Local Legends Archive

Remembering Jack Tellinghuisen: A Naples Life Well Lived Naples, Florida, lost one of its own with the passing of John L. “Jack” Tellinghuisen. While obituaries offer a glimpse into a person’s life, they rarely capture the full essence of an individual’s impact on a community. This post aims to delve deeper, celebrating Jack’s life and exploring the ways he touched the Naples community he called home. We’ll reflect on the legacy he leaves behind and the spirit of Naples that nurtured and was, in turn, nurtured by him. ### A Naples Story Begins While the obituary may not detail the specific…

Remembering Anne Marrinan: A Naples Gem Lost, A Legacy Found Naples, Florida, has always been a city of vibrant stories, woven together by the lives of its residents. It’s a place where sunshine kisses the coastline, and the warmth of community permeates the air. Today, however, we gather with heavy hearts to remember one such story, one that has come to a close, leaving a void in our collective narrative: the life of Anne Marrinan. While the official obituary offers a formal farewell, we want to take this opportunity to paint a more personal portrait of Anne, celebrating her life and her c…

Remembering Glenn Charles Griffin: A Naples Life Well Lived The passing of Glenn Charles Griffin has left a void in the heart of Naples, Florida. While obituaries often capture the basic facts of a life, they rarely delve into the rich tapestry of experiences, connections, and contributions that truly define a person. This post aims to offer a more complete picture of Glenn’s life, woven with the vibrant threads of our shared Naples community. We’ll celebrate his journey, reflect on his impact, and explore the unique character of Naples that served as the backdrop for his story. A Life Root…

Remembering Tommy Gleason: A Naples Icon (1936-2025) Naples, Florida, lost a beloved member of its community on August 6th, 2025, with the passing of Thomas “Tommy” Gleason. While the online notice you might have seen was brief, Tommy’s life was anything but. He was a fixture in our sunny slice of paradise, a man whose story is deeply interwoven with the fabric of Naples. This isn’t just an obituary; it’s a celebration of a life well-lived, a story of dedication, passion, and the unwavering spirit that makes Naples such a special place. From Michigan Roots to Naples Sunshine Tommy’s journey…

Remembering Elizabeth Wills: A Naples Gem Lost Too Soon Naples, Florida, a city known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm community spirit, recently mourned the loss of one of its own: Elizabeth Wills (1956-2025). While an obituary notice may briefly summarize a life, it rarely captures the depth of impact a person has on their community. This blog post aims to celebrate Elizabeth’s life, her contributions to Naples, and the indelible mark she left on those who knew and loved her. This isn’t just an obituary; it’s a story about a life intertwined with the fabric of Naple…

Remembering Bonnie Stephens: A Naples Neighbor’s Life and Legacy Naples, Florida, is a city known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm, welcoming community. It’s a place where lives intertwine, stories are shared, and the impact of individuals resonates long after they’re gone. Today, we remember one such individual: Bonnie Stephens (1949-2025), a beloved member of not only the Naples community, but also Danville and Rockingham County. While her obituary provides the basic facts, we want to delve deeper, celebrating her life, exploring her connections to Naples, and refle…

Remembering Thomas Gleason: A Naples Icon (1936-2025) Naples, Florida, lost one of its own on August 6, 2025, with the passing of Thomas Gleason. While an obituary notice may briefly summarize a life, it rarely captures the essence of a person, the ripples they create in a community, the stories that weave their legacy. This blog post aims to do just that – to paint a portrait of Thomas, not just through dates and facts, but through the lens of his Naples life, the connections he forged, and the impact he had on those around him. This isn’t just an obituary; it’s a celebration of a life we…

Remembering Bonnie Stephens: A Life Lived Fully in Naples and Beyond (1949-2025) Naples, Florida, is a city known for its breathtaking sunsets, pristine beaches, and vibrant community. It’s a place where people come to live out their dreams, build lasting connections, and enjoy the sweet life. And for those who knew her, Bonnie Stephens embodied the spirit of Naples, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone she touched. With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of Bonnie Stephens, who passed away in 2025. While her obituary mentions ties to Danville and Rockingham Coun…