From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles Clifton Gouge, 79, Vero Beach
September 22, 1941 – February 15, 2021
Charles Clifton Gouge lost his four-week battle to COVID-19 pneumonia on February 15, 2021. He was surrounded by his family via FaceTime and passed peacefully with a nurse at his bedside. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was 79 years old.
Born on September 22, 1941 in Johnson City, Tennessee, Charles was raised the majority of his younger years in Miami, FL. Upon graduating from Miami High, Charles studied engineering and played baseball for Florida International University.
Charles met Gwen, his wife of 52 years, by chance while entering the Dade County Justice Building where they both worked. Due to a water-skiing accident, he was on crutches and she held the door for him. They were married six months later.
Charles and Gwen had three daughters before moving to Vero Beach in 1983, and then added a fourth in 1986 to complete their family.
Charles was an avid sports enthusiast and a constant fixture for many local sporting events. He was also the number one supporter and activist when it came to every one of his daughter’s and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. He was devoted, traveling many miles and countless hours to ensure their success.
When Charles was not attending some sporting event, he was designing many focal points in town through Public Works while employed at the City of Vero Beach as a Civil Engineer. Some of his notable works are Royal Palm Point and Sexton Plaza. Charles was very proud of the city he came to love.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mae Gouge and his sister, Marjorie Proietti. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Gouge, and their four daughters, Rachel Holderman (Steve), Ingrid Acker (Craig), Aimee Beaird (Jered), and Emily Reynolds (Dave) as well as eight grandchildren: Will and Cate Holderman, Berit and Brock Acker, Alice and Calvin Beaird, and David and Ivery Reynolds.
Due to COVID-19, the family will be having a private Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Aubri Dale (Steele) Vail, 42, Fort Pierce
April 02, 1978 – February 18, 2021
Aubri Dale (Steele) Vail, age 42, of Ft. Pierce, passed away February 18, 2021 at St. Lucie Medical Center.
She was born in Ft. Pierce to her proud parents, Larry and Jeni Steele. She attended school at Garden City and Lincoln Park Academy (℅ 1996). She then continued her studies at Indian River State College where she obtained her Associates Degree and was working on completing her Bachelor’s in Human Services when she became ill last year.
After high school Aubri worked at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute managing raceways, and greenhouses to procure and make food for lobsters, caring for clowns, and coral-banded shrimp. She then worked with the American Aqua Resources. Aubri managed their daily office operations and helped to prepare and feed brood stock at the old CRMC Lab (aka Tracking Station) in Vero Beach, working with black drum, red drum, pompano, and snapper. In 1999, she began working with the University of Miami’s Marine Technology Group. Throughout her career she was able to travel around the world, visiting many places, and seeing some of God’s most beautiful creations.
Aubri was a member of the Indian River Presbyterian Church, of Ft. Pierce. She also attended church at several other churches over the years. Most recently, The Blueprint Experience at Fairlawn Church, where she is remembered for her beautiful voice singing “Lead Me to the Cross.”
Aubri had many hobbies from singing and playing music, making jewelry, coloring, and reading books. She also loved fishing, riding dirt bikes, and pretty much anything outdoors. She also loved her pets, especially her dog, Jazzi, her cat, Chloe, and turtles.
Aubri is survived by her husband, J.D. Vail; son, Brock Vail; stepdaughter, Victoria Vail; father, Larry Steele; sister, April; and nephews, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Aubri was preceded in death by her mother, Jeni Steele and stepson, Justin Vail.
A Visitation will be held for friends on Friday, February 26th from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. There will also be a Celebration of Her Life on Saturday, February 27th at 3 p.m. at the Ft. Pierce Jetty.
In lieu of flowers, a Gofundme page has been set up to assist the family at https://gofund.me/16fc5573.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Laszlo Kozmer, 81, Sebastian
June 27, 1939 – February 21, 2021
Laszlo Kozmer, 81, of Sebastian, passed away Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Consulate Healthcare of Vero Beach.
Laszlo was born June 27, 1939 in Hungary.
He had worked as a transport driver for the Veteran’s Administration.
Laszlo is survived by his three sons, Jim Kozmer, Harold Kozmer, and Paul Kozmer; his daughter, Bonnie Brady; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Laszlo was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline and his son, Joseph.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Horace Augustin Lindsay, Jr., 83
March 1, 1938 – February 16, 2021
Horace Augustin Lindsay, Jr. was born on March 1, 1938, the last of six children of Cecilia Mitchell Lindsay and Horace A. Lindsay, Sr. in Bronx, New York. His early education began in New York before his parents returned to Jamaica, West Indies when he was 7 years old. Upon completion of high school, his parents sent him back to the States for his college education at Prairie View University where his sister, Gloria, was a professor. While there, he majored in Engineering and trained in the ROTC. Upon graduation as a Second Lieutenant, he served his tour of duty in the Korean War. During this period, he married his college sweetheart, Lillian Rose Gillis, and they had two children, Gloria Joyce Lindsay, and Horace Michael Lindsay.
Horace began his engineering career in 1959 as a Signal Officer in the Army. Over the next 5 years Horace worked at Boeing Aircraft Company as an Associate Research Engineer, and at Martin Marietta as a Senior Engineer. Upon his 3-year anniversary at Bunker Ramo Electronic Systems (formerly known as Martin Marietta) Horace was swiftly promoted to Program Manager. During this period Horace also received his master’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge (formerly known as San Fernando Valley State College). The company eventually moved to Westlake, CA, and after several more good years Horace held the positions of Director, Marketing, and Vice President of Advanced Programs and Communication Systems. About this time Horace divorced his then wife, and later married Donna V. McDade in 1987. In 1994 Horace was named Vice President & General Manager of GTE Government Systems, and ultimately spent 4 years as the President of GTE Airfone. He ended his career as Vice President of GTE Corporation, Technology and Marketing. Throughout Horace’s career he was presented with countless awards and accolades from numerous publications, newspapers, and national News broadcast stations.
Horace and Donna were avid boaters, world travelers and golfers, often mixing all three with every trip. Visiting new and uncharted places around the world soon became the norm. Despite full knee and shoulder replacements and with his dialysis equipment in-tow, Horace and Donna still found their way to Asia, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Europe, and South America, for no other reason than to enjoy life to its fullest!
However, Horace may be best known for his generous heart. He consistently gave to numerous charities that mostly helped disadvantage children and people afflicted with kidney disease. While in Westlake, California Horace was the president of the United Way Foundation for his district. In his later years Horace was still very active in his community and was appointed as the DNC lead for Vero Beach and surrounding counties. However, Horace’s most stand-out characteristic was his unwavering love and devotion he had for his family, kids, and grandkids. All who knew Horace will miss him more each day.
Horace A. Lindsay, Jr. leaves to mourn him, his widow, Donna Lindsay, his children, Gloria Joyce Lindsay and Horace Michael Lindsay, his daughter-in-law, Tammy Lindsay, his grandchildren, Carolyn Rose Lindsay and Michael Lindsay, his sisters, Dr. Gloria Lindsay Hobbs and Shirley Lindsay Douglas and their families, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, step-children (Shannon and Lindsay Powell) and host of friends.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:30 pm on February 25, 2021, at Strunk Funeral Home: 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, (772) 562-2325. All flowers and condolences are welcome.
Cemetery Service with Military Honors will be held 1:00 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery: 5525 US-1, Mims, Florida 32754, (321) 383-2638.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Raymond T. Jagoda, 84, Vero Beach
June 28, 1936 – February 18, 2021
Raymond T. Jagoda, age 84 of Vero Beach and formerly of Portland, N.Y., died on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Palm Garden.
He was born on June 28, 1936 in Dunkirk, N.Y., to the late Frank A. and Catherine E. Keilen Jagoda.
Raymond graduated from Dunkirk Industrial School and served in the United States Air Force. He was employed at Kraft Foods for 28 years as a Parts Manager. During that time he had perfect attendance for 25 years. After moving to Vero Beach, Raymond worked for Ocean Spray for 9 1/2 years.
Raymond was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Vero Beach. Before moving to Vero, he was a member at West Portland Baptist Church, where he served as an usher.
Raymond volunteered as a Little League coach for many years in Dunkirk. He also enjoyed bowling.
In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his first wife Delores J. Jagoda; brothers Robert Jagoda, Frank Jagoda Jr., John Jagoda, James Jagoda, Fredrick Jagoda; and sister, Jean Harper.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dolores Jagoda; his son Raymond T. Jagoda Jr. of Lake Wales, Florida; daughter Diana (Dan) Johnson of Clarendon, PA; stepdaughters Lynn ( Richard) Morrison and Nancy (Roger) Jopek both of Westfield, N.Y.; brother David (Janet) Jagoda of Dunkirk, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at Faith Baptist Church on Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m.
A memorial service will be held in Portland, N.Y. at a later date.
Please send condolences to www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bethany Camp, 1633 Bates Road Sinclairville, N.Y. 14782.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Rhea Saparito, 101
June 19, 1919 – February 21, 2021
A funeral mass will be held, Thursday, February 25th, 2:00 p.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening at Cox Gifford Funeral Chapel from 6-8:00 p.m.
Full obituary to come.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Geri B. Essig, 97
March 24, 1923 – February 21, 2021
Obituary not yet posted
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Irene Langstaff, 91
June 10, 1929 – February 01, 2021
Irene was born June 10, 1929 In New York, New Jersey to Charles and Rosaria LaRocco. She was the second of four children. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald; her daughter Deborah; sister Marguet; and brothers Samuel W. & Richard N.
She graduated from Freehold high school in Freehold, New Jersey in 1947. She attended St Peter’s Nursing School and graduated top of her class in 1950. She started her nursing career at Harrisburg Polytech Hospital in the Operating room.
She was set up on a blind date one night with this tall handsome young man. That was all it took! She & Donald Richard Langstaff were married in September 1951 in St Rose of Lima Catholic Church. They were married for 53 years before he passed away in 2014.
They were blessed with 3 girls and 2 boys; Deborah (Michael) Knight, Orem, UT; Karen (Steve) Swalberg, Highland, UT; Amy (Jim) Beckley, Vero Beach FL; Jim (Leigh) York, PA; Tom (Tuyet) Tukwila, WA.:
She loved being a nurse and taking care of people. Even though she was small in stature, every patient knew who was in charge! When they moved to PA, she found her dream job of working at York Hospital in the Coronary Care ICU. She retired from York Hospital after working there for 35 years. She still found time to volunteer at the library helping people that desired to learn English, or to learn to read.
In 1964 they built their dream home together where they raised their family. They always had dogs running around the house and yard. They had too many to count.
As a working woman, she was always at home for us kids. She was always there to support us in all we did.
Irene had 9 grandkids and 19 great grandkids, who loved her dearly. Each one of them claim she was the best scrambled egg maker, Boggle player, back scratcher, book reader, pie baker, and sleep over buddy.
Her family surprised for her 91st birthday just last summer. Together they cooked her famous Italian spaghetti and meatball dinner. Her secret recipe is a family favorite everyone will make for the years to come!
We love and miss you Mom, Granny, and Grammy.
Xoxo God Bless
Viewing to be held at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home 1950 20th St. Vero Beach Florida on Tuesday, February 23 from 10:30 to 11:45. Funeral mass to be held at Saint Helens Catholic Church 2025 20th Ave., Vero Beach Florida at 12 o’clock noon.
In lieu of flowers The family requests kindly donations be made in Irene’s name to VNA treasure Coast Hospice Of Vero Beach Florida 772-978-5580 or vnatc.org to which they are eternally grateful for their incredible, loving care.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Howard “Buddy” Starr, 73, Vero Beach
September 21, 1947 – February 12, 2021
Howard “Buddy” Starr, 73, of Vero Beach, FL passed away on Friday February 12, 2021 2with family by his side.
He was born to Howard and Ingrid Starr, Jr on September 21, 1947 in Lakeview, NY. He was preceded in death by not only his parents, but also by his brother and four sisters.
Buddy married his soulmate, Elizabeth “Betty” McGannon in February 1985 and together with his sons, they lived in Baldwin, MY and Inverness, FL before relocating to Vero Beach, FL 8in 1988.
Buddy was a proud Vietnam veteran who served on the USS Porterfield DD-682, from 1965 through 1968.
Buddy worked in multiple fields including owning gas stations, auto mechanics, painting and renovations, and driving citrus trucks for Rivergold Inc., in Fort Pierce, FL.
Buddy was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed traveling and playing billiards, but his favorite past time was spending time with family and friends. He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL.
In addition to Betty, Buddy is survived by his sons, Stephen Starr of Colorado Springs, CO, Wayne (Wendy) Starr of Hauppauge, NY and Howard (LeAnne) Starr IV of Colorado Springs, CO; 11 grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Buddy’s memory to:
The Fisher House Foundation
Fisherhouse.org
Due to current health concerns, the family plans to have a celebration of life for Buddy sometime in the future.
May you always have fair winds and following seas Buddy. You will be missed, but more importantly, you will always be remembered.
Anyone wishing to send Buddy’s family a message or share a story is asked to visit Buddy’s memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
