James Darwin Goodman III, 67, Vero Beach
James Darwin Goodman III, 67, passed away to Heaven on Nov. 12, 2020, at a place of Hospice comfort, in Vero Beach. Better known as Jamie, he was born on Feb. 23, 1953, to James Darwin Goodman II and Doris Evelyn Goodman, in Glen Falls upstate New York.
He was the oldest son of three children, the father of one child, a daughter, and was a great lover of dogs. He was educated in New York. There, he Graduated from Fort Ann Central School and Adirondack College. Jamie later moved to Florida where he worked in the car business then after, went into the pool business. He later owned a store in Florida, Vero Beach Pool Supply. He was a man who loved the water and fishing.
Jamie is survived by his beloved wife Eva; his much appreciated brother Rick, his precious sister Doreen, his adorable daughter Sarah; his proud nephews, Matt and Timmy; and more family members that each meant so much to him.
In his life, he was a third generation member of the Freemasons. He was a helper in the time of need to those he knew. He was a man who believed in being a good man, and this was what he lived by. He had given his heart to the Lord and Savior Jesus, and as a saved born again person, developed a strong relationship with God the Almighty, of whom he is now with.
Jamie’s last remains on this Earth will be spread into the waves of the beautiful sea, as he wanted it to be. There, his remains will be, but he is really in Heaven where he is smiling and fishing.
The family will meet at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, in a little gathering to say their last goodbye to him, knowing that we will see our dear Jamie one day again.
Joseph R. Polletta, 74, Vero Beach
Joseph R. Polletta passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Vero Beach. He was the husband of Jo-Ann (Iadarola) Polletta. Joe was born in Waterbury, Ct., on Oct. 5, 1946, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Basile) Polletta.
Joe attended Wilby High School, the Class of 1964 where he played football and was named All City in 1962. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps being stationed in Parris Island, Camp Lejune, Cuba and Vietnam. After leaving the military, he started his business career at Hamilton Avnet in Danbury and then to Samhwa U.S.A. Inc. in California. After his retirement he worked at the pro-shop at Buena Ventura Golf Club and his golf game.
Besides his wife, Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters and their fiances, Erica & Sean Hoff and Gabrielle & Wilfredo Mendoza all of Vero Beach, and his sister Carol Kohanow of Waterbury. Survivors also include his cousins Craig & Lee (Capobianco) Marcoux of Middlebury, their children, son Jaime, who is also his Godson, & his wife Amanda and their daughter, Amelia Marcoux of Indian Trail, NC, and daughter Melissia & her husband Jeremy Sieffert and their daughters, Olivia & Mia Sieffert of Avon, CT. Other survivors include his brother-in-laws, Paul & his wife Carol Iadarola of Prospect, Tom & and his wife Jane and Iadarola of Watertown, Anthony Iadarola of Dennisport, MA and Edward & and his wife Dawn Iadarola of Naugatuck along with several nieces and nephews. And most importantly K-Cee IV, Patches, and Max, his trusted canines.
Joe’s family would also like to express their gratitude to the VNA of Stuart, especially Lucia Barrella, Nadine Roberts, and Gerardo Arevalo.
A military service was held in Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 038105.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida.
Grace Di Matteo, 91, Vero Beach
Grace Di Matteo, 91, of Vero Beach passed away peacefully on Nov. 14, 2020, at the Indian River hospital after a brief illness. She was in the presence of family and a very dear friend as she quietly left this life. Grace was born in Nashua, N.H., to Arlon Wellington Jennison and Mildred Wilkenson (nee Taylor).
Her beloved husband, Eliseo “Lee” Di Matteo whom she married in 1978 predeceased her in 1987. Her sister Dorothy (Jennison), her stepmother, Phyllis Jennison and a stepbrother Everett Crosscup also predeceased her.
She is survived by her stepdaughter Linda (Di Matteo) Murphy of Sunapee, NH and a stepson, Richard Di Matteo and his wife Katherine of Leyden, MA, step-grandsons, Matthew, Benjamin, Nicholas, step-granddaughter Elisha and her husband Rich, step-great-granddaughters Asha and Juniper and by her stepbrother William Crosscup. Grace is also survived by her cherished care givers Jay Fulcher, his wife Davie and their daughter Jayda.
Grace graduated from Nashua High School in 1946 and was immediately employed by New England Tel and Tel (later Verizon) from 1946 until her retirement in 1981. As a manager she traveled extensively throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Grace was a life-long resident of New Hampshire until she moved to Florida in 1991. She also enjoyed many summers at Lake Sunapee with her late husband and family.
Throughout her life, Grace was an avid golfer and served as Treasurer of the Fairwinds Women’s Golf League for many years. She was active in the Grove Isle Community in Vero Beach, enjoying various pursuits, including bowling, bingo and mahjong.
Grace belonged to the Community Church of Vero Beach.
Grace has been a member of the Pilgrim Chapter, No 55, Order of the Eastern Star since 1949 and has served as Worthy Matron.
Her varied interests include gardening, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. A gourmet cook, Grace loved to entertain and was highly regarded for her culinary skills.
Grace will be remembered for her sweet disposition, her warm, welcoming manner, generosity and unfailing optimism. Her positive outlook on life was evident until she took her last breath.
Those who wish may make a donation in her memory to the charity of their choice.
Burial services will be private.
Janice Elizabeth DuMars, 87, Vero Beach
Janice Elizabeth DuMars, 87, of Vero Beach, passed away Nov. 13, 2020. She was born in Hackensack, N.J., and relocated to Vero Beach.
She was a graduate of the University of Missouri in St. Louis, Mo. She retired from the St. Lucie County school system, after working many years as a Guidance Counselor at Northport Middle School, and served many other roles as well. As an educator, she was a mentor to many, and remained loyal following retirement to the Florida Retired Educators Association.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Helen Leukhardt and her husband, John DuMars.
She is survived by her 3 loving cats, many close friends and work associates.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Crestlawn Cemetery, in Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Dogs and Cats Forever, 4600 Selvitz Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981, in Janice’s memory.