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In Memory: July 17

David James Craig, Sr, 83, Sebastian

David James Craig, Sr, 83, of Sebastian, died July 13, 2020, after a period of declining health.

Dave was born in Manchester, N.H., on Feb. 27, 1937. He was one of 10 children born to William H. and Emma (Bousquet) Craig. He resided in Contoocook and Tilton, NH for many years before retiring to Florida.

Dave was a graduate of Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of NH, after serving for two years in the U.S. Army.   After college, Dave started his career as an employment recruiter, ultimately opening his own business that prospered for many years.  Dave later switched careers to car sales, combining his passion for cars, his skill at negotiation, and his affable nature towards friends, family, and strangers alike.  Dave worked for a few different dealerships in Concord, NH, before finding his home with the Carlson’s Motor Sales family, where he spent the remainder of his career.

Dave loved buying, restoring and selling antique cars. Among his favorites were his 1925 Chevy, 1928 Nash, and 1952 Singer Roadster (sparking an interest in British cars).  He became a member of the British Car Club and traveled to car shows all over New England, and later in Florida. He assisted many family members with purchasing and selling cars, whether they were antique or dream cars, and was a pro when it came to haggling or bartering.

Every Labor Day weekend from 1977-2000, Dave could be found with his family parking cars on their property across from the Hopkinton State Fair Grounds. He enjoyed the fair food almost as much as expertly parking cars in precarious spots around the house – much to the chagrin of his wife. If there was an empty spot he would find it and fill it!

Dave was an active member of the Lion’s Club and a founding member of the Hopkinton, NH Chapter. Later he earned an honorary lifetime membership for his support and service to the organization.

Dave was an avid reader.  He enjoyed participating in community theater.  He also found great reward in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity as well as other nonprofit organizations.

Dave was predeceased by his wife JoanAnn L. (Arseneault) Craig, son Christopher Craig, sisters Mary (Conforti) Talbot, and Teresa Craig, and brothers William “Bill” Craig, and Edward “Teddy” Craig.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years Elizabeth (Kidney) Craig; his children Scott Craig of Belmont, NH, Irene Mackes and her husband Brian of Belmont, NH, Lucille Prater and her husband Philip, of Augusta, GA, and David Craig, Jr. of Arlington, VA; his grandchildren Ashley Nialtez, Samantha Mackes, Nicholas Mackes, Hannah Prater, Collin Craig, Spencer Craig, and Patrick Craig; two great-granddaughters Jaelyn Nialetz and Aleena Nialetz; Step-Daughters  Amy Rowe, Jennifer Sanner, Emily Conrad, Julia Landry and their families; two sisters Marguerite “Peggy” Stanzel and Joan Fantini; three brothers Paul A. Craig, Louis J. Craig and Thomas E. Craig; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In light of the recent pandemic a memorial service/ celebration of life will be held at a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hopkinton Lions Club -Attention Scholarship Fund. Hopkinton Lions Club, P.O. Box 185, Contoocook, NH 03229

Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.

 

Ronald George Haupt, 87, Vero Beach

Ronald “Ron” “Ronnie” George Haupt, 87, of Vero Beach, died Monday, July 13, 2020, from illness after a stroke.  He was born Sept. 11, 1932, in his parent’s bedroom.

At a young age he was so funny and mischievous, which followed him all his life.

He met the love of his life, Anne, when they were 7 years old.  His first job at 13 was sweeping up the cutting room at an upholstery shop where he learned his trade.

At age 16 while his parents were away, he lied about his age and joined the National Guard as a cook for 6 years during the Korean Conflict.

He married Anne in 1950 December 23 at the Old South Church in Bergenfield, NJ.

At 19 he had his first upholstery shop in Hackensack, NJ.

At 25 he worked for Rayco, a division of B.F. Goodrich. Traveling the lower 48 states serving as a trouble shooter hiring, firing, opening, closing stores, transferring equipment state to state and training store managers.

In 1963, he opened his own Rayco store in Paramus, NJ. Growing disenchanted with population growth, he bought a deserted farm-house and 20 acres for $3,000.00. Renovating took several years and moved in 1969. He then went to work for The Village of Owego, NY as a Dog Warden, Housing Inspector and Rodent Control Officer for the State of NY when a new mayor was elected, he was out of a job.

Visiting his son in Florida in 1972, he encountered a petting zoo at a mall, learning all about it.  He returned to NY and opened up his own petting zoo “The Barnyard” successfully.

During that time, in idle winter-time, he and Anne began to travel to Europe and going around the world in 1984 visiting 38 countries in Europe, as well as, South America. Driving to Alaska and visiting all 50 states.  He bought a home in Vero Beach, FL and opened up Midway Upholstery on US 1 in Ft. Pierce, FL.  Retiring from there taking more than 50 cruises and having drinks with friends at the American Legion and dancing Friday nights with Anne at Kelly’s Irish Bar.  It was a very rewarding life.

He is survived by his wife, Anne, son Robert Haupt, grandchildren; Jessica McDonald, Stephen Trevor and Gregory Haupt, great-grandchildren; Stephen and Connor McDonald.

He was preceded in death by his father, Franz (Frank) Joseph Haupt, his mother Mae Jordan Haupt, sister, Dorothy Martin, brother, Franklyn Haupt and son, Stephen Ronald Haupt.

 

Kevin William Kelley, 46, Vero Beach

Kevin William Kelley, 46, of Vero Beach, formerly of Trenton, Mich., passed into the arms of the Lord on July 10, 2020.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Timothy Kelley. He is survived by his mother, Peggy Kelley, of Vero Beach, and his sisters, Wendy Kelley and Meghan Kelley. Also surviving him are his precious “kitties”, Cleopatra, Nefertiti, and Ramses.

Kevin was a proud Army guy, serving 4 years in The Presidential Old Guard.

He was an extremely intelligent fella and enjoyed researching anything and everything.  History was a topic he was especially interested in.  Kevin had an astonishing memory for details and an authentic gift for relaying them to others in an engaging way.

His other passions included firearms, cars, and coins.

A bit of a jokester, Kevin loved to make you chuckle, and he himself had the most amazing belly laugh.

Kevin was kind, not only to his friends and family, but he showed incredible generosity to people in need out in the community. He will truly be missed.

There will be a small memorial luncheon in the near future.

 

Dolores J. Rose, Sebastian

Dolores J. Rose was peacefully called to Heaven from her daughter’s home in Sebastian, Florida, on June 22, 2020.  She was the third child born to Paul Lysko and Christine (Odoardi) Lysko Grande.

Dolores was a gentle, loving and proud stay-at-home mother of six and a gift to all who knew her.  She served as past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of Arlington Fire District in her hometown of Poughkeepsie, New York.  In her retirement years Dolores explored her lifelong passion and exceptional talent for oil painting, frequently displaying at local venues and events.  She enjoyed a weekly round of golf with the Sebastian ladies group and was crowned “Leader & Heart of the Niners”.

On May 13, 1951 in Poughkeepsie, Dolores married Arthur Edward Rose, her beloved husband of 64 years, who predeceased her in 2015.  She was also predeceased by her parents, brother Paul B. Lysko, sister-in-law June Lysko and grandson Donald J. Rebaglia.

Mrs. Rose is survived by her children Jeffery (Carroll), Mary Rose (Donald) Rebaglia, Patrick, Edward (Cristy), Suzzanne (Michael) Kovar, and Thomas (Jill), 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Dolores will be sadly missed by her loving sister Rosemary (Gary) Werner, sister-in-law Patricia Lysko, brothers John Lysko, Robert (Mary) Lysko and Michael (Jan) Grande, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

With heartfelt gratitude for their extraordinary care and support, please consider memorial donations to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, in lieu of flowers.

Services will follow in Poughkeepsie, New York, under the direction of Timothy Doyle Funeral Home, www.doylefuneralhome.com.

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