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In Memory: Feb. 10

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Joseph H. Thompson, 81, Vero Beach

December 11, 1939 – February 08, 2021

Joseph Hill Thompson was born on Dec 11th, 1939 in Passaic, New Jersey to parents Dorothy and Robert Thompson and resided in Ridgewood, New Jersey.  He would join one other Thompson son, Bobby, his older brother.

Joe was an avid three sport athlete at Ridgewood High School, playing football, baseball, and basketball.  The summer prior to starting high school, Joe met Lois Voorhees at the Graydon Pool and they began dating that fall while they were both freshmen.  Lois and Joe graduated from Ridgewood High School, then Joe continued his education at Rutgers while also playing baseball for the University.  After graduating from Rutgers, Joe acquired his Master’s Degree from Kean College.  Even though Joe and Lois continued their education at different schools, their love for each other continued to grow while spending time together on weekends in Hacketstown, NJ.  After completing their graduate studies, Joe and Lois were married on June 2nd, 1962 in Wayne, PA.  Shortly after, they relocated to Hillsborough, NJ where they raised their three children, Susan, Joe Jr and Scott.

Joe’s love for teaching and coaching lead him to his first job in the Hillsborough School District.  He taught Physical Education and coached baseball as well.  He then joined the administrative team and was hired as Vice Principal of Hillsborough Middle School.  His experience, excellent leadership and people skills led to another promotion as principal of Woodfern Elementary School, where he remained until retirement.  Because Joe was such an advocate for children, he was known as “The Kids Principal” as he positively influenced thousands of youngsters and managed hundreds of happy teachers and staff.

After being employed in the education field for 34 years, Joe and Lois retired and moved to Vero Beach, Florida and Keystone, Colorado.  They enjoyed many years of golf, skiing, hiking and spending much time with their eight grandchildren.  All the grandchildren called Joe “Poppie” or the “Popster” and they loved both he and Lois (Grandy) dearly.

Joe is the true definition of a “people person”.  He was a gregarious person who genuinely enjoyed interacting with others and had an incredible ability to connect, laugh and make people feel accepted, appreciated, and loved.  He genuinely cared about everyone.  Joe was an amazing husband, father, brother, and friend.  We will all miss “Poppie” so much, but God works all things together for good for those who have faith in Him.  All who call on the name of The Lord will be saved.  God’s plan is good and so we know we will see “Poppie” again.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

***For those unable to attend, at 10:30 a.m. please join the service live by clicking this link  –   firstpresvero.org***

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Daniel Everett, 62, Vero Beach

May 30, 1958 – February 07, 2021

Daniel Everett, 62, of Vero Beach, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2021 at his residence.  He was born in Portsmouth, VA.  Dan lived in Vero Beach for 7 years, having relocated from Massapequa, NY.  Dan grew up in Waterbury, Ct. After attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he worked as a computer systems engineer in the Aerospace Industry and private businesses.  He enjoyed working on computers, both at work and also his time off.  He loved to travel, and had shared many wonderful trips with Kathy.  He followed his favorite sports teams from afar in Florida, the NY Mets and the NY Islanders.

He is survived by his partner in life for 33 years, Kathy Hutchinson of Vero Beach; mother, Judy Everett; brother, Greg Everett of Watertown, CT; niece, Katie and nephews, Gregory and Timothy.

No services are scheduled.

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