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Memorial Keepers (1)
Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes
Claude C. Focardi
February 15th, 1913 - June 17th, 2002
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Focardi, Claude C., 89, of St. Petersburg, died Monday, June 17, 2002 at home under the care of his family and the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born in New York, NY he came here in 1968 from St. Louis, MO. He attended New York University. He served in the US Army in the Signal Corps, Infantry and Air Corps where he attained the rank of Warrant Officer. He was founder and Chairman of the Board of Great Bay Distributors, Inc. local wholesaler for Anheuser-Busch beers until his passing. In 1940, he began his career with Anheuser-Busch and in 1958 he became the Executive Assistant to August A. Busch, Jr. During the 10 years he worked with Mr. Busch, they traveled together extensively. During the St. Louis Cardinals' spring training period, he and Mr. Busch transferred their offices to the Busch houses in Pass-A-Grille, Florida where they handled all coporate business and ran Anheuser-Busch. Mr. Focardi began Great Bay Distributors in 1968 and developed it into one of the most successful businesses in Pinellas and west Pasco counties. He served on a variety of boards including the United Bank of Pinellas; United Financial Holdings; Pinellas Marine Institute; St. Leo College. He was a member of the ownership group of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and was an honorary member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and was a former member of the Suncoasters. In addition, he was also a member of the Squires Club, the Polywogs, the Dirty Dozen and a former member of the St. Petersburg Batboys, who were instrumental in bringing professional baseball to the area. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nina; a son, Ronald Petrini, Largo; a daughter, Claudia Sokolowski, Largo; a sister Corinne Toriello, New York City; grandchildren; Jennifer Lovelady, St. Petersburg; John Petrini, Atlanta, GA; Douglas Sokolowski, Treasure Island, and Matthew Sokolowski, Redondo Beach, CA; great-grandchildren, Alexandra Lovelady, St. Petersburg; Morgan Petrini, Atlanta, GA; Erik Sokolowski, Treasure Island and two nieces In leiu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 300 East Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770..
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We Entrusted Claude Focardi's Care To
Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes
At Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes, we take pride in being the foremost full-service funeral home, setting the gold standard in compassionate care, exemplary service, and state-of-the-art facilities. Since 1952, we have dedicated ourselves to offering customizable memorial services that truly reflect the individuality and spirit of your loved ones. Our commitment to personalized service options is not just about honoring memories; it's about creating a meaningful and healing experience for families during their time of need....
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