Edward Stephen Massey, 65, Vero Beach
Edward Stephen “Steve” Massey, 65, died Oct. 8, 2020, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Vero Beach. Steve was born in Lakeland and raised in Wabasso.
He attended the Wabasso School and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1972, where he was known as a dedicated student. Steve went to Indian River Community College and Florida International University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Steve served as area President of Florida Nurses Association and President of the Pelican Island Preservation Society.
He was a member of Grace Methodist Church, Wabasso.
Steve was loyally committed to Indian River Hospital for 45 years. Beginning as an orderly, working as a floor nurse, ER charge nurse, and eventually hospital recruitment. Steve was all about people and cultivated many relationships through his different roles and multiple decades at the hospital. Steve had a special ability to see the unique strengths in individuals and form connections between people.
In 2016, Steve retired from the hospital and opened Wabasso Bait and Tackle Shack. It was more than a store; it was a place for the community to gather and exchange fishing tales. Steve welcomed everyone as an old buddy.
Steve had great enthusiasm for life and a seemingly endless amount of energy. He knew how to throw one hell of a party, preferably on the river! Steve’s heart and generosity knew no boundaries. As soon as you met Steve, he made you feel important and welcome. He loved and cared for friends as though they were the closest of family.
In 2010, Steve married the love of his life, Deby Duke. Together they shared an abundance of passion, fun, and sweet memories. Steve and Deby loved traveling and spending time with his stepsons and granddaughters.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Deby Duke Massey; stepsons, Robert Scot Freeman (wife, Heather), and Ryan Holt Freeman (wife, Brooke); granddaughters, Blakley and Riley Grace Freeman; “Sister,” Mary Nell Massey Fredell; special “Nephew,” H. Steven Fredell (wife, Amy); and half-brother, Jim Cole (wife, Jackie).
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Joseph Massey and Elaine Sunderland Massey.
Per Steve’s request, funeral services will be a private family affair. However………
Please join us for “One Hell of a Party” open to all family and friends to Celebrate the Life of Edward Stephen Massey, Sunday, Nov. 29 from 1-5 p.m. at the Heritage Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Steve’s honor to VNA Hospice of Indian River County 1110 35th Lane Vero Beach, Florida 32960. 772-567-5551 or vnatc.com
John E. Scott, 88, Vero Beach
John E. Scott, 88, of Vero Beach, passed away Oct. 2, 2020, at his home in Vero Beach surrounded by loving family. He was born Nov. 12, 1931, in Carlisle, Pa., to the late Walter and Sylvia (Ella) Scott.
Mr. Scott served in the United States Army.
Prior to retirement, he was employed with Ford Motor Company for 31 years as a Quality Control Engineer.
Mr. Scott received his bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Michigan State University.
Survivors include his loving wife, Helen; son, Mark Scott; daughter, Amy Hardin; step-son, William Schroeder; and grandchildren, Bonnie and Scott Hardin, and Nicole and Melanie Schroeder.
He was predeceased by his brother, Eldon Scott.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
Jeffrey Voegele, 64, Sebastian
Jeffrey Voegele, 64, of Sebastian, unexpectedly passed away from natural causes on Oct. 5, 2020. He was born Oct. 14, 1955, in Danbury, Ct.
Jeffrey had a powerful impact at Western CT State University as an actor, director, and producer of multiple theater productions. He served as president of the school’s drama club, and founded a children’s theatre group – the Mashed Potato Players. After several years as a performer and as a key member of the Channel 10 news team in Danbury, Jeff moved to the Treasure Coast, and convinced his parents that it was the perfect area for their retirement.
For nearly 40 years he lived in the Sebastian area, and delighted thousands of young children as a key performer for the Mashed Potato Players which he also transplanted from CT – and for which he was an actor, writer, director, and producer. In addition, Jeffrey became a respected news media figure, as a local news anchor, producer, and talk show host. He also wrote, directed, and produced a series of independent videos for families. In 2019 he completed his first full-length movie entitled Baby for President, which starred a number of local residents and celebrities. On the day of his death, Jeffrey had just completed the final editing of his second feature length film. He also had been working on a documentary featuring a world-renowned South Florida artist.
From 2008 to 2017 Jeff focused on assisting his aging parents. He brought great comfort and joy to both Viola and Albin, while still trying to maintain an active professional career. With two business partners, Jeffrey founded the Buzz TV Network, which serves over 60,000 Treasure Coast homes as Comcast Channel 1098, with a combination of original newscasts, talk shows, and other programming.
Jeffrey is survived his brother David (wife, Lois); his niece, Elinor Albin (husband, George Eichman IV); his nephews Henry Albin and Lee Voegele; and his niece, Sandy Shaefer (husband, Chris).
His passing will be mourned by countless numbers of Treasure Coast residents, particularly those who were fortunate to have enjoyed one or more of his hundreds of performances by the Mashed Potato Players over 40 years.
He has joined in heaven his beloved mother Viola, father Albin, and brother Gary.
No formal memorial service is planned, as per Jeffrey’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations on Jeff’s behalf to the American Cancer Society. Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story about Jeff is asked to visit his memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com.
