Edward W. Hayes, 90, Vero Beach
Edward W. Hayes, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully and returned home on April 27, 2018, after a long and courageous battle with several serious illnesses. Ed was born Oct. 21, 1927, in Philadelphia to the late Charles and Lulu Hayes.
After completing his education and serving his country, Ed was employed by Stokes/Pennwalt Chemical Company, where he worked as a tool and die maker and retired as a general foreman after many dedicated years of service to that company, later fulfilling his dream of retiring in Florida.
Ed loved music, dancing, eating out, sports, the outdoors and, most of all, spending time with his friends and family.
Ed was a Free Mason, was funny, witty, engaging, caring, polite and very kind, always doing what he could for others, and always placing the needs of others before his own. He was an inspiration in courage and optimism to his family and friends and a throw-back to what it meant to be a “gentleman.”
Ed is survived by his wife and best friend of more than 20 years, Anna Groves Hayes. He was a loving father to his son, Edward John (“the boy”) and daughter-in-law, Mary; his daughter, the late Cheryl Lynn; as well as his step-daughter, Chrissy (Jason).
He loved his grandchildren, Robby (Tiffany), Colleen (George), Tara and Kyle; and his great-grandchildren, Colin, Kacey, Genna, Jake, Caden, Juliette, Jason, Izabella, Robert and Samantha.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Thelma (nee Burke), and his long time canine “friend” Rudy.
Ed’s family will not only shed tears because he is gone, but they will also smile brightly because he has lived and because he has touched their lives in so many ways. He will be sadly missed, but he will never be forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Ed’s wonderful life on May 12 at Fairlane Harbor, Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in his name and memory to the Center School, 2450 Hamilton Avenue, Abington PA 19001, a school for children with learning differences, or VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32690.
John Allen King, 88, Sebastian
John Allen King, 88, of Sebastian, went to be with God on April 26, 2018. Jack, as he was known by all, was a resident of Sebastian and formerly of Cherry Tree, Pa. He was born June 22, 1929, the son of Allen John and Oneta (Berringer) King.
Jack was a retired truck driver, a member of the Free Mason – Coalport Lodge # 574 and a lifelong member of the Teamsters Union.
He loved hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, N. Beulah (Smith) King; daughter, Rowena M. (John) Fox, of Cherry Tree, Pa., son, John A. (Jan) King, of Sebastian; grandchildren, Neysha E. Fox, of Indiana, Pa., Jaime E. (Nate) Tyler, of Chesapeake, Va., John E. (Aida) King, of Sebastian, and Meghan L. Fox, of Rochester, N.Y.; great-grandchildren, Price Tyler, Sophia King, Elle Tyler, Aidan King and Jack King; a brother, Thomas S. King; and sister, Kathleen Lefebure, both of Cherry Tree, Pa.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson, Byron Fox; and five sisters.
There will be no viewing or service in Florida and he will be returned to Pennsylvania for a celebration of his life.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, Florida.
Parris Westbrook, 75, Vero Beach
Parris Westbrook, 75, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 28, 2018. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 20, 1942, lived in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Orlando before moving to Vero Beach.
His life work was always about bringing people together. One piece was focused on spaces – music, entertainment, food, and hospitality. Another piece was focused civic engagement, justice, inclusion, and the environment. He was a creative entrepreneur and a community activist.
In Vero Beach, he worked for Boys and Girls Club of IRC, Hibiscus House and was an active member of the Democratic Women’s Club of IRC and the Democratic Party. He also volunteered with Pelican Island Audubon Society and the Marine Resources Council to help save the lagoon.
Parris was a graduate of Duquesne University and served in the Air National Guard of Pennsylvania.
Parris was one of the most empathetic people to ever walk the Earth.
He is survived by his brother, Raymond Westbrook; three daughters, Shana Whitehead, Corry Westbrook, and Jessica Westbrook; as well as three grandsons, Garrett Whitehead, Nicholas Whitehead, and Oskar Westbridge.
He was pre-deceased by his wife, Kathy Westbrook; and his father and mother, Ansley and Phyllis Westbrook.
Services will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach, on Saturday, May 5. Family and friends will begin to gather at 2:45 p.m. with a service at 3 p.m., followed with a celebration of life reception with light refreshments at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to The VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.