Marianne E. Cooney, 85, Vero Beach
Marianne E. (Westerman) Cooney, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017, at her home. Marianne was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, to the late Carl Emil and Anna (Lutz) Westerman. She traveled to many destinations and set up house in many places with her husband, Edward J. Cooney, Sr., while he served in the United States Air Force, including Germany, Texas, California, finally finding permanent roots in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where they called home till 1972.
Edward and Marianne loaded the Cooney Clan and headed to Vero Beach, where they remained until 1994 when Edward passed and Marianne decided to relocate to Ocala, Fla. After 15 years, and a yearning to be near her daughters, she packed her bags once more and decided to call Vero Beach home once more.
Marianne Cooney worked her entire life as a legal secretary, spending the last 22 years with the law firm of Sullivan & Sullivan, Vero Beach. Once retired and after moving to Ocala, she opted to come out of retirement and work part time alongside one of her sons, Patrick in the funeral business as an funeral attendant/secretary. Upon returning back in Vero Beach, she located the perfect home to enjoy nature in her backyard and continued to love and care for her furry, four-pawed children.
She enjoyed the simple things in life, her family and friends, her work, a good party, and her love for her Catholic faith. She was a Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary in Bergenfield, and volunteered at Hospice in Ocala. Mostly, she just loved being with her family and caring for her dogs, and any other critter that came along.
Marianne is survived by her son, Edward “Eddie” James Cooney, Jr. and his fiancée of Yuba City, California; daughter, Charlene Lawrence and her husband Shane, of Vero Beach; son, Patrick Timothy Cooney, Sr. and his wife Donella Rivas-Cooney of Daytona, Beach, Florida; daughter, Eileen Morris, and her husband Rob of Vero Beach; daughter, Cathleen Reimsnyder and her husband, Brian of Vero Beach; son, William “Billy” Cooney and his wife Danielle, of Winter Garden, Florida; and son, Daniel “Danny” Cooney and his wife Leah of Oviedo, Florida, She is also survived by 26 grandchildren, Christopher, Megan, Shea, Dempsey, Delany, Tommy Jr., Sarah, Cynthia, Derrick, Lindsay, Brittany, Kelley, and Patrick Jr., Edward, Emilie, Evan, Taylor, Logan, Ashley, William Jr., Alexandria, Aidan, Elizabeth and Mikayla by 15 great-grandchildren, Cydney, Kinsley, Adrianna, Kennedy, Kaylee, and Bryson, Ashley, Wyatt, Ryan, Lear, Stephanie, Coral, Shelby, and a great-great granddaughter, Madeline.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edward James Cooney, Sr. a son, Thomas Christopher “Tommy” Cooney, granddaughter, Irene “Renee” Cooney and grandson, Riley Cooney, as well as her mother-in-law, Cecilia Cooney along with numerous in-laws and out-laws.
as well as her dear friends, Lisa and Dave Milton and their children, Andrew and Matthew.
Memorial contributions may be made to in Marianne’s memory to the Humane Society.
Visitation was held at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home; 1950 20th St., Vero Beach. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Helen Catholic Church; 2000 20th St., Vero Beach. Interment followed at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.
Dr. Fred C. Diven, 82, Sebastian
Dr. Fred C. Diven, 82, of Sebastian, went to be with the Lord July 28, 2017, after a short stay at the Sebastian hospital due to complications from myasthenia gravits that eventually took his life.
Fred is survived by his daughter Gwen Oliva and her husband, Chris, with whom he lived with for the last 10 years of his life in Sebastian. He is survived by a son Douglas Diven and his wife Christy of Danville, PA; along with 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy Mundell Diven, whom he loved very dearly and was married to for 59 years, and a granddaughter, Heather Nicole Oliva.
Fred was an ordained minister who earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Lancaster Bible and a Master’s Degree and finally a Doctorate in Theology from Bethany Theological Seminary in Alabama. He grew a reputation for being an excellent exegetical preacher. He served 4 churches in his life time; the final church being Laurel Hill Bible Church of Laurel Springs, NJ; that grew from about 65 people to over 600 in the 1970s. He then served in ministry through Friends of Israel and became well known on the East Coast for his teaching on Bible prophecy and Seder Meal Presentations. In his later years, he continued teaching well into his 70s throughout his community in Florida until the disease took its toll on his voice.
He loved going out for breakfast and reading books. His wife passed away about two years earlier and he was never the same after that. Almost every day he shared how much he missed her.
Today we celebrate that he is with Jesus and his beloved wife and is free from the physical limits that bound him.
A graveside service was held at Fellsmere Brookside Cemetery.
Bonnie Louise Gaffin, 72, Vero Beach
Bonnie Louise (Boy) Gaffin, 72, of Vero Beach, passed away July 29, 2017. Bonnie was born in Chesterton, Indiana, to Ralph Eaborn Boy and Florence Evelyn Carlson Boy on Sept. 5th, 1944.
She went to high school at Chesterton High School and graduated in 1962.
Bonnie loved to run. She completed 13 marathons and 1 ultra-marathon. She also enjoyed belly dancing and creating the elaborate outfits that went with it. She was an avid seamstress and could always be found behind a sewing machine making clothes, Halloween costumes and dance fashion.
She is survived by her husband, Samuel Martin Gaffin; daughter Elizabeth (Tom) Hughes; son Samuel R. Gaffin; her brothers and sisters Leonard, Deanna, David, Dan, Linda and their many children; four grandchildren Dyllon, Samantha, Bonnie and Joseph Hughes; and her pet Snoopy.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Florence.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Indian River Medical Center and VNA Hospice for their support in her final days.
Russell Raymond Galasso, 85, Vero Beach
Russell Raymond Galasso, 85, of Vero Beach, died Sunday, July 30, with his family present. He was born to the late Raymond and Louise Galasso on Dec. 24, 1931, in NYC, NY.
He graduated from Bayside High School where he met his soulmate and love of his life, the late Joan Galasso. He continued his education at Hofstra University and the University of Delaware.
He served in the Army for two years, rising to the rank of Captain. He then went on to a successful career in Nuclear Physics. He married Joan in 1953 in NYC and they had 56 wonderful years together. They were inseparable. They lived in Bel Air and raised four children for 33 years. They then retired to Vero Beach in 1989. He lived there for 28 years.
Russell is survived by his daughters, Linda (Douglas) Peters of Livermore, CA, and Kathy(Michael) Powell of Bel Air, MD, and sons, John (Evie) Galasso of St. Helena, CA, and Danny (Jenny) Galasso of Tijeras, NM. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rachel, Kenny, Jacqui, Jen, Jill, Kylie, Maizy & Natalie, and also great grandchildren, Joanna & Gavin. He also is survived by many dear friends, whom he loved and treasured.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Alfred Charles Huntley Sr., 92, Vero Beach
Alfred Charles Huntley Sr., 92, of Vero Beach, passed away July 31, 2017, at Indian River Medical Center. He was born June 23, 1925 in Clare, Michigan, and had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1974.
Mr. Huntley served in the United States Army MP and retired as Sergeant First Class after 26 years.
He leaves his memories to be cherished by his daughter, Phyllis L. Butcher; son, Alfred C. (Sara) Huntley Jr.; brother, Lawrence Huntley; granddaughter, Amy Seward; great-grandsons, Cameron and Dustin, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Loretta “Pat” Huntley; his second wife, Janet Huntley; son-in-law, Gene Butcher and four siblings.
At the request of the family, there will be no local services. Mr. Huntley will be placed next to his wife, Pat, at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Darlene Hutchinson Kouns, 81, Vero Beach
Darlene Hutchinson Kouns, 81, of Vero Beach, went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 31, 2017. She was born in Ashland, KY, on Aug. 20, 1935, and was one of 10 children. She lived there until moving with her husband and six children to Vero Beach in 1969.
Darlene worked with the Indian River County School District, as a cafeteria manager at various schools. She retired after 30 years of service. Darlene spent an additional 14 years working with guest services at Leisure Square.
Darlene is survived by brothers, June Roy Hutchinson, Gerald Hutchinson & David Hutchinson; sisters, Wanda Ison & Midge Everman; children, Jimmie (Yong Hui), Ronnie (Tracy), Dale (Sandy), Donnie (Toni), Connie Johnson (Jerry) and Kim Schlitt (Jimmy) all of Vero Beach. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and more on the way.
She was predeceased by her parents, Roy & Elizabeth Hutchinson; brothers, Estil & Charles Hutchinson; sisters, Ersil Fraley & Ruth Wheeler; husband, Jimmie “Pappy” Kouns whom she was married to for 62 years; and grandson, Chad Kouns.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Community Church Grace Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VNA Hospice of Vero Beach and Leisure Square Summer Camp Scholarship Fund; 3705 16th Street; Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Joan Notaro, 85, Vero Beach
Joan Notaro, 85, a long-time resident of Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, originally from Montvale, NJ, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
A loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, Joan spent countless hours working as a Guardian Ad Litem in Indian River County. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1986 at the age of 55 from Ramapo College in NJ. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Peter F. Notaro, daughter, Maria Nicolas, son, Peter J. Notaro, son-in-laws Paul Matthews and David Nicolas and daughter-in-law, Wanda Notaro, six grandchildren and their spouses, and her sister, Anita Colarusso.
Memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in memory of her daughter, Lucia Matthews.
The family will receive friends and family at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach on Thurs., Aug. 3 from 2 – 4 p.m. and on Fri., Aug. 4, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Mass will be celebrated at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach on Sat., Aug. 5, at 10 a.m.
Elaine Rosalie Poydenis, 88, Vero Beach
Elaine Rosalie Poydenis, 88, of Vero Beach, died July 29, 2017, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
Visitation will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
A Prayer Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Betty Fultz McRae Pratt, 85, Vero Beach
Betty Fultz McRae Pratt, 85, lifelong resident of Vero Beach, died July 29, 2017, in the presence of her family. She was the wife of Dr. Kenneth Pratt, MD of 20 years.
She was born in Brunswick, Georgia, May 24, 1932. Her parents were Thomas Oscar Fultz, Sr., and Ola Brinson Fultz, of Vero Beach. The Fultz family were early settlers of St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
Graduate of Vero Beach High School, Class of 1950, she received nursing training at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando. She met and married L. C. McRae, Jr., playing a vital part toward him becoming a graduate of the first medical school class of the University of Florida in 1960. During this time, they became parents of four boys; she worked as an O.R. scrub nurse, pediatric nurse and as an active member of a spousal support group for physicians. At the completion of his residency they established a clinic in his hometown of Glenwood, Georgia.
As a devoted wife and mother, she worked in the clinic, nurtured her boys and was finally blessed with a baby girl.
The family moved in 1965 to Tuskegee, Alabama, to assume a retiring physician’s practice. She was supportive of civil rights during a time of racial division.
In 1969, she returned with her children to Vero Beach. She served her community as a volunteer with the Indian River Volunteer Ambulance Squad, taking per diem nursing assignments and as an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She provided for her family through her talent as a bookkeeper for an insurance office and as a part-time florist with Artistic Florist. She later became a licensed real estate agent and broker.
In 1996, her interest in ballroom dancing led her to meet Dr. Pratt whom she married in 1997. The two spent time together traveling the US and the world. They loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the Adirondack Mountains hiking and canoeing.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Kenneth Pratt, MD; his son, David Pratt (Susan); her sons; Curtiss McRae, Mark McRae (Barbara), David McRae, Doug McRae (Laura); her daughter; Bette Jape McRae Peacock (Bill); 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Oscar Fultz, Jr., sisters Phyllis Fultz Roach, and Peggy Fultz Brinson.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Pelican landing and VNA/Hospice for their attentive care, and are grateful to Dr. Michaela Scott for her years of care. They would also like to thank Dona C. Horton for always being there for mom when she needed anything.
A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1708 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Asbury United Methodist Church, or to Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, Florida 32725 in memory of Betty Fultz McRae Pratt.
Daniel Holton Robb, 82, Sebastian
Daniel Holton Robb, 82, died July 29, 2017, at his residence in Sebastian. He was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and lived in Sebastian coming from South Florida.
Dan was a US Army veteran and attended Sebastian United Methodist Church. He was a retired Fire Fighter from the Miami Beach Fire Department. Dan was also a life guard at Haulover Beach, Miami Beach.
Survivors include sons, Sean Robb (Dana) of Sunrise, FL, Scott Robb of Orlando; and granddaughter Elaria Robb of Sunrise.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Daniel H. Robb.
Visitation will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. Services will be held 12 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Sebastian Cemetery.
Lee Polk Woody III, 51, Vero Beach
Lee Polk Woody III, 51, passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, on July 29, 2017. Chip, as he was known to his family and friends, was born April 29, 1966, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of Lee Polk Woody, Jr. and the late Elizabeth Schmeiser Cornell.
Chip grew up in Baltimore, where he attended St. Paul’s School and the Boys’ Latin School, and was also a boarding student at St. James School. He later attended Lynn University.
Chip enjoyed a remarkable career in business, finding success in mortgage banking and later as the former owner of Smith Services Inc. in Vero Beach. His outgoing personality and passion for business helped him make lasting connections and he gained the respect of many in the community.
Chip enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and traveling with his wife, Kate. He was a member of the John’s Island Club and the Quail Valley River Club and The Vero Beach Country Club in Vero Beach, the Elkridge Club in Baltimore, The Rolling Rock Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania and the Meadowood Club and The Napa Valley Reserve in St. Helena, California.
He served on the board of the Visiting Nurse’s Association and the Indian River Land Trust.
Chip is survived by his wife, Kathryn Beckwith Woody, his two sons, Mason Woody and Logan Woody, and his stepdaughters Porter Gaier of Marshall, Virginia and Ridgely Beckwith, and her husband Dima Beckwith of Napa, California. He is also survived by his father Lee Polk Woody, Jr. and his stepmother Susan S. Woody of Baltimore, his sister Elisabeth Woody of Berkeley, California, his stepbrothers Jonathan Clark and Frederick Clark of Baltimore, Maryland, and his first wife, Liz Remington, of Vero Beach.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to The VNA and Hospice Foundation: 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL, 32963.
Gerald F. Yocum, 74, Vero Beach
Gerald F. Yocum, 74, of Vero Beach, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International Memorial Bible Fund, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.
A memorial service celebrating his life will take place at King’s Baptist Church at a later date.
Shirley Ann Young, 78, Vero Beach
Shirley Ann Young, 78, of Vero Beach, passed away July 30, 2017 at VNA Hospice House. She was born March 23, 1939, in Seymour, Indiana, to the late Carl and Clara (Daniel) Weasner.
Prior to retirement, Shirley worked as an assembler for Grote Industrial in Madison, Indiana. She worked with the company for 28 years.
Shirley has been a Vero Beach resident since January 2003, coming from Madison, Indiana.
Ms. Young enjoyed watching WWE, Nascar, College Basketball, Football, NBA, General Hospital & many other TV shows. In her spare time, she worked on puzzle books.
She is survived by daughters, Kathy Gribbons, Teresa Young, and Sharon Hammond; brother, Michael Weasner; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was predeceased by brothers, Harold Weasner and Paul Weasner.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharon Hammond c/o Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
