Joseph J. Adams, 57, Sebastian
Joseph J Adams, 57, of Sebastian, went to heaven on Oct. 22, 2020, with his family by his side. He was born to the Elaine and the late John Adams in Orange, N.J. He was raised in Colonia, N.J.
He graduated from Colonia High School 1981 and then received a Draftsmen Degree. Joe married Noel A. (nee Cece) Adams in 1987 then moving to Sebastian in 1995.
Joe was known by many as the Pepsi man for his Vero Beach area sales route for twenty years or Coach Joe to others. Most importantly any or all who met him were sure to remember him. Joe was Proudest of his four children and the amazing adults they have become. Joe was a dedicated father who’s love of sports lead him to coach all of his children and many others in our hometown for many years. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
Joe is survived by his children Anthony J. Adams, of Jacksonville; Nicholas J. (Samantha) Adams, Vincent J. Adams, of Sebastian; and Sydney N. Adams, of Sebastian. He is also survived by two grandchildren. His mother Elaine Adams, of Colonia NJ; and three siblings Steven (Nancy) Adams of Rahway NJ; Kathy (Jay) Stolz of Iselin NJ; Carrie (Danny) Arnold of State College PA; and many loving nieces, nephews and in-laws.
No formal memorial service is planned, as per Joe’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations on Joe’s behalf to VNA Hospice of Vero Beach 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach 32960 or Sebastian River Area Little League on Barber Street in Sebastian, FL. 32958
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story about Joe is asked to visit his memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com.
William Elmer Degen, 96, Vero Beach
William Elmer Degen, 96, of Vero Beach, passed away Oct. 18, 2020, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. He was born October 17, 1924, in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late Elmer and Ortrud (Teshner) Degen.
Mr. Degen served in the Seventh United States Army, during WWII. In 1944, the Seventh Army battered the beaches of southern France in the St. Tropez and St. Raphael area, later advancing through south France and Germany. Mr. Degen was injured and returned home to his cherished bride, Marion.
William enjoyed his many years of work as a Graphic Designer for Holling Press.
He was a Member of First United Methodist Church, Vero Beach.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 72 years, Marion Degen; son, William (Sarah) Degen; and grandson, Brookes Degen.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jim Degen.
Due to COVID19, there will be no services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1750 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Edward J. Kroah, 75, Sebastian
Edward J. Kroah, 75, of Sebastian and Bradford, PA, passed away on Oct. 9, 2020 . Edward was born in Bradford to Edward and Genevieve Kroah.
He enlisted in the Army, to serve his country but also in part to receive training on the new mainframe computers, a move which set the course of his life. He started at IBM right out of service in Anchorage AK, and moved steadily up the ranks, going from computer technician, to manager and until he finally retired as a regional director. His family valued education and he was very proud to graduate with his MBA from Pepperdine University in the 1980s. He worked for IBM his entire career, and continued to work after retirement for IBM, as well as American Express. He also owned and operated several restaurants. He spent his later years as a volunteer at the library, especially to help others during tax season. Ed loved music, and after a brief stint in a rock band in his teen years, he continued to play electric guitar as a hobby.
The family of Edward wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at both the Pelican Garden and Pelican Landing, as well as Vero Hospice for their incredible support for Ed and all of us during the last months of his life.
Memorial services are not possible at this time but will be scheduled at a later date. Mr Kroah will be buried at Sebastian Cemetery.
Robert “Mots” Motsinger, Vero Beach
Robert “Mots” Motsinger passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2020, in Vero Beach at Vero Beach Hospice House with his daughters by his side. Born June 13, 1938 in Bedford, Ind., Bob was an Indiana boy born and raised.
Bob lived in Bedford until he left for college at Purdue University on a basketball scholarship where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Bob met the love of his life, Bonnie, in Washington State. They married 1 year later and set out to Erie Pa where he was employed by General Electric as an engineer for over 30 years, before retiring in 1993. He served on the board of directors at St. Vincent hospital for many years. They eventually moved to Vero Beach Florida.
Throughout his career he gave to many charitable organizations and served on many boards and committees. He enjoyed golf and tennis with his wife and friends in all the places he lived.
Robert was preceded by his wife Bonnie Motsinger and is survived by his 2 daughters, Krystyna Motsinger Roseberry and Elizabeth Motsinger Rogers, their husbands Michael Roseberry and Paul Rogers. He has 5 amazing grandchildren Sarah Roseberry Spurgeon, Adam Roseberry, Chelsea Motsinger Wurth, Sierra Motsinger and Samantha Motsinger.
In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate a donation in the name of our father and mother to VNA Hospice of Vero Beach Florida. At a later date, we will have a celebration of life.
Garnett E. Ward, 89, of Vero Beach
Garnett E. Ward, 89, of Vero Beach, went to be home with the Lord on Oct. 22, 2020.
She is survived by her two sons, Richard and David Ward, as well as seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Her celebration of life will be held on November 10th at 7pm at Ryanwood Fellowship Church in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers or any other items, please make donations to the above church where she was a member as this was Garnet’s wish.