Sign in to follow this
Followers
0

Massillon’s Santa Tom embodied Christmas spirit, brought smiles to many
By
Carlo Klemm, In Latest News
-
Similar Content
-
By Carlo Klemm
R.I.P. Sergent, Wilfred "Freddie" (Santa Fred)
September 6, 2018
Independent Record. Obits
Excerpt: July 25, 1941 – Sept. 2, 2018
On the afternoon of September 2, 2018, at the age of 77, Freddie passed away peacefully of natural causes in Helena, MT.
Freddie was born in Glasgow, MT on July 25, 1941. He was youngest of nine children born to Benjamin and Delilah Sergent.
After attending school in Glasgow, MT, Freddie joined the Army in August,1958 where was recognized as an Expert-Carbine and also completed his GED.
He reached the rank of Pfc E3 (T).
After leaving the service Freddie enjoyed a rich life full of adventure, including a period of professional gambling in Las Vegas, and many years in the entertainment industry as a Professional Santa Claus. During this period, he traveled to major cities and thrilled young and old alike as he brightened their holiday and listened to their Christmas wish list. After retiring to Helena, he continued to play Santa at many community events, including his last performance at Apple Rehab Cooney 2 weeks prior to his passing.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 7th in the committal shelter at Montana State Veterans, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Santa Fred are suggested to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Santa Fred.
SOURCE:
-
By Carlo Klemm
Gone too soon: Cottage Grove man was father, firefighter, missionary, EMT
June 27, 2018
By William Loeffler - Woodbury Bulletin
Excerpt - COTTAGE GROVE — It's a measure of the life lived by Steven Duane Cozad that his unexpected death affected so many.
Cozad, 48, of Cottage Grove died June 20 after he was found unresponsive at his home, Newport Fire Chief Steve Wiley said. Cozad served with Wiley on the Newport Fire Department for over 20 years.
Cozad's family lost a husband, provider, father and grandfather. The Newport Fire Department lost a capable and courageous comrade. Needy children and families from Newport to Kenya lost a benefactor and advocate.
And someone else will have to dress as Santa Claus during the Newport Fire Department Food and Toy Drive in December.
As a boy, Cozad received toys that were donated by local firefighters. That left a lasting impression; around 2000, he organized the Newport toy drive. For about two years, he ran most of it on his own, he told the Bulletin in a 2016 story.
"I made homemade signs in my garage; they were probably pretty tacky," he said. "I would go drive around and pick (the donations) up."
The Newport Fire Department started bringing one of the trucks out to the North Pole at the Newport Center — where Cozad dressed as Santa Claus each year while collecting donations.
SOURCE
-
By Carlo Klemm
Michael Uva Passes Away
June 26, 2018
By Bob Holmes, Patch Staff
Excerpt
Michael P. Uva of Stoneham, formerly of Medford, passed away on Friday, June 22, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years of age.
Born on April 23, 1936 in Boston, Michael is the loving son of the late Pasquale Uva and Rose (Ianello) Uva. Michael was a warm and caring husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
He loved playing Santa Claus for EMARC for over 50 years. During the Korean Conflict, Michael proudly defended our freedom by serving as a Specialist 3rd Class in the United States Army.
Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (RT28) Stoneham, Thursday, June 28th, at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Michael's Eternal Life in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10 am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Wednesday, June 27th from 4-8 pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attandants and elevator are available. Interment with Military Honors will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Stoneham.
SOURCE
-