Michael D. Battaglini, 83, Vero Beach
Michael D. Battaglini, 83, of Vero Beach, passed away on Dec. 1, 2018. Michael was born to Dominick and Yolonda Battaglini in Philadelphia, Pa. He has been a resident of Vero Beach for the past 30 years.
Prior to his retirement, Michael worked as the District Attorney for the City of Philadelphia. He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
Michael enjoyed fishing in his spare time.
Michael is survived by his brother, Arnold Battaglini; nephew and niece, Stephen and Cynthia Battaglini; great-nephew, Justin Battaglini; Godson, John Berattini; and cousin, Adele Barisi.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Helen’s Catholic Church.
A funeral mass was held St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Vero Beach.
Dale R. Bintz, Vero Beach
Dale R. Bintz, of Vero Beach, formerly of Vineland, N.J., passed away Dec. 2, 2018.
Dale is survived by his wife of 69 years, Naomi Bintz, and their two sons, David Bintz (Cynthia), of Spain, and Donald Bintz (Devo), of Burbank, Calif.
Dale was a loving grandfather to Ryan, Julie, and Kathleen; and his nine great-grandchildren.
Dale was a US Army veteran in WWII, and fought in the Battle of The Bulge 1944-1945.
Services for Dale will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, at Tabernacle Ministries, 51 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, where Dale was a longtime member. Visitation will be at 2 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m.
Interment for Dale will take place Monday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m. at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers, Contributions can be sent to Greater Europe Mission, Account 04413 PO Box 1669, Monument, CO, 80132 or http://www.gemission.org/donate and enter account number.
Billie Winford Harless, 96, Sebastian
Billie Winford Harless, 96, died Dec. 1, 2018, at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian.
He was born in West Virginia and lived in Sebastian coming from Winter Haven in 1968.
Billie was a US Army Air Corps veteran and served as a bombardier in WWII.
He retired as a Machine Inspector from Piper Aircraft.
Billie was a member of Sebastian Church of God, Sebastian.
Survivors include his nephew, Craig Harless (Patti), of Hammondville, Ala.; grandson, Cole Hardman, of Vero Beach; stepsons, Maxwell Doy Hardman (Debra Ann), of Titusville, and Michael Thomas Hardman, of Bluefield, West Virginia; great-niece, Courtney Harless, of St. Cloud; and caregiver and friend, Donnie Ray Wynn.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Alice F. Harless in 2010.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sebastian Church of God, 281 Delaware Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958 in memory of Billie Harless.
Visitation will be held 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Sebastian Church of God, 281 Delaware Ave., Sebastian. Funeral Services will follow at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian.
Carolyn J. Hunter, 55, Vero Beach
Carolyn J. Hunter, 55, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2018, at VNA Hospice House.
She was born June 9, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio, and had been a resident of Vero Beach for 30 years, coming from Ohio.
Carolyn worked as a CNA and enjoyed caring for others. She was a beautiful person, inside and out and had a bubbly personality. Carolyn was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan and yet still the “Belle of the Ball.”
She leaves her memories to be cherished by her son, Kyle (Amber) Hunter, of Parsons, Tenn.; mother, Patricia McClure, of Vero Beach; sisters, Patty (Rich) Hegerty, of McConnell, S.C., and Susie Lang, of Vero Beach; grandchildren, Blakeleigh, Gage and Jagger and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She also leaves her life long best friend, Dawndee Duemay, of Ohio, as well as her ex-husband and dear friend, Rich Hunter.
Carolyn was predeceased by her father, Fred McClure, and sister, Pam McClure; maternal grandparents, Ernie and Sylvia Rains.
A memorial service will be held in Tennessee at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA and Hospice and Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
Cynthia Diane Johns-Dahl, 57, Vero Beach
Cynthia Diane Johns-Dahl, 57, of Vero Beach, was called home by our Lord, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, after a long yet courageous battle against ovarian cancer, with family by her side. Born, Aug. 20, 1961, in Warren, Ohio, her family moved to Vero Beach in June of 1971, where she remained a lifelong resident.
Cindy attended Vero Beach High School, Class of 1979, and went on to receive her degree in Cosmetology from Indian River College in 1982.
Cindy was the Owner/Operator of “Cindy’s, Cara Bella’s Salon” formerly, “Cindy’s Guy’s and Dahl’s” Salon, formerly, “A Cut Above” Hair Salon, all in Vero Beach, spanning more than a 36-year career, marking her place as one of Vero Beach’s widely known and renowned hairdressers.
Cindy, not only known for her talent as a hairdresser, but by family, friends, clients and strangers alike for her kind and genuine love for all who crossed her path.
Her passion became her ability to make others feel good about looking beautiful, something that came naturally for her.
She was also known for being graciously willing to help many others, newly coming up in her industry, many of whom went on to become successful hairdressers and salon owners for themselves.
That was only part of her thriving passion for her career, and what became an integral element in her zest for life, her bubbly personality and beautiful smile, bestowed in her laughter over the joys she found in life, readily and notably displayed at every opportunity.
Cindy was a baptized member of The Church Of Jesus Christ-Treasure Coast Branch, headquartered in Monongahela, Pa., where she grew to know and love the Lord, whom she clearly understood provided her with the strength to endure many challenging losses typical in life.
She leaves behind two sons, David Miensma and Andrew Dahl; four grandchildren, Jade, Brandon, Mia, and Valentino; her mother, friend and confidant Carolyn Johns; and five siblings, Pam Giovannone, Sherry Barnes, Terri VanLoon (Charlie), Doug Giovannone, and Carol Johns Griffin (James); and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her daughter Cara-Dahl Williford; her father Charles Johns Giovannone; and three siblings, Daniel Johns Giovannone, Shirley Giovannone-Fussi, and David Johns Giovannone.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. at The Church Of Jesus Christ, 3801 W. Midway Rd. Fort Pierce.
In lieu of flowers, in-kind donations may be given in benefit for her grandchildren, the Sunshine of her life! Anyone having a desire to do so, her sister Carol Griffin will be accepting on their behalf.
Arrangements are being made by Aycock Funeral Home
Service handled by the Ministry of The Church Of Jesus Christ.
Donald J. Jones, 86, Vero Beach
Donald J. Jones, 86, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Donald was born in Kingston, Pa., and moved to Vero Beach 38 years ago.
He served in the United States Coast Guard and was a member of the Vero Beach Masonic Lodge. He worked most of his life as a retail salesman.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Bernice; his sons, Bernard, Donald and Darin; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his son, Bryan.
The Jones family would like to thank VNA Hospice for their care and support during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Donald’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Donald’s name be made to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Helen Theresa LaBranche, 79, Sebastian
Helen Theresa (nee Hoare) LaBranche, 79, passed away to join her loving husband Edward (Eddie) LaBranche at her home on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Sebastian. Helen was born in West Springfield, Mass., on Aug. 14, 1939.
She was the daughter of John and Anastasia Hoare.
Helen was a Certified Nursing Assistant for 25 years at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Agawam, Mass.
Upon retirement, Helen and Ed relocated from West Springfield, Mass., to Sebastian where she’s lived for the past 20 years.
In her earlier years, she was an avid boater, camper and she especially loved fishing with her husband Eddie. She was always a passionate Patriots and Red Sox fan, and even more passionate about not cooking.
She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and truly loved animals of all kinds, especially her dog, Chloe, and her cat, Tigger.
All of us will truly miss how she never neglected to send a special card for every occasion or birthday. Lately, when she was not busy being a mom/grandma, she enjoyed having her lunch at the waterfront park in Sebastian.
She would keep up with friends and family from all over the world and without fail, she would finish each day with “a” glass of Chardonnay with two ice cubes.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Edward LaBranche; her brother, Michael Hoare (Nancy Collins); and her nephew, Jonathan Hoare.
She is survived by her sister, Maryann DeTore (Arthur), by all of her eight children, Kathy (Bob) Kellerman (Summers), Mark E. LaBranche (Jeannine), Daniel Summers (Karen), Mark W. Summers (Sue), Eric LaBranche (Helen), Jeff Summers, Anita Uliasz (LaBranche) and Edward (E.J.) LaBranche (Ruben); her 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren (with a 12th on the way); her three nieces and four nephews; as well as her lifetime best friend, Joanie Patten.
Helen was a very practical woman that would prefer, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to her favorite animal rescue organization “H.A.L.O” (Halo Rescue No-Kill shelter), 710 Jackson St., Sebastian, FL. 32958.
A public celebration of her life will be held in Massachusetts after the holidays.
Beatrice S. Magness, 80, Fellsmere
Beatrice S. Magness, 80, of Fellsmere, was called home to the Lord, Dec. 1, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by her family at the time of her death, Beatrice will be forever loved and remembered by all.
Born in Ft. Pierce, Fla., on Feb. 17, 1938, Beatrice worked at the Fellsmere Inn for several years.
She retired a homemaker and was a member of the Fellsmere Church of God.
Beatrice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, of 48 years; and the death by her daughters, Betty Scurlock and Sandra Battles; and her grandson, Daniel Battles.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Norma Jean Lucas (husband, Ken Lucas); grandchildren, Donna, Carmen, Kenny, Joshua; grandsons, Shannon Battles and Christopher Battles; Carol Furgerson; grandson, Abel Gallegos; Cathy Martinez (husband, Luis Martinez); grandchildren, Daniela C., Lucas Raymond, and Madison O.; and Melissa Joy Magness.
Beatrice is also survived by many, many, great-grandchildren; as well as her precious puppy, Pepey.
Services for Beatrice S. Magness were held hursday, Dec. 7, at Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 N. Central Ave., Sebastian.
The funeral service will be held immediately afterward.
We will forever remember how much you taught us and how much you loved us!
Anne Lindsey Newton, 92, Vero Beach
Anne Lindsey Newton, 92, of Vero Beach, formerly of Harrisonburg, Va., died Nov. 11, 2018. Anne was born Jan. 6, 1926, in Salem, Va., the daughter of the late Mary Preston and Evans Lindsey.
She was the second of the three “Lindsey girls.”
In 1947, she graduated from Roanoke College and moved to New York where she became the first woman buyer for B. Altman and Company. While living in NYC, she met her future husband, Clark Newton.
On June 26, 1951, she married the late Clark Lewis Newton. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage.
She is survived by her four children and their families, Clark Newton, Jr., of San Diego, Calif. (Erin and children Jeff and Laura), John Newton, of Harrisonburg, Va., (Linda and children Lindsey and Lane), Mary Newton, of Charlottesville, Va., (children, Lucas and Deja), and James Newton, of Vero Beach, (Mercedes). She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Throughout her adult life she loved to play duplicate bridge. A member of the Vero Beach Bridge Center, she was an accomplished and gracious player and attained the level of Gold Life Master.
She also served for many years on the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.
Her children mourn the loss of her beautiful spirit, her eternal optimism and enduring kindness to all.
Mary J Riley, 88, Vero Beach
Mary J Riley, 88, of Vero Beach, died Dec 3, 2018. Mary was born in 1930 in Brownwood, Texas.
She attended Tarleton State College in Interior Design, and won the honor of being “All Tarleton Girl”; she also attended North Texas University.
After a long career of retail ownership and management, interior design, and real estate sales in Texas, Alabama, and Florida, she moved to Vero Beach in 1987.
There she managed Indian River Furniture, and worked later as an assistant manager at the Oneida Factory Store.
Mary was a licensed teacher and pastoral/prayer chaplain of the Unity Church of Vero Beach; she led programs and taught many classes.
In addition, Mary was a former volunteer chaplain for Indian River Hospital and volunteer for hospice and former board member of the Salvation Army.
Surviving are three daughters: Donna/Paul Marshall, of Northport, N.Y., Beki Riley, of Deltona, Fla., and Karen/David Bateman, of Plano, Texas. Also surviving are two brothers, Gene (Karen) Pierce, of Nashville, Tenn., and Howard (Bennie) Pierce, of Brownwood.
Mary had seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Perry Nelson; second husband, George Riley; also deceased are daughters, Donna Lee Nelson, Debbie Calvert, and Terry Meseberg; and sons, Danny Nelson and Dr. George M. (Mike) Riley.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, Jan 27, 2 p.m. at the Unity Church of Vero Beach, 950 43rd Ave, Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Unity Church of Vero Beach Memorial Fountain Fund, in Mary Riley’s memory.
Geraldine M. Ryan, 57, Vero Beach
Geraldine M. Ryan, 57, of Vero Beach, passed away Dec. 4, 2018, at the Vero Beach VNA Hospice House. Born on June 23, 1961, in Queens, N.Y., Geraldine has since lived in Sloatsburg, N.Y., Winter Springs, Fla., Long Valley and Mt. Arlington, N.J., before retiring to Vero Beach.
Geraldine was a graduate of Clarkstown North High School, New City, N.Y., and Rockland Community College, Suffern, N.Y.
Though she worked as a secretary and admin for real estate agents at RE/MAX Associated Realty, her true calling was being a mother and homemaker to her beloved family.
Geraldine was a member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Vero Beach.
A beautiful and creative woman, Geraldine enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and making custom greeting cards. The pride she had in her two sons and the love she had for her family was immeasurable.
She enjoyed baking and cooking for her friends and family. Her famous pinoli and tri-color cookies will be as fondly remembered as she is.
After her husband retired, she looked forward to their daily outings. Together, they were a team that rekindled their love everyday.
Survivors include her high school sweetheart of 40 years, husband, Andrew Ryan; and two sons, Matthew and Jonathan.
The family will greet friends from 1 – 2 p.m., Friday, December 7th, 2018 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 2 p.m.
Henrietta Avery Turner, 97, Vero Beach
Henrietta Avery Turner, 97, of Vero Beach, died at home on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, with her daughter by her side.
She was born to the late Frederick and Lois Sorries on July 18, 1921, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Henrietta graduated from Freeport High School on Long Island.
She married the late Aurelio “Ray” Cerdan and lived in Akron, Ohio; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Amityville, Long Island and Mexico City, Mexico. They retired to Vero Beach in 1969. She later married the late Frederick Turner, of Vero Beach, on Oct. 20, 1973, resided in Vero Beach and together traveled the world.
Henrietta was a stay-at-home mother and homemaker until her children were grown. She became a Realtor for Alex McWilliam Real Estate agency until she retired in 1989.
Henrietta was a member of the First United Methodist Church and The Garden Club of Indian River County, Seagrape Circle. She was a former member of the Vero Beach Country Club and the Vero Beach Yacht Club.
Henrietta is survived by her four children, Richard Cerdan of London, England; Susan (Walter) Cerdan, of Vero Beach; Catherine (Harold) Jetter, of Walton, Ky., and Michelle Cerdan, of Tallahassee, Fla. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Service of Remembrance and Celebration will be held on Friday Dec. 14, at 11a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Vero Beach.
Interment will take place at Crestlawn at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110-35th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32963 or the First United Methodist Church, 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
