Paul Hitch Roney

Paul Hitch Roney, Jr. passed away on Monday, April 7, 2008, at his home. He was 55. Hitch was born August 16, 1952, and was a life-long resident of St. Pete. A profoundly gifted artist, poet, singer, musician, painter, lyricist, storyteller, humorist, Hitch honed those skills at The California Institute of the Arts and was a perennial flower child. He lived an entrepreneurial and creative lifestyle founding his own company, Roney Homes and Reality, and was co-founder and artistic director of The New St. Pete News. Hitch produced hundreds of paintings, poems and songs, and his acute and subtle sense of humor brought laughter to all he knew. He is preceded in death by his loving parents Judge Paul Hitch Roney, and Sarah Sally Eustis Roney, and infant daughter Caitlin Jeanne Roney. He is survived by his faithful furry friend Melman, his children, Sarah Saturday of Los Angeles, John Paul Hitch Roney of Los Angeles, and Lane Sullivan Hitch Roney of St. Pete. Other survivors include a sister Susan Roney, his brother Tim Roney, sister-in-law Sandy Roney, nephews and nieces, Jason Smith, Sean Roney, Lisa Roney Reed, Aunt Peggy Merchant, cousins, Renata, Anne, and Kathryn Eustis, Steve, Paul, and Don Hensel, fond ex-wives Beth and Bridget, and special friend Marilyn. A memorial service will be held at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 9th St and 22nd Ave North, on Sunday April 13, at 6:00 PM. Friends of Hitch are invited to visit with the family between 5 and 6. For more about Hitch's magical life, or to leave a note, visit www.myspace.com/hitchroney.