John S. Broom 87, Vero Beach
John S. Broom 87, died Aug. 4, 2017 at his home in Vero Beach. John was born in Essex, Baltimore County, Md., on March 22, 1930. He moved to Vero Beach Aug. 14, 1977, coming from Ocean City, Md. He was a Methodist.
John was pensioned from the Baltimore County, Maryland Police Department on Oct. 1, 1970. After that he had many types of jobs making a living and enjoyed life to it’s fullest.
He was Life Member of Patapsco Lodge #183 AF & AM, Dundalk, Md., Life Member of Maryland Law Enforcement Officers, Inc., and Life Member of Baltimore County Association of Retired Police. He is a past Commander of the Vero Beach Power Squadron.
Survivors include eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kitty Broom, and son, John S. Broom.
John will be greatly missed by family and friends. John and Kitty Broom will be remembered because of the wonderful life they shared and the love they had for each other.
A service will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Baltimore County, Md., at a later date.
Aldina Theresa ‘Tina’ Cafro, 68, Sebastian
Aldina Theresa Cafro, 68, also known as Tina, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 5, 2017, with her family by her side. Tina was born to the late Ivor and Aldina Pegler in Portsmith, England, before moving to Bridgewater, NJ, in 1955.
She was a graduate of Bridgewater-Raritan West High School in 1967. After graduating, she worked in law offices as a Paralegal for over 40 years, before retiring in Sebastian in 2010, with her husband, Edward.
Tina was passionate about helping others in need and donating her time to several charities in the community. She was the secretary to the Sebastian Quilters, as well as a founding member and President of the Sebastian River Embroidery Guild. Tina was a volunteer for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, where she would create quilts and present them to veterans. She also donated her quilts to Dogs for Life, a program which specializes in training assistance dogs for veterans. Tina also donated her quilts to children at St. Jude’s Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Holmes Regional. She also donated pillowcases and quilts to the Wabasso School.
Tina is survived by her loving husband, Edward Cafro; her two children, David Runyon, of Bridgewater, NJ, and Lisa Cafro, of Lake Wales, Fla. Tina is also survived by her sister, Cher Goodwin of Tampa, Fla., and by her granddaughter, Autumn Runyon.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Tina’s life by gathering for a memorial service at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th St., Vero Beach, on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tina’s name to the VNA Hospice House, 901 37th St., Vero Beach, FL, 32960.
Robert “Bob” N. Cassidy, Vero Beach
Robert “Bob” N. Cassidy, of Vero Beach, died Aug. 1, 2017. He was born in Jonesboro, Ark., on Dec. 28, 1926, grew up in Mississippi County, Ark., and lived in Vero Beach for 63 years. He was the son of Luke E. and Maude W. Cassidy.
Bob served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, graduated from Arkansas State College and taught school in Indian River County. As a member of the First Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and enjoyed driving the church bus for many outings throughout the years.
Bob loved to be “on the go” and when he got somewhere, would strike up a conversation with just about anyone. The day wasn’t complete unless he’d put many miles on his little red truck.
His family would like to thank the team at Florida Baptist Retirement Center’s ALF and Hospice of IRC for comfort and care in his final weeks.
He leaves behind his four children, David (Laura) Cassidy, Ann (Jim) Kellum, April (James) Torella, all of Vero Beach; Sharon Cassidy of Stuart, Fla.; sister Sue Roussel, of Heber Springs, Ark., seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Frances Schrum Cassidy; brother, Claude; and his parents.
Visitation will be held at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach at 3 p.m. Aug. 12 followed by a 4 p.m. funeral service.
Donations may be made to The First Baptist Church or Hospice of IRC.
James Finochi Sr., 70, Sebastian
Mr. James Finochi Sr., 70, died Aug. 5, 2017, at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian.
He was born in Wilmington, Del., and lived in Sebastian coming from Newark, Del.
Jim was an electrician for 26 years prior to retiring as Project Manager for MBNA.
He was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian. Jim was also a member of the Sebastian Lions Club, a volunteer for Special Olympics and initiated a Poker Run to benefit that organization.
Survivors include his wife of 49 1/2 years Judith Finochi; daughter Paula Finochi (Dwayne), of North East, Md.; son, James Finochi, Jr., of Newark, Del.; grandchildren, Dominique, Casey, Victoria, Jared and Andrew, sister Ann Vignola (John), of Kennett Square, Pa.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother Michael Finochi.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sebastian Lions Club Charity Foundation, 2415 Kelly Dr, Sebastian, FL 32958, the Special Olympics of Indian River-Palm Beach, P.O. Box 6896, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or St. Baldricks Foundation, 1333 S Mayflower Ave #400, Monrovia, CA 91016.
Jim’s family would like to thank all EMT’s, doctors, nurses and staff of Sebastian River Memorial Hospital for all their considerations.
Visitation was held at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. A Prayer Service was held Aug. 9.
Marven Jay Glen, 93, Vero Beach
Marven Jay Glen, of Vero Beach, died Aug. 6, 2017, at the age of 93. He was born in Chicago, served in the US Army in the European theater during WWII and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.
Marven enjoyed a long career as a land developer and residential builder in the Chicago area.
An avid and skilled, lifelong sailor, he was a former member and Vice Commodore of the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. In retirement, he developed a passion and talent for designing and making mid-century modern furniture.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, K; children Paul and Catherine; son-in-law Mitchell; and grandchildren Benjamin, Elise and Ernest.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Irene.
A memorial service was held at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 475 43rd Ave., Vero Beach.
Memorial donations may be made to: Men’s Hall Alumni Association Awards Fund, DePauw University Development Office, 300 East Seminary Street, Greencastle, IN 46135.
Kathe Ida Heide, 85, Vero Beach
Kathe Ida Heide, 85, of Vero Beach, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, at Indian River Medical Center on Aug. 1, 2017. Kathe’s education, professional and personal life spanned across two continents and four countries.
She graduated Institute Weber Private Business School, Hamburg, Germany 1950 and Carlton Hotel Managerial Training Program, Stockholm, Sweden 1954. She also graduated with a CIDESCO diploma from Pietrulla, Heidelberger Kosmetikum, Heidelberg, Germany 1956, the world standard for beauty and spa therapy. From that year and for the next 57 years, Kathe continued to advance her skin care expertise by training in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, France, Finland and United States while managing skin care clinics in Stockholm and Copenhagen and then founding the Kathe Heide Skin Care Clinic with her daughter Carina in Vero Beach, retiring the business after 31 years in 2013. She was passionate about skin care and enjoyed her clients; many of whom became life-long friends.
Kathe spoke four languages, loved traveling and spending time with her family. While living in Europe, she enjoyed sailing, bicycling and walks in the forests. In 1980, Kathe moved to Vero Beach from Denmark with her family and continued her love of nature with long strolls along Vero’s beach.
She loved gardening and creating a paradise for her family, whether in Copenhagen or Vero Beach. And like the flowers in her garden, Kathe was an exquisite rose.
She was an accomplished chef and inspired her children to join in the daily joy of sharing good food with friends and loved ones. Her children have fond memories of leisurely family meals around the candlelit table, Kathe’s specialty hazelnut cookies ‘Nødekager’, and the Christmas custom of one finding the hidden almond in the rice pudding ‘Risalamande’ and receiving a little wrapped gift. And of course, the traditions of the ‘Kaffee Klatsch’ and the special occasion, Cognac flambéed, peppercorn cream sauce for filet mignon.
Kathe was an inspiration to her children who admired her resilience, radiance and generosity of spirit. Her inner strength and kindness was there for them when it mattered most. She will be remembered for her grace, courage and beautiful smile, a reflection of the love she carried in her heart.
Kathe is survived by daughters, Carina MacDonald and Mirja Heide, both of Vero Beach,; son, Thomas Heide, his wife Rameet; and beloved grandchildren Sonia and Erica, of London, England; brother, Georg Heins, of Sprötze, Germany; and cherished grand-dogs Marco, Polo and Belle.
Kathe was preceded in death by her parents, Frida and Heinrich Heins; brothers Wilhelm Heins and Rudolf Heins, all of Germany; and sister, Inge Wandel of Sweden.
The family would like to thank Drs. Michaela G. Scott and Seth H. Baker for their compassionate and long term care. The family is also grateful to the nurses and staff at Indian River Medical Center who contributed significantly to her care.
A private family service will be held. Contributions in Kathe’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
George T. Kelley, 86, Vero Beach
George T. Kelley, 86, of Vero Beach, formerly of Paxton, Mass., and Burrillville, RI, died comfortably and peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife, Eileen, children, and friends on Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Indian River Hospice Home in Vero Beach.
George was born Oct. 9, 1930, in Framingham, Mass., son of the late Leon and Agnes Kelley. He grew up in Wellesley, Mass., where he attended St. Sebastian High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass. He received his master’s degree from Boston College and his doctorate from Clark University in Worcester, studying economics.
George was a longtime college professor, teaching economics at Worcester State University for more than 25 years. After he retired, he and Eileen lived in Rhode Island and then Florida, where they enjoyed many happy years together. Both were devoted to their faith and their families.
George and Eileen loved to sing and were members of the Gregorian Bishop’s Choir, Providence, RI, The Noteables and Silvertones in Vero Beach, and Church Choirs at both St. John of the Cross and St. Helen Catholic Church of Vero Beach. George had a wonderful devotion to the Divine Mercy.
He was a Navigator of the Knights of Columbus, Chairman of the Finance Committee at St. John’s, V.P. of the Lyons Club, and Treasurer of the Legion of Mary.
He was involved with Christ Renews His Church men’s group and St Helen prayer group at St. Helen Catholic Church. He was a Korean War Veteran, a member of the Southern Poverty Law Center and an activist for the poor and disenfranchised. He was most proud of the fact that he put five children through college.
Besides his wife, and two step sons, Aaron and Eric Kuchle, George leaves his daughter, Megan Kelley of Newcastle, Maine; his three sons, Gavin Kelley and his wife Donna of Andover, Mass.; Brian Kelley of Boylston, Mass.; and Justin Kelley and his wife Sharon of Northborough, Mass.; and his sister Marie Creedon of Milford, Mass. He also leaves behind many loving grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son Colin of Richmond, ME and his brothers Leon and John Kelley.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. with military honors and a reception to follow.
Interment will be at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Fla.
Rose Capo LaMarca, Winter Beach
Rose Capo LaMarca, of Winter Beach, died peacefully Aug. 6, 2017, in Vero Beach. Rose was born in New York City in 1927 and graduated from Washington Irving High School.
She worked as a bank teller in New York City. After marrying and starting a family Rose moved to Winter Beach in 1955 to be with family. As a mother of three girls she became a bookkeeper by trade, working for the City of Vero Beach, The Doctors Clinic, Robert J King Accounting and her fondest, Hale Indian River Groves.
When Rose retired, she traveled the country until she found her special place in Mineral Bluff, Ga. She built a home and enjoyed every moment living by the Toccoa River. Days were spent enjoyably gardening, feeding the ducks and watching them swim in the creek that ran by her home. She loved her time there with her beloved dog, Buster, friends and her church family. One of her greatest loves was her grandson, Lance, who brought joy to her every waking moment.
Rose is survived by daughters Fortunata LaMarca of Micco, Fla.; Felice LaMarca (Larry Michuda) of Hilton Head, S. Ca.; Brenda LaMarca Lunceford (Casey); her grandson Lance Lunceford of Vero Beach; her two nephews, Vincent Capo (Lynn); Enrico Capo (Jane) and her niece Felippa Lantz (Steve).
She was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Felippa Spatola Capo; her brother Frank Capo and ex-husband Benedetto LaMarca.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dennis Saver for his kind, compassionate and excellent professional care. The family is grateful to Claire and the staff at the Senior Resource Associations Adult Day Care Center in Vero Beach for giving our mother productive days filled with music and activities. We are also grateful to Shari and her caregivers at Angels on Call, Brookdale Vero Beach South Memory Care and VNA Hospice who treated our mother with respect, kindness and love.
A private family service will be held.
Contributions in Rose’s memory may be made to Senior Resource Association Adult Day Care, 686 14th St. Vero Beach FL 32960 and VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, 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.
Services were held at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach. Mass was celebrated at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
Daniel Holton Robb, 82, Sebastian
Mr. 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, Sebastian. He was a retired firefighter from the Miami Beach Fire Department. Dan was also a lifeguard at Haulover Beach, Miami Beach.
Survivors include sons Sean Robb (Dana) of Sunrise, Fla., and 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, at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. Services will be held 12 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Sebastian Cemetery.
Robert “Craig” Scherf, 43, Vero Beach
Robert “Craig” Scherf passed away Aug. 4, 2017, in Vero Beach. Craig died on his 43rd birthday after a battle with cancer. He was born in Tampa, to Kathleen and Chester Scherf.
His family spent time in Princeton, W. Va., and Key West before moving to Vero Beach in 1980. He was employed by Florida Shutters, Inc. where he manufactured hurricane shutters.
Craig attended Vero Beach High School where he met his future wife, Charlene Head. They married May 31, 2003, and were finally blessed with their daughter, Samantha, on Dec. 26, 2013. He was a loving husband and thrilled to be a father.
Craig enjoyed life to the fullest. He and Charlene spent many weekends camping and four-wheeling at their camp at River Ranch. His brothers loved to join him in playing video games and watching sports, with Craig cheering for the Washington Redskins. He played softball with his brother Danny and friends for Team Jim Rott #69.
Craig was always the life of the party. You could not help but laugh or smile if he was in the room. From a young age, he would tell jokes but never at others’ expense. Craig will be remembered most for his sense of humor and kind heart.
Survivors include his wife Charlene Scherf; daughter, Samantha; mother Kathleen Mergott; brothers Christopher (Liz) Scherf, Jason Allbaugh, Daniel Mergott; nieces Beth (William) Stamps, Emily Scherf, Jordyn Scherf and Bailee Mergott; uncle Robert (Michele) Skinner; and aunts Judy (Dennis) Brubeck, Karen (Mike) Reid; and numerous close cousins.
Craig was preceded in death by his father, Chester Scherf; step-father William Erwin Mergott; grandparents Robert and Elizabeth Skinner, and Chester and Gloria Scherf; uncle Jerry Skinner; aunts Jeanne Zimmer and Janet Warner.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the college fund established for Samantha Scherf care of Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0003.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday Aug. 11, 2017, at Central Assembly of God, 6767 20th Street, Vero Beach, Fl 32966
Theresa ‘Terry’ Riedl Smick, 89, Vero Beach
Theresa “Terry” Riedl Smick, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017.
Terry was born in Port Chester, NY, to Hans and Anne (Johanneson) Riedl. She met her beloved husband, the late Rev. Frank Smick Jr. (Pete), while a student at the King’s College in New Castle, Del.
She lovingly and faithfully served as a pastor’s wife to two congregations for 35 years; Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland and Faith Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. In both of these congregations she was regarded as “everyone’s best friend.”
For the last 12 years, Terry has resided in Vero Beach at both the Regency Park and Harbor Chase communities where she was beloved by all those she encountered.
Terry was a true people person; she loved meeting new people and welcoming them into her circle of friends. She served on the welcoming committee at Regency Park, greeting and getting to know new residents as they moved in. She often had plans with friends and was usually stopped multiple times by others when leaving the dining rooms at Regency Park to chat and say hello.
She touched and inspired lives through her unshakeable conviction and belief in her faith. Terry loved and cared for her family and friends deeply.
Terry was the mother of four sons, Timothy (Bobbi), of Vero Beach, David (Vickie), of Vero Beach; Daniel (now deceased) and wife, Susan, of Columbia, S. Ca.; and (Peter) Samuel, of Wilmington, Del. Having no daughters of her own, she truly considered all of her daughters-in-law to be her daughters. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, Kim (Mitch), Peter (Amanda), Sarah (Ian), Amy (Jeff), David, Benjamin, Samuel, and Calvin; as well as four great-grandchildren, Emma and Ethan (children of Kim and Mitch), and Grace and Olivia (children of Peter and Amanda).
Terry faithfully worshipped at Berea Presbyterian Church (Hockessin, Del.) and Christ the King Presbyterian Church (Vero Beach).
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at HarborChase, of Vero Beach, her private caregiving team, and VNA Hospice of Vero Beach for their support in her final days.
Memorial services will be held at both the Christ the King Presbyterian Church located at 4050 77th St, Vero Beach, on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, at 1 p.m. and at Berea Presbyterian Church located at 957 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Del., on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Terry requested that donations be made to the Women’s Refuge Center:PO Box 1484, Vero Beach, FL 32961.Please note in the memo: In Memorial of Theresa Smick.
Ruth Winther, 94 Vero Beach
Ruth Winther, 94 of Vero Beach, died peacefully on Aug. 1, 2017, at the Vero Beach VNA Hospice House. She had recently celebrated her 94th Birthday a week before her death. Ruth Winther was born on July 25, 1923 in Freeport, NY. She was the sixth of eight children born to John and Louise Bruns.
During WWII she worked at Grumman Aircraft as a bookkeeper. Ruth sang in the Grumman Choir entertaining the U.S. Troops. After the war she was employed at Chase National Bank as a bookkeeper and worked in New York City.
She married John F. Winther on Sept. 29, 1946, and they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary last year before John’s death on Nov. 26, 2016. They lived in Baldwin, NY, from 1951 until their move to Florida in 1985. On Jefferson Street, she was known for her beautiful gardens.
In Baldwin, Ruth was a member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand Avenue. She was active in the Choir, Cana Couples Club, Women’s Altar Guild and Hospitality Committee.
After moving to Florida in 1985, Ruth was an Organizing Charter Member of Living Lord Lutheran Church on 58th Avenue in Vero Beach. She was very active in the Choir, Women’s Altar Guild and Hospitality Committee.
Ruth and John’s first residence in Vero was in Tamara Gardens. Ruth served as President and Board Member of the Tamara Garden Condo Association for 16 years.
They moved to Vista Plantation in 2001. There, Ruth was very active in the Choraliers, a singing group, and enjoyed singing in their many programs entertaining the residents and families.
Ruth is survived by her three children, daughter, Linda Eggermann (Fred), Fred Winther (Sherri) and John Winther Jr. (Nancy). She was the proud grandmother to Debbie, Stefanie, Katie, Jessica, James, Kristie, John Thomas, Jennifer and Heather Joy. She was the Great-Grandmother to nine. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Cecelia DeVito (Frank), from New Jersey.
She was predeceased by her husband, John F. Winther, daughter, Laura Winther Strait, and six siblings.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the Memory of Ruth Winther, to Living Lord Lutheran Church, 2725 58th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32966.
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.