Robert Warren Cross, 68, Vero Beach
Robert “Bob” Warren Cross, 68, formerly of Watkins Glen, N.Y., most recently residing in Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2020. Bob was born to Warren A. and Barbara A. Jacobs Cross on Sept. 25, 1951, in Elmira, N.Y.
He graduated from Watkins Glen Central School District in 1969 and went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Navy from 1969 to 1973. Upon returning home from the military, he dedicated his professional life to serving others.
Bob’s greatest accomplishment was raising his two daughters, Ashley and Emily, alongside Marilyn Wilson Cross.
Bob was a New York State correction officer until he retired in 2009 from Willard Drug Treatment Campus. He was most passionate about being a Drill Instructor at Camp Monterey. He loved being able to have a positive and influential impact on his platoons throughout his years of service. After retiring, Bob spent the remainder of his days in Florida. He loved spending time with family, golfing, gardening, and playing pinochle. He had strong, unwavering faith in God and attended church every Sunday.
Bob leaves behind his children, Ashley (Johntyler) Salzer and Emily (Denis) Amisano. He recently became a loving grandfather to Cooper and Bennett Salzer and Evvie and Luca Amisano. He is also survived by his father, Warren A. Cross; sister, Barbara (David) Havens; brothers, Marius (Debra) Cross, Gregory Cross, David (Elizabeth) Cross, and Albert (Latasha) Cross. Bob also leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as long time friends: Sharon Cross, Rosie Cross, Maureen Hannan Palcos, Michael Learn, Billy Field and loving companion, Bibiana “Vivi” Montoya.
Bob was predeceased by his mother, Barbara; and his brother, William D. Cross.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, NY on Friday, July 2, 2021, at 11 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Melissa B. Wilson Scholarship Fund: 111 15th Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
Joan Karen Kuczaj, 77, Vero Beach
Joan Karen Kuczaj, 77, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sept. 25, 2020. She was born on Nov. 11, 1942.
Joan, affectionately known as “Joann,” was born and raised in Wattsburg, Pa., to Henry L. and Verna G. (Parker) Wyman. She grew up in the family home with her five siblings.
Joan graduated from Wattsburg Area Joint High School on June 2, 1960. After meeting Robert Walter Kuczaj, the two were married on Oct. 7, 1967, and soon after moved to Vero Beach in 1969.
Joan started at Piper Aircraft in 1973 and worked there for 40 years before retiring. While dealing with recent health issues since her retirement, she never let is slow her down and she never complained. Joan was tough as nails on the outside and had a heart of gold on the inside.
She enjoyed Sunday family dinners and games, and seeing her grandson would light up her face. Joan would tell you that her greatest accomplishment in life was her children, because she didn’t think it possible.
She is survived by her children, son, Brian David Kuczaj and daughter, Debra Lynn Kuczaj, both of Vero Beach; and her grandson, Cody Preston Blanton, also of Vero Beach; two sisters, Diane McDonald, of Corry, Pa., and Cathy Williams, of Union City, Pa.; and one brother, Gary Wyman, also of Union City.
Joan was predeceased by her parents and husband, as well as her two brothers, David “Stub” Wyman, of Union City, and Lynn Wyman, of Wattsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joan’s name to the local Senior Resource Association, 694 14th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 or www.seniorresourceassociation.org/donate-now/
Charles Lamar Mills, 91, Fellsmere
Charles Lamar Mills, 91, of Fellsmere, passed away Sept. 21, 2020, in Vero Beach. Charles was born in Lavern, Ala., July 8, 1929, to Charles and Alma Mills.
Charles retired from the Air Force with over 24 years of service. Charles was a life member of the VFW.
He enjoyed bowling, fishing, poker and supported veterans’ causes.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 68 years, Jacqueline L. Mills; children, Catherine Mills Wilson, Deborah Mills Piper, Dorothy E. Mills, Charles A. Mills, and John A. Mills; 13 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and two sisters; a son, Thomas B. Mills; and two grandchildren and one great-grandson.
William Peterson, 91, Vero Beach
William “Bill” Peterson, 91, of Vero Beach, passed away at his home on Sept. 17, 2020. Bill was born on June 14, 1929, in Rockville Centre, N.Y. His parents, Jonas Elof Peterson and Thea Christina Gustavson immigrated from Sweden and settled in Long Island where they raised six children.
After graduating from South Side High School in Rockville Centre he went to Hofstra University.
Bill accepted the greater call to duty for his country by bravely and honorably serving in the artillery division of the United States Army, in the Korean War. He was inducted on Jan. 30, 1951, and was transferred to the Army Reserve on Nov. 4, 1952.
He was honorably discharged on Jan. 16, 1957, having received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Bronze star and United Nations Service Medal.
He moved to Miami and attended the University of Miami and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958. While earning his degree he served for the Miami Police Department.
He married Susan McDowell Graham on June 5, 1964. They raised two children in Miami. William David Peterson was born April 8, 1967 and Susan Kristin Peterson Britt was born April 18, 1971.
Bill moved to Vero Beach and retired from F. Schumacher as an account sales representative. He spent his days playing and watching golf. One of the highlights was when he got a hole in one on the 18th hole at Sandridge Golf Club.
His passion for the game was exceeded only by the love and affection he had and showed toward his family and particularly his two grandchildren, Maxwell Graham Britt and Addison Joanne Britt, children of Cori Jon Britt and Kristin Britt, who reside in Orlando.
He was also very proud of his son William David Peterson who resides in Laguna Niguel, Ca.
Bill had a smile and a quick wit that brightened any room he entered. “Sweet William” as he was sometimes referred, was a dear friend to many. He loved his family and country and served them both with pride, honor, and loyalty. We will miss him dearly.
Bill is preceded in death by three sisters, Astrid Peterson Otten, Alma Peterson Cooper, and Ethel Peterson Horr; and two brothers, Phillip Peterson and Gustavson “Gus” Peterson.
Helen Marie St. Amand, 92, Vero Beach
Helen Marie St. Amand, 92, of Vero Beach, passed away Sept. 24, 2020. Helen was born July 2, 1928, in Cross City, Fla., to the late Jessie Light and Flossie Hires Light.
She attended St. Helen’s Catholic Church. She was employed by Carling Black Label as an executive secretary for several years. After her retirement, Helen continued working as a volunteer at VNA Hospice for 15 years.
Her pastimes included working in her flower garden and rooting for her Florida Gators.
She is survived by her loving husband, Raymond St, Amand; a daughter, Virginia Breaux (Kallum); three grandchildren, William Gray III, Daniel Gray (Michelle) and Reuben Breaux (Ariel); a great-grandson, Lincoln Elijah; and many other loving family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son, William Gray, Jr.
A Memorial Mass will be at St. Helen’s Catholic Church at a later date.
Memorials may be made to VNA Hospice in Helen’s name; 901 37th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.