From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gene Robert Ohl, 88, Vero Beach
August 13, 1933 – November 17, 2021
Gene Robert Ohl, 88, of Vero Beach, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
He was born in Lock Haven, PA and attended Penn State University.
Gene worked at Piper Aircraft as an engineer his entire career, beginning in Lock Haven, then moving to Lakeland, and retiring in Vero Beach. He worked with them for 55+ years.
Mr. Ohl was a veteran of the United States Army.
He is survived by his son, Mark Ohl and Brenda; daughter Patty Wright; 3 grandchildren, Katie DeSantis, Thomas and Patrick Wright; and one great granddaughter, Caroline DeSantis.
Gene was predeceased by his wife, Joann Romeo Ohl; his parents, Warren and Barbara Ohl; and his sister, Colleen Ohl Carter.
Those who knew and loved Gene will remember his willingness to help others, his talent for problem-solving, and how much he enjoyed working in his machine shop and building model steam engines. Gene also enjoyed time spent with family and friends at West Branch Hunting Club in Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gary Allan Bryant, 76
April 21, 1945 – December 05, 2021
It is with profound sadness that the family of Gary Allan Bryant announces his passing on December 5, 2021, at the age of 76. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Kay Bryant; daughter, Cassandra Coker; son-in-law, Lester Coker; and granddaughter, Madison Coker.
Gary was born in 1945 and was raised in Ft. Pierce, FL, graduation from Dan McCarty High School (Class of 1963). He had been a resident of Vero Beach for 53 years. He was an agricultural accountant who worked for W.R. Grace and Dole Citrus prior to retiring.
At his request, services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Howard L. West, Jr., 94, Vero Beach
June 08, 1927 – December 01, 2021
Howard L. West, Jr died peacefully in his sleep in Vero Beach, Florida on December 1, 2021, at the age of 94. He was born in St. Albans, NY on June 8, 1927. After graduating from Colgate University in 1949, he took a job with INA in Philadelphia where he lived on the Main Line until he moved to Vero Beach, Florida in January of 2020. While he was at Colgate, he enlisted in the Navy and served 18 months at the end of WWII after which he returned to Colgate to graduate with his original class.
Mr. West spent his professional career in Real Estate and Insurance. He merged his company, Baltz and West with then Roach Wheeler in 1996. This company became Berkshire Hathaway after many name changes. He retired in 2003.
He was a member of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years serving two terms as an Elder and one as a Deacon.
Howard served on the Board of Commissioner of Lower Merion Township from 1979-1997, served on the Board of the Merion Fire Company for more than 40 years, was a member of the Ardmore Rotary Club serving as President in 1981, and served on the board of the Charles Knox Home as president for 40 years.
He was a member of Merion Golf Club and the Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club. He was a former member of the Merion Cricket Club until his move to Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Virginia (Vinny) West, His 4 children, Howard L West III (Teresa) of Hummelstown, PA; Joseph (Jay) R West (Ann) of Sewickly, PA, Addison R West (Ashley) of Haverford, PA and Sarah C West of Ardmore, PA. 8 Grandchildren, one Great Grandchild, a niece and two nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Joyce M West (d 1973) and brother Robert A West (d 2008).
A Memorial Service will be held on January 14, 2022, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, PA at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL. 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Kevin W. Vollbracht, 87, Vero Beach
January 10, 1934 – December 01, 2021
Kevin W. Vollbracht, 87, of Vero Beach passed away on December 1, 2021.
Born in Bay Shore, NY on January 10, 1934 to the late Henry J. Vollbracht and Mae A. McDonough Vollbracht.
Owner and operator of Vollbracht’s Dairy, Empire State Farms and Four Star Dairy. He worked as a Dairy Distributor and was a sincere farmer’s advocate.
He was an altar server, an usher for the Society of the Holy Name, a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Counsel 5629, a volunteer for the East Islip Fire Department and served on the prison ministry for St. Helen Catholic Church. He was also a member of 1909 Society-The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
In 1953, he married the love of his life, the late Mary Louise Evans. Together, they had nine children; Kevin M. (Jean), Mary Virginia (Doug), Michelle (Bill), Henry (Marianne), Leo, deceased (Denise), Regina (Hugh, deceased), Claire (Walter, deceased), Adele (Joe), Loretta (Chris); and 20 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10AM on December 6, 2021 at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach, FL.
He will be laid to rest by his beloved “Lou” at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach at 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, 4597 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9909.
Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
William (Bill) Edward Thompson, 84, Vero Beach
January 31, 1937 – December 03, 2021
William (Bill) Edward Thompson, 84, died Friday, December 3, 2021 at his home in Vero Beach, Florida.
Born to Walter and Glenda Thompson on January 31, 1937 in Coshocton, Ohio, Bill graduated from Warsaw High School in 1954 and attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. After school, he joined his father in the family grocery business, while serving in the Army Reserve. In 1969, Bill moved to Newcomerstown, Ohio and managed their IGA store with his brother, Wayne. Bill was a respected leader in the grocery industry. He spent 9 years on the board of trustees for the East Central Ohio Food Dealers Association. He was named the “Outstanding Independent Operator” by Progressive Grocer magazine in 1991 and voted “Grocer of the Year” in 1996 by the East Central Ohio Grocers Association.
Bill married Carolyn (Cookie) Clark of Newcastle, Ohio on July 19, 1970 and raised three children together. He was a devoted husband and father who always made time for school games and family dinners.
Bill was a well-recognized man in town and always quick to help others and support the community through youth sports, the public schools, church ministry and social services. He was named Newcomerstown’s “Favorite Son” in 1997 by Newcomerstown Tourism Unlimited. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church, the Newcomerstown Lions Club and a lifelong – often suffering– Cleveland Browns and Ohio State fan.
Bill retired in 2004 and moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where he quickly became involved in the community. Bill was an active member of Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church and volunteered his time for many local charities and fundraisers. He enjoyed the warm climate and played golf and tennis as much as possible. He looked forward to his Monday poker nights with the guys and tried to attend many of his grandchildren’s school activities and graduations.
Bill is predeceased by his father and mother, Walter and Glenda Thompson; and brother, Wayne Mortine.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Thompson of Vero Beach; his three children, Wanda Joy (David) Snyder, Bill (Erin) Thompson II, Kate Trefz; his brother, Weldon Mortine, and sister, Carol Marino; grandchildren, Aaron (Amy) Snyder, James Patrick (Jocelyn) Snyder, Allison Snyder, Elizabeth Thompson, Ashley Thompson, Braden Trefz, Brooklyn Trefz and Cannon Trefz; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Service is December 11 at 11 a.m. at Christ by the Sea Methodist Church in Vero Beach, Florida. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sea Oaks HELP (Homeowners & Employees Learning Program) and mailed to 8811 Highway A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 or to Christ by the Sea Methodist Church at 3755 Hwy A1A, Vero Beach, Florida, 32963.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Gertrude L. Emlet, 98, Vero Beach
April 25, 1923 – December 4, 2021
Gertrude L. Emlet, 98, passed away December 4, 2021 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
She was born in Statenville, Georgia to the late George D. Burnham and Jessie Jones Burnham.
Gertrude worked as a Restauranteur, before retiring.
She is survived by her son, Burnell H. Emlet, Jr. of Vero Beach, and a sister, Laura Beatty as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Emlet, Sr., and her son Jeffrey Emlet.
The family will welcome friends for visitation on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 2-3pm at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, FL., followed by a Memorial Service at 3pm. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be mailed to VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or electronically by visiting vnatc.org
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
George Lorraine Reams, 81, Vero Beach
April 04, 1940 – December 05, 2021
George Lorraine Reams, 81, from Vero Beach, FL, formerly from Greensboro, NC, died on Sunday, December 4, 2021, after a several year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born April 4, 1940, in Kansas City, MO, but moved to Southern Pines, NC, when he was four and grew up there. He graduated from UNC-CH and worked for many years at Dillard Paper Company.
Everyone who met George commented what an incredibly kind man he was. He was a salt of the earth, Southern gentleman. George said his goal was to be like Barnabas, in the Bible, because he always wanted people to leave feeling more encouraged after spending time with him. He had a way of making you feel like the most special person in the world. His favorite book in the Bible was Philippians because of its focus on joy, Jesus being with you in all circumstances, and God’s grace. He loved good jokes and puns, and he would often laugh so hard that there would be tears in his eyes. He was a loving, godly husband and caring father and a devoted friend.
Gail and George met at church in Southern Pines. Originally George was scheduled to play golf, but he is thankful his parents insisted that he attend the church reception because that is where he met the love of his life, to whom he was married for 57 years. He would often say how thankful he was to be married to his best friend, who gave him his four children, the pride and joy of his life.
George, an avid golfer with a scratch handicap, was club champion for many years at Greensboro Country Club. As well, he was a member at Pine Needles Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC, the Kiawah Resort Clubs at Kiawah Island, SC, and Hawk’s Nest in Vero Beach, FL. He is predeceased by his father Claude Elsom Reams and his mother Louise Sanders Reams. Survivors include his wife Gail Miller Reams, Vero Beach, FL, his four children: Christopher Reams, Greensboro, NC; Laurie Murphy (Ken), Raleigh, NC; Julie Reams, Alexandria, VA; and Scott Reams, Chico, CA; his three grandchildren: Benjamin, Nicolas, and Claire Murphy, and his two brothers Tom Reams, Pinehurst, NC, and Claude Reams, Key West, FL.
The memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 999 Flamevine Lane, Vero Beach, Florida, 32963 on Friday, December 10th at 11am. The service will be streamed at stpaulsirc.org- click on the “Livestream” button on the top right corner or the link can be requested at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (fcagolf.org) where a scholarship has been created in his name to help children in need attend a Christian golf camp at Pine Needles in Southern Pines NC, where George first learned to golf from renowned golf teacher Peggy Kirk Bell. When you donate, please write “in honor of George Reams.”
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
John J. Ramer, Sr., 84, Vero Beach
September 14, 1937 – December 1, 2021
John J. Ramer, Sr, age 84 of Vero Beach passed away on Wed., December 1, 2021 at Indian River Hospital.
He was born on September 14, 1937, in Steubenville, Ohio the son of Fred and Susan Ramer. He proudly served as a Sargent in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne and became the Production Manager of Hancock Manufacturing Company and later the President of Ramer Enterprises. He was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Toronto and Vero Beach, the Ohio Valley Dapper Dan, and the Vero Beach Yacht Club. He was a lifelong Member of the First Presbyterian Church of Toronto, Ohio where he served as a Deacon and Elder, and was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.
John was an avid golfer and sports fan being a 50-year season ticket holder for the Pittsburgh Steeler and a lifelong Ohio State Buckeye fan. He was devoted to the sports programs in his hometown of Toronto, Ohio where he was a lifelong Toronto Red Knight Booster, organizer of the Toronto American Legion baseball program and Co-Sponsor of the 1999 Ohio State Championship team.
John was preceded in death by his wife Angela Tarr Ramer with whom he shared a 54-year love affair prior to her death in 2010, and his brother Don Ramer Sr. aka “Uncle Don”. He is survived by his loving companion Betty Fitzsimmons, with whom he was blessed to share his last years, and his sons John J. Ramer, Jr and wife Rebecca, and Thomas Ramer and wife Brenda, both of Hendersonville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Derrick, Miranda, Cameron, John III, Kate, Angela, and Mike, as well and 5 great grandchildren Landon, Caroline, Noah, Payton, Naomi, Leo and Liam.
Celebrations of Life for John will be scheduled in Vero Beach and Toronto at a later date where family and friends will celebrate and commemorate John’s wonderful life.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Lawrence G. Barnes, 88
December 09, 1932 – December 08, 2021
Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 11, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Strunk Funeral Home Sebastian Chapel. Burial will follow in Sebastian Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday starting at 9:00 am. prior to services.
Further obituary information to come.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Josefa Garcia Martinez, 66, Fellsmere
April 19, 1955 – December 3, 2021
Mrs. Josefa Garcia Martinez, 66, returned to his heavenly home on December 3, 2021 after a valiant battle with a long illness. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.
She was born in San Pablo, Zacatecas, Mexico and lived in Fellsmere, Florida with her loving family.
Josefa worked in agriculture for many years.
Survivors include her husband Ricardo De Leon of Fellsmere, FL; daughters, Maria De Leon, Maria Zamarripa both of Fellsmere, FL and Silvia Zamparripa of Palm Bay, FL; sons, Rodolfo De Leon, Rigoberto Zamarripa and Javier Zamarripa all of Fellsmere, FL; 20 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Fellsmere, FL with Father Sabas Mallya, officiating. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, Florida.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sebastian, Florida.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Brandon Eugene Martindale Dublin, 83
May 3, 1938 – November 30, 2021
Brandon Eugene Martindale Dublin was born on the Caribbean Island of St. Christopher, better known as St. Kitts, on May 3, 1938, to the late Edward Langfield Horatio Dublin and Jane Edgecombe Dublin. When he was six months old his family moved to the adjacent island of Antigua. During his formative years he attended the Antigua Boys School and Hill’s Secondary School and worshiped at the St. John’s Anglican Cathedral.
Graduating from Hill’s Secondary, he worked as an Agent at Bryson & Co. Ltd and this is where he met the love of his life and future wife, Linda Simpson.
In pursue of better opportunities, he migrated to the United States where he attended the Academy of Aeronautics to study engineering. He later attended Fordham University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Brandon worked as an accountant at Bankers Trust for quite a few years and later at Apple Bank. He was kind, loving, caring, faithful, a devoted husband and had a well-earned reputation for being very funny. He loved to play cricket and was a member of the Bankers Trust Cricket Club. He thought he was a great cricket player, but his wife said she never had the heart or the courage to tell him he was just average. He also enjoyed a good game of soccer and was an avid fan of the legendary Antigua Cricketer Sir. Vivian Richards. In addition, Brandon was inquisitive, detail oriented and an avid reader. He especially liked to read sports and political news.
Brandon is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda R. Dublin of Sebastian, FL; sisters Gwendolyn Matthews and Cynthia Dublin; nieces, Karen Matthews, Antoinette LeBlanc, Dr. Catrina Jean, Patsy Dublin-Lewis, Ingrid Dublin, Elysha George, Florence George and Minerva Dublin; nephews, Lestom Dublin Jr., Leslie Dublin and Trevor Dublin; numerous great nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends too numerous to mention.
He departed this world into the arms of our Lord on November 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lestom Dublin, Mumford Dublin and sister Adelaid George. He was an inspiration to many and will surely be missed.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Nancy Elizabeth Bias, 54, Sebastian
April 18, 1967 – November 24, 2021
Nancy Elizabeth Bias, 54, of Sebastian, FL, passed away Wednesday, November 24th 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic, Vero Beach, FL.
She was born April 18th 1967 in Portsmouth VA, daughter of Elaine Napier (Murphy) & Larry Lauhon. She was formerly a bookkeeper at Vero Insurance. Nancy loved to spend time with her family and she never missed an opportunity to do so. She was clever, humorous, artistic and loving to her family, friends and animals. She enjoyed Florida State football, listening to music and attending live concerts always brought her joy.
Nancy was predeceased by her grandparents: Sarah & Bud Lauhon and Wess & Merle Murphy.
Those of us left behind to forever cherish the many memories of Nancy are her sons: Seth & Shane Bias (she would say her two best accomplishments); biological parents: Elaine Napier & Larry Lauhon; step-father: Larry Napier; brothers: Larry Lauhon, II & Matthew Napier; sister: Michelle Napier; grandchildren: Brody & Kinsley Bias; niece: Lorelai Lauhon; and nephews: Aedan, Levi & Becket Napier-Reisinger.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Dec 11th 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958 with Pastor Joe LaGuardia, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s name to HALO No-Kill Rescue, 710 Jackson St., Sebastian, FL 32958.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Margaret “Peggy” Ann Knight, 91, Vero Beach
August 05, 1930 – November 24, 2021
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Ronald J. Langford Jr., 95, Sebastian
August 15, 1926 – November 30, 2021
Ronald J. Langford Jr., 95, of Sebastian, FL., passed away November 30, 2021.
He was born in Lynn, MA., on August 15, 1926. He grew up in Swampscott, MA., before settling at Pelican Pointe in Sebastian for retirement.
Ronald served during World War II in Guam with the United States Navy. He fondly remembers his buddy from the Navy, Marshall Gilbert, through his many stories. He worked in sales for New England Telephone Co. for 30 years while raising his family. He met and married the love of his life, Corinne (McPhee) Langford and they enjoyed 70 years of marriage together and raised four children. Ronald was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Ronald was a disciplined and religious man attending church on Sundays and reciting the rosary daily. He loved boating, camping, and traveling. Spending summers camping on Cape Cod when the kids were young, and traveling across country twice when they were older. Boating in the summers to catch fish or a good fish story. They spent many summers visiting their out of state children.
He was a generous and kind friend who loved to share or tell a funny joke; often laughing himself before getting the punch line out! He often got his material from his son-in-laws.
He loved to golf, and spent many days in retirement golfing with his family and friends. He especially loved his family’s gift of golf at “Pebble Beach,” that his children made sure he achieved. He enjoyed his “cracker jack” shrimp at Mulligan’s Beach House in Sebastian with his daughter, Debbie, on Tuesdays; always looking forward to seeing Renee. He loved his lobster rolls on Friday with Debbie at Pelican Diner. He could watch the golfers out the window while having a bite of New England!
Ronald is pre-deceased by his loving wife, Corinne (McPhee) Langford, and his grandson Adam DePaolo.
Ronald is survived by his children Deborah (Kevin) Donnelly, Sandra (Patrick) Westrum, R.J. Langford III, and Ross J. Langford (April). He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ryan (Myriah) Westrum, Erik (Kelly) Westrum, Heidi Westrum (Roger), Vivian Langford, Ross Langford Jr. (Julia), Kalvyn Langford, Skylar Langford, and many great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at the Seawinds Funeral Home Chapel on January 29, 2022 beginning at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Condolences can be made through Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian, Florida.
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