From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Clyde A. Leatherwood, Jr., 74, Vero Beach
May 13, 1946 – January 29, 2021
In keeping with his kind, gentle spirit, Clyde Aaron Leatherwood, Jr. peacefully slipped the bonds of Earth on January 29, 2021, while at home in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 74. His family will forever long for his loving, caring presence and support; his many friends and sailing companions will miss his faithfulness and good humor.
Clyde was born May 13, 1946, in the southeast Texas town of Beaumont to Clyde Aaron Leatherwood, Sr. and Anna Margaret Leatherwood. He was the eldest of three brothers—Louis, Walter, and John. The family lived in Houston, where Clyde attended Jesse H. Jones High School. He graduated in 1964 and joined the United States Army, serving from 1965 to 1969. In high school, Clyde met the love of his life, Sherri Denise Williamson. They married on August 8, 1966, and immediately moved to Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, where Clyde was assigned to the Army Security Agency (ASA), Kuma Station. It was the beginning of a beautiful, shared adventure that lasted more than 54 years.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1969, Clyde and Sherri returned to the States, made their home in Houston, and began raising a family. Eventually, they bought a home in Spring, northeast of Houston. Lisa Michelle was born in 1971, followed by Aaron Dorry in 1976. While Sherri kept their home and cared for Lisa and Aaron, Clyde worked full-time as an electrical technician for Houston Lighting & Power Co. while attending night classes at the University of Houston. He graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Eight years later, Clyde moved his family to the Northeast to accept a lucrative job opportunity. After a short stay in Maryland, they settled again in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He put his engineering education to practice working for Beach Professional Services, where he remained for 13 years. Clyde was also a lifetime member of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
Clyde’s father instilled in him a love of water, sailing, traveling, and exploring at a very young age. Throughout the years they lived in Virginia Beach, Clyde and Sherri owned several increasingly larger sailing vessels, taking advantage of the Virginia coastline and the nearby Intracoastal Waterway to enjoy sunny afternoons on the water with family and friends. They were skilled at piloting their crafts and adventurous by nature, but they occasionally found themselves in a dicey situation on the water—rich fodder for storytelling and laughs in later years!
Ultimately, Clyde retired at age 55 to pursue his sailing passion. He and Sherri picked up household and headed south, living aboard sailing yachts for the next 17 years along the coastlines of Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. Along the way, they developed a large network of friends in the sailing community and numerous lifelong relationships. In 2017, they reluctantly gave up the live-aboard life and made a new home in Vero Beach, Florida, where he became a member of the Vero Beach Power Squadron.
Unassuming, low-maintenance, and reserved in nature, Clyde was a highly intelligent man who instilled a love of academic pursuits in his children. He was an avid reader, loved classical music, and was enthusiastic about all things technical. Lisa inherited his passion for reading and life-long learning; Aaron shared his Dad’s fervor for sailing and the sea. He taught them always to be kind to others, especially those who seemed most in need. Clyde was an in-the-flesh math guru—no exaggeration—and he could fix absolutely anything. Generous and self-sacrificing, he was always eager to help friends with any project; nothing was too daunting a challenge. He consistently gave the best of everything to others and kept the least for himself. He was that kind of selfless man.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Sherri, of Vero Beach, Florida; daughter, Lisa M. Raum, and husband, Terry, of Key West, Florida; son, Aaron D. Leatherwood and wife, Brittani, of Davie, Florida; granddaughters, Emma Maurine and Brooke, of Davie; and brothers, Walter Leatherwood, of Lake Jackson, Texas, and John Leatherwood, of Normandy Park, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Louis.
It was Clyde’s wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the waters that he so loved.
The Lord is my pilot, I shall not go adrift;
He lighteth my passage across dark channels;
He steereth me through the deep waters,
He keepeth my log.
He guideth me by the evening star for my safety’s sake.
Yes, though I sail mid the thunders and tempests of life,
I fear no peril, for Thou art with me,
Thy stars and heavens, they comfort me.
The vastness of the sea upholds me.
Though preparest a harbour for me in the homeland of eternity;
Thou anointest the waves with oil; my ship rideth calmly.
Surely fair winds and safe harbors shall be found on the voyage I take,
And I shall dock, in the port of God, secure forever.
Amen.
In keeping with Clyde’s selfless nature and in place of a formal service, the family requests that a memorial donation be made to the local organization that provided so much care, love, and support to Clyde during his time confronting Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body dementia:
The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County in Vero Beach, Florida at https://alzpark.org/donate.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William M. Robinson, 89
August 09, 1931 – January 29, 2021
William M. Robinson died on January 29, 2021.
He is survived by three wonderful children, Amy, Nancy, and Russell, also, his most cherished companion, Susan.
There will be no services. Please make any donations to your favorite charity.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Frederick H. Kropf, 86, Vero Beach
December 02, 1934 – January 31, 2021
Frederick H. Kropf, 86, of Vero Beach, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
Frederick was born December 2, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York and was a resident of Indian River County.
He was a veteran of the United States Army. Frederick retired as a Brewer for Anheuser-Busch.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie of Vero Beach; three children, Stephen (Debra) of North Carolina, Gerard of New York, and Darlene (Regis) of Georgia; two stepchildren, Cynthia of Washington, and Fred of New York; five grandchildren, Christopher Kropf, Michael Kropf (Tracy), Rachel Kelfesky, Matthew Becker, and Brianna Becker; and great-grandchild, Mason Kropf.
From Strunk Funeral Home
Joseph Charles Orio, 84
March 7, 1936 – January 28, 2021
Joseph Charles Orio was born on March 7, 1936 to Mary and Ciro Orrio in Brooklyn New York.
On September 1, 1956 he married Nora Rose Bradman. Their marriage lasted 60 wonderful years until October 20, 2016 when Nora passed away.
He leaves behind his son Michael Joseph and daughter-in-law, Kerri. Also, his daughter’s Madeline Mary Orio, and Mary Ann Jones and her husband James Jones.
In addition, he leaves behind five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His grandchildren are Daniel J. Beck, Joseph C. Hagger, Steven C. Jones, Michael C. Jones, and Ann Marie Scott and her husband Gavin Scott. His great grandchildren are Olivia Rose Scott, Aiden Daniel Scott, Grayson Hanson, and Nicholas Hanson.
After 40 years on Wall Street Joseph retired from James Capel Securities Inc. Previously, he was a Partner in the firm of De Haven & Townsend, Crouter & Bodine.
There will be a Memorial Mass honoring Joseph at a future date at Saint Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church located at 475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach.
His family wishes are that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity in his memory.
Arrangement are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
From Strunk Funeral Home
Donna Laurie Long, 66, Vero Beach
December 6, 1954 – January 2, 2021
Donna Laurie Long, 66, passed away peacefully at home on January 2, 2021 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born in Lancaster, PA on December 6, 1954, she was the first-born child to parents, Donald G., and Zoa B. Miller. She was followed by siblings, Deborah, Stephen, and Teresa soon after.
By the summer of 1962, the family moved to Florida and made residence in Palm Beach County, where Donna graduated from John I. Leonard High School in 1972.
Shortly after graduation, Donna began a career as a flight attendant for TWA Airlines. This gave Donna the opportunity to travel the United State and the world, which was something she absolutely loved. Her travel stories, trinkets, and souvenirs were things she enjoyed sharing with her family and friends. Those close to her have many happy memories of her working and living in exiting places like New York City, Maui, and Cape Cod, just to name a few.
Donna was such a bright light to many, beautiful inside and out. After leaving the airlines, she excelled in her local Vero Beach community as an employment specialist for AARP. She helped to bring hope and guidance to others in need. She found her true calling and could not be happier in her later years. Whether sharing recipes, volunteering her time, or just relaxing in the sun, she was truly an amazing person and will be greatly missed by all those she touched.
Donna is survived by her mother, Zoa Pitts; brother, Stephen Miller; and sisters, Deborah Culpepper, Teresa Herth, and Tammany Hoover. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, beloved friends, and the love of her life, her chug pup, Maynard.
The family appreciates the outpouring of condolences and love that has been shared during this difficult time. Private memorial will take place, and information will be shared here: https://sites.google.com/view/donnalongmemorial/home
From Strunk Funeral Home
John William Boylen, Jr., 85, Barefoot Bay
January 4, 1936 – January 29, 2021
John Boylen of Barefoot Bay, formerly Brighton MA, passed away on January 29th surrounded by his loving family at Rockledge Regional Medical Center located in Rockledge Florida.
Born in Boston, MA on January 4, 1936 he was the loving husband of Patricia (Vachon) Boylen for 56 years. He was predeceased by his parents John and Winifred Boylen and sister Virginia Gray. Besides his wife he leaves his son John (Jay) W. Boylen, III and his wife Eileen Boylen of North Attleboro, MA his daughter Jill O’Connor and her husband David O’Connor of Brighton, MA, his loving grandchildren Corey and Caley Boylen and Matthew O’Connor. Brothers Richard Boylen and his wife Jo Ann Boylen of Woonsocket, RI, William Boylen and his wife Mary Boylen of Lake Wales, FL, George Boylen and his wife Eileen Boylen of Hull, Massachusetts, Paul Boylen of Scituate Massachusetts, several cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was a graduate of Brighton High School. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Letter Carrier for the United States Post Office. He was a member of St. Columbkille’s Parish and St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
John was an active participant of youth sports and was a member of the Umpire Association. John was passionate about Football and was a season ticket holder to the Boston College Eagles for many years and he enjoyed cheering on the Patriots to their numerous victories. During John’s life he enjoyed vacationing and camping with his family and his special camping trips with his brothers. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends. He loved dancing with his wife and taking his golf cart for rides around Barefoot Bay and we cannot forget the daily trips to his favorite donut shops for his donut, coffee and conversation with his buddies.
His funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Tuesday February 9th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Luke’s Catholic Church Sebastian, Florida with military honors following the service.
If you would like to make a donation in John’s memory, please select a charity of your choice.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.strunkfuneralhome.com
During the service, Covid-19 restrictions will be in place.
From Strunk Funeral Home
JoAnn Ryan Klein, 79
June 16, 1941 – January 13, 2021
JoAnn Ryan Klein, 79, went to be with the Lord on January 13, 2021. JoAnn is survived by her son, William Porter of Key Largo, FL; her twin sister, Joyce McDermott of Sebastian, FL; nephews Thomas and John McDermott; two grandnieces, Katie McDermott, Megan Castrenza and two nephews, Ryan, and Robbin McDermott. JoAnn is a graduate of The Academy of the Holy Names and a graduate of classical piano. She also attended the State University of New York. She was retired from Gov’t civil service due to disability from multiple sclerosis. She enjoyed many friends in Vero Beach that she met at the weekly Community Center dances, Cindy DiMaio was a great help to her. JoAnn will be laid to rest with her mother, Catherine R. Ryan in Cortland, New York. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, Florida.
