Donald E. McCarthy, 79, Vero Beach
Donald E. McCarthy, 79, died April 4, 2018, at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. Don was born Nov. 20, 1938, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Vero Beach from Cape Cod, Mass.
Don began his career as a City of New York Patrolman and retired in 1985 as a homicide Detective after nearly 20 years of service. Prior to choosing his career he served our country in the US Army.
As a committed friend of Bill W. for 40 years, one of his greatest joys was helping others, and he had a special gift for working with newcomers.
Don was an avid sports enthusiast and a passionate fan of most New York teams.
Survivors include his wife, Gwen A. Forbes-Wolfe, of Vero Beach; daughter, Laura (David) Hicks, of Smithtown, N.Y.; sons, Patrick (Meredith) McCarthy, of Merrick, N.Y., Matthew (Christine) McCarthy, of Vero Beach, and Michael McCarthy, of Ocala, Fla.; brother, Terry (Angela) McCarthy, of Freehold, N.J.; sisters, Claire (Donald) Ferolito, of Kings Park, N.Y., and Maureen (Daniel) Donovan, of Forestdale, Mass.; grandchildren, Alexandra Hicks, Kendall McCarthy, Layla McCarthy, and Kyleigh McCarthy; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Dennis and Larry McCarthy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, American Cancer Society, 3375 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or charity of one’s choice.
A gathering for family and friends was held at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a celebration of life beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Mass for Don was celebrated at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
Elvi Sanchez, 89, Sebastian
Elvi Sanchez, 89, of Sebastian, passed away peacefully in VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach on Saturday, April 14, 2018. She was born Elvi Roura-Ortiz in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, as the youngest of eight children.
She attended Polytechnic Institute and nursing school in Puerto Rico before her marriage to Rafael Sanchez, Jr. in 1952. In their 62-plus years together, they lived in Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and California, before moving to Florida in 1989, where they lived in Sebastian.
Elvi worked as a registered nurse in hospitals, schools and universities, and later taught nursing upon receiving her Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas.
After moving to Sebastian, she worked for Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) in Fellsmere as a health educator for preschool parents and childcare workers.
Elvi was a devoted wife, mother, and friend who loved life, delighted in meeting people and being with family and friends, enjoyed cooking, sewing, music, art and dance. Her greatest joy was in caring for others and her playful nature helped her make friends and have a good time everywhere she went.
Hers was a life well-lived and filled with joy, kindness, laughter, service and song until her last breath.
Elvi is survived by her daughter Shanti Gloria, of Sebastian; son, Rick and daughter-in-law, Tara, of Glendale, Calif.; brother, Evaldo Roura, of Puerto Rico; “sister from another mother” Jeanne Wild; and numerous dear extended family members, neighbors and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Rafael; brothers, Samuel, Duilio, Milton, and Pedro; and sister, Judith Picon.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the VNA & Hospice Foundation or the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian with Reverend Jeff Wood officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian.
