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In Memoriam: May 9

Janeth Caldwell, 90, Vero Beach

Janeth Caldwell, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away May 6, 2018, at VNA Hospice House. She was born June 10, 1927, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived in Greendale, Ind., before settling in Vero Beach.

Janeth enjoyed her many years of work at the Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation in Lawrenceburg, Ind. She was also a member of First Baptist Church in Greendale, Ind.

Survivors include her sons, Jeffrey (Dawn) Caldwell and Thomas (Wendy) Caldwell; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Caldwell.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice of the Treasure Coast, 1110 35th Lane Vero Beach, FL 32960.

 

Robert “Bob” G. DuBose, 90, Vero Beach

Robert “Bob” G. DuBose, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Indian River Medical Center. Bob was born in Vero Beach to the late Oscar and Frances Woodward DuBose and remained a lifelong resident.

He was a post-World War II veteran, serving in the US Navy and later the US Navy Reserve.

Bob was a graduate of Vero Beach High School, Bradley University School of Horology and owned DuBose Jewelers in Vero Beach before his retirement.

But he couldn’t just retire. Bob continued working in his “retirement.”

He was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church in Vero Beach of which his grandfather founded and served as its first pastor.

As an elected official, he served on the Vero Beach City Council and Indian River County School Board. He was also a past-president and 40-year member of the Vero Beach Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Vero Beach Boat Club, Vero Beach Shrine Club and Vero Beach Masonic Lodge #250 F. & A.M.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Patsy Roberts DuBose, whom he wed on Aug. 23, 1946, in Vero Beach; sons, Ray (Linda) DuBose, of Newnan, Ga., John (Peggy) DuBose, of Okeechobee, and Michael (Sandy) DuBose, of Vero Beach; daughters, Sherry (John) Wachtel, of Gainesville, Terry Anne (Fred) Parker, of Vero Beach, and Merry (Patrick) Cobb, of Columbia, S.C.; brother, Fred DuBose, of Vero Beach; grandchildren, Rob (Cindy), Charlotte (Scott), Joy, Tammy, Timothy (Karen), Todd (Tonya), Troy, Betsy (Bernard), David (Jennifer), Kelly (Kelly), Madison, and Allison; great-grandchildren, Callie, James, Cody, Ida Lee, Sarah, Yates, Sage, Brie, Kylee, Trasin, Taylor, Emily, Delaney, Trevor, Braddock, Isaiah, and Peyton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth DuBose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave., Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

A memorial service celebrating his life will begin at 4 p.m., on Saturday May 12, at the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach followed by a reception at the church for the family.

 

John C. Johnson, 85, Sebastian

John C. Johnson, 85, of Sebastian, returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 5, 2018, after a valiant battle with a brief illness.

His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

John was born to the late Carl and Nora Johnson in Wilkes Barre, Pa., on Nov. 18, 1932.

He graduated from Bloomsburg University and Bucknell University with a degree in teaching and school administration. His first acceptance teaching was at the Carson Long Military Academy in New Bloomfield, Pa., and later in the Waverly Central Schools in Waverly, N.Y., for 35 years.

John continued a working career as an environmental consultant along with his wife, Cheryle, for 25 years representing many school districts in northeastern Pennsylvania.

He enjoyed the many years living at Macham Lake in Athens, Pa.

His Park Place Coffee guys were all special to him and he enjoyed each and every Wednesday with them.

John was a man of strong character who loved his family and the dedication and love of children was always prevalent no matter where he went. All those who knew John enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor.

He enjoyed all outside sports and spent many years as a coach, referee and mentor.

John was a member of the Shriners, Masons Rural Amity Lodge No. 70, and Indian River Charitable Association of Vero Beach.

John is survived by his loving wife, best friend and soul mate, Cheryle; children, Laura Cocco (Laurie Bryant), John Johnson (Jackie), Charlee Garcia (Val), Kimberly Johnson, Scott Johnson; stepsons, James Speanburgh (Remy) and Eric Speanburgh (Katie); grandchildren, Thomas, Jon Bryan, Jennifer, Kathryn and Megan; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Ryan, Alayna, and Baby Isabella.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at Friendship Christian Community Church, 611 Schumann Drive, Sebastian.

Contributions can be made to Friendship Christian Church, 611 Schumann Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958.

 

Rich “Spanky” Vitek, 79, Vero Beach

Rich “Spanky” Vitek, 79, of Vero Beach, died May 7, 2018, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in Chicago, Ill., and later moved from Chicago to Vero Beach in 1984.

Rich was an accomplished body and fender auto technician, working for over 50 years, for many dealerships throughout Chicago and Vero Beach. He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.

Rich was a loving husband and father who would always make people laugh. He was known for his meticulous auto body skills and was often wearing his “caputa” hat.

His legacy is his beautiful family and his 1950 Dodge Wayfarer that he built from the ground up, starting in 2001.

Rich enjoyed taking his “50” to car shows, listening to music, and laughing with his loving wife.

Survivors include his wife, Valerie Vitek; sons, Richard (Margaret) Vitek Jr., Andy (Jackie) Vitek, Wally Sokelewicz, Johnny Sokolewicz; daughters, Vicky (Gary) Gossett, Michelle Vitek (John) Devine, Julie Vitek (Michael) Riddle; sister, Virginia Ganz; brother, Frank (Ana) Vitek, III; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by mother, Veronica Priesser; father, Frank Vitek II; sister, Veronica Wagner; and grandson, Sean Sokolewicz.

A Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 11, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach.

A Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, May 12, at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2000 20th St., Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valerie Vitek, 520 37th Ave., Vero Beach.

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