Donald George Cushman, 95, Vero Beach
Donald George Cushman, 95, of Vero Beach, passed away Sept. 6, 2019, in Vero Beach. He was born Aug. 29, 1924, in Rochester, N.Y., to the late George and Amy Cushman.
Mr. Cushman was a graduate of Charlotte High School, Rochester and later attended Syracuse University, studying Commercial Art. He served in the United States Army, during WWII and was an accomplished drummer.
He enjoyed his many years of work for Eastman Kodak.
Donald was a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Survivors include his daughter, Gail; sons, George, Paul, Donald, and John; daughter-in-law, Nancy; 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Geraldine; and brother, Calvin Cushman.
John Donaldson Henderson, 103, Vero Beach
John Donaldson Henderson, 103, of Vero Beach, formerly of Glen Rock, N.J., and Greensburg, Pa., died Sept. 8, 2019, at Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach. Born Nov. 8, 1915, in Tarrytown, N.Y., to the late Thomas S. and Ada W. L. Henderson, John grew up in Southampton where he spent as much time as he could on the beach and in the ocean.
He graduated from Cornell University in 1937, where he met his future wife, Sharrot Mayer (Cornell, Class of 1937). In November 1940, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he was first stationed at Mitchel Field on Long Island and then was transferred to Langley Field in Virginia for training. He went overseas in December 1943 with his unit, the 447th Signal Construction Battalion of the Ninth Air Force, where they continued training in England in preparation for a move to the Continent. They landed on Omaha Beach in July 1944 and moved through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, ending up in Germany. After the War, John and Sharrot made their home in Glen Rock, where he became President of Harder Jersey Pest Control and a director of the Glen Rock Savings and Loan.
He was a member of the Rotary Club in Ridgewood and has continued his membership in the American Legion Post 145 in Ridgewood. After retirement, they moved to Greensburg. After Sharrot’s death in 1989, John moved permanently to Florida, first residing in Boynton Beach and then moving to Indian River Estates, Vero Beach in 2003. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach.
In retirement, John enjoyed raising orchids, many of which graced the lobby when they were in bloom. In addition, he loved to travel and take photographs, having been to many countries and having many adventures.
John is survived by his two children, Mrs. P. Louis (Joan) DeRose, of Greensburg, and Dr. Stephen W. Henderson (Kathryn), of Covington, Ga.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial will be scheduled for a later time.
Ella Mae Sexton Inman, 83, Vero Beach
Surrounded by her loving family, Ella Mae Sexton Inman passed peacefully into the waiting arms of her Savior, on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at 8:23 p.m.
Ella was born on February 6, 1936 in Lansing, N.C. She was the 12th of 13 children born to Calvin and Bessie Miller Sexton.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Wolfkill (Dave); children, George McKinney (Judi), Robert Inman Jr., Barbara Van Arman (Gary), and Billy (Alex) Inman; grandchildren, Jennifer McKinney, Jonathan Armour (Lisa), Sarah Inman (Corey), Heather Hohler (Daniel), Rachel Walker (Guy), Rebecca Inman (Billy); seven great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins, all of whom loved her dearly.
Ella was predeceased by her husband, Robert Inman Sr.; granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Armour; her parents; five brothers; and six sisters.
Ella worked as a property manager before retiring in the early ’80s, disabled by rheumatoid arthritis. She enjoyed many activities despite her disability. Her favorite pastime was going to church at Riverview Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Tipton. She was their longtime pianist, choir member, and soloist. Ella loved gospel music and traveled with her faithful companion, granddaughter Rachel, to concerts and performances near and far.
For many years, she sang in her family quartet visiting churches and revivals. Later Ella, her daughter, and niece sang as The Lighthouse Trio at camp meetings and revivals in several states.
Ella loved children and they loved her. She enjoyed her time as “Nanny” to many families, especially the Bespolka children. She was so loved that they called for “Ellie-o” to join them at their England home on several occasions.
What Ella loved most, however, was Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour. She is not gone. She has entered into eternal rest, and resides in her heavenly mansion. We are rejoicing.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, 2 p.m. at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Chapel.
Visitation will precede services, starting at 1 p.m.
There will be a reception following services at Mrs. Ella’s residence.
Eben “Brad” Bradley Jones, 91, Vero Beach
Eben “Brad” Bradley Jones, 91, of Vero Beach, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Sept. 1, 2019, after a lengthy illness, and beautifully cared for by his faithful caregivers. Brad was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Nov. 8, 1927.
He graduated from University School in 1946 and from Yale University in 1950. He later graduated from the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
Brad was hired by Republic Steel Corporation and rose through the ranks to ultimately become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Steel and then CEO of the LTV Corporation.
Upon retiring from LTV, Brad became a busy trustee for multiple corporations including Fidelity, TRW, CSX, National City Corporation, Cleveland Cliffs, Birmingham Steel, and RPM. He loved his hometown city of Cleveland and gave generously through his leadership on numerous boards including serving as Chairman and President of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Clinic, University School, Laurel School, and the United Way of Cleveland.
He also served on the boards of the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Orchestra, and Playhouse Square. Brad was especially privileged to be a member of Augusta National Golf Club. He was awarded the University School Alumni Graduate Award and named a Distinguished Fellow of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In Vero Beach he served as Trustee of the John’s Island and Riomar Clubs and President of Riverside Theatre and was particularly proud of the growth of this local theatre during his stewardship.
Throughout his life, Brad remained a very humble person who was respected widely for his integrity, gentle manner, thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and loyalty. Though his accomplishments are many, Brad is most remembered for his deep commitment to friends, community, and most importantly of all, his love of his family.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Louise Jones; three daughters, Susan Robb Jones (Gretchen J. Metzelaars), Elizabeth Jones Fee (Kevin), and Ann Campbell Jones; his brother, Peter Jones; six grandchildren, Brian, Katie, Campbell, Spence, Grace, Emma; and one great-grandchild, Mason.
Brad was predeceased by his sister, Ann Hoyt Carr; and son, Bradley Hoyt Jones.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, in the chapel at The Community Church of Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Brad’s honor to Indian River VNA Hospice Music Therapy program, Riverside Theatre, or the charity of your choice.
Thomas Alvin Lassandro, 84, Sebastian
On Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, our family said goodbye to our dad, Thomas A. Lassandro, a loving husband and father of five children passed away at the age of 84. Dad was born on Oct. 27, 1934, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Michele and Augusta. Dad grew up in City Island, N.Y.
On June 14, 1958, he married the love of his life, Grace Jane Hinds. Together they raised two daughters, Patricia (husband, Wayne) Anderson, and Jennifer (husband, Steve) Glass; and three sons, Tom (wife, Diane), Russell (wife, Terrie), and Keith (wife, Linda); 11 grandchildren, Heather, Audrey, Mike, Jessica, Emily, Kailey, Tanner, Kaitlin, Ian, Spencer, Genna; and one great-granddaughter, Ada Grace.
Dad had a passion for woodworking, music, classic movies, history and a love of the sea. Dad was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his beautiful blue eyes and his kind and compassionate spirit.
Dad your legacy echoes behind you in the family you led so well. We couldn’t be prouder to share your name. You will always be with us in our hearts and souls.
Carlos Cendejas Luna, 80, Vero Beach
Carlos Cendejas Luna, 80, passed away Sept. 8, 2019, in Vero Beach. Carlos was born in La Yerbabuena Michoacan, Mexico, and lived in Vero Beach.
He retired as a harvester in the agriculture industry. Carlos was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Fellsmere.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ignacia Cendejas, of Vero Beach; sons, Carlos Cendejas (Guillermina) and Jose Cendejas (Catalina); daughters, Teresa Cendejas (Gilberto), Emilia Cerda (Carlos), Olga Magana (Francisco), Guadalupe Garcia (Rogelio), Graciela Spivey (John), Rocio Zamora (Jorge) and Alejandra Cendejas (Roberto); 17 loving grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Emilia Cendejas; brother, Juvencio Cendejas; sister, Consuleo Cendejas and grandson, Clifford Spivey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Fellsmere.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – Noon on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, 12896 County Road 512, Fellsmere, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon with Father Sabas Mallya, celebrant. Burial will take place following the Mass at Sebastian Cemetery.
Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian.
David Bayles Minuse, 81, Vero Beach
David Bayles Minuse, 81, of Vero Beach, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. He was born at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, Port Jefferson, Long Island, N.Y., on April 4, 1938, to Elinore Dickerson Minuse and Thomas Bayles Minuse.
David graduated from Cheshire Academy. After attending Nichols College, he became a partner in the family hardware/houseware business, D.T. Bayles and Son, in Stony Brook, Long Island, N.Y.
D.T. Bayles and Son evolved from a shipbuilding business established in 1843. The business expanded to include a lumber yard, supplied with timber from family owned land in the upper northwest. The business continued to expand and later included the retail sales of lumber, hardware and eventually housewares. Throughout the 1900s, and more particularly under Dave’s ownership, it became the early morning gathering spot for local people to share their news of the day prior to everyone going to their own place of business. Stony Brook is rooted in the history of the Bayles family and today the name continues in future generations.
It was not long after becoming a partner in the family business that Dave purchased a fuel oil company which he named Three Village Fuel Oil and it served the local communities of Stony Brook, Setauket and Old Field as well as the surrounding areas of St. James, Head of the Harbor, Poquott and Port Jefferson.
Dave believed in the good of his community and contributed greatly to it. He was a long time member of the Rotary Club having served as President. He also served as the head of the Stony Brook Business Association and was a Member of the Board of Directors of John T. Mather Memorial Hospital. He also enjoyed membership at St. George Golf and Country Club, East Setauket and the Old Field Club, Old Field.
It was always Dave’s wish to live in Florida, and after his children completed their general education in New York he relocated with his family to Vero Beach where he lived for over 30 years. Eager to engage in his new community he soon went to work part-time for Sewall’s Hardware in Vero Beach, where he met more lifelong friends.
Dave married his Honey in 1963 and they shared 56 years with each other, raising children, working and, in retirement, enjoying extensive travels where they made and enjoyed the company of lifelong friends.
David is survived by his wife Priscilla “Honey”; his sons, Peter Bayles Minuse (wife, Jill) of Melbourne, Paavo Bayles Minuse (wife, Suzann), of Vero Beach; and his daughter, Robin Elo Minuse (longtime partner, Jonas Beauregard), of Melbourne; two grandchildren, Brianna Rose Minuse and Jonathan Bayles Minuse; his sister, Cynthia Murphy, of Stony Brook, N.Y.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dave is remembered for his beautiful spirit, generous nature and kind heart. He never met a stranger, he only made lifelong friends and was proud to serve the community he loved.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Plaza, just east of the Strunk Funeral Home. The family will have a private inurnment at Crestlawn Cemetery immediately prior to the Celebration Service.
Dave was very proud of his grandchildren and their participation in the Vero Beach High School Music programs. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The Fighting Indians Band Boosters as follows: Vero Beach High School FIBB, 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32962.
Carl Jacob Muller, 95, Sebastian
Carl Jacob Muller, 95, of Sebastian, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019. He was born May 12, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Frances and Carl Muller.
Carl was a roofing contractor who ran the business with his brother Jack. He was a retired Navy veteran who served in WWII and Korea and was in the Naval Reserves. Carl retired to Florida in 1988.
He will be sadly missed by his daughters Christine (Gregory) Rokosz and Carla (Steven) Jiulianti; granddaughters, Stefanie and Alicia; grandson, Douglas; brother, Jack (Rose) Muller; many loving nieces and nephews; and good friends at Park Place.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Manitta Clark Muller.
Services will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date.
Grace Ida Sylvester, 86, Sebastian
Grace Ida Sylvester, 86, of Sebastian, died Sept. 10, 2019.
Survivors include her sons, John Sylvester, of Allendale, Robert Sylvester, of Palm Bay, and Raymond Sylvester, of South Daytona Beach; sister, Kathleen Pickard; and dear friend, Cindy Skrzypek, of Mount Bethel, Pa.
Visitation will be held 10 a.m. – Noon on Friday, Sept. 13, at Strunk Funeral Home Chapel, Sebastian. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, with Father John Morrissey, celebrant.
Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian.