Dario Antonucci
Dario Antonucci, age 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 25, at Parkwest Medical Center. Dario was born on March 9, 1924, in a mud brick farm house without running water or electricity in Calabria, Italy. His mother died when he was 10 years old and his father moved him and his sister to New York in 1937, a few weeks shy of his 13th birthday.
Knowing no English, he was placed in the fourth grade and five years later graduated from high school. One week after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Dario loved his adopted country and served as a sergeant in the 54th Fighter Patrol Squadron.
He was a radio operator/mechanic and trained aircraft controller. He was stationed in the jungles of Burma, guiding fighter planes, bombers and cargo planes of the “Hump” (the Himalayan Mountains) in the fight against the Japanese. He also served as a radio operator onboard the planes themselves.
Returning to the United States from overseas in February 1946, he found a long waiting list for full-time college. Undeterred, he attended college at night while raising a family and working in research labs during the day.
After 13 years of night school, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He spent the next 30 years as an aerospace engineer working for Grumman Corporation (now Northrup-Grumman) and was Metrology section chief (chief of measurements) for the F-14, A-6, E-2C and the C-2 aircraft, as well as the Lunar Module vehicle that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface.
Dario believed in hard work. He especially loved working with his hands. He was an avid gardener, opera buff, dog lover and devoted family man. He was a member of St John Neumann Catholic Church and active member of the Civitan Club. He had a kind and gentle spirit.
He was predeceased by his mother, Rosa Lecce Antonucci; father, Angelo Antonucci; sister, Julia Ferraro; and his beloved wife of 68 years, Annette Antonucci, who died in 2019.
He is survived by his three children, Richard Antonucci (Mary), Rosemary Calvert (Mark) and Daria Antonucci (Larry Travis); eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Family will receive friends from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike in Farragut. Service will begin at 5 p.m, and a rosary service will be held after.
Family and friends will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 Gov. John Sevier Hwy., for a graveside service with military honors by Volunteer State Honor Guard and U.S. Army.
The family would like to thank the staff of Morning Pointe Westland for the love and kindness they showed Dario over the last four years. He truly considered them family. We also would like to thank UT Hospice and Ginger Maples of UT Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to your favorite charity.
Fritz L Boothe Jr. was born in Crawfordville, Georgia on Oct. 28, 1931, and died on Oct. 4, 2024, in Farragut, Tennessee. Fritz was a wonderful loving husband of 74 years to Emily O Boothe.
He is survived by his wife and their three children: son, Fritz L Boothe, III (Annette); daughter, Nancy Campbell (Jay); and daughter, Denise Boothe Simmons (Dave). He has six grandchildren: Elyse Clark (Danny); Wade Boothe (Nicole); Brandi Gordon (Greg); Billy Boothe; Rachel Evans (Mike); and Jimmy Davis Simmons III. He has six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. His sister is Louise Wright of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Fritz was a graduate from WS Neal High School in Brewton, Alabama, and was employed by AT&T/ Bell South, retiring after 37 years of service. Fritz and Emily lived for 15 years in South Florida, 48 years in Decatur and Greensboro, Georgia, and the last four-and-a-half years in Farragut.
Fritz loved the water, including fishing, and most of all golf. He served as a church deacon and worked with the Missions Team to Africa for Lakeside Church in Greensboro.
Fritz has left many friends behind, and his legacy will continue with those members still here.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Boothe of Crawfordville; father, Fritz L Boothe Sr., and Lula Boothe; and his sister, Joyce (Jr.) Gillis, all of Brewton.
The family received friends starting at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Virtue Church (725 Virtue Road in Farragut, 37934). A service immediately followed at 1 p.m. Click Funeral Home is honored to serve the Boothe family and invites you to view and sign the online registry at www.clickfh.com
Joseph “Joe” Earl Herbert Jr. (PaPa), age 81, of Farragut, passed away suddenly Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
He served in the Alabama and Tennessee National Guards. Joe retired from East Tennessee National Gas after 51 years of dedicated service.
He had a great passion for the outdoors. Fishing with his son, Jerry, was one of his favorite pastimes. He also loved spending time with his family and friends camping in Townsend, Tennessee, at Big Meadow Campground.
Anyone whomever had the pleasure of meeting Joe and spending time with him would most certainly never forget his zest for life and how he enjoyed sharing his many stories.
Another passion Joe had was being a longtime member of the Chota Masonic Lodge #253 F&AM.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Audrey Prestwood Herbert; brothers, Jon Herbert and Jim Herbert; and sisters-in-law, Jo Marie Kaiser (and her husband, Larry), Betsy Hanks and Joyce Swain.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Judy Sewell Herbert; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Dee Dee Herbert; proud Papa to his cherished granddaughters, Abbie Herbert, who graduated in May 2024 from ETSU as a registered nurse, and Emily Herbert, who will graduate from the University of Tennessee in May of 2025 in pursuit of occupational therapy; brother, Jack Herbert; sisters-in-law: Rachel Palmer (E.O.), Rita Duncan (Ray) and Dale McKenzie (Jerry), along with many nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at Click Funeral Home in Lenoir City.
A Celebration of His Life followed at 3:30 p.m., Aug. 25. Family and friends gathered beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 26, at Concord Masonic Cemetery for a graveside service and interment.
Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut St. in Lenoir City, has been in charge of arrangements. Visit clickfuneralhome.com
Elmo Lincoln Martin, 103 years old, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Elmo was born on Oct. 10, 1920, to the late James Otis Martin Sr. and Pernie Oller Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Louise Benson Martin; a brother, James “Tommy” Otis Martin Jr.; sisters, Irene Constant and Bonnie Flener; and his son, James David Martin.
Around 1935, Elmo and Tommy were distributing for a local producer, and that was when Elmo discovered that being in sales was an easy way to earn money.
In 1938, Elmo left home and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. Some of the projects he worked on were at Mammoth Cave. When the war broke out, Elmo was working as a lathe operator in Louisville, Kentucky
He went to see his sister, Bonnie, in Battle Creek, Michigan. There he met Ruth Louise Benson, and they were married in Oklahoma.
Elmo was drafted into the Army on Nov. 30, 1942. He was inducted into the 99th Infantry’s stubborn resistance that denied the German’s access to vital roads that disrupted their plans and eventually lead to the collapse of the German offensive
After the war, Elmo moved his family to Grand Rapids and started working for the railroad, and then moved on to Dohler and Jarvis, an automotive supplier.
Eventually, Elmo moved back into sales and continued that line of work until he retired at the age of 88, when he began writing his book, “Butler County Memories. “
Elmo and Ruth raised four children: Sharon Jean Palmer (Armand Tessier), Linda Sue Ortiz, the late James David Martin and Richard Allen Martin (Kathleen). Several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Sadly, Ruth passed away on May 17, 2006. Elmo moved back to his beloved Kentucky at age 98. Coming back to Bowling Green was coming home to his roots.
Funeral services were held starting at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home. There was a private burial at Fairview Cemetery. 
passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Born the older of two children, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years who was his high school sweetheart, Joan M. (Haines) McIntee. Also preceded in death by his parents: James W. McCarthy and Mary O. (Murphy) McCarthy; his stepfather, Daniel J. McIntee; and his brother, Kenneth P. McIntee.
His quick wit and sense of humor made him a prodigious storyteller. Always with a smile and great sense of humor, Jim’s standard answer to “How are you today?” was an exuberant and spirited “Fantastic!!” People naturally gravitated to him for his leadership, positive attitude and generous heart. He often proudly showcased his collection of hats and shirts highlighting various branches of military services and local and national sports teams.
In his free time, he enjoyed numerous hobbies including playing the mandolin, violin, piano, guitar and dulcimer. He painted in the Bob Ross style of oil painting. He had the great opportunity to be taught by Bob Ross’s son, Steve, and subsequently taught his own children and grandchildren to paint.
He also enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren fishing with old cane poles, where it was a requirement to “put your own worm on the hook.” He captained his own sailboat and won the “Mississippi Lock and Dam #14 Challenge” twice, a 20-mile race in Davenport, Iowa. His other hobbies included bowling, cooking and baking, especially “Sticky Buns.” His absolute favorite activity was singing barbershop harmony with both Chord Busters in Davenport, Iowa, and Singing Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio.
Some favorite family memories are: Sparklers, croquette in the yard, enjoying their poolside gazebo, custom-made waffles, all of the mini cereal boxes, Ice Cream Sundays, playing Skittles, Rummy Royal or canasta, going to Dollywood and enjoying a great meal out.
Several favorite photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VNaCGyCKBZvzRWf9A
Jim was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on July 29, 1932. He attended St. Monica Elementary School and St. Joseph Elementary.
He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950, where he enjoyed singing in the a cappella choir, later becoming the choir president. Never one to be idle, he also was president of both the school’s Science Club and Math Club. He served on the stage crew, where his love of engineering began and where he created the electrical topography and designs that optimized the lighting in each performance. He served as the school’s only meteorologist, where his researched and conducted manual calculations that resulted in pinpoint precision and weather predictions used for many outdoor school activities and events (pre-computerized and automated weather forecasting that we have today).
Immediately following graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served from 1950 to 1954. He served as a meteorologist and clerk-typist in Japan during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct, Occupation Medal (Japan) U.N. Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
He returned home, married Joan, and attended Purdue University. He was selected for an Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) cooperative program while simultaneously continuing his studies.
He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelors of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Following graduation, he began his career at ALCOA, spanning over 35 years.
His extensive resumé covered many locations and occupations, including a staff engineer in Davenport, Division engineer (maintenance superintendent) at the New Kensington, Pennsylvania Works, chief mechanical engineer, Davenport Works; ALCOA Research & Development Laboratory consulting engineer, Upper Burrell, Pennsylvia; consulting engineer Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He concluded his highly accomplished career as international chief of Molten Metals Furnaces. One of his greatest contributions to the metallurgical industry was his invention of joining aluminum and steel by friction welding without an interface, spinning the metals in different directions. He was awarded U.S. Patent Number: 3,693,238 for the creation of this technical process.
While Jim had a prolific professional career, he always took time to give back to his community and church. He served as a Little League coach in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, and Bettendorf, Iowa. He was president of the Camden Downs Homeowners Association, where the mayor awarded him a “Key to the City,” Bettendorf, Iowa.
As a man of great faith, he dedicated countless hours to his various Catholic communities. These included serving as Confraternity Christian Doctrine (CCD) instructor and president at St. Margaret Mary Church (Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania); Pre-school Parents Organization, Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana); co-president with his wife, Couples New Timers Club (Lower Burrell); charter president of Bishop’s Pastoral Commission (Westmoreland Diocese, Pennsylvania); president, Westmoreland Deanery (Westmoreland Diocese).
Throughout his life, he continued to enjoy singing in the church choir and serving as a eucharistic minister.
In retirement, he volunteered with many organizations, most notably Habitat for Humanity, where he served more than 20 years. While working as a leader of the core-group, he authored the Habitat for Humanity widely circulated Construction Manual, garnering honors and recognition from President Jimmy Carter and the National Habitat for Humanity organization.
Jim also volunteered as a small boat crew member at Tellico Boaters Assistance Response Team (TBART) on Lake Tellico, Tennessee. Serving as co-chairman with his wife, Jim hosted the Senior Citizen Monthly Potluck Social for seven-and-a-half years for the Town of Vonore, Tennessee. He also served as vice president and secretary/treasurer of the East TN ALCOA Retirees Club in Knoxville, Tennessee. Finally, he designed multiple “Welcome To Vonore” billboards proudly displayed as visitors entered the city limits from various roadways.
Jim is survived by his children, James W McIntee Jr. (Eva) of Akron, Ohio; John D McIntee (Lisa) of Batavia, Ohio; Janet M. (McIntee) Greiber (Tommy) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Jeanne A (McIntee) Middleton (Mark, Sr) of Hilliard, Ohio; June E. (McIntee) Ryan (Tim) of Cleveland, Ohio; Julie J (McIntee) Santucci (Jack) of Stuart, Florida.
Jim also is survived by his nine grandchildren, Jennifer Middleton, Jessica Middleton, Mark Middleton Jr (Caroline) Janelle (Middleton) McCoy (Cody), Aisling Ryan, John Santucci III (Emma), Jamie (Santucci) Brown and two others. Jim also is survived by his great-grandchildren, Audrey Middleton, Fox McCoy, Jaxen Tommi Middleton and Wren McCoy. Additionally, he has two foster great-grandchildren who he often provided uplifting and encouraging words.
Jim and his wife moved to Hilliard, Ohio, in 2020 to be closer to family. During these years, he looked forward to the weekly FaceTime/Zoom calls and many local daily visits from family. This was known as the revolving door of love.
He relished learning about the local area through outings, including baseball games and events. We would like to express a grateful appreciation to all who helped care for him, which allowed him to remain in his home.
These included the local health care community, Hospice home care, Veterans Administration, North Home team, Comfort Keepers and the phenomenal local family support, collectively known as the “Middleton Army.”
Jim was a loving man and bright light to all. He truly was a blessing to his family and all those who knew him. Heaven has gained an extraordinarily kind and funny man.
The family will receive friends for visitation and a Mass Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the Mass at 11 a.m.. Military honors will be rendered immediately following the Mass.
Jim will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, Indiana, at noon Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: the local Habitat for Humanity https://knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com/ or Barbershop Harmony Society chapter: Singing Buckeyes Chorus in Columbus Ohio www.SingingBuckeyes.com
formerly of Farragut, Tennessee, passed away July 8, 2024, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Born in Cahokia, Illinois, Fran never outgrew her farm roots, cherishing her love for gardening, yard work, quilting, sewing and crafting.
Throughout her life, Fran and her husband traveled extensively around the world, both during his career in the Air Force and into their retirement. They eventually settled in Farragut, making East Tennessee their home for more than 30 years.
Fran was an active member of her community. She was a member of the Fox Den Women’s Club, a member and past president of the Tennessee Valley Golden Retriever Rescue and a member of the Veronica Ministry at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Fran had a deep affection for her golden retrievers and enjoyed daily walks with Max (and all three of them) in Fox Den.
She also took pleasure in driving her bright red Mustang with the top down on beautiful days. She had a great love for the Smoky Mountains and climbed Mt. LeConte several times.
Above all, Fran loved her family and cherished her role as “Meme” to her beloved granddaughters and great-granddaughters.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Michael James Ryan; her parents, Clifford Francis Stillman and Marguerite Range Stillman Saunders. She is survived by her son, Blake, and his wife Sally; her daughter, Michelle Ryan Grant, and her husband, Jason; her four granddaughters: Amanda Ryan, Sarah Ryan, Emily Grant and Avery Grant Hisscock; and her two great-granddaughters, Cecilia Hisscock and Lucy Hisscock. She also is survived by her sister, Barbara Helen Bauer, and numerous lifelong friends.
A funeral mass will be celebrated beginning at noon, Thursday, Aug. 8, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
Michael Joseph Gouge was born Sept. 17, 1951, at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.
He moved several times in his childhood before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended middle through high school. His early school years were a struggle, until the light went on in sixth grade. By his senior year in high school, he was president of the Physics Club.
He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, third academically in a class of 889. A Trident and Burke Scholar, Mike taught an undergrad physics class at the Academy in the fall semester following his graduation in June.
Mike was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy upon graduation and spent the next five years (1973-1978) in active duty. He was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, serving as an engineering officer on the U.S. George Bancroft, a nuclear submarine, seeing duty from various ports.
In November 1975, Mike married his wife, Anita, and they enjoyed their first years of married life in Charleston.
Mike then began his civilian career in Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked as a senior reactor inspector for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
While in Atlanta, he began his graduate studies in physics at Georgia State University. Then, in 1980, he pursued an opportunity to move more toward research in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mike continued his graduate studies by pursuing his doctorate in plasma physics at the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1984.
From 1980 to 1986, he was Program Manager and Project Physicist for the U.S. Department of Energy. Mike thoroughly immersed himself in research and was known for his commitment to it. From 1986 into 2011, he was Senior Research scientist and leader of the Applied Superconductivity Group at ORNL.
Afterward, Mike re-entered the U.S. Navy in Reserve Officer status, in which he served proudly until his retirement, as a captain, in 2004.
Mike discerned a new call in his life for service in the Catholic Church. He had become active in the Knights of Columbus in 1984 at Sacred Heart, serving in various roles over his lifetime.
In 1989, he founded a conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. He was known for his passionate love and care of the poor, those in need and his unfailing support of the dignity of human life in all stages.
He began studies for the permanent diaconate in 2003 and was ordained a deacon of the Catholic Church in 2007. In 2007, he also began a St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Ultimately, Mike served as the first spiritual advisor of this charitable organization for the diocese of Knoxville. With his unabated love of learning, he then pursued and received his master’s degree in theology from the University of Dallas in 2014. The title of his thesis was “Time, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and Paul’s Letter to the Romans.”
Mike was a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, American Physical Society and the Cryogenics Society of America. His awards included the Best Student in physics and electrical engineering in the Class of 1973, U.S. Naval Academy; from the U.S. Department of Energy, “Engineer of the Year” award in 2000 from ORNL for the superconducting cable program, and “ORNL Science and Technology Group” award in 2006.
He also received the Navy Meritorious Service and Navy Commendation medals for command of two naval reserve units.
Mike was a man of many interests because he never stopped being in wonder of all of creation. His tenacity for truth and learning were exhibited in questions that were incisive.
He was a man of details and enjoyed keeping maintenance of home and yard. Anything nautical provided great interest, as well as leisure, for Mike. Any trip that was in the vicinity of a maritime museum would weave in a stop to linger at the exhibits.
One of his greatest pleasures was sailing, from his years as a midshipman, to later years with his own sailboats.
His attentiveness to details and task management were balanced by a corny sense of humor, and strong appreciation of family and a humility that grew in him over the years. Mike deeply loved his wife, Anita, and their four children. Favorite family times were enjoyed with road trips around the country, visiting many a state park or national park.
Also important were the simple times at home with family and friends. He loved to recite poetry! Mike could not carry a tune, but cheered others with his delight in singing!
His work as a physicist had brought much travel, in the U.S. and abroad. He and Anita were able to attend the beatification of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin in France.
He devoured books and learning all his life, even in his last months, when so many abilities had been lost.
Mike never lost his trademark trait of being fully engaged, curious and thinking one step ahead. His last new book was a newly published one of science and faith.
Even in his decline through years of suffering with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body diseases, he held on to his dignity and vocation of being husband, father, grandfather and brother, with remarkable rootedness in faith and deepening love with humble perseverance.
He was greatly blessed in his very difficult last two years with the amazing outpouring of visitors who stopped by, and no matter how he felt, giving ever more blessings.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd W. Gouge (from Erwin) and Violet C. Gouge.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Anita, and their four children: Kevin Gouge, Lenore (John) Pacitti, Daniel (Christina) Gouge and Tim (Chelsea) Gouge. He also is survived by his grandchildren: Dominic, Rosemary and Cecilia Gouge; Claire, Nicholas and Lucy Pacitti; and his siblings and spouses: Susan (Bill) Carter, Sandy White, Sharon Gouge and David (Lynn) Gouge.
Special thanks go to Northshore Heights Senior Living and their staff; Cornerstone Caregiving with their help in his final weeks; and loving family and friends, so attentive in visiting and prayerful support; among them, those who were so generous in frequently bringing the Eucharist.
Father John Dowling – main celebrant, with Father John Orr concelebrating; other priests and deacons.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to: St. Vincent de Paul Society, Franciscan University of Steubenville, St. John Neumann Catholic Church Faith Formation or Building Fund or another charity in the Diocese of Knoxville.
