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We announce the passing of Leonard Florence, better known as “Santa” the fisherman from St. Lucia, who died on Saturday, April 14, at the age of 73 at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.
He is beloved and respected as an expert fisherman who fished the waters between St. Croix and St. John for most of his life and was often seen among friends at Patrick’s or making his way around town with his cane. Born on St. Lucia, he also lived on St. Croix and Lovango Cay as well as St. John.
He is survived by two daughters: Milpha Florence of Atlanta, Ga. and Vanessa Florence of Martinique; adopted son, Dion “Calbo” McKenzie of St. John; five grandchildren; as well as many family members on St. Lucia, St. John and St. Croix and a host of loving friends in the St. John Community, his island family.
The funeral service will be held at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay, St. John. A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. with the funeral service at 10 a.m. performed by Pastor Samson, on Wednesday, May 2. It will be followed by a burial at sea, leaving the Inter-Island ferry dock at approximately 11:30 a.m. and performed by Rev. Philip Chalker.
Funeral arrangements are by Davis Funeral Home of St. Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent directly to Davis Funeral Home or to Connections on St. John for his funeral expenses.
