2023 Honoree

Honoring Norma Gilmore

Norma Gilmore

FEBRUARY 14, 1944 – DECEMBER 18, 2022

Norma Gilmore, born Norma Jean Amore on February 14, 1944 in Coshocton,

Ohio. She was one of three children to J. Herbert Amore and Gertrude Roahrig

Amore and remembered by her two sisters, Carol Van Auken and Ellen Gray. She

was a loving wife to Charles Roy Gilmore, deceased in January 2019. She departed

this earthly life on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the age of 78.

She is survived by her son, Anthony (Jodi); and grandchildren, Nicholas and Ashley.

Norma was a wonderful step-mother and was loved dearly by her step-children,

Robert (Lisa), David (Kathy) and Elizabeth Hartsock (Harry); step-grandchildren,

Matthew, Kelly, Mindy, Jessica, Michael, and Sarah; she was loved by all of her

great-grandchildren.

She was involved in many activities that included square dancing, scuba diving,

travel, bicycling, bridge, painting, and social clubs. She was a woman that made you

feel like a dear friend from the time you met her. She is known for her elaborate

costumes with her Key West friends. They were creative, full of color, and inspired

many memories. Norma loved an adventure. Her travels included China, Europe,

and many other countries. She loved Key West and Key West loved her.

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Norma’s memory to St. Jude’s Children

Research Hospital. Give your way to help kids with cancer

at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

Norma will be laid to rest in The Woodlands, Texas. There will be a Celebration of

her Life in late March in Key West.

Honoring George Evelyn Caffrey

Ms. George Evelyn Caffrey
01/03/1948 to March 20, 2021


On the first day of spring, March 20, 2021, my best friend in the world, Ms. George Evelyn Caffery, left this world. She had been beset by a stroke, back on November 8, 2020.
She had been working hard to recover, but the effects just proved too much.
George was the original red-headed, freckle faced, firecracker. She was known to many locally as “Girl George”. As a child, she was so cute; she could have been a Cambell’s Soup model.
George, who was named for her Aunt George, who was, herself, named for her Grandfather George, reportedly, because they had two generations of girls born, and just decided that the next child would be George, regardless of gender.
My Girl George was born an army brat, in Heidelberg, Germany. She traveled with her family to numerous postings, and fondly remembered her steamship trip back to the U.S.
Her family settled in the Orlando area, where George attended high school.
During her high school career, George was in an all-girl rock and roll band, The Shambles, with her buddies Kayo, Mick, and Barb, rocking several exciting gigs in the central Florida area.
After high school, George attended Ringling College, and graduated with a fine arts degree.
George spent the Viet Nam years in Canada, first with the father of her two sons, Jack Vann (Vann) Caffery, and Jess Caffery, then as a single mom.
She migrated back to Florida with her second husband, Mark, landing in Key West in 1980.
For a short time, she was part of a cooperative art gallery on Greene Street.
She then turned to retail sales. Her reputation for comfort shoe expertise and hats went on for years.
She then turned to fine art framing, being a fixture at Ben Franklin Crafts for several years, then with Alan Maltz Gallery, sharing the fine framing duties with her buddy, Shane.
My Girl George was an accomplished seamstress, who made most of what she wore. Her stitchery was always precise, neat, and complete.
On our first Christmas together, I thought I would buy her a dress. Never again would I make that mistake, as she was hard to fit and most particular. On the rare occasion when we would be shopping and she found something that she actually approved of, it would mean an immediate purchase by me for her.
She was also an accomplished bead weaver. Her intricate jewels were, like the rest of her work, precise, measured, colorful, and exquisitely rendered.
George loved the red rocks of New Mexico, Boca Chica Beach, and her large group of friends.
For the past several years, George has tended a tiny English garden in our front yard, with all kinds of whatever flowers had caught her fancy, with quite variable results, but always soothing in execution.
George is survived by her two sons, Vann Caffery, his partner, Marisa Compton, her other son, Jess Caffery, his partner, Valarie Lauritzen, and George’s partner, Phil Tannura.
She is also survived by her cousins Christina and Rick, and countless friends and acquaintances here and abroad.
We are planning an outdoor, safe, celebration of her life (George would not want us to be unsafe in these times) on April 1, 2021, at Windsor Castle, 720 Windsor Lane, from around six to eight in the evening.
We plan to block off Galveston Lane at the Windsor Lane entrance for the celebration.
My time with my Girl George was just so sweet! I will always remember her smile.
I will love her all my life! Please stop by if you can!

Honoring Joe Dallas, Sr.

Joe Dallas Sr.

Joe Dallas Sr., jazz trombonist and adjunct jazz faculty member at Duquesne University had a long and varied career. He performed with artists such as Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Sammy Davis, Jr., Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, Neal Hefti, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Michelle Le Grand. He performed in the world Premiere Jazz Ballet “The Great Gatsby”, conducted by Guenther Schuller; made guest appearances on “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” and other PBS specials; is a former member of the Si Zenter Band at the Tropicana in Las Vegas; was artist in residence and jazz trombone teacher for the Clark Terry International Institute of Jazz at Westmar University in LeMars, Iowa, and was clinician and guest performer at Frostburg State College in Maryland and SUNY in Binghamton, New York, among many others. Local Pittsburgh performances include the John Wilson Big Band, the Joe Negri Quartet, Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, and many jazz venues including performances for the Pittsburgh Jazz Society.
Joe was also a member of the Paradise Big Band in Key West, Florida, the Key West Pops, and he appeared frequently in shows and jazz performances in Key West although he was mostly a Pittsburgh-based jazz musician. Joe produced a jazz CD which featured himself, his son Joe Dallas Jr. and many of the best jazz performers in Pittsburgh and Key West.
Joe was born in Pittsburgh in 1939, and he started playing trombone when he was in sixth grade. Within a couple of years, he became a student of the renowned trombone teacher, Matty Shiner. He attended Morehead University in Kentucky on a full music scholarship, taught public school music and gave private lessons in Kentucky and Pittsburgh for many years while continuing to perform.

Honoring Bob Wandras, Jr.

Bob was born in Norfolk, VA on May 30, 1956. As a child, he was told all the Memorial Day parades were in celebration of his birthday. What a lucky guy to have such special memories. As a young man, he went in search of adventure. He served in the US Navy as a culinary specialist, cooking on the aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz. After his service he lived in Alaska for a time, set up camps and cooked for the Army Corp of Engineers on the Aleutian Islands as well as cooking on Off Shore oil rigs. When he finally tired of the long, cold, dark nights of Alaska, he sought the warmth and sunshine of Key West. It was here that he found his safe spot in the world. It was here that he worked as a cook, sponger, lighthouse keeper, caregiver, landscaper and generator technician. As a cook, Bob served up delicious food with a smile on his face, a side of kindness and a story to tell. Whether pedaling his bike-boat to the water’s edge or sailing it around the island, you can bet he was smiling. He always found time to stop and chat or lend a helping hand. Bob always made time to be kind , he made time to be helpful and he made time to shine his light for all to see. Bob was one of a kind and the world was the better for it. “They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed. - Maya Angelou (from the poem, When Great Trees Fall)

Honoring Mark Zynda

Mark was born and raised in Chicago and came to Key West some two decades ago. He was a popular hairdresser, artist and comedian. He will be best remembered for working at the Anchors Aweigh Club house as an assistant to the manager where he served hot coffee, meals and literature to those seeking a new way of life. When you got a cup of coffee from Mark, it always came with a smile and a corny joke. Mark’s dream was to open a hair cutting school. His friends hope that in his new life, his dream has come true.

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Honoring Rob Billy

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Robert Joseph Billy embodied everything that is good and bright in this world. Everyone who knew him loved him. He left this world on January 20, 2022, far too soon. His passing has left an immeasurable hole in the hearts of his family and friends. Born on December 4, 1972 Rob grew up in Point Pleasant, NJ. He attended Point Pleasant Boro High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Stockton State College.

After college, Rob began his career in construction. Having visited Key West, FL, many times, with his friend Rob, he decided to move there permanently in 2006. Carl helped him get his start working on the island and became a mentor for Rob as he navigated Key West life. Eventually, Rob started his own business and became well known for his hard work, honesty, as well as for his outgoing, fun-loving personality. Being one of eight kids, Rob always valued relationships, so it was no surprise that he found himself a second family with all his long time Key West friends. 

Rob was an amazing son (mom’s favorite), fantastic brother, the world’s best uncle and a friend to all who encountered him. He loved spending time with his friends and family and would often travel the country to spend time with those he cared about. Rob enjoyed exploring new places to learn about the history, the culture, and the food. He brought back great stories from his trips to Japan and Italy.  He never turned down the opportunity for an adventure.  

Full of ideas and personality, Rob was able to connect with anyone. His spirit was infectious. He was curious and multi-faceted and did not take himself too seriously. He could dance and goof around and have serious conversations about books, politics and philosophy. 

Rob loved being an uncle and shared a special bond with each and every one of his 13 nieces and nephews. He played, cooked, told stories and jokes to the delight of everyone in his presence. His greatest gift was the time he spent with all of us.

He leaves behind his loving parents Paul and Mary Billy, seven beloved siblings: brother Brian Billy; sister Colleen Ebarb and brother-in-law Kelly Ebarb; brother Paul Billy and sister-in-law Carol Billy; brother Keith Billy and sister-in-law Tricia Billy; sister Beth Rayner and brother-in-law Tony Rayner; sister Mary Jane Dulabon and brother-in-law David Dulabon; sister Kathleen Maiorana and brother-in-law Frank Maiorana; and 13 nieces and nephews: Kimberly and his Goddaughter Morgan Ebarb; Kevin and Violet Billy; Jake, Sean and his Godson/partner in fun Braden Billy; Paul and Chloe Rayner; Julia and William Dulabon; and Delaney and Luke Maiorana.

Rob will be remembered as the playful and mischievous instigator of fun with a larger-than-life laugh. All who remember him are asked to celebrate Rob’s life in their own way, raising their glasses in his memory and smiling knowing that he just made every moment better.

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Honoring Blas Mesa

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Blas Mesa 3/6/62 – 2/25/21

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Blas Mesa on February 25, 2021 from a battle with cancer. Blas is predeceased by his parents, and three siblings: Abe Wetzler, Rosa Mesa and Hildelisa Mesa. He is survived by his best friend Jack Wetzler and other friends of over 25 years: Eileen Wetzler, Myke McCoy, Dennis Mikkelsen and Katrina Birt and many more friends too numerous to list. He is also survived by five siblings: Josefina Peralpa, Hortensia Mesa, Anisia Barroso, Vikky Lopez and Dorian Mesa; numerous nieces and nephews; primos Minerva, Francisco, Anicia and Aneisy and so many more family members still living in Cuba. And, the loves of his life, Boston Terriers, Rhonda and Snoopy miss him so much.

Blas was born in San Francisco De Paula, Cuba, on March 6, 1962 and came to the Unites States to settle in Astoria, New York in 1969. Blas spent many summers on Fire Island, New York; spent several autumns in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York and loved all that New York City had to offer. Blas moved to Florida in the early 1990’s and in 1995, upon the death of his brother and best friend Abe, moved to Key West to live with Jack Wetzler. Blas’ most recent business venture was when he purchased Millie’s Convenience store located near Mallory Square in 2004 before retiring in 2009 to tend to his home and garden on Eagle Avenue, Key West. 

Blas was a very fun-loving guy, always had a smile for everyone he met and loved to travel to various locations in the States, Cuba, Europe, South America, and on various cruises; he just enjoyed life.

Blas will truly be missed but now he is no longer in pain and is with his other three siblings whom he loved so much.

We want to thank all of the caring angels [doctors, nurses, administrative staff, case managers, housekeeping staff] that have come into our lives from the Lower Keys Medical Center, Genesis Care (formerly known as 21st Oncology), Island Home Care and Hospice.  We are so blessed to have this group of talented and compassionate people right here in our hometown community.   We also want to thank all of the loving and caring friends and neighbors who provided so much support to Blas and those left behind since his diagnosis on 1/14/21.

Key West Mortuary has arranged Blas’ funeral which will be celebrated on his birthday, 3/6/21 and will begin at the Key West Mortuary at Truman Ave and Whitehead St at 1:30PM followed by a short walk to the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea for a 3:00PM mass and then a short walk to the Key West Cemetery for a graveside service. It is strongly suggested that those who attend park at The Basilica at approximately 1:15PM, and take the short walk to the Key West Mortuary as parking is very limited.      

For everyone’s safety and protection, masks and social distancing for the entire funeral service are required. And of course, because we are on this great island, Key West casual is the dress code for the day.   

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society is suggested so that one day, there may be a real cure for cancer.

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Honoring Hetty Speelziek

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Hetty Speelziek.jpg

In honour of my beautiful Mother whom passed away September 10th, 2012.

Immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada, after WW2 with her parents and 3 siblings. Met and married my Dad in 1960, and had four children, Brenda, James, Debby and Edward.

My Mother was a feisty, strong-willed Dutch girl whom instilled the same in her children. My Mother fought thru Alzheimer’s for almost six years.

I miss her terribly, as does our family. Love you Mommy, till we meet again. 💔

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Honoring Nancy Robinson

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Nancy R. Robinson was born Nancy Nell Rose in 1924 in St Paul, Minnesota. She married Seymour B. Robinson in 1946 and they began their family, moving to Chappaqua, New York, to watch them grow. Once Andrea, Nina, Martha, and Jim became adults and moved on, Nancy and Sy relocated to Ocala, Florida, where life began anew. In 1996, Seymour passed away, beginning Nancy’s fourth life in 1999 as a full-time Key West resident. Here, Nancy was known as a patron of the arts, board member to numerous organizations, supporter of many charitable causes, but mostly a regular presence in the Key West music scene, supporting venues and musicians alike. She regularly watched her son-in-law, Richard Crooks, Nina's husband, as he performed with many of Key West’s, and the country’s finest musicians. An aging body never stayed her youthful spirit, nor her time spent in being a loving and loved Key West presence. She always remained  available for her friends and her causes, and most of all, continued assuring that opportunities opened for those whom she could encourage, support, and love.

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Honoring Larry Douglas

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Lawrence “Larry” H. Douglas was born in Watertown, NY in 1935. He joined the US Navy and served aboard the USS Sabalo, a diesel submarine. Thanks to the GI Bill, he obtained a degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and then taught junior high school in Watertown. In 1962 he married Barbara and they moved to Syracuse, NY where he earned his PhD from Syracuse University while teaching at the University of Rochester.

In 1973 Larry and Barbara moved with their three children, Nancy, Kate, and Tom, to New Hampshire, where for 28 years Larry was both a Dean and a Professor of History at Plymouth State College. He continued his service in the Navy Reserve, was recalled to active duty during Operations Desert Shield/Storm as the naval historian for Central Command, and retired as a decorated captain in 1991.

A surprise trip for Barbara’s birthday in 2003 was the first visit to Key West for the Douglas family. Larry loved the warmth of the sun, the boats in the harbor, the smell of salt air, the rich history of the island, the friendliness of everyone, and especially the music. He was happy to wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in the winter months, leaving the snow shoveling and shivering behind. He and Barbara spent several winters here, eventually purchasing a home in Old Town within walking distance to their favorite haunts – B. O.’s Fish Wagon and Finnegan’s Wake. Larry thoroughly enjoyed hearing good music all over town, especially when Richard Crooks or Barry Cuda were performing with the island’s other world class musicians. Many of these fantastic artists have become great friends, as have those with whom Larry and Barbara enjoyed the music. Larry made friends with ease and those who knew him will fondly remember his wide grin and finger-tapping joy. We thank you all for your friendship and love.