Barry Lauda, 70, of Vero Beach, passed away on Dec. 30, 2015, at Indian River Medical Center.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years Carolyn; his children Tommy Lauda (Jennifer) of Coconut Creek, Fla., Jeannette (Col. Thomas Stauss) of Mechanicburg, Penn., John Beckett (Janet) of Crisfield, Md.; grandsons Maximus Lauda and Matthew Beckett; and brother Tom Lauda (Patty) of Vero Beach.
He is preceded in death by parents Charles and Louise Lauda, and brothers Peter and William Lauda.
His gallant struggle to overcome a weaken heart abruptly ended. With the odds against him, he managed to stay with us longer than expected and for that we are grateful.
Born in Queens, N.Y. to loving parents Charles and Louise, his young life was full of adventure with three brothers to navigate “the good old days” of growing up. He served the country in the United States Air Force as an aerial crewmember refueling aircraft during the Vietnam War.
After receiving an Honorable discharge, he worked his way up through the ranks of business in New Jersey and New York, putting knowledge, experience, and compassion into becoming a successful Florida business owner for more than 20 years with Top of the Line Fragrances located in Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, Fla., and Dolphin Mall in Miami.
After leaving Coral Springs to settle in Vero Beach, he found his new love, golf. Retirement made its way into his life, promising endless days perfecting his game for the ultimate goal, a “Hole in One!” Even though that goal escaped him, as a member of Indian River Club, he relished in the camaraderie within the community.
Lauda was a devoted and loving husband, “The Best” father, and wonderful grandfather.
The family welcomes friends to join them for our celebration of his life on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, and concluding at 11 a.m. with a prayer service and military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in his honor be made to Wounded Warrior Project: 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 woundedwarriorproject.org.
A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
