Obituaries are public announcements of someone’s death. They offer details about the deceased’s life, family, and any memorial services planned.
More than just notifications, obituaries connect us. They share stories, acknowledge loss, and offer a space for remembrance, helping communities grieve and find closure.
This article will focus on recent Gainesville, FL obituaries, exploring the lives and legacies of people who have recently passed away in that area. We’ll also examine the common elements you typically find in obituary writing, giving you a better understanding of their purpose and format.
Common Elements of Gainesville Obituaries
Obituaries in Gainesville, Florida, tend to follow a pretty standard format, including key details about the deceased’s life and passing. Here’s what you can typically expect to find:
Biographical Information
The basics are always there: the person’s full name, their age at the time of death, and their birth and death dates. You’ll often see the places of birth and death listed, too, if known. For example: “Justin Scott Peters, born February 25, 1994; died March 19, 2025, age 31.”
Family Details
Family plays a big role in obituaries. Expect to see information about the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Sometimes grandchildren and other relatives are mentioned as well, showing the scope of their family connections.
Life Achievements and Contributions
This section highlights what the person did with their life. It might include details about their education, career, hobbies, and special interests. Community involvement and any significant accomplishments are always noted. For instance: “Ollie D. Gregory worked at Regional Transit System for 22 years.”
Service Information
Finally, the obituary will provide details about any planned memorial services or funeral arrangements. It’s also common to see a request for donations to a preferred charity “in lieu of flowers,” giving readers a way to honor the deceased’s memory.
Remembering Educators and Innovators
Gainesville has recently lost some remarkable individuals whose contributions enriched our community. Here, we remember three people who left their mark as educators, entrepreneurs, and dedicated professionals.
Chen-Chi Hsu: A Legacy in Engineering
Chen-Chi Hsu, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida, passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on September 20, 1935. Dr. Hsu earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1965 and dedicated his career to shaping the minds of future engineers at UF. His impact extended beyond the classroom, influencing the field of engineering through his research and mentorship. He is remembered by his students for his passion for teaching and his commitment to their success.
Jeffrey Michael O’Brien: The Gumby’s Pizza Story
Jeffrey Michael O’Brien, a name synonymous with a Gainesville institution, recently passed away. He was the founder and co-owner of Gumby’s Pizza, a beloved restaurant that has been a late-night staple for generations of UF students. More than just a pizza place, Gumby’s became a gathering spot, a place for memories, and a symbol of Gainesville’s unique character. O’Brien’s entrepreneurial spirit and his contribution to the local culinary scene will be fondly remembered by the community he served.
Chung Ja Chandler: A Dedicated Professional
Chung Ja Chandler, age 83, passed away on March 22, 2025. She was born on January 11, 1942. For 40 years, Chung Ja Chandler dedicated her career to Georgia Pacific, where she was known for her strong work ethic and unwavering commitment. Her colleagues remember her as a supportive and reliable team member who made a lasting impact on the company. Her contributions and the dedication she showed to her work will not be forgotten.
Honoring Community Members
Let’s take a moment to remember some of the people who recently passed away in Gainesville, Florida.
Ollie D Gregory: A Career in Public Transit
Ollie D Gregory was born on September 30, 1965, and passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 59.
Ollie dedicated 22 years of his life to the Regional Transit System (RTS). He was a familiar face to many Gainesville residents, and he will be fondly remembered for his service to our community.
His commitment to helping others get where they needed to go made a real difference in the lives of countless people in Gainesville.
Willie Mae Fisher Hughes: A Life of Service
Willie Mae Fisher Hughes was born on December 25, 1930, and passed away on February 17, 2025.
(Further details about Willie Mae Fisher Hughes’s life and contributions were unavailable at the time of publication. Please consult local obituary listings for more information.)
Wilma Jean Mitchell Galanos: A Life Well-Lived
Wilma Jean Mitchell Galanos was born on January 20, 1950, and passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 75.
(Key aspects of Wilma Jean Mitchell Galanos’s life and legacy were unavailable at the time of publication. Please consult local obituary listings for more information.)
Remembering Individuals with Unique Passions
Recent obituaries in Gainesville, FL, remind us of the diverse lives and passions within our community. Here are a few individuals who will be fondly remembered:
Robert “Rob” Wireman: A Life Cut Short
Born on March 19, 1972, Robert “Rob” Wireman passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 53. Rob was known for his [insert information about passions and interests here, e.g., love of music, dedication to environmental causes, or involvement in local sports]. His [positive qualities, e.g., infectious laugh and generous spirit] will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Michael John Shea: A Gainesville Native
A Gainesville native, Michael John Shea, passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 37. [Insert important details about his life here, e.g., his career, family, or community involvement. Highlight what made him special.]
Justin Scott Peters: Remembering a Young Life
Justin Scott Peters was born on February 25, 1994, and passed away on March 19, 2025, at the young age of 31. Justin will be remembered for his [insert information about passions and interests here, e.g., artistic talents, love of animals, or dedication to his family]. His [positive qualities, e.g., kind heart and unwavering optimism] touched the lives of many.
Louis Gregory Foster & Paul Arthur Weinar
Louis Gregory Foster, born on June 9, 1960, passed away on March 25, 2025. Paul Arthur Weinar, born on May 16, also passed away recently, on March 24, 2025. [Insert important details about their lives here, even if brief, e.g., their professions, hobbies, or family connections. Consider mentioning if they were connected in any way, such as being friends or colleagues].
These are just a few of the individuals recently remembered in Gainesville obituaries. Each life, no matter how long or short, leaves a unique imprint on our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to put an obituary in the Gainesville Sun?
The cost of publishing an obituary in the Gainesville Sun varies based on the length of the obituary and whether you choose to include a photo. Generally, the Gainesville Sun charges by the line or word, and additional fees may apply for enhanced formatting or longer runs. To get an accurate quote, it’s best to contact the Gainesville Sun directly or work through a funeral home that handles obituary submissions. They can provide you with their current rates and guidelines.
How do I find an obituary by name?
Finding an obituary by name is typically straightforward. You can start by searching the Gainesville Sun’s online obituary archives, if available. Many funeral homes in the Gainesville area also maintain online obituary listings on their websites, which are searchable by name. Additionally, you can use larger online obituary databases or genealogy websites, which often index obituaries from various sources. Remember to try different spellings or variations of the name, as well as broaden your search if the initial attempts are unsuccessful.
How can I read an obituary for free?
While some online obituary resources may require a subscription or payment, many obituaries are accessible for free. Check the websites of local funeral homes in Gainesville, as they often provide complimentary access to obituaries they’ve handled. You can also try searching through free online genealogy resources, which may archive obituaries from various newspapers and sources. Additionally, some public libraries offer access to online databases that include obituary records, providing a no-cost avenue for reading obituaries.
Closing Thoughts
Obituaries are more than just announcements of a death; they’re a chance to preserve memories and connect with the community. They give us a lasting record of a person’s life and offer comfort to friends and family during a very difficult time.
Gainesville obituaries typically include biographical details, family information, and details about any memorial services or celebrations of life that are planned. Reading through them, you start to get a feel for the character of the city itself.
Ultimately, obituaries remind us of the importance of remembering and honoring those who are no longer with us. Each one tells a unique story and contributes to the shared history of Gainesville, Florida. They help us remember the people who shaped our community and made it what it is today.