James F. Florida

POTTSVILLE-James F. Florida, 83, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday at Schuylkill Medical Center, East Norwegian Street, Pottsville. Born in Pottsville on May 7, 1927, he was a son of the late Anthony and Mary Horican Florida. James attended St. Patrick's schools. He was a Navy veteran having served during World War II. James was a bricklayer for Local Union 05 for 50 years until he retired in 1989. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville. He was a lifetime member of Yorkville Hose Co., Pottsville and a member of The Pottstown American Legion. James was preceded in death by his two brothers, Michael and John Florida. James is survived by his loving wife, Joan M. Gaynor Florida, Pottsville, to whom he just celebrated 56 years of marriage on Saturday, September 25th; his two sons, Mark Florida, of Tuscon, AZ and Paul Florida, husband of Mary, of Reading; his four grandchildren, Christina Delissio, Andrea, Tony and Janelle Fkorida; his two sisters, Elizabeth Ely, of Hatboro, PA and Theresa Steininger, of Pottsville; several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Church, 10th & Mahantongo Sts., Pottsville. Reverend David J. Loeper will officiate. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be held in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Pottsville. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.