From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Paul Edward Rankins, 85, Indian River Shores
January 06, 1936 – August 06, 2021
Paul Edward Rankins, age 85, of Indian River Shores, passed away at his home on Friday, August 6, 2021.
Mr. Rankins was a United States Marine Corp veteran.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Ronald Joseph Boyarsky, 80
After 80 years of life, Ronald Joseph Boyarsky left this world for the next on Thursday, August 5, 2021, due to complications of the Covid-19 virus. Preceded in death by his wife Pamela in 2017, he died peacefully just two days before what would have been their 56th wedding anniversary.
Born in Dupont, PA on February 26, 1941, to Sophia (Zarenick) and Leo Boyarsky. He spent his childhood in Cleveland, OH, near East 185th Street. As a kid he went to the same elementary school where his mother taught. He often talked fondly of his years attending St. Joseph High School, and then John Carroll University.
In August of 1965, Ron married Pamela, the love of his life. Both went on to have careers as school teachers. Ron was a family man, as the couple had three boys. He spent 28 years at Greenview and Memorial Junior High Schools in South Euclid. He was in the first round of teachers that opened up Greenview, and he stayed until the school was closed. His children remember the conversations at the table revolved around school and teaching. So much so, that his three boys all became teachers in one way or another. He managed to put three children through college on a teacher’s salary, which was an impressive feat.
Ron retired from teaching in 1989. After which, he bought the Yugo Deli, in Parma and ran it for 10 years. He was a hardworking man, sometimes working two jobs, and still made time to spend with his family.
As a father Ron set a good example. He taught his boys his valuable carpentry skills. Enjoyed fishing on the lake and in the ocean. He also enjoyed working with his hands and was always busy building or working on a project. Ron and Pam took their children on summer vacations to Florida every summer of their childhoods. There all the boys learned their love of fishing as well.
After graduating from college, all three of Ron and Pam’s sons moved to Fairbanks, AK. Ron enjoyed spending weeks or months at a time with them nearly every summer for 25 years. He would camp and fish for salmon with his boys. Alaska was like a second home to he and Pam.
Ron was also a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. He was one of the longest season ticket holders while the team was still at Municipal Stadium. He worked on the grounds crew when he was young, and his season tickets from the 50’s turned into the Dawg Pound around him.
Ronald is survived by his children John (Vera) Boyarsky of North Pole, AK, Thomas (Debra) Boyarsky of Fairbanks, AK, and Robert (Lona) Boyarsky of Ames, IA, his two grandchildren Leo & Nikolai (John & Vera) Boyarsky, his brother Robert (Dolores) Boyarsky of Mentor, OH, his nieces Tracy (Boyarsky) Smith of Utica, NY and Kristina Boyarsky of Cincinnati, OH, and Betty Rosen of Cleveland, OH. He is also survived by Pam’s sister Bonnie (Maky) Rosen and brother-in-law Marc Rosen, also of Cleveland.
A memorial service is planned to be held at the Steinbauer Funeral Home in Solon on Thursday, August 12th at 5:00 pm.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Sandy Shaw Patterson, Vero Beach
Sandy Shaw Patterson was fond of the humorous phrase about “skidding broadside into the grave,” totally spent, but happy. She got her wish. She would say, “Wow, what a ride!”
Sandy was born in Chicago in 1938 to Viola Curler Shaw and Jerry B. Shaw. After years in Wisconsin, and weary of the weather, the family moved to Jacksonville, Fla. There she met her husband, Jim. They moved to Charlotte, N.C. and had two boys — Pat and Mark — but the call of sunny Florida tugged at Sandy. In 1980, she settled in Vero Beach and enjoyed a lengthy career in real estate at The Moorings. Later, she began a successful remodeling/renovation business, which she operated until 2021.
Sandy frequently said she lived her passion, and she delighted in the ability to visualize her clients’ wishes and make them a reality. She peppered a hectic business life with visits to Europe and annual treks to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and savor exotic restaurants. The experiences fed her hobbies of cooking and gardening.
Her nurturing approach is most self-evident in her grandchildren, Isabella and Samuel. He describes his abuella as “determined and compassionate,” and remembers how carefully she planned their visits to include beach time, airboat rides and culinary experiences. “I know she will watch over me in all my life’s endeavors.” Isabella says Sandy “taught me what it means to forge my own path, to be independent, and to persevere.”
Her son, Mark, started a “victory garden” of vegetables and flowers inspired by Sandy’s love of nature. I like to imagine “she wakes up to new blooms every morning,” he smiles.
Sandy is survived by her sons, James M. “Pat” and Mark R. Patterson; her sister and brother-in-law, Stacey Shaw and Dale Thomas; daughter-in-law, Irania Patterson; grandchildren, Anna Isabella and Samuel Yran Patterson; and an enormous circle of caring friends. She was predeceased by her parents and her fellow foodie sister Christine “Teena” Shaw Jackson with whom she often entertained and had adventures. A Celebration of Sandy’s Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Sandy’s honor can be made to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Kathleen Casey McGrath, 94, Vero Beach
May 17, 1927 – August 3, 2021
Kathleen Casey McGrath of Vero Beach, FL, died peacefully on August 3, 2021 at the age of 94. She is survived and loved forever by her 7 children: Ann (Dominick) Iacuzio, John (Laurie) McGrath, Paul (Carol) McGrath, Patricia (Arthur) Olsen, Kathleen McDonald, Mary Jean (Benjamin) Kirtland and Joseph (Stacey) McGrath, as well as her eighteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her two sisters, Elaine Barry and Doris Brock, as well as John Thomas McGrath, her devoted husband and love of her life (1926-1997).
Kathleen Casey met John McGrath on a trolley car in 1943, falling in love at first sight. They began their life together as husband and wife on September 11, 1948 in Riverdale, New York. Over the course of their nearly 50-year marriage, Kathleen and John resided in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Missouri, before settling in Vero Beach in 1996.
The definition of matriarch is a mother who is head and ruler of her family and descendants. Kathleen was just that. A strong-willed and humorous woman, she was loved and respected by all she connected with. She will remain in her family’s hearts forever as matriarch of the McGraths: a loving wife, dedicated mother, involved grandmother and doting great-grandmother.
Her family would like to send a special thank you to all those at Somerset House in Oak Harbor and the VNA. Their support and loving care created a warm and hospitable life for “Kat” over the last five years of her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL, 32963, Kathleen’s parish of 25 years.
Services will be held at Holy Rosary Church, 170 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY on August 17 at 11 am.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of KATHLEEN CASEY MCGRATH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Terry McGuirk, 96, Vero Beach
April 02, 1925 – August 03, 2021
Terry McGuirk, 96, of Vero Beach, FL, died peacefully at home on August 3, 2021 of natural causes, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers. Born in Brooklyn in 1925, he was raised in Manhattan and Bellport, NY. He graduated from LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, NY. While attending Cornell University, he volunteered for the Army during WWII, serving as a Sergeant and Paratrooper in the South Pacific with the 11th Airborne Division. Terry graduated from Fordham University in 1950, the year he married his loving wife of 68 years, Gloria Geoghan, who predeceased him.
Terry began his illustrious career at CBS Television in New York in 1952, the year the network went on the air and went on to manage the national sales teams until the mid 1960s. Later, he held the position of Station Manager at the CBS Affiliate, WAGA, in Atlanta, GA, then General Manager of the ABC Affiliate in Albany, NY and retired as President of Knight Ridder Broadcasting in Miami. Terry served on many boards including Siena College, Loudonville, NY, The Schuyler Meadows Club, the Memorial Hospital Foundation as well as The United Way and American Red Cross chapters of Albany, NY.
Terry was an avid golfer, fisherman and a champion sailor. He served as the Commodore of the Babylon Yacht Club and was an active member of many clubs throughout his life including the New York Athletic Club, Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, GA, Schuyler Meadows Club in Loudonville, NY, Fort Orange Club in Albany, NY, La Gorce Country Club in Miami, FL and Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart, FL. From an early age, he was a devoted fan of classical music and the arts and shared this passion with his loved ones through spontaneous recitations of poetry. Terry was also a lifelong philanthropist, giving time to many of his favorite charities, including the Prison Ministries in Vero Beach and Stuart, FL, fervently working to bring justice, grace and redemption to young offenders. In addition, Terry had a keen interest in supporting youth scholarship on Indian reservations in the west. All of his good works were rooted in his strong Catholic faith.
Terry is most remembered for his humble manner and great love of his family.
He is survived by his seven children: Terence F. McGuirk (Nancy), Sara Duncan (son Christopher), Susan Blank (Matthew), Liza McGuirk (Kevin Magee), Melissa Bowman (Philip), Bryan McGuirk (Jenny), Michelle O’Connor (James), 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
A service will be held at Mary Immaculate Church in Bellport, NY, his beloved childhood home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry’s memory may be sent to the Red Cloud Indian School, 100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57770 www.redcloudschool.org.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of TERRENCE MCGUIRK, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Jenni Lyn Baer-Kulik (Jenni Lyn Rice), 57, Melbourne
October 7, 1963 – August 6, 2021
Mrs. Jenni Lyn Baer-Kulik (Jenni Lyn Rice), 57, passed away unexpectedly and way too soon on August 6, 2021.
Jenni was born in Miami, Florida where she graduated from South Miami Senior High and eventually married Robert A. Baer with whom she had two children Robert (Bobby) Jr and Shayna Marie Baer.
Jenni worked in healthcare, beginning at Baptist Hospital of Miami as the Assistant to the Director of Critical Care Services. In 1998 she moved to Melbourne, Florida where she married Kevin Kulik and continued her healthcare career at Sebastian River Medical Center.
She is survived by her husband Kevin Kulik, and her beloved family including her father Douglas Rice (Cori Rice), son Robert Baer (Rebekah Baer), daughter Shayna Marie Baer (Josh Weisenfeld), sisters Kimberly Sorondo, Sandra Rice , Stephanie Rice and grandchildren, Autumn, Audrey and Arianna Baer as well as cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her mother Ginger (Almeida) Rice.
To keep all our friends and family safe, the family has decided to keep in person services limited to family only. However, you may attend Jenni’s services through the Live Stream video services provide by Strunk Funeral Home on their website. To join us, please go to the web address provided and select the “video service” tab located at the top of the page. Live Streaming services will begin approximately 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday August 11, 2021.
The live stream services and online guest book can be located at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JENNI LYN BAER-KULIK, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Bertha Jane Gallo, 91, Vero Beach
September 21, 1929 – August 3, 2021
Mrs. Bertha Jane Gallo, 91, of Vero Beach passed away August 3, 2021.
She was born in Hutchinson, Kansas to the late Jack Raymond Forrester and Marie Leach Forrester. Bertha attended Manhattan State College. She worked as a Display Advertising Representative for Vero Beach Press Journal for 25 years until her retirement in 1998.
She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister Administrator, Assistant Sacristan, and with the Women’s Guild for 20 years.
Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Domenic Gallo in 1992.
Survivors include her brother-in-law John Gallo (Lois); sister-in-law Mary Maruca as well as several nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Fort Pierce. In lieu of flowers, contributions as a memorial may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 235 South 100 East, Kanab, Utah 84741 or online at www.bestfriends.org.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of BERTHA JANE GALLO, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Ronald Edward Downey, 75
January 4, 1946 – August 4, 2021
Mr. Ronald Edward Downey, 75, passed away August 4, 2021.
He was born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 4, 1946, to the late Robert E. Downey and Alice Gall Downey.
Ron is a veteran of The United States Navy and was a member of the Seal Support Team where he earned many medals and decorations.
He was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.
Ron’s family and Catholic faith were very important to him.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years Karen Downey of Vero Beach; 2 daughters, Audra Perenich (Timothy), and Cheryl Ruiz (Alex); five grandchildren, Nicholas Perenich, Zachary Perenich, Samantha Perenich, Eli Ruiz, and Elena Ruiz, all of Tampa, Florida.
A requiem Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John of the Cross on Saturday August 14, 2021 at 10:30.a.m.
In lieu of flowers Gregorian Mass donations can be made in honor of Ron at www.franciscanmission.org.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Donald W. Aldrich, 63, Sebastian
November 15, 1957 – August 3, 2021
Donald W. Aldrich, Sebastian, FL, was called to his heavenly home on August 3, 2021. He was born in 1957 to Beth Burdick Aldrich and David Vincent Aldrich in Norwich, NY, and graduated from Saugerties High School in East Central New York. Don was musically gifted and played the trumpet in the high school band, and then played the flugelhorn with the competitive Kingston Indians Drum and Bugle Corps. He went to school to become a corrections officer with the NY prison system, and stayed in that job a short time before he realized his calling was much more peaceful. After working at several jobs, Don moved to the Florida Panhandle for licensed massage therapist training, graduating in 1995. He had the honor of being selected and participated as a member of the massage team for the Winter Olympic athletes at Salt Lake City in 2002, and was also selected for Athens, Greece in 2004. He moved to Sebastian, FL in 2005 with the love of his life, Laura. Don was friendly, kind-hearted, jovial and well liked, with a love for people. He loved stopping to chat, whether he was riding his recumbent bicycle or waiting in a line somewhere.
Don was predeceased by his parents and both sisters, Ruth Ann (Scooter) MacDonald and Mary Kay Aldrich. Along with many friends, he leaves behind his beloved family, including his wife of 18 years, Laura; stepsons Eric Henson (Tiffany) and Paul Houchens; grandsons Connor, Chase and Nolan Henson; father-in-law and friend Wayne Shrecengost; brothers-in-law Thomas MacDonald (Laura Ricci), Daniel Saturn, J. Curtis Shrecengost (Constance); sisters-in-law Sherida Billman and Judith Spitz; Nephews Jason MacDonald, Leif Shrecengost, Spencer Billman (Stacy), and Matthew Saturn; nieces Lorinda Curry, Ivy Austin, Charlotte Treice (Mark), and Michelle Saturn; great nephews Connor MacDonald, Jamison Beach, Wyatt & Theodore Billman, Seyd Shrecengost, Xavier Austin, Ryker Treice; and great niece Ayla Austin.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 14th at 2 pm at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Sebastian. Charitable donations in Don’s memory in lieu of flowers may be sent to Risk Takers for Christ, https://www.risktakersforchrist.org, or plants/flowers may be sent to Crossroads Saturday morning. Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian is charged with arrangements.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Lloyd Knight, 68, Vero Beach
February 13, 1953 – August 06, 2021
Robert Lloyd Knight, 68, of Vero Beach, passed away August 6, 2021. He was born to Margaret Thompson Knight and Lloyd Stacy Knight, in Vero Beach and lived here all of his life. He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School. He was an owner and operator in the Citrus industry. Robert loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and his Cadillac cars.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret “Peggy” Knight of Vero Beach, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, many dear and close friends and his faithful companion, Dog.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd S. Knight, and brothers, David Knight and John Knight
Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.
“Gone but not forgotten”
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Phyllis M. Andreou, 93, Sebastian
April 13, 1928 – August 02, 2021
Phyllis M. Andreou, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away on August 8, 2021.
Condolences can be made through Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian, Florida.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Phyllis Mary Andreou, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.