Hubert L. Pippin of Vero Beach and Spanish Cay, Abacos, Bahamas, died May 25, 2010 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
He was a Florida native born on Oct. 17, 1934 in Indian River County, the only child of Olon F. and Lola Davis Pippin. Many of his friends were able to say goodbye to him before his passing, his family was at his bedside, his sense of humor was present until the end, and Jimmy Buffet music was playing in the background.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Prochaska Pippin, who he married in 1991 in Gainesville. He is also survived by one son and three daughters: Michelle Yonke of Gainesville; Suzanne Hartin and her husband Bill of Phoenix; Adam Pippin of Jensen Beach; and Andrea Krudo and her husband Louis of Tampa. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt Clark and Edith Pippin. One stepson and two stepdaughters are also survivors: Dawn Snyder and her husband, Tim of Mooresville, N.C.; Rick Prochaska of Magnolia, Texas; and Rebecca Willis of Lenexa, Kan., as well as 14 grandchildren.
He is also survived by Betty’s mother, Rebecca Nystrom with whom he spent many loving hours, Betty’s sisters, Joyce Frassanito, Louise Biba, and Becky Cato, her brothers-in-law Jack Frassanito, Frank Biba, and Jim Cato, his dear fishing and Bahamas buddy, and his family of friends at both The Moorings Club in Vero Beach and Spanish Cay, Bahamas.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Letchworth Pippin of Sebastian in 1988.
He spent part of his childhood living in the Wabasso drawbridge home where his grandfather was bridge tender.
He graduated from Vero Beach High School and after graduation he attended the University of Florida, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was assigned to officer training at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
He returned to Florida and the family businesses and completed his education at the University of Florida in Gainesville with a B.S. in Economics.
After joining his father in business he formed his own company and drilled water wells all over the world. He loved to travel with family and friends to all corners of the world, but his heart was in The Bahamas where he always returned.
He boated throughout The Bahamas for many years, sometimes anchoring for days.
He dearly loved Spanish Cay, Abacos, Bahamas, a three-mile long island, where he and Betty have a residence and spent each spring and summer.
Hubert was an active member of The Moorings Club in Vero Beach and participated in many activities such as the Christmas Boat Parade with his pontoon boat, tennis when he was able, playing cards with his buddies and golf in his later years.
A celebration of Hubert’s life will be held for family and friends at The Moorings Club, 100 Harbour Drive, Vero Beach, from 5:30 to 8 PM on Thursday, May 27 2010.
In lieu of flowers, those who want to honor Hubert’s memory with a donation are encouraged to consider the VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960 or the charity of their choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lowther Cremation Service, Inc., Vero Beach. Condolences may be sent at www. lowthercremationservice.com