before resigning in preparation for his move to North Carolina.
Outside of Masonry, Mark has many passions. He enjoys hiking, cooking, and motorsports. Cooking proved especially meaningful during his year as Junior Warden, and his move to Asheville has placed him in one of the best hiking regions in the country. In addition to real estate media, he and Mitch also travel to motorsport events across the nation, capturing photography and videography as a side passion project.
From Florida to North Carolina, from music to Masonry, and from corporate life to entrepreneurship, Mark’s journey reflects a steady dedication to growth, creativity, and service to both his community and his craft.
Past Master Bio: Stephen David Johnson 2022
Stephen David Johnson, Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2022, was born on March 19, 1985, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, to David and Ellen Johnson. His father, a fellow Mason of Gulf Beach Lodge, served as a Technologies Professor at New Hampshire Community Technical College, while his mother taught Spanish in the public school system.
Steve spent his early years in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, before the family moved to Hampton, where he attended public school. During high school, he was active in leadership and community service through the MCJROTC program at Winnacunnet High School and as a member of the Exeter Police Explorers in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Following graduation, Stephen pursued studies in technology, taking courses under his father’s instruction at NHCTC. He worked for several years as a computer technician for the Portsmouth School District before transitioning to a work-from-home call center support agent role. Working from home allowed him the opportunity to relocate with his family to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2009.
In 2015, Steve founded his own computer business, which has continued to grow successfully through the years.
His Masonic journey began in 2016 when he petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge for the Three Degrees. He was Initiated on March 24, 2016; Passed on June 23, 2016; and Raised on November 10, 2016. Shortly thereafter, he entered the officer line and, in 2022, was elected Worshipful Master.
Among his Masonic achievements are the completion of the Master Mason Exams, Masonic Leadership Training, Lodge Officer Training Courses, and the attainment of a silver proficiency card. In 2023, he began serving as Lodge Secretary and became a Perpetual member. He is also an active member of Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241, Order of the Eastern Star.
Beyond Masonry, Steve enjoys an active and well-rounded life. He plays tennis regularly, enjoys traveling with his family, and spends his leisure time at home gaming.
Past Master Bio: Joseph Treshad Sosa 2023
Joe Sosa, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2023, was born in Sri Lanka and, at the age of three, moved with his family to the Caribbean. His childhood was spent across several islands—including Belize, Trinidad, and the Bahamas—before relocating to the United States at sixteen.
Joe graduated from Queens College in Nassau, Bahamas, and later pursued higher education at the University of South Florida, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2003 and a Master’s degree in 2010 in Entrepreneurship and Applied Technologies.
From an early age, Joe possessed a natural entrepreneurial spirit. In 2001, while still a student at USF, he launched his first company from his dorm room. Currently, he is a Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of a mobile consumer app business. Under his leadership, the company was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in 2025 as the #22 Fastest Growing Company in the U.S., ranking #1 in Tampa, #4 in Florida.
On August 20, 2005, Joe married Hilary Polson, and together they have two children: Gavin St. John Sosa (born October 30, 2006) and Gwennan Claire Sosa (born September 4, 2010).
Joe petitioned Gulf Beach Lodge in 2017, and was Initiated on March 23, 2017, Passed on May 11, 2017, and Raised on June 22, 2017. He immediately entered the officer line and progressed to Worshipful Master in 2023. His Master’s project was the refurbishment of the Fire Escape.
Outside of his professional life, Joe is a devoted college sports enthusiast, an avid golfer, and a tennis player, always eager for a friendly competition. Yet, above all, his greatest joy comes from being a father. Much of his free time is happily spent in what he calls his “favorite role”—serving as chauffeur for his children, driving them to after-school activities, and cheering them on at their sporting events.
Past Master Bio: Bobby Ray Burkett II 2024
Bobby Ray Burkett II was born in 1956 in Alma, Georgia, a small rural farming town with a population of about 2,800. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to El Paso, Texas, as his father was serving as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Arhis. Upon his honorable discharge, they moved to Florida, where his father joined the Florida Highway Patrol. As he advanced through the ranks; from Patrolman to ultimately becoming the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol in 1982; their family relocated multiple times throughout the state, eventually settling in Miami in 1968.
Growing up, Bobby dreamed of joining the Air Force and becoming a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, he began wearing glasses in high school, which made that dream unattainable. Instead, he turned his focus to his second passion: science and engineering. Bobby pursued his studies at the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1980.
His professional career began at Square D Company in Clearwater, where he designed precision transducers and protective devices for the potheyr industry. It was during his time at Square D that he was first introduced to his future wife, Karen. Her father, a senior draftsman and printed circuit designer, was one of his colleagues there. Although Karen and Bobby met during that period, it wasn’t until many years later, in 2001, that they married.
In 1982, Bobby joined General Datacom Industries, headquartered in Connecticut, but with a local advanced research and development division in Clearwater. Over the next six years, he advanced from Design Engineer to Senior Project Engineer, leading a team focused on developing high-speed, secure telecommunications equipment for use in central offices and large data centers.
In 1988, General Datacom restructured and closed its Clearwater facility, offering the engineering team the option to relocate to Connecticut. Those who chose to stay were provided a generous two-year severance package, allowing them to complete open projects and assist in shutting down the local operations.
During this period, several of Bobby’s colleagues and he formed their own corporation, leasing the same facility and initially offering consulting services to the telecommunications industry. The company quickly evolved into a developer and manufacturer of hardware and enterprise software for global use in data collection, inventory control, and warehouse management, utilizing barcoding and RFID technologies with a staff of thirty employees.
At their company, Bobby wore many hats. In the early years, he managed both engineering responsibilities and administrative tasks such as accounting and payroll. As the company grew, he served in a variety of roles including Senior Project Engineer, Senior Firmware and Software Developer, Vice President of Engineering, and ultimately, CEO; an office he held until the company was sold in 2020.
Although Bobby never fulfilled his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot, his passion for aviation remained strong. He began private flight training in 1995 and earned his Private Pilot Certificate in 1997, achieving his Airplane Single Engine Land rating. He also pursued rotorcraft training, logging 12 hours—just enough to start mastering the art of hovering. However due to the high costs associated with helicopter instruction and future operations, he chose to focus solely on fixed-wing aircraft.
Unfortunately, in 2020, his flying activities were interrupted when he began experiencing occasional episodes of atrial fibrillation (AFIB). While the condition is well-managed and not life-threatening, the regulatory hurdles set by the FAA for obtaining a third-class medical certificate with this diagnosis led him to voluntarily step away from the cockpit. Despite this setback, his love for aviation continues to be an important part of who he is.
His journey into Freemasonry began in 2013, sparked by a casual lunch conversation with his wife and one of her childhood friends, who happened to be a member of Gulf Beach Lodge. What had long been a quiet interest suddenly became a pursuit. Not long after, he mentioned to his father, then living in Tallahassee, that he had petitioned for membership. It was only then that he revealed he, too, was a Mason and a Shriner, having been raised in Jackson Lodge No. 1 in 1990; something Bobby had never known.
Bobby was Initiated on October 10, 2013, Passed to the Fellow Craft degree on January 23, 2014, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 13, 2014. That same month, he became a perpetual member of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291.
Though Bobby initially remained on the sidelines, he was an active participant; learning and delivering the Charges for all three degrees and filling officer roles as needed during ceremonies. He also pursued and earned several proficiency cards: Silver (2015), Fellow Craft Orange (2018), White and Green (December 2019), and Blue (January 2020). Bobby was appointed Junior Deacon in 2020 by then incoming Master Pat Lynch, and continued his progression through the officer line. He earned his Master Mason Orange Proficiency Card in October 2021 while serving as Senior Deacon. Additionally, he served as District 18 Chairman for Masonic Education in 2020 and 2021.
In 2024, Bobby had the honor of being elected Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge. He strived to make it a meaningful and engaging year, reviving events like the Family Picnic and Table Lodge, which had fallen away during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, just days after their Table Lodge, Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26. The storm produced an unprecedented surge that caused extensive flood damage to the beloved Lodge Temple in Madeira Beach. As a result, the Lodge temporarily relocated their meetings to Northside Lodge in St. Petersburg.
Despite the devastation, Bobby did his best to maintain normal operations while leading the Lodge through the early stages of remediation and recovery.
Following his term as Master, Bobby remained an active member of the Lodge and was elected Treasurer for 2025. He continues to support and assist the ongoing efforts to restore and rebuild the Lodge Temple; determined, as always, to contribute wherever he could.
In addition to his involvement in Freemasonry, Bobby continues to pursue electronics as a hobby and enjoys walking with his wife and their dog when the weather is tolerable. They still make use of the Latin and swing dance lessons they took years ago, although they no longer participate in amateur competitions. Much of his time is also spent tending to the never-ending chores that arise around the house.
Bobby Ray Burkett II was born in 1956 in the rural farming town of Alma, Georgia. Not long after his birth, his family moved to El Paso, Texas, where his father was stationed as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. Upon completing his military service, Bobby’s father joined the Florida Highway Patrol, and the family relocated several times as he rose through the ranks—ultimately becoming the agency’s Director in 1982. In 1968, they settled in Miami, Florida.
As a young boy, Bobby dreamed of joining the U.S. Air Force and becoming a fighter pilot. However, beginning to wear glasses in high school made that dream impractical. Instead, he turned his attention to his second passion—science and engineering. He pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering and earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida in 1980.
Bobby began his professional career with Square D Company in Clearwater, designing precision transducers and protective devices for the power industry. It was during his time there that he met his future wife, Karen. Though introduced in the early years, it wasn’t until 2001 that they married.
In 1982, Bobby joined General Datacom Industries, where he progressed from Design Engineer to Senior Project Engineer. There, he led teams developing high-speed, secure telecommunications systems for large data centers. When the Clearwater office closed in 1988, Bobby and several colleagues formed their own firm in the same facility. What began as a consulting company soon evolved into a thriving enterprise specializing in hardware and software for barcoding, RFID, inventory control, and warehouse management. Bobby served in numerous roles—Senior Engineer, Firmware Developer, Vice President of Engineering—and ultimately CEO, a position he held until the company’s sale in 2020.
While Bobby never fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot, his love for aviation remained strong. In 1995, he began flight training, earning his Private Pilot Certificate in 1997 with an Airplane Single Engine Land rating. He briefly trained in helicopters, logging 12 hours—just enough to begin mastering hovering—however the high costs led him to refocus on fixed-wing aircraft. Unfortunately, in 2020, his flying was interrupted by episodes of atrial fibrillation. Though not life-threatening, FAA regulations made certification difficult, and he voluntarily stepped away from the cockpit. His passion for aviation, however, endures.
Bobby’s journey into Freemasonry began in 2013 after a casual lunch conversation with his wife and one of her childhood friends, a member of Gulf Beach Lodge. This sparked a long-held curiosity. When he shared the news with his father—who was then living in Tallahassee—he discovered for the first time that his father was also a Mason and a Shriner, Raised in Jackson Lodge No. 1 in 1990.
Bobby was Initiated on October 10, 2013, Passed on January 23, 2014, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 13, 2014. That same month, he became a Perpetual Member of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291.
While initially staying on the sidelines, Bobby contributed to the Lodge in meaningful ways—learning and delivering the Charges for all three degrees and stepping into officer roles during ceremonies. He earned multiple proficiency cards over the years: Silver (2015), Fellow Craft Orange (2018), White and Green (2019), and Blue (2020). In 2020, he was appointed Junior Deacon by Worshipful Master Pat Lynch and continued up the officer line, earning his Master Mason Orange card in 2021 while serving as Senior Deacon. He also served as District 18 Chairman for Masonic Education in 2020 and 2021.
Elected Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2024, Bobby focused on a meaningful and engaging year. He successfully revived long-standing traditions like the Family Picnic and Table Lodge, which had fallen dormant during the COVID-19 years. Tragically, just days after the Table Lodge, Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, bringing a devastating storm surge that flooded the Lodge. In the wake of this unprecedented damage, Bobby worked to ensure Lodge operations continued, relocating meetings to Northside Lodge in St. Petersburg and guiding the early stages of recovery and remediation.
After his term as Master, Bobby was elected Treasurer for 2025 and remains deeply involved in the restoration and future of Gulf Beach Lodge.
Outside of Masonry, Bobby enjoys the hobby of electronics, walking with his wife and their dog, and sharing in the joys of dance—skills they once honed during amateur Latin and swing competitions. When not occupied with Lodge or hobby projects, much of his time is spent attending to the ongoing demands of home maintenance and quiet moments with family.
Past Master Bio: Christopher Scott “Buck” Owens 2025
Christopher Scott “Buck” Owens was born on September 7, 1970, in Montclair, New Jersey. In 1979, his family relocated to Venice, Florida, where Buck would spend his formative years and begin laying the groundwork for a multifaceted life rooted in service, skill, and passion.
By 1984, Buck had taken up the drums and became an active member of his school’s concert and marching bands, nurturing a lifelong connection to music and performance. He graduated from Venice High School in 1989 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy.
Serving as a sonar technician, Buck earned Plank Owner status aboard his vessel and was deployed to the Middle East in 1994. He completed his honorable service in 1996 with the distinguished title of Surface Warfare Specialist, demonstrating technical excellence and unwavering commitment to duty.
Following his naval service, Buck pursued his interest in sound and technology by attending technical school for recording arts and live sound engineering. From 1996 to the present, he has worked professionally as a live sound engineer for a wide range of production companies, artists, festivals, and large-scale events—earning a reputation for reliability and precision behind the scenes.
Between 2014 and 2022, in addition to his career in sound engineering, Buck became a nationally certified chimney sweep and certified dryer exhaust technician, further broadening his skill set and dedication to professional craftsmanship.
Buck is also active in Freemasonry, having been raised in 2010. He has held numerous officer positions within his lodge, culminating in his service in the East, as Worshipful Master, in 2025, following the devastating hurricane season of 2024. He remains deeply involved in community outreach programs through Masonic service, upholding the values of charity, leadership, and brotherhood.
Beyond his professional and fraternal commitments, Buck leads a full and active life. His hobbies include pocket billiards, fishing, hunting, drumming, pyrotechnics, and riding motorcycles—each a reflection of his adventurous spirit and diverse interests.
From the Navy to the mixing board, from charitable service to personal passions, Buck Owens continues to embody dedication, creativity, and a commitment to everything he does.