Memorial

Larry Cullison

Larry Cullison devoted his life to the teaching and performing of music, whether as an orchestral conductor, church musician or as a well-respected college professor. Born in southern Illinois, Larry was a published author and held degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University, the University of Texas and the University of Iowa. He served as an Administrator and Professor of Music at universities across the nation including the University of South Florida where he taught for 23 years before retiring in 2004. In addition, Larry conducted orchestras in the United States, Italy, Egypt and the Czech Republic and locally led the Imperial Symphony Orchestra for 18 seasons.

Larry was married for 48 years to Mary (Hay) Cullison and was a proud parent and grandfather. An avid sailor, he also enjoyed snow skiing, tennis, traveling and cooking. In 2004, he underwent heart transplant surgery at Tampa General Hospital (#627) and became an active advocate for organ transplantation. He was a board member of N.O.T.E., The National Organization for Transplant Enlightenment, and enjoyed supporting other fellow transplant patients. Until his passing in 2011, Larry continued to support and promote music in his community and beyond.

Ursula Mathews

Ursula was 64 when she passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2011. She was married for 45 years and is survived by her loving husband, Edward Mathews. Edward is a heart transplant recipient and a member of N.O.T.E.
She also leaves a daughter, Doreen White; granddaughter, Jordan; a son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Autumn; and twin grandchildren, Brenton and Lauren.
Ursula is also survived by her brother, Franz Stegschuster and her sisters, Maria Agly, Irmgard Kuebelbaeck, Hermine Klottiz and Helga Aichinger. She also leaves many nieces and nephews from Newfahrn, Germany.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association.
We, at N.O.T.E., extend our heartfelt condolences to Edward and family.

N.O.T.E. is honored to share and introduce you to one of our fallen heroes:

Reuben F. Ziegler
April 15, 1929 – April 12, 2011

Reuben, a native of the Buffalo area of New York, was the proprietor of a Bump and Paint Automobile repair shop prior to moving his family to the Melbourne, Florida area. Reuben was married to his partner and soul mate, Susan, and the proud father of four wonderful children.
After retiring from his chosen profession, Reuben took this hobby of woodworking to the level of a Master Cabinet Maker. In fact, in our office we have a beautiful bookcase and sign that he made for us. Reuben did not restrict his interests to woodworking; one of his other passions was restoring beautiful antique automobiles to their glory days. His latest possession was a Ford Model T which he loved to tinker with and drive around town.
Reuben was the recipient of a heart transplant #178 on October 31st, 1992 (yes, Halloween.) Attending N.O.T.E’s Transplant Support meeting held at Tampa General Hospital, Reuben and Susan found solace in the interaction between those who had been in the same situation as them. Reuben and Susan began searching for a support meeting in the Melbourne area, finding one they joined immediately and began to expand its effectiveness, reaching many more patients, and eventually becoming the host. We would like everyone to know that Susan is going to continue to host this meeting in Reuben’s absence.
We, here at N.O.T.E., were and continue to be proud of our extended support groups like those of the Southwest Florida, Inc. located in Ft. Myers, Florida.
We will surely miss our friend.
Sincerely, all of his friends here at N.O.T.E., LifeLink Foundation, Tampa General Hospital, and the Transplant community.
If you have someone who you think should be honored in our memorial section, please forward your request to: noteorg@tampabay.rr.com Attention: Site Host

Les Valitutti

On a sad note…N.O.T.E. morns the loss of its President and friend-Les Valitutti. Les passed away August 5, 2010 after courageous battle with cancer and Leukemia.
Mr. Les Valitutti joined the N.O.T.E. Board of Directors in 1993 and was appointed its President upon his confirmation by the Board at that time. Les was the recipient of a heart transplant (#67) in 1989. Among Les’ duties as a member of N.O.T.E., he also was financial advisor and assisted in the publication of the NOTEworthy Newsletter, and as assistant Administrator from 2001 to 2005.
Les, a native of Pittsburgh, PA and a graduate of the University of Pittsburg served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He went to work following his military discharge with IBM, leaving there to spend the next 28 years in the Private School sector; with Robert Morris College, The Berkeley Schools, Bradford Schools, median School of Allied Health Careers and the Pittsburg Technical Schools. During a move to Florida to join the United School Corporation a massive heart attack ended his working career.
After his gift of life transplant surgery Les was invited by Emily Ortiz (heart TX #7) to join her in her quest to get the word out about the benefits of organ donation. With Emily and others he was instrumental in the organization of the LifeLink volunteer group now known as the ORGANizers. He went on to be an officer and speaker for this organization as well as serving on LifeLink of Florida’s Advisory Board.
Les leaves behind his wife of 54 years-Carmel and two daughters and grandchildren