In Memory: Oct. 12

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Diane G. Avery, 88, Vero Beach

March 02, 1933 – September 08, 2021

Diane G. Avery, age 88, of Vero Beach, passed away September 8, 2021.

Formerly a long-time resident of Delray Beach, Florida, Diane and her husband Al moved to Vero Beach in 2003.

Born in North Dakota, Diane’s family relocated to Ogden, Utah where she met her future husband, Al, who was stationed at Hill Air Force Base.

Soon the couple relocated back to Al’s hometown of Patterson, New Jersey for a few years before moving to Delray Beach in 1955 to establish and manage Pilkin Flower Farm on West Atlantic Avenue until 1973. Diane and Al both continued with their careers in Agricultural until retirement.

Diane is pre-deceased by her husband of 53 years, Alfred J. Avery, Sr., and sons Alfred J.  Avery, Jr.  and Gary W. Avery.

She leaves behind her son, Daniel F. (Robbin), daughters-in-law Karen Avery and Lois Avery, grandchildren Alfred J. Avery, III, Jennifer L. Whigham (Wes), great grandchildren Kody Whigham and Dylan Whigham and many loving nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the residence in Vero Beach for a Celebration of Life in loving memory of Diane on the afternoon of October 16th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to VITAS Community Connection, 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfamily.com.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Scott Glenn Frantz, 58, Vero Beach

January 27, 1963 – September 29, 2021

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Scott Glenn Frantz, age 58, died September 29, 2021 at the Cleveland Clinic, in Vero Beach, Florida.

Scott was born in Wurzburg, Germany, grew up in Centerville, Ohio, and Coral Springs, Florida, and moved to Vero Beach in 1985.

Scott was a member of the Guild of Scenic Artists and did custom construction and faux finish work in Port Saint Lucie and Vero Beach, Florida.

Scott will be missed everyday by his sons, Zach Frantz of El Paso, Texas, and Josh Frantz, of Orlando, Florida; his parents, Dave and Patti Frantz, of Vero Beach, Florida, sisters Kelley Stolze (husband Brian Stolze), also of Vero Beach, and Daniele Eaton (husband Brian Eaton), of Melbourne, Florida. He will also be missed by his niece, Nicole, and his nephews, David, Dalton, and Johnny.

Scott is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, J.T. and Marion Dailey, and his paternal grandparents, Fred and Alice Frantz.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 23, 2021 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, Florida.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Maynard August Berggren, 88, Brandon

March 19, 1933 – October 05, 2021

Maynard August Berggren, 88, of Brandon, Florida, went to be with the Lord on October 5, 2021. Born at home in Fairview, South Dakota during a blizzard on March 19, 1933, to his parents, Carl Albert and Frances Irene Berggren, he along with his three siblings moved to Vero Beach, Florida when he was two years old.

Upon graduating from Vero Beach High School, he continued his education at the University of Florida earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1956. An avid lifelong Gator fan, he participated in ROTC and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity through his collegiate years. He served in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany during his post collegiate stint in the United States Army, Maynard traveled and saw much of Europe. After his discharge from the military, he completed his pharmacy internship in Miami before moving to Tampa where he opened his own pharmacy, Drug Center, and Physician’s Wholesale, which catered to area doctors’ offices. He served the Seminole Heights community for decades while his Yellow Pages ad read: “Buy Your Drugs Where Your Doctor Does.”

A practical joker, Maynard had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing pranks on unsuspecting family, friends, and employees. A devout Christian, loving husband, and devoted father, he enjoyed mentoring young people especially while leading the Royal Rangers, teaching youngsters about Christ, camping and outdoor skills. He enjoyed his dogs, camping, fishing, traveling, and gardening. In his later years, he enjoyed feeding his ducks, planting trees, and roses. He also enjoyed following his beloved Gators.

Maynard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan; and five children: Richard (Kim) AK, Rebecca (Ken) NC, Matthew (Connie) TN, Rachel (John) FL and Kirsten (Steven) NC; six grandchildren, Erica, Jared, Gage, Lennox, Annabelle, and Lauren. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Audrey, Dale, and David.

A Private Burial Service took place in Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to LifePath Hospice-Chapters Health Foundation, 3010 W. Azeele Street, Suite 120, Tampa, FL 33609, or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Joseph Richard Parisi, 83, Sebastian

December 19, 1937 – October 05, 2021

Joseph Richard Parisi passed away peacefully at age 83 on October 5, 2021 under hospice care in Sebastian, Florida. His expansive family loves him dearly, and will cherish the wonderful and jovial memories of Joseph in their hearts. His presence always emulated warmth, a big smile and a whistle or tune being sung with joy.

He was the beloved father of Michael Parisi (Gretchen), Joanne Bartmess (Bradford), Lisa Parisi (Cassandra), and Stephen Parisi; brother to Robert Parisi (Stephanie), and longtime companion Donna Stitz. His seven grandchildren; Lynn Sadler (Timothy), Corey Rogalin, Kristen Wollenberg (Justin), Christopher Parisi, Erin Rogalin, Mary Thorp (Andrew), and Margaret Parisi, will forever remember their ‘Poppy’ with a hop in his step and a dazzling presence. Additionally, he is survived by five great-grandchildren and extended family including nieces, nephews, and cousins. He had a great love for animals, and leaves behind his dog Shyla and cat Spunky.

He will be joining his predeceased loved ones at the heavenly card table with his parents Salvatore and Lucy Parisi, and his dear grandson Christopher Bartmess, along with his many Aunts and Uncles.

Born in Bronx, NY on December 19, 1937, Joseph grew up in a tight-knit community, which he extended to his next home in Fairfield, CT. Joseph was an active former member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church spending many years volunteering for the Emmaus Retreat Program. He served in the US Navy as Petty Officer 2nd class on the submarine USS Quillback, representing the nations honor and patriotism even to the reaches of the Arctic Circle in 1957, as well as being deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.

Joseph is an alumnus of Almeda University, and pursued his passion of transformative business as an Engineering Program Manager for over 30 years of his career at United Technologies/Norden Systems.

A small private service will be held with family, and a memorial mass will be held at a later date to invite those who wish honor his memory. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory can be made to the ASPCA to continue his extension of love for his furry friends.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Michele Teresa Paladin, 59

December 23, 1961 – August 02, 2021

Our Michele.

She was everything to us. She was our Dad’s beautiful wife, Laura & Marc’s big sister, she was Silly Gee to our children, she wasn’t only our stepmom but she was our “Shell” too. Being a step parent isn’t a glorious title but she so proudly branded herself that way and was our cheerleader, our coach, our chef, our nurse and would always be there for all of us like a dedicated Mom would. She wanted nothing more than to deliver the children in her life with the silliest best days she could spoil them with. She spoiled everyone around her from her pets to coworkers to strangers. She was a friend to all things living no matter if you were a turtle crossing the road or a bee stuck in the pool skimmer, she was determined that all creatures were going to be treated with love. Just ask the family of raccoons she fed for 6 years or the little baby grasshopper she took 7 photos of and saved them on her phone.

Michele made almost all things simply silly. Answering the phone on Thanksgiving you could fully expect her to answer, “Gobble Til You Wobble! Happy Turkey Day!” As hard as it is to miss her, we fill the hurt with so many wonderful memories of her. Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Michele, Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 6-8pm at the Indian River County iG Center (1590 9th St. SW | Vero Beach, FL 32962). Please come and share your most favorite moments, sillier the better of our Michele.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Broadus F. Sowell, MD, 94, Vero Beach

August 9, 1927 – October 6, 2021

Broadus F. Sowell, MD, 94, of Vero Beach, FL, died on October 6, 2021.

He was born in Chesterfield, SC, to David and Jesse Sowell. He graduated from Chesterfield High School in 1944 and joined the Army Air Corps Enlisted Reserve in October that year. He was called to active duty September 1945.

After military service he attended North Georgia College graduating in 1952. He attended the Medical College of South Carolina where he met, Patricia “Pat” Bozard.

They were married in Orangeburg, SC, and were blessed to have 65 years together.
Broadus practiced medicine in South Carolina and Virginia before returning to medical school for a residency in Internal Medicine and Cardiology.

In 1970, Broadus and Pat moved from Charleston, SC to Vero Beach where they became active at First Baptist Church. In addition to his medical practice, Broadus enjoyed reading, fishing, and gardening.

Broadus was preceded in death by Pat, his parents, his brother, Jesse Sowell, and sister, Eulalia Cranford, and infant son, David.

He is survived by daughters, Anne Sowell (Brad Thomas) of Peachtree City, GA, Louise LaDow (Bob) of Lone Tree, CO, and Ruth Houk (Brad) of The Woodlands, TX, and sons, Edwin (Cynthia) of Chevy Chase, MD, and Fallaw (Wanda) of Pittsburgh, PA as well as 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren in addition to cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Vero Beach, FL or the charity of your choice.

Burial will be in Orangeburg, SC.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of BROADUS F. SOWELL, MD, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Marjorie Weeks Owens, 92, Vero Beach

May 14, 1929 – October 7, 2021

Marjorie Weeks Owens, 92, passed away October 7, 2021 in Vero Beach.

Mom was born in Babylon, New York to Marjorie Klehr Weeks and Robert Doughty Weeks.

She grew up in Babylon and attended the Knox School and later Connecticut College.

In 1949, she met George F.B. Owens, Jr.  She always said she and Dad fell in love when he first took her to his family’s home in Vermont.  They married in 1951 and after Dad got out of the service, they settled in Rockville Centre, NY.  They soon had 3 children. Their lives took them from Long Island to California to Pittsburgh, PA.

Once Dad retired, they moved to Vero Beach, FL.  They returned every summer to Vermont until Mom’s health prevented her from being there.

Mom’s greatest joy in her life was always her family and the many dogs who shared our lives.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents and her brother, Robert D. Weeks, Jr.

She is survived by her 3 children; Janet (Greg) Floor, William and Julie.  Her six grandchildren; Will, Steve, Chris, Andy, Ben and Lucy.  Her brother William C. Weeks (Cindy), her sister-in-law Sara and her niece and 4 nephews.

There will be a service for Mom at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 11:00AM.

Donations in Mom’s name may be made to Vero Beach Humane Society.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARJORIE WEEKS OWENS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Pastor Rangel Ibarra, 33

June 26, 1988 – October 2, 2021

Mr. Pastor Rangel Ibarra, 33, passed out on October 2, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida. Pastor was a skilled painter working in commercial painting throughout Indian River County.
He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach,
Florida. Survivors include his wife, Alicia Hurtado Ibarra; father, Florencio Rangel Espinoza; sister, Mary Rangel Ibarra and numerous family and friends. The visit will take place on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Strunk Funeral Home Chapel, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958. A Christian Burial Mass will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach, FL. Immediately following Mass an engagement service will be held at Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, FL. Arrangements are made by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958. A guestbook is available in www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of PASTOR RANGEL IBARRA, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Virginia (Ginni) Edwards, 90, Vero Beach

September 27, 1931 – September 27, 2021

On Monday, September 27th, 2021, Virginia (Ginni) Edwards, née Pemberton, loving wife and mother of three children passed away on her 90th birthday.

Ginni was born on September 27th, 1931 in Marshall, MO to Ben and Mary Pemberton. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1953, and was a proud member of Tri Delta Sorority. In May 1953, she married her high-school sweetheart, J. Robert Edwards. They raised three sons, Michael, John and Stephen in St. Louis, MO.

Ginni was passionate about her community and her dear friends that made them. She was on the board of John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, FL, where she resided in Winter and Spring. Ginni was a frequent golfer and took pride in being out on the course even in her later years. In the Summer and Fall, Ginni resided in Arrowhead Country Club in Edwards, CO. Here, she loved to admire the beauty of the mountains and nature. Ginni was known for her quick wit, her strength of character, and her kind and compassionate spirit.

Ginni was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Mary, and her husband Bob. She is survived by her three children John, Mike and Steve, her brother Richard, her six grandchildren, and her two great grandchildren. Her funeral service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Vero Beach, FL on Saturday, October 16th, 2021 at 11 AM. She will be buried next to her husband Bob.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of VIRGINIA “GINNI” EDWARDS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Joan Marie Nyire (nee McGrath), 80, Sebastian

March 28, 1941 – October 10, 2021

Joan Marie Nyire (nee McGrath), age 80, died peacefully in her home in Sebastian, FL on October 10, 2021.  She was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, Jersey City and had obtained her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics at Montclair State College, Montclair NJ.  Joan married her High School sweetheart, Thomas A. Nyire in 1964.  They had lived in Succasunna and Long Valley, NJ.  She was a teacher at The Matheny School for severely disabled children before retiring to Forked River, NJ and then finally to Micco, FL.

Joan was an avid reader, stamp collector, seamstress and cook.  Joan donated her time to Sebastian River Library.  She was a member and past officer of The Sebastian Quilters Inc. club.  As a member she spent time creating quilts to be donated to comfort others in their time of need.  Many family members have received her masterpiece quits as gifts to mark loving milestones such as Births and Marriages.

Joan is survived by her three children, Susan Juranich of Sebastian, Colleen Hoyle and her husband Robert of Stillwater, NJ and Michael Nyire and his wife Penny Sudtunyarat of Jersey City, NJ.  Her eight grandchildren Matthew Juranich, Megan Policastro, Nikki Hoyle-Allen, Rachel Biko, Thomas and Alex Hoyle, Sadie, and Sean Nyire; and twelve great-grandchildren.  Survived by her brothers Terence, Brian, and Peter McGrath; and survived by many sisters and brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins and her companion Jack Adams.

Joan was proceeded in death by her parents Terence and Gertrude (nee Nelson) McGrath, sister Kathleen, loving husband Thomas and son Sean Edward Nyire.

Visiting will be held at Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian, Florida on Wednesday, October 20th at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, 13075 U.S. Highway 1, Sebastian, Florida 32958 11:00 am on Thursday, October 21st. At the family’s request, interment will be private and will be determined at a later date in Stillwater, NJ.

In Lieu of flowers a donation can be sent to the March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Dr, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22202 in loving memory of Joan Marie Nyire.

Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JOAN MARIE NYIRE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Gerard Lucien Castell, 79, Vero Beach

June 21, 1942 – October 08, 2021

Gerard Lucien Castell, 79, of Vero Beach, passed away at his residence on October 8, 2021.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Gerard Lucien Castell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Larrow-Lee Campbell, 93, Vero Beach

January 20, 1928 – October 07, 2021

Larrow-Lee Campbell, of Vero Beach, FL,  passed away October 7, 2021 at Velrose II in Melbourne, FL.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Larrow-Lee Campbell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Daniel E. Folz, 98, Jupiter

March 20, 1923 – October 11, 2021

Daniel E. Folz, 98, of Jupiter, formerly of Vero Beach, passed away October 11, 2021.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Daniel E. Folz, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Harold Eldon Field, 87, Vero Beach

April 18, 1934 – September 03, 2021

Harold was born to Eldon W. Field and Helen May Pratley on April 18, 1934, in Marshall, Michigan.  He graduated from Cass City High School.  He was married to the late Lenore Lois Peck in 1952.  They lived and raised their family in Deford, Michigan.  Harold lived with his daughter, Catherine Field since 2019, in Vero Beach, Florida.

Harold was a member of the Saginaw Local Union 557 and received his 50 year gold pin from I.B.E.W., (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) in 2018.

Harold served as a deacon of Novesta Baptist Church on Lamton Rd., in Deford, MI for many years and was an active member of Living Waters Chapel in Caro, MI for over 30 years.

Harold and Lenore loved to travel and visited 47 states.  He was an avid reader, loving historical novels and westerns.  The thing he loved reading the most, after the Bible, were the letters and cards sent to him by his loved ones.  (He kept every single one!)

He helped to catalog all the barns in Tuscola county on record at the livrary in Cass City.

Harold is survived by his children, Catherine Field of Vero Beach, Florida; David Field of Deford, Michigan; Christine Field of Orlando, Florida and Carolyn Gohsman of Cass City, Michigan.  He is predeceased by his wife Lenore and son Darrell Field.  He was the proud grandfather of thirteen children and great-grandfather to 7 more.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Living Water Chapel in Caro,  Michigan, 650 South Hooper Street, on November 6, 2021, starting at 1PM to 4PM with a dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donating to the missionary work of Horizon Christian Fellowship located at 8515 Indrio Road, Fort Pierce, Florida.  Please earmark your check “Missions”. It helps to support much needed supplies to hospitals and missions in Haiti and Domincan Republic.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Harold Eldon Field, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Steven A. Yackso, 64, Fellsmere

October 24, 1956 – September 27, 2021

Steven A Yackso 64 of Fellsmere Florida passed away  September 29th at home after a courageous battle with cancer. God must of needed another Angel.
Survived by his wife of 38 years Marianne Yackso; two children, Shawnii Woodward and son Brandon Yackso; four grandchildren, Austin Woodward, Savannah Woodward, Branasha Yackso, Brandon Yackso Jr. and three brothers Joe Yackso, Andy Yackso, Todd Brasi
Most Loving Husband Soulmate best friend most loving Father and Grandfather. His Love of family and fury babies was his greatest gift to all of us. You will truly be  missed by all.
Steve’s passions were building, camping, fishing and just being good and kind. Steve’s celebration of life will be in January, date and time will be posted. In lieu of Flowers make a donation to Florida Cancer Center in his name. Forever in our Hearts I will see you again my Sweetie.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Steven A Yackso, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Donald J McCuen, 81, Little Hollywood, Micco

October 04, 1939 – September 30, 2021

Donald J McCuen, 81 of Little Hollywood Micco, Florida, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side, on Thursday, September 30, 2021.  Born October 4, 1939 in Upper Darby, PA to the late Edna May and John A. McCuen.

Graduate of Upper Darby High School, Class of 1957 and had continued education in various areas.  Moved to Florida in 1979 from West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Started with Bell of Pennsylvania in 1958 and continued with Bell for over 30 years.  Former owner and operator of the Sebastian River Mortgage Co and also former a loan officer with the Indian River National Bank.  Also worked for the Indian River RV.  Past President and Vice president of Little Hollywood Improvement Association for several years.  Don enjoyed working so much he actually retired 3 times. During his later years Don enjoyed traveling with his family in their RV, also enjoyed watching the car races, particularly NASCAR.

Veteran of the Air Force the Air National Guard, stationed with the 270th GEEIA Squadron.  Member of the Fellsmere Masonic Lodge 232 FM AM for over 50 years and the Brevard County Citizens Patrol

Survived by his wife of 58 years Sondra ‘Sandy’ of Micco, FL, a son Donald Jay ‘DJ’ McCuen of Micco, FL; his mother-in-law Romayne Thompson of Sebastian; a nephew Fred (Deb) Davis of Monroe, NC; niece Deborah (David) Johnson of Voorhees, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Easter Seals ADT, 6050 Babcock Street SE, Suite 18, Palm Bay, FL 32909 will be greatly appreciated.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Donald J McCuen, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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