From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Karyne Padilla, 71, Vero Beach
September 06, 1950 – October 19, 2021
On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, Karyne Padilla passed away unexpectedly at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida. Karyne was born September 6, 1950 in Williamsport, PA to the late Gordon and Doris Kelley.
After several moves throughout her childhood, Karyne and her family lived in Monroeville, PA where she graduated from Gateway High School in 1968. She then attended a dental hygienist program after graduation from high school. She met the love of her life, her husband Victor in Monroeville and they married in February, 1973. Karyne and Victor moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to raise their two children, where her parents, siblings and their families also lived. During those years Karyne helped out on many occasions with the family businesses, which were Charles Chips franchises that included Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach to the Key West area. Her fondest memories were those times working alongside her parents and the Kelley family. Many unforgettable memories were created out of the comradery of the Charles Chips family and the Kelleys over the years. Numerous gatherings that celebrated holidays and events together were a special part of her life. The legendary annual Christmas parties for Charles Chips employees, family and friends were held at the Kelley’s home every year and became a much anticipated event for all.
Karyne and Victor moved to Brandon, Florida in the early 1990’s where she pursued a career as a preschool teacher and curriculum instructor. She spent twenty plus years relishing this role. She had found her niche and embraced it, caring deeply for the wellbeing and happiness of all her students. After her husband’s death in 1996, Karyne shared a home with her parents, eventually becoming a caretaker for them until their recent deaths. Karyne moved to Vero Beach in June of this year with her daughter, Nicole, where they were just starting a new chapter of their lives. She enjoyed tending to her plants, working on crafts and creating the best space and home for her and her daughter. Karyne faced life and the challenges they brought with a strong, brave and independent spirit. She was feisty, humorous and well loved. She will be deeply missed and remain forever in our hearts.
Karyne is preceded in death by her husband Victor in 1996 and her parents Gordon and Doris Kelley in 2019 and 2020.
She is survived by her son, Victor Eric Padilla and daughter Nicole Padilla.
Interment will be held at a later date in Brandon, Florida. Nicole and Eric would like to thank family and friends for their prayers, support, visits and phone calls during this difficult time.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Mary Elizabeth Wuslich
October 24, 2021
A Memorial Service will be held, Wednesday, November 3rd, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2355 Pine Ave, Vero Beach, FL.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Mary Elizabeth Wuslich, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sebastian Area Veterans’ Honor Guard at 807 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Wilbert G. Thornton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Robert Anthony Novas, 97, Vero Beach
August 08, 1924 – October 29, 2021
Robert Anthony Novas, 97, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away, October 29, 2021.
Born August 8, 1924 on the kitchen table in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York, Robert was the son of the late Samuel Novaselich and Geraldine Zolich Novaselich.
Robert was a World War II veteran having served proudly in the United States Coast Guard.
A kind and caring soul, protecting & serving his family and community were not just in his nature but were also his calling. Robert worked in law enforcement in in various capacities over the years from being a New York State Trooper and NY/NJ Port Authority Lieutenant to Director of Security of Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York.
His pastimes included puttering around and lots of house projects, but as a member of Minisceongo Yacht Club in Stony Point, NY, sailing was his passion.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Antoinette Catherine Giacinto Novas on April 1, 2019.
He is survived by his two children, son, Robert Novas and wife Angela, and his daughter, Roberta Sonzogni and husband Steven; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other loving family & friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Roberts’ honor, Thursday, November 4th, 2:00 p.m. at Indian River Estates-East Auditorium with Rev. William Mead officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ROBERT ANTHONY NOVAS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Pam McGarity Doughty, 66, Vero Beach
October 31, 1954 – October 28, 2021
Pam McGarity Doughty, age 66, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 28, 2021. Born in Georgia, Pam had resided in Vero Beach for the past 42 years. She attended the University of South Carolina where she obtained her BA and MBA degrees. She retired after being a financial advisor for 22 years. Pam participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Impact 100 of Indian River County, and was a member of First Methodist Church of Vero Beach.
Pam is survived by her husband of 34 years, John, her mother, Eleanor McGarity of Macon, GA, a sister, Jan Christian (Tom) of Gainesville, GA, her niece, Ellen Long (Roy) of Milton, GA, a nephew, Thomas Christian (Esther) of Washington, DC, a stepdaughter, Gretchen (Bill) of Ypsilanti, MI, several great nieces and great nephews, and a step granddaughter. She was predeceased in death by her father, J. Nolan McGarity.
A celebration of life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Vero Beach, FL, 1750 20th Street, on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 10:30 am, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of PAM MCGARITY DOUGHTY, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Mark Thomas Maricich, 63, Vero Beach
May 26, 1958 – October 30, 2021
Mark Thomas Maricich, 63, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach.
Mark was born in Passaic, New Jersey and moved to Vero Beach five years ago from Parsippany, NJ.
He was of the Catholic faith. Mark had worked locally as a Sales Associate for Select Comfort and Clark Shoes. His enjoyment of playing cards led him to lead organized card games at Vista Royale.
Survivors include his daughter Shea Maricich of Tampa, Florida and his mother Carol Jeanne Maricich of Vero Beach, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his father Mark Anthony Maricich.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960
A gathering to celebrate his life will take place at a later date.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARK THOMAS MARICICH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Carol Anne Lynch, 78, Vero Beach
November 15, 1942 – October 29, 2021
Carol went to see Dan on October 29, 2021. They had last been together in June of 2015. She was days shy of her 79th birthday. She passed away at her Vero Beach home. By her side was their fur baby, Ellie. Carol leaves behind sons; Sean, Scott, and Michael. Her grandchildren; Jackson, Connory, Ian, and Quinlan. Her sisters; Cathy, Christine, Connie, and Cindy.
The story of Carol’s life is the story of Carol and Dan. A love story. It was never Carol, never, Dan. It was always “Carol and Dan”. They met in Cleveland, Ohio while they were both working for American Aviation. In 1970 they married after Dan became employed with Aero Commander in Albany, Georgia. In 1973, Carol, Dan, Sean, Scott, and Michael moved to Vero Beach. Dan worked at Piper Aircraft Corporation while Carol was very active as a Jazzercise instructor at the YMCA.
In 1985, Carol and Dan embarked on a new life’s chapter when Dan took employment with Rohr Industries in Riverside, California. The west coast was a new world to them and their fifteen years in California was filled with regional travel and adventure.
They retired in 1999 and returned to Vero Beach, Florida. They lived retirement life to the fullest. In their hangar at the “Aerodrome” was always some combination of planes, boats, and cars. They also enjoyed their travels to visit the children and grandchildren.
When Dan passed away in June of 2015, it left a hole in Carol’s heart that could never be mended. But she moved forward in life and opened the next chapter. Carol’s parents, William and Isabelle Radzewicz, were both of Polish descent. When she and her sisters were growing up in Connecticut, they cherished spending holidays with their Polish born grandmother, “Babcia.” Carol’s love of everything family fueled her passion for Polish genealogy. It became her quest to establish her Polish heritage family tree. This included trips to Poland. In her travels to Poland she was able to visit the villages of her maternal and paternal grandparents. Her last trip to Poland provided her with lasting memories when she was able to connect with blood relatives.
At the time of her passing, Carol was looking forward to spending time with family and one more trip to Poland.
Services for Carol will be held on November 13th, 3:00 pm at the Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach, FL.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of CAROL ANNE LYNCH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Anita T. Spilios, 92, Sebastian
December 03, 1928 – October 31, 2021
Anita T. Spilios, 92, of Sebastian, Florida passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach.
Anita was born December 3, 1928 in Grafton, Massachusetts and moved to Sebastian in 2004 from Marlboro, Massachusetts.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Pierce, Florida. Anita enjoyed the thrill of antique hunting and collected many fine examples over her lifetime.
Survivors include her children Louis Spilios of Eliot, Maine, Sandra Sommer Spilios of Groton, Massachusetts and Arthur Robert Spilios of Sebastian, FL; eight grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren all of the New England area.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband George Louis Spilios.
A Church service will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, November 5, 2021 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church located at 2525 South 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. Burial will follow at Sebastian Cemetery, 1921 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ANITA T. SPILIOS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Rick Molina, 58, Sebastian
August 30, 1963 – October 22, 2021
Rick Molina, 58, of Sebastian, Florida passed away quietly and peacefully on October 22, 2021.
Mr. Molina was predeceased by his loving parents, Pablo and Irene Molina, also both of Southbridge, MA and Sebastian, FL. Rick was a beloved brother of 5 surviving siblings, Pablo and Maria (DiTucci) Molina of Florida, José and Nancy (Rothman) Molina of Maryland, Pamela Molina of Southbridge, MA, Sonia Molina of Northampton, MA, and Cliff and Juanita (Pérez) Molina of Southbridge, MA. Rick was also the dear uncle of José Molina of Northampton, MA, Elizabeth Molina of Brookline, MA, CJ Molina of Waltham, MA, Kaylin Molina of Southbridge, MA, and Angelí Molina of Northampton, MA. He also leaves behind his step-daughter with whom he was very close, Melannie Maynard of Southbridge, MA, many cousins and wonderful, life-long friends. Rick was born in Southbridge, MA, where he remained until moving to Florida in 2019 to care for his aging father. Rick was a devoted son. He worked as a landscaper in the Southbridge area for nearly 35 years.
Rick will most dearly be remembered by his family and friends as a gifted and agile athlete during his youth, having played football, baseball, and basketball, most notably. He was inducted into the Southbridge High School Hall of Fame in 2008, as the fourth 1,000-point scorer in the school’s history, touted as, “one of the best basketball players in the school’s history”. He continued to be an avid sports fan throughout his life, loved playing horseshoes, fishing, and spending time at the beach and poolside in Florida. Rick was loved by many and will be greatly missed by his family and close friends.
Calling hours will be held at Morrill’s Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton Street, Southbridge, MA on November 5, 2021, 4:00-6:00.
Rick will be laid to eternal rest near his parents with a Graveside service being held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 13, 2021 in Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, FL.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sebastian, FL.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of RAUL ENRIQUE MOLINA, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Matthew Todd LaPorte, 54, Vero Beach
August 21, 1967 – October 27, 2021
Matthew Todd LaPorte, 54 of Vero beach, passed away on October 27, 2021.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Matthew Todd LaPorte, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Joan Marie Daniels Wheeler, 87, Vero Beach
September 26, 1934 – October 28, 2021
Joan Marie Daniels Wheeler, 87, of Vero Beach passed from this life to her eternal heavenly home on Oct. 28, 2021. She was born to Alva and Joseph Daniels on Sept. 26, 1934 on Staten Island, New York. She graduated from Port Richmond High School in 1952 and worked for Home Insurance Co. in New York City for a couple of years. She and Newman (Harold) Weeler were married in 1954 and lived on Staten Island, NY until relocating to West Palm Beach, FL in 1966. From there they moved to Fort Pierce. After Newman’s passing, she moved to the Isles of Vero until her passing.
Joan was a church secretary at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Cross until she retired. She and Newman enjoyed cruising and spending time at their seasonal home in Chipley. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was well loved by everyone and was kind to all the people she met. Even in challenging times she set an example of positivity and the importance of family.
As a lifelong Christian, she loved her Lord, was an active member of her churches and passed her faith onto her family. She found strength for each day through her daily Bible readings.
Joan is survived by her children, Cheryl Gundersdorff (Dennis), Robert Wheeler (Terry Cotter), and Norman Wheeler (Mary). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Megan Snider (Kent), Gaetane Garcia (Ryan), Guilaine Firth (Michael), Robert Wheeler, Jr., Roger Wheeler (Kayla), Christina Moore (Matthew), Heather Wheeler (fiancé Michael Braman), and Nicole Gravely (Jeremiah); her great-grandchildren Bryson and Emmett Snider, Athena and Ireland Garcia, Aiden, Kara, and Anna-Rose Firth, Oaklynn Wheeler, Adeline, Paisleigh, Holden, and Kayce Moore, and Samual Braman. She is also survived by her sisters Donna Gunther and Karen Mee, cousins Cathy Lynch and Pat Morris, and nieces Violetann MacTavish, Janice Whalen, Robin Appelt, and Pat Hough.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, Nov. 4th at 2:00 at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th St. Vero Beach. A Graveside Service will be held in Chipley, FL. Nov. 8th at 10:30.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, 901 37th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Joan M Wheeler, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael L. Rogers, 36, Sebastian
January 23, 1985 – October 25, 2021
Michael L. Rogers, age 36, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 25, 2021. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, as a US Navy dependent, Michael has lived in many states and Bermuda. In 2004, he graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island. Michael went to New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, Rhode Island, where in 2007 he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Multi Media Design and Digital Recording Arts.
He was an amazing and compassionate young man. He loved the mountains and nature. Michael was a hard worker and dedicated to his job at Cumberland Farms. He was always kind and helpful to anyone who walked through the doors. He loved his Cumberland Farms family and would do anything for them. In life, Michael was strong, determined and knew that there was nothing in life he could not achieve. His presence will be deeply missed, but he will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Life, although precious, is unpredictable. So live every moment as if it were last. Laugh and love often and enjoy each new day you are given. And always be kind to yourself and those around you.
Michael is survived by his mother, Irene Nieves, father, Anibal “Tito” Nieves, Jr., grandparents, Anibal and Maria Nieves, aunts Miriam and Flor Nieves as well as many cousins.
A gathering will be held from 12pm-1pm followed with a Memorial service, 1pm-2pm, on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Sebastian, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the VNA and Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 or vnatc.com/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Michael L. Rogers, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Cherie Ollie, 49, Vero Beach
November 21, 1971 – October 24, 2021
Cherie Ollie, 49, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 24th, 2021.
Cherie was born in Omaha, Nebraska and later moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa where she met Roy Ollie and they later married on February 4th, 1989. After settling in the Whiteman AFB, MO area, she worked for the Knob Noster School District where she filled many roles but wrapped up her last few years there as a kindergarten teacher. In 2018, Cherie and Roy relocated to Florida where she continued her love for teaching.
Cherie was an extraordinary woman that is loved and missed, and will always be cherished. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others and fill her home with warmth, kindness and laughter. Cherie’s greatest love was her family, who she treasured every moment with. She especially valued her role as grandma, making sure to spoil her grandbabies with unconditional love and gifts.
The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved her. When you think of Cherie, celebrate the good memories you have of her.
Cherie is survived by her husband, Roy Ollie; daughter, Brittany Wood and granddaughters Tara and Ally; son, Ryan Ollie, daughter-in-law Rachel Ollie and grandsons Wyatt and Mason; father and mother-in-law, Roy and Paula Ollie; her brother, Ron Moore and 2 sisters
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Cherie Michelle Ollie, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
