Longboat Key: Obituaries

+ Joseph Ridley Avirett Jr.

Joseph Ridley Avirett Jr., 84, of Longboat Key, died April 26.

A native Floridian, he lived on Longboat Key for 44 years.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Iowa and was a Korean veteran.

He will be remembered for his humor, big smile and huge heart. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved life.

He is survived by sons Joseph Avirett III and Jeff Avirett; brother, Tim Avirett; sisters, Mary Williams and Becky Avirett; and one grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity.

+ Dirk Lami

Dirk Leroy Lami, 90, of Longboat Key, died April 15.

Born Aug. 25, 1925, in St. Louis, he graduated from high school in 1943.

He served during World War II in the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center’s 75th Construction Battalion, also known as the SeaBees, in the Solomon Islands and Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He completed his studies by taking advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend Washington University and earned a Bachelor of Science in retailing in 1949.

On July 19, 1952, he married Marilyn Esther Miller. Together, they had three children, Peter, Susan and Patricia, and raised their family in Rye, N.Y. They were married for 63 years.

He was a successful business executive in the apparel industry and retired in 1981. He enjoyed boating, fishing and tennis. 

He is survived by his wife, children and six grandchildren.

A memorial service was held April 22.

Memorial donations can be made to All Faiths Food Bank.