James Matt Gummerson, 93, Vero Beach
James Matt Gummerson, 93, of Vero Beach, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018, at his home. Jim was born in Owen, Wisc., to the late John H. and Julia Maurer Gummerson veteran of World War II, serving for three years in the US Marine Corp. in the South Pacific and Asia during WWII.
Jim had a very storied career in his field of interest. It was in 1948 that he entered the family owned farm equipment business before joining Allis-Chalmers Mftg. Co. in 1955 where he was the territory manager (Blockman) serving in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.
In 1960, he founded Mid-States Equipment, Inc., a midwest distribution Co. in the fluid power field and currently operated by his son, James. In 1978 Jim formed Sun Hydraulics Co. in Florida engaging in the marketing of hydraulic components. Then in 1985, Jim started Mid-States Hydraulics School Equipment and Educational Div., which developed fluid power training equipment and related education programs marketed to high schools, technical schools and universities. Jim began a consulting business to the fertilizer and citrus industry in 1989.
Most recently, prior to his retirement, Jim served as a consultant to Mid-States Equipment, Inc. in Medford, Wisc.
Jim was a faithful member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. He was also a Third and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Marine Corp League.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Mildred Gummerson; daughters, Mary Melbinger and Judy Mathewson; son, James Gummerson; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Charles Gummerson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Center of Vero Beach, 3650 41st St, Vero Beach, FL 32967, St. Francis Manor, 1750 20th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960, The ARC, 1375 16th Avenue, Vero Beach 32960.
Mass with military honors for Jim will be celebrated beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 30, at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Elmira Aina Mende, 79, Sebastian
Elmira Aina Mende, 79, passed away June 21, 2018, in Sebastian. After many years of service as a preacher’s wife, missionary, and teacher, she finished out her years on the property her father built in Sebastian.
She enjoyed sharing her faith and helping others.
Survivors include daughters, N. Kirsten Amaral (husband, Chris Amaral), Tasia Ragsdale (husband, Dennis Ragsdale), and Marisa Garcia (husband, Gregory Garcia); grandchildren, Kyrie and Kyle Carlson, Rachel De Joode, Brooke Summa, and Aubrey Garcia; and great-grandchildren Sabyr and Max De Joode.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30, at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Wabasso, where she was a longtime member.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Wabasso.
Lisanne Monier Robinson, 62, Sebastian
Lisanne Monier Robinson, 62, of Sebastian, a lifelong artist and creative visionary, died on Thursday, June 21, 2018, after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones, family and friends.
Originally from Baltimore, Md., she spent over 30 years in Florida, arriving in Sebastian in 1999. She was the founder of the Sebastian Riverfront Fine Arts and Music Festival, and a community activist, serving the City of Sebastian in a number of roles, including Planning and Zoning Board (2001 -2004), City Councilwoman (2004-2006), the Working Waterfront Committee and multiple city committees.
Lisanne, the wife of devoted husband Richard Robinson, is also survived by her mother, Jean Monier, (Frank), of Illinois; her brother, Kit Monier, of California; and her loving son, Michael Sasscer (wife, Amie), of North Carolina; and two grandchildren, Luke and Molly; and the extended Robinson family.
All will miss her very much.
Lisanne made many friends over the years, including her childhood friend, Wendy Ferguson, and her artist friends Carol Swayze, Terry and Jim Corcoran, Sara Aune, and many other artists throughout the country.
She was devoted to encouraging creativity in all of her endeavors, and with everybody she met. She saw “the light and color” in a very unique way. Her extended Sebastian friends were fortunate to also call her friend.
A celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, July 14, time to be determined, on the waterfront in Sebastian.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Sebastian Riverfront Fine Arts and Music Festival, Inc., a local not for profit providing art supplies to elementary schools in Sebastian, at 1125 US 1, Sebastian.
Arrangements entrusted to Seawinds Funeral Home.
George Louis Spilios, 89, Sebastian
George Louis Spilios, 89, of Sebastian, passed peacefully at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, on Sunday June 24, 2018, after being cared for at home for many months.
George was born in Bridgeport, Ct., where he graduated high school in 1945 before training for electronics repairs. George served in the National Guard. He owned an electronics and record shop in the 1950s before establishing a lifelong carrier as a top ranking Insurance salesman and then manager for Banker’s Life and Casualty Company from which he retired in the 1990s.
George and his wife moved to Sebastian in 2004 where he continued to work part time as a security officer at the Anchor Community within the Moorings in Vero Beach.
George is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anita; his daughter, Sandra Sommer, of Groton, Mass.; sons, Louis Spilios, of Kittery, Maine, and Arthur Spilios, of Vero Beach; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren, all from New England area.
Viewing hours will be held on Wednesday evening, June 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian. A Church service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 28, at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church located at 2525 South 25th St., Fort Pierce. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. at Sebastian Cemetery, 1921 North Central Ave., Sebastian.
