Area Deaths

Mary Cotter, 93, of Spring Hill, died Monday, Dec. 15, at Hernando-Pasco Hospice Care Unit, Chatman Boulevard, Brooksville. She moved to this area 22 years ago from her native Perth Amboy, N.J.

Mrs. Cotter retired from the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and was a member of the Happy Hearts Club and St. Theresa Catholic Church.

Survivors include her companion, Richard Coutu; her caregiver, Dave Mussatto; and three nieces, Stephanie, Loretta and Rachel.

Arrangements by Merritt Funeral Homes, Spring Hill Chapel.

John M. Neidhart, 80, of Spring Hill and Lake Ariel, Pa., died Monday, Dec. 15. He was born in Jersey City, N.J., and moved to this area 14 years ago.

Mr. Neidhart was vice president of sales for Crest Ultrasonics, Trenton, N.J., a World War II U.S. Army veteran; and a member of Hernando Air Modelers, Hernando County Radio Control Club and Academy of Model Aeronautics.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Scanlon; three sons, John S. Neidhart, David M. Neidhart of Tarrytown, N.Y., and Stephen P. Neidhart of New Hope, Pa.; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Commercial Way, Spring Hill Chapel.

Dean Joseph "Dino" Macchione, 56, of Brooksville, died Sunday, Dec. 14, at Brooksville Regional Hospital. He was born in Queens, N.Y., and moved to this area 13 years ago from Orlando.

Mr. Macchione was a cosmetic detail specialist in the automobile industry.

Survivors include his wife, Karen "Kay"; three daughters, Alicia Macchione of Orlando, Selena Macchione of Lake Mary and Vanessa Waysome of Cocoa; four sons, Nick, Vincent, Chance and Adam Macchione of Brooksville; two sisters, Geri Williams of Port Campbell, Ky., and Jill Franklin of Orlando; a brother, John Macchione Jr. of Lake Butler; and three grandchildren.

Arrangements by Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Seven Hills Chapel, Spring Hill.

Augustino Peretti, 70, of Hernando Beach, died Sunday, Dec. 14, at his home. He was born in Bronx, N.Y., and moved to this area nine years ago from Long Island, N.Y.

Mr. Peretti was a retired social worker, a member of Knights of Columbus and the Republican Club, and was a Catholic by faith.

Survivors include five daughters, Gina McLoughlin, Angela Bobrowski, Nicole Peretti and Babett Platero, all of Long Island, and Tina Summa of Oldsmar; and 10 grandchildren.

Arrangements by Turner Funeral Homes, Spring Hill Chapel.

Tammy N. Sturgill, 35, of Spring Hill, died Monday, Dec. 15, at Hudson Hospice Care Center, Hudson. She was born in Tampa and was a lifelong resident of this area.

Ms. Sturgill worked in data entry for Morgan Stanley Brokerage House.

Survivors include her mother, Mary; two sons, Shane A. Sturgill and Johnathan Ri Brooks; a daughter, Tiffany N. Sturgill; her grandparents, Fred and Joan; and a sister, Michele Bogdan.

Arrangements by Downing Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Spring Hill.