TAPS - ROLLING THUNDER® INC. CHAPTER 1 FLORIDA

This page is dedicated to the memory of Chapter Members who served faithfully in our community.

"In your hands, O Lord,
we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In this life you embraced them with your tender love;
deliver them now from every evil
and bid them eternal rest."

Charles L. Donovan
08/06/1938 - 02/27/2025

We are truly saddened to report the passing of a 16 year member of Chapter 1 Florida, Army Major (Ret) Charles L Donovan. Charlie was a avid supporter of the Chapter and held many elected offices. His 'can do' spirit and willingness to help will surely be missed. Please keep Charlie, his wife Nancy, and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Larry D. Morris
11/13/1947 - 11/04/2024

It is with deep sadness and regret that Florida Chapter 1 announces the passing of our member Larry D. Morris. Larry departed peacefully into the arms of our Lord today, November 4. 2024.

Larry has been a member of our Chapter since February 24, 2013. He received his Boot patch in June 2013 and was fully patched in June 2014, when he received his Rocker and Eagle patches.

Larry was a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He served in the USAF from June 14, 1966, until his Honorable discharge on April 3, 1970. He was also a Past Commander of VFW 4206 in Palm Bay.

Please join Florida Chapter 1 in offering Condolences and Prayers for Larry's family.

Kathryn Juanita "Nita" Smith - POW Spouse
08/11/1930 - 08/06/2024

Kathryn Juanita (“Nita”) Proctor Smith of Cocoa, Florida, passed away quietly in her sleep on August 6, 2024, at the age of 93. Nita was born on August 11, 1930, to Mary Easter Cunningham Proctor and Thurman Otis Proctor. Nita had four older half-siblings and a younger brother.

In 1947 Nita met and married Robert “Bob” Clifton Smith, a WWII veteran and ex-POW. They had three children, a daughter and a son born in Tennessee, and a second son born years later while they were living in Miami. In 1972, with their oldest children gone, they moved to the Atlanta area. In 1985, after Bob’s retirement from Eastern Airlines, they moved to the Port St. John section of Cocoa, Florida.

Nita was independent, energetic, highly organized and very efficient. She used her skills effectively as a homemaker and home finance manager, as a teacher’s aide in Georgia, and as a volunteer officer in ex-POW organizations. She and Bob traveled to ex-POW conventions across the country, and to visit family and friends. Nita loved to sew and cook. Nita was a long-time dedicated member of Victory Baptist Church. Nita was a wonderfully supportive mother, sister, and friend, and she will be sorely missed.

Nita is survived by her daughter, Gale Wright; son, Patrick Smith; son Stanton Smith; grandchildren, Benjamin Adams, Jonathan Adams, Robert Smith, and Laura Lewis; and great grandchildren, Ethan Adams, and Jordan Adams. She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, and her siblings, Grady Proctor, Brady Proctor, Lotti “Bea” Minton, Bethel Pitts, and Paul Proctor.

Nita and Bob joined Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida in December 2011 and both were strong supporters of the Chapter's mission. Nita continued to be active with the Chapter until her passing, and we will all miss her terrific smile and positive outlook.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Pleasant View Cemetery, Slayden, TN. Pastor Wes Sesler will officiate. Later, in the Fall, there will be a memorial service at Victory Baptist Church in Cocoa, FL.

Trung (Sean) Manh Dao
04/07/1951 – 06/08/2024

It is with profound sorrow that we announce that on June 8th, Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1 member Trung M. Dao passed away. Mr. Dao joined the chapter on June 8th, 2021, along with other Vietnam Unforgettable Memories Foundation (VN3KT) members. Please join us in offering our condolences to Christina Dao (Trung's Sister) and the other members of VN3KT.

Born on April 07, 1951 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, Sean was the sixth of the twelve children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thanh Dao. When the country was divided into North and South Viet Nam in 1954, Mr. and Mrs. Thanh Dao moved the entire family to Saigon when Sean was about 4 years old.

Sean graduated from a Catholic High School (LASAN Hien Vuong) in Saigon, Viet Nam, and began his military career at the Air Force Military Training Center (Nha Trang, Vietnam). Now, South Vietnamese Air Force Lt. Trung (Sean) Manh Dao attended the United States Air Education Training Command in Lackland, TX, and graduated on August 07, 1974.

After receiving his USAF Training in the United State, then Captain Sean Dao returned to Viet Nam and served in the Republic of South Vietnam Air Force until the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Sean Dao could not get out of Vietnam and remained there for another 10 years.

Part of the Orderly Departure Program (ODP) created in 1979 to rescue South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians with ties to the U.S., Sean immigrated to the United States and settled in Orlando Florida in 1985. He continued his engineering education, and worked tirelessly on many Department of Transportation (DOT) projects across the United States. He finally retired after 40 years of service with an architectural firm in Central Florida.

Trung (Sean) Manh Dao is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Tuyet Mai; sons Truong and Tung Dao.

Sean’s many community activities included feeding the homeless as a volunteer through the Second Harvest Food Bank. He was a dedicated and unwavering member of the Vietnam Unforgettable Memories Foundation (aka. VN3KT); He was a registered Commemoration Partner to the United States Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration, to honor and give thanks to the Vietnam War Veterans and their families, across the east coast of the US. He was also a member of Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter One since 2021.

Trung (Sean) Manh Dao was a man of integrity, loyalty, dedication to his country, family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and loved the outdoors, gardening, tennis, walking, and reading. He loved being with family and extended family.

He will be forever remembered.

James Joseph Istvan - Chapter Secretary
11/16/1956 - 08/27/2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Joseph Istvan, a remarkable man whose life was a testament to dedication, passion, and community service. Born on November 16, 1956, Jim embarked on a life journey that touched the hearts of many.

Jim's legacy is his dedication to the safety and welfare of others. In 1982, he joined the ranks of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue as a firefighter, a role he embraced with pride for nearly 39 years. Rising to the position of Station Commander, he was known for his courage and leadership. After retirement, Jim and Maryalice moved to their favorite vacation area in Merritt Island, Florida. A lover of the skies, he delighted in watching rockets launch, finding beauty in the boundless expanse of space and wonder in pursuing new horizons.

Jim's passions reached beyond the celestial as he created meaningful bonds through various clubs and organizations. He was an avid road cyclist, and every summer, he was devoted to following the Tour de France. As co-president of the Miracle City Harley-Davidson Harley Owners Group (HOG), he organized memorable group rides with local members. Jim also enjoyed serving veterans through the local Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1 and recently received his Rolling Thunder Rocker and Eagle. One of the highlights of this last year was riding with the Cape Kennedy Corvette Club to the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Maryalice Istvan; his cherished daughter, Laura Metz (Michael); his grandchildren, Makayla, Michael, and Lileah; his stepchildren: Jennifer Crump (Hubert), John Michael Beatty (Alana), Stephanie Gibson (Brian), Jason Beatty (Meighan), Katie O’Brien (Jason), and Benjamin Jenkins (Ashley); and step-grandchildren: Tyler, Steven, Madison, Aislin, James, Jessie, Lily, Siana, Rachel, Nemo, Caroline, and Owen. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael Istvan, Judith Windsor (Richard), Paul Istvan (Lara), and Francis Istvan, Sr. (Cynthia), along with many more cherished loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Cleo Istvan, and his brother, David Istvan. His legacy lives on through the memories, stories, and lessons he leaves behind.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home on Merritt Island. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral will follow at 12:00 p.m. Jim will be interred at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, Florida. Friends, family, and those whose lives he touched are invited to commemorate a well-lived life and bid farewell to a remarkable man who forever remains in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JDRF for diabetes research or the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

James "JJ" Justice - Immediate Past President
06/28/1946 - 02/02/2023

James M. Justice “JJ” was born in Boyd County, Kentucky, on June 28, 1946, and passed away February 2, 2023 at Cape Canaveral Hospital at the age of 76.

JJ proudly served his country in the US Army. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne and deployed to and served with 210th Aviation Combat Division, 54th Aviation Company, and the 255th Transportation Company. JJ served abroad in the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, and in Germany. Upon returning to the states in 1974, he was assigned to US Army Recruiting Command during his last 10 years of service. He retired from the US Army Sergeant First Class in 1984 as a Gold Badge Recruiter earning 3-Sapphire Star. Following his service to his country, JJ worked for 30 years in the environmental service industry.

JJ will be lovingly remembered by the love of his life and wife of 56 years Dreama - often remarking “You’re the One”. He was the dear father to Jim Justice and his wife Raenon of El Mirage, Arizona, and Jesse Justice and his wife Missi of Georgetown, Kentucky, and the beloved grandpa to 8 grandchildren: Ben of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kaitlin, Rayshaun, Gavin, Makayla, and Avery of El Mirage, Arizona. Hunter and his wife Mason of Cynthiana, Kentucky, and Shelby of Georgetown, Kentucky. JJ is also survived by a brother, Rick Stirr, of Virginia. Pre-deceased by his loving parents James M Justice, Sr., and Haley Marie Stirr; his sisters Wilma Jean Justice, Paggia Evans, Minnie Kay Stirr and his brother Hubert Justice.

JJ was a motorcycle enthusiast who loved to travel across the country with family and friends. He visited countless National Parks in 48 states.

JJ had a passion for honoring his fellow veterans. He was an active member in both Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 4 and Florida Chapter 1. He felt he had a duty to educate the public about POW/MIA issues, to share the meaning behind the POW/MIA flag, and to encourage others to NEVER FORGET the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the great country he served. This passion, this purpose, culminated in JJ being a proud participant in the Annual Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in Washington, D.C. for several years.

JJ joined Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 4 in 2009. In 2011, he became President of Chapter 4 and became instrumental in many missions, including escorting the 9/11 beam to the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliffe, Kentucky. He also supported Hooray for Heroes events to honor active duty soldiers and veterans in their communities

As a Brevard county resident and President of Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1, he took pride in overseeing 82 POW/MIA flag raising events in Brevard County Public School System, the Brevard County School Board headquarters, 5 local fire departments, the Port Authority Administration building, and several assisted living facilities. Overall, JJ was involved in well over 125 POW*MIA flag raising events in Kentucky and Florida.

Phyllis J. Gross
04/02/1930 - 07/26/2022

Allan M. Blakeborough
09/30/1948 - 04/25/2022

Allan M. Blakeborough, 73 of Sebastian Florida, passed into eternal rest Monday, April 25th, 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Lake Nona Florida. He was born to Alan Blakeborough and Margaret Lauson on September 30, 1948 in Albany NY.

Al was a proud veteran of the United States Army. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1970. He was a Green Beret, with 5th Special Forces Group, and he was the last remaining member of his team from Vietnam. He was a Communications Sergeant and his greatest honor was riding with the Patriot Guard and honoring his brothers in arms to their final resting place. He belonged to many organizations over the years and was a proud American, Veteran, but most of all, Family man. Al was a member and road captain of CVMA FL Chapter 20-1, life member of DAV, VFW, and American Legion. He was a member of Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder FL 1, Vietnam Veterans of America, Italian American Club and Moose Sebastian River Lodge.

He was predeceased by both of his parents and his twin brother Miles Blakeborough. He is survived by his two children Alan Dale Blakeborough (Leisel) Marietta, SC and his daughter Tricia Lynn Scorsone (Michael) of Averill Park, NY. He is also survived by his 3 grand-daughters who adored him, Tori, Gabriella and Emma Alberino as well as his grandson Brandon Blakeborough. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews

Known to many as Big Al, he leaves behind not only family but friends who have become family. His lifelong "brother" Rich Farley, as well as many other friends both in NY and Florida. Al loved to help those in need and often shared his home to assist those less fortunate. He was also a huge animal lover and spent his final years with his rescue dog "Percy". Although better known as Big Al, his favorite name was Grandpa, and he always enjoyed his visits with his grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff on the ICU floor at the VAMC in Lake Nona for their treatment and care through his final days.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday May 15 at the American Legion from 1-4pm in Sebastian Florida.

Gary James Bauer
03/14/1932 - 04/13/2022

"Coop" Bauer of Jensen Beach, FL passed away on April 13, 2022, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, W. Palm Beach, Fl.

Gary was predeceased by his parents George and Irma (Rice) Bauer. He is survived by a daughter, Jillian Wallace, a son, Michael Bauer, his only sibling Alan Bauer, Alan’s wife Jane (Hamm), and their children Erin, Patrick, Emily, and Holly.

Gary was a Chicagoan raised on the North Side. He attended Howard Taft HS, Wright JC, and the University of Illinois, Circle Campus, Chicago. He was a veteran of the Army and was undeniably proud of his service as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb Guards are held to high standards, are handpicked, and rigorously trained. Gary’s professional life included many years in real estate sales throughout the US and the Caribbean and as a fundraising and travel sales consultant notably with Vantage Travel, Boston, MA.

Gary (also known as (“Coop”), a former member of Chapter 1, served on the Board of Directors for the Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Chapter 6 in Port St Lucie, Florida. In addition, he was a longstanding member of the American Legion with his recent membership being at Post 126 in Jensen Beach, Florida. Gary was a fun-loving, live-in-the-moment kind of guy. Quick with a story, he would strike up a conversation with anyone and bring a smile to your face. He will be missed by many. Interment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida.

Joseph R Fida (Rick)
09/19/1950 - 07/16/2021

He was loved and cherished by many people including: his daughters, Colleen Fida-Foster of Fernandina Beach, FL, Mary Jo Fina (Bruce) of Richmond Hill, GA, Kerry Ross (Mitchell) of Emerald Isle, NC and Tara DiCesari (Louis) of Philadelphia, PA.; his parents, Isabella Fida and John Fida; his friend Eileen; and his wife Eileen. He was also cherished by his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Rick was a valuable member of Chapter 1 and we will miss his enthusiasm, and genuine humor.

Robert Allen Cooper - Past President
08/29/1939 - 01/30/2021

LouAnn Schroeder
07/16/1954 - 12/20/2020

LouAnn Schroeder, age 66, died Sunday, December 20, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 16, 1954 in Shelby to Robert H. and Mildred "Millie" (German) Schroeder, she had been a Shelby resident for many years before moving to Cocoa Beach, Florida in 2015. A 1972 graduate of Shelby High School, she was employed with Shelby Printing for twenty years. She was then self employed managing her farm and rental properties. While living in Florida LouAnn volunteered as a teachers aid for a local elementary school.

LouAnn was a member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, the F.O.E Arie #763 Women Auxiliary and the Shelby Moose Lodge.

She enjoyed her years spent on the farm, especially caring for her animals and her many beloved dogs. LouAnn was a proud and faithful follower of her daughter and grandchildren's sporting events. She always enjoyed being with her family and friends and loved them all unconditionally.

She is survived by her daughter Kathy (Patrick) Paskvan of Dublin, OH; step-daughter Suzanna (Steve) Freelon of Loudonville, OH; grandsons Grant and Nicolas Paskvan; step-grandchildren Erica Gray and Kegan Freelon; her mother Mildred "Millie" Schroeder of Shelby; brothers,Carl Schroeder and Brenda Grove of Shelby and Mike (Amy) Schroeder of Crestline; four sisters, Betty (Russ) Newland, Joyce (Ron "Butch") Douglas, Rosie (Rod) Detillion all of Shelby and Norma Henson (Yogi Risinger) of Mansfield; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many wonderful friends.

In addition to her father Robert "Bob" Schroeder, she was preceded in death by her life partner Homer Roof; brothers James Schroeder and Edward Schroeder; brother-in-law Dan Foreman and nephew Scot Detillion.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday December 29, 2020 at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Church with Father Chris Mileski officiating. Interment will follow at Myers Cemetery at a later date. Barkdull Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

LouAnn shared her life with Homer Roof of Cocoa Beach, and was a loyal member of the Chapter. Thoughts and prayers to her family in Ohio.

Thomas W Mann
07/03/1943 - 09/27/2020

Tom Mann, Rolling Thunder® Florida Chapter 1 member passed away on September 27, 2020, at the age of 77. He was in the care of Hospice at the time of his passing. Tom is a U.S. Air Force and Vietnam Veteran.

We are grateful for the support that Tom provided to the Chapter through his music. Three of his songs are featured here on our website. His energy and willingness to help further the cause of the Chapter will be truly missed.

Tom will be inurned at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

William (Bill) H. L. Marshall
12/29/1941 - 03/28/2020

Bill served in the US Army as a PFC, 10th Artillery Regiment, from November 16, 1970, until his Honorable discharge on November 6, 1973

Mario Esposito
10/16/1946 - 03/25/2020

Mario Anthony Esposito went to be with our Lord on Wednesday the 25th of March at Cape Canaveral Hospital. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Linda Esposito, his daughters Melissa Esposito-Setler and Diane (Reese) Esposito, his granddaughter Madison Setler, his brother Ralph Esposito and his wife Joanna Esposito, as well as his nephews, nieces, cousins and friends that have become family.

Mario was born on October 16, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School and went on to proudly serve four years in the US Navy on the USS Forrestal during the Vietnam War. He moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1980 where he worked as a cable splicer for Verizon Communications until he retired in 2001. In 2015, he moved to Merritt Island, Florida with his wife to enjoy retired life. Mario was an active member of MI church, a member of Action Pro shooting team, Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1, Disabled American Veterans, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. In recent years, many of his favorite times came from creating precious memories with his granddaughter.

Mario lived his life to the fullest and encouraged those around him to do the same. He continually gave of himself to others, mostly through his larger than life personality. His remarkable sense of humor, which often included playing jokes on others, always brought laughter to many and light in difficult times. It was just one of the many reasons Mario was loved by so many.

Linda and Mario are outstanding members, and he will be missed by the Chapter family.

Homer Roof
08/29/1943 - 08/10/2019

Homer Ray Roof, age 75, a resident of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Shelby Ohio, died Saturday August 10, 2019 at his home in Shelby. Born August 29, 1943 in South Webster, Ohio to Wilbur Eugene and Alice (Hale) Roof, he was a Shelby and Mansfield resident the majority of his life, before moving to Florida in 2014. He was employed with AK Steel in Mansfield, a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, and retired after thirty plus years of service. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 of Florida, and the Kiwanis Club in Florida.

Homer farmed for many years and was very passionate about the use of his heavy equipment. He loved playing poker, fishing and riding his motorcycle. Homer will be remembered for his outgoing personality and his desire to make sure everyone was having a great time.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Clifton Roof.

Lloyd Camp
08/01/1943 - 01/05/2019

Lloyd served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman, and saw duty in the Republic of Vietnam. He was a loyal member of the Chapter for the past three. He died at the Hospice facility in the Cape Canaveral Hospital. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers are extended to his wife Theresa and the rest of his family.

Michael "Mike" Dean Tarter
04/28/1949 - 03/08/2016

Gerald (Gerry) Walter - POW WW II - Board of Directors
04/20/1933 - 12/23/2015

On December 23rd, 2015, Rolling Thunder® Florida Chapter 1 lost our beloved Board member and former POW Gerry Walter. Gerry, 92, passed away at Orlando Regional Medical Center of natural causes. Gerry was a proud member of Rolling Thunder, Chapter FL1; Central FL Chapter Ex-POW; Elks Lodge 1850, Winter Park and Air Force Sgt Assoc. He is survived by his wife, Flo; step-son, Dale Boettcher; two step-daughters, Kathy Barberi and Jeanne Meadows; 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral services to be held in Owosso, Michigan.

During WWII, SSG Gerry Walter had been assigned to the 763rd Bomb Squad, 460th Bomb Group and was reported MIA on July 19, 1944, as a result of an air combat mission over the vicinity of Munich, Germany. Gerry's plane was shot down, he suffered numerous injuries, and was taken prisoner by the Germans. He was returned to U.S. control on April 26, 1945.

Gerry was an active member of Rolling Thunder®, Florida Chapter 1. He was twice elected as a Board member, and he and his wife Flo participated in the Memorial weekend runs in Washington, D.C., The Ride Home in Andersonville, GA, and he could be counted on for Board and General meetings. In 2015 alone, he and Flo had participated in over 50 events.

Gerry will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Flo and the family.

John F. O'Brien
1939 - 2015

Robert C. Smith - POW WW II
1923 - 12/31/2013

On December 31, 2013 we lost another former POW hero and Chapter 1 member, Robert “Bob” Smith.

Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army as an infantryman July 29, 1943, in Nashville, TN. After extensive training in the U.S. and northern England, he was transferred to the 83rd Infantry Division, where he ultimately boarded a ship from Wales bound for Omaha Beach in Normandy. They arrived in France on the 4th of July 1944.

Not long after arriving, Bob’s company encountered unexpected heavy enemy opposition. They were caught in a cross-fire of machine gun fire and mortars of the German 17th SS Division near the town of Saint-Lô. Many men in his company did not survive, and Bob was captured. He had severe shrapnel wounds to his left arm and back.

For the next 300 days Bob was a prisoner of war, primarily at Stalag VII-A where he and other prisoners were forced at bayonet-point to rebuild German rail lines routinely bomber by the American forces.

The winter of 1944 was the coldest on record in Germany and Bob contracted pneumonia. He was taken to a prison hospital run by the British where he overheard German guards telling hospital workers where to bury him when he died.

However, Bob recovered and joined other prisoners on work details in Freising and Landshut. After an especially heavy bombing in April 1945, the prison guards suggested that for safety reasons, they would lead the prisoners to Switzerland, where the guards would surrender to the Americans. So pretending to be a work detail, the group slipped away. Eventually the prisoners met a platoon of the 80th Infantry, and were taken to Regansburg, Germany, then on to Camp Lucky Strike on the French coast.

After a leave at home, Bob went to Miami Beach for R&R and then to Tallahassee to guard German prisoners. Bob was discharged December 4, 1945. He has 8 medals: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Ex-POW medal, European Theater of Operations, Good Conduct, American Defense, American Campaign, and Combat Infantry.

Bob and his wife Nita are members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Florida Chapter 1, and he will be dearly missed.