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In Memory: Aug. 23

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Robert F. Hoffman, 82, Vero Beach

June 26, 1939 – August 19, 2021

On Thursday, August 19, 2021, Robert F. Hoffman, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 82.

Bob was born on June 26, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Robert and Irene (Dielman) Hoffman, and was raised and lived in Pompton Plains, New Jersey before moving to Vero Beach, Florida in 2005. He attended Butler High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He married Margaret Klein Hoffman in 1964.  They raised two sons, Matthew and Jason, and a daughter, Maggie.

Bob served in the US Coast Guard, was past President of both the Oakland NJ Chamber of Commerce and Pequannock Township NJ Little League, member of the Pequannock Township NJ Planning Board, and Eucharist Minister at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.   He was an avid sports fan and ardent supporter of youth and high school sports programs.  Upon his retirement, Bob became a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity logging more than 500 hours building homes and working in the store and warehouse.  He was known and loved for his quirky sense of humor, gregarious and sociable nature, and having never met a stranger.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert, mother, Irene, his in-laws, William and Mae Klein, and his great-grandson, Jared.    He is survived by his wife, Peg, children, Matthew and Lisa Hoffman of South Carolina, Jason and Lisa Hoffman of Pennsylvania, Maggie (Hoffman) and Robert Lucas of Vero Beach, Florida, grandchildren Alyssa, Matthew, Casey, Chelsea, Christian, Meghan, and Rainey, and great- grandson Jensen.

Due to concerns relative to being able to safely assemble and to honor Bob’s wishes, a memorial service will be held at a future date.

Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Anthony “Crit” Christiano, 75

April 9, 1946 – August 14, 2021

Anthony “Crit” Christiano, age 75, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 14, 2021 of complications following a battle with esophageal cancer.

He is survived by his brother Andrew (Lori) of Jupiter, FL, fiancée of 13 years, Elaine Warner of Vero Beach, FL, daughter Kerry (Carlos) Molina of Gainesville, VA, son Corey (Gina) of Raleigh, NC, son Kyle of Gloversville, NY and grandchildren Arianna, Spencer, Lacy, Joseph, Asher and Giada.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Maria Rose (Santangelo) Christiano of Gloversville, NY.

Crit was a 1964 graduate of Gloversville High School. He attended Fulton Montgomery Community College and served in the Army National Guard.

Crit was co-owner and operator of Crandy’s (later Maria’s), a popular bar and restaurant in Gloversville, NY from 1975 -1985. He worked as a Youth Division Aide at Tryon Residential Center from 1979 -1996. A young Mike Tyson resided in his cottage and Crit loved to tell the stories of walking him to his boxing lessons.

Mr. Christiano was an avid softball player up through his thirties and also enjoyed golf—especially proud of his hole-in-one in 1993.He enjoyed coaching Little Huskies football, was a member of Concordia Club in Gloversville, NY, Moose Club in Vero Beach, FL and recently the President of the Bocce Ball League at Heritage Plantation Community in Vero Beach, FL, where his team won first place in 2020.

Crit’s interests and hobbies also included stained glass and photography. He was a dog-lover. And he loved Italian traditions and recipes. He was a loyal friend and generous to anyone in need. His kids were his pride and joy—until his grandchildren came along! Crit was a “tough guy” but everyone knew he had a big heart. He was most well-known for his sense of humor, his stories, his jokes and his love of laughter and a good time. He will be remembered and missed by so many.

Crit didn’t want a funeral, but we know he would have liked the idea of a party.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 9, 2021 at 1 PM at the Concordia Club.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ANTHONY “CRIT” CHRISTIANO, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Marie “Chloe” Walsh, 93, Vero Beach

July 27, 1928 – August 22, 2021

Marie “Chloe” Walsh was born in New York City on July 27, 1928 to Ulysses Grivel and Agnes (McGowan) Grivel.  Chloe died August 22, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital after eight years at Solaris Senior Living Center.  For the last two years she was suffering with dementia.

Chloe graduated from Cathedral High school, then attended NY State Teachers College.  She spent many years in the restaurant business in Palm Beach, Florida; New Jersey and for a time as a hostess on Cruise Ships.  She was an innovating outstanding cook who loved preparing meals for all.

Chloe married Joseph Slevin in 1952.  Although that marriage did not last it produced a son Benjamin, of whom she was most proud.  She met David A. Walsh in 1958 and they married in 1960.  She moved to Vero Beach from New Jersey in 1995.  She became active in the Florida Irish American Society.  She loved traveling with David to Europe, all round the United States and Tahiti.  They just celebrated their 61st anniversary.

Chloe had a vibrant caring persona that will be sorely missed by all who knew her.  In addition to people, she loved all animals but especially her Bichons; Julie, Muffin and Princess.

She is survived by her husband David A. Walsh; her son Benjamin J. Walsh, his wife Carol Chalmers Walsh, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 10 -11 AM, Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a prayer service beginning at 11 AM.  Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.

Memorial contributions may be made in Chloe’s name to H.A.L.O. Animal Rescue, 710 Jackson Street, Sebastian, FL  32958 or https://halorescuefl.org/donate/.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARIE “CHLOE” WALSH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Charles “Bill” W. Brumley, Jr., 73, Okeechobee

July 10, 1948 – August 21, 2021

Charles “Bill” W. Brumley, Jr., 73, of Okeechobee, FL passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee.

Bill was born in Vero Beach, FL to the late Charles W. and Frieda McCullers Brumley, Sr.. He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School, Class of 1966 and  after graduation he entered the US Army, serving in the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War. Bill was honored and proud to serve his country.

Following his time in the Army, Bill worked for 12 years in law enforcement before moving to Okeechobee 30 years ago. It was there that he worked and managed the family ranch until his retirement.

He never lost his passion for cows and horses.  Bill always enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Bill was a man of God and an Ordained Minister of the Primitive Baptist Church.

Survivors include his son Shane Brumley, and his fiance Melissa of Okeechobee,, grandchildren Jessie (Stephen) Leach, Cheyenne Driggers, and Justin Edwards, great-grandsons Stephen J Leach, Jr. and Braxton James Saunders,and a whole passel of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Carolyn Blair Brumley and his parents, and a great-grandson Elliot William Leach.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Okeechobee, 411 SE 4th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974.

The family will receive friends 3-4 PM, Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a funeral service celebrating his life beginning at 4 PM.  Interment will follow at Winter Beach Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach, Florida. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of CHARLES W. BRUMLEY, JR., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Brenda M. Hernandez, 46, Sebastian

February 04, 1975 – August 11, 2021

Brenda M. Hernandez, 46, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away on August 11, 2021 in Vero Beach.

Condolences can be made through Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian, Florida.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Brenda M. Hernandez, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Warren Wilmer Dodge Jr., 86, Barefoot Bay

May 03, 1935 – August 15, 2021

Born May 3, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland to Warren Wilmer Dodge Sr., and Helen (nee Simpkins) Dodge. He graduated from Towson High School, Class of 1954. He entered the Army and started as a Tank Driver during the Korean War. During the War, he was reassigned to the Pentagon as a Cryptographer. Upon his return to Civilian life, he purchased a brand new 1957 Chevrolet Belair Convertible.

Warren was affectionately referred to by his friends as Digit as he excelled in Mathematics. He was known in the Parkville area as having the fastest cars in town. In 1959, he married and started a family having 2 sons, Warren Wilmer Dodge 3rd and David Wayne Dodge.

In 1968, he left his job at Clendenin Brothers to take a Sales position at Carey Machinery. Within a few years, he became the Vice President of the Company. During this era, he obtained his Pilot License and began enjoying his passion of flying in his Piper Cherokee 180. He was known for his technical expertise in industrial electronics and automation as well as his very flashy wardrobe. His love of flying was only equaled only by his love of sailing. He often sailed his boat by himself in the Baltimore Harbor.

He met his future wife, Joan Brown and was later married at their stately home in Mayfield. They brought together both families consisting of 5 young men. They enjoyed travelling the world on Business ventures as well personal vacations. His addiction to Cadillacs began at this time. They moved from Mayfield to a Horse Farm outside of Ocean City, Maryland where they dabbled with horses and livestock while operating his business out of one of the buildings on the Farm. Their love for the beach became evident as they spent a lot of time in Assateague driving on the beach and soaking up the Sun.

Warren’s passion for flying affected his business endeavors with him being involved in the Space Shuttle Program. His love of this project had he and Joan make frequent visits to Florida to observe many of the launches. During one of the trips to watch a launch, they visited a friend in Barefoot Bay, Florida. After spending one day there, they bought a house.

A few years after they purchased their Florida home and being the quintessential Snowbirds, they sold the Horse Farm in Maryland and permanently moved into their Florida home. In addition to being regulars on Vero Beach, they enjoyed being involved in the Community. Warren was on the Board for the Sebastian Senior Center. He played softball in Barefoot Bay. He drove the Senior Shuttle Bus.

Warren as able to attend an Honor Flight with the Space Coast Honor Flight Program with his oldest son Warren the 3rd. After his return from this he became involved with the program. He and Joan attended many of the local events. He was an extremely proud Korean Veteran.

As what happens with many elderly couples, health issues became part of their life. Warren had many health issues in the last few years of his life, but always bounced back with his usual determination. Ultimately, he became unable to bounce back and spent his last months in rehabilitation centers in Palm Bay and Vero Beach. Joan was at his side every day as the most dedicated, beautiful wife anyone could have dreamed for. He leaves behind his wife Joan, 5 sons, 8 grandsons and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joanne in Wisconsin

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Warren Wilmer Dodge Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Submitted

Emily Ananda Helseth Myers, 92, Vero Beach

November 21, 1928 – August 12, 2021

Emily Ananda Helseth Myers, 92, passed away at her home in Mt. Pleasant on August 12, 2021 after battling metastatic breast cancer. Emily was born November 21, 1928 in Fort Pierce, Florida to George Arthur and Mary Clegg Knight Helseth. Her father was born in Vero Beach, Florida to Norwegian immigrants and her mother was born in Chatham County, North Carolina. Emily graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1946, attended Queens College in Charlotte, NC for two years, then transferred to Duke University where she graduated in 1950 with a degree in math and where she met her future husband, John E. Myers.

Emily and John were married in 1951 and celebrated 60 years of marriage before his death in 2011. Her working career began with short stints in a bank and as an elementary school librarian; then she found her calling as a high school math teacher in Jacksonville, Florida. After retirement they moved to her family’s homestead in Vero Beach, Florida where they spent much of their time restoring, repairing and remodeling and still found time to be avid bicyclers. They traveled extensively in the lower 48 states, along with international travel in Europe and Latin America. Emily greatly enjoyed cooking and reading, along with woodworking, watercolor painting, belly dancing, water sports, gardening, cats, and volunteering. After John’s passing, she moved to Mt. Pleasant to be near her daughter, and while in Mt. Pleasant she was active in the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center’s meals and exercise classes, Friends of the Library, volunteered at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School as a 3rd grade math mentor, was a member of the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society, two book clubs, and attended Cold Springs UMC.  Emily was seen regularly walking 2 miles around Mt. Pleasant, usually in her floppy khaki hat in the mornings.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents; an older brother, William A. “Bill” Helseth; and her husband, John Myers. She is survived by her younger brother, Charles Jackson “Jack” Helseth (Karen); her son Eric T. Myers (Pam Krauss) of Sylva, North Carolina; daughter, Mary A. Myers (Ronnie Burgess) of Mt. Pleasant; and two grandchildren, Daniel Myers (Taylor), and Amanda Myers (fiancé Michael); along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a local animal rescue organization, or charity of your choice. The family recognizes with much appreciation the support of Atrium Hospice of Cabarrus County and Golden Hearts Senior Care enabling Emily to stay in her home. Services will be at Cabarrus Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery on August 28, 2021. Visitation will be from 2 pm until 3 pm with a memorial service immediately following at 3 pm. Inurnment will take place at the South Florida Military Cemetery at a later date.

Cabarrus Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery is serving the Myers family.

Submitted

Carol Ann Bevan, 70, Roan Mountain, Tennessee 

July 24th, 1951 – August 13, 2021

Carol Ann Bevan, an impactful and dynamic soul, was an English, Creative Writing, Philosophy and World Religions teacher. She died on August 13, 2021 in Roan Mountain, TN, where she was a resident for the last 25 years after moving from Vero Beach. She was born in Miami, Florida on July 24th, 1951. She earned both an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master’s degree in English and retired after 40 years of teaching. Over the years, she taught thousands of high school and college students much more than the subjects she was charged to teach. Ms. “Bev”, as her students called her, was the kind of teacher students never forgot. Many former students maintained lifelong friendships with her.

Her greatest joy was found both inside and outside of the classroom with her students. As a past student commented, “Bev was much more than our teacher, she was our mentor, friend and a source of inspiration.  We were blessed to have had her in our lives”.  She was affectionately known as ‘Mama Bear’, and our ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ “She taught beyond the four walls of the classroom and showed us that we all had a voice, reminded us that we all had a special purpose in this world, while constantly giving us inspiration and hope”. Equality for individuals and in causes was extremely important to her, as was doing the right thing.  Her passion for these values sparked a light in our hearts, which spread to everyone she met. 

She always strived to live life to the fullest and encouraged all those around her to do the same. She was a perfect embodiment of making the most of your life and being “present”.  She personified the term “Carpe Diem”.

Carol Ann was a ray of sunshine who never met a stranger. She loved people, tennis, kayaking, the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains. 

Well beyond her death, her students and friends will carry her spirit in their hearts and are inspired to live life to its fullest by embracing empathy, truth and love. With love and light: Namaste and Paz. May her soul rest in peace and her spirit soar over the mountains and oceans.

A virtual Life Celebration will be scheduled in honor of Carol Ann. For more information, please join the Facebook Group “Celebrating & Living Carol Ann Bevan’s Legacy”. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation.

“You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop.”-Rumi

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