In Memory: Feb. 7

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Peggy Ann Mosteller, 91

June 15, 1930 – February 02, 2022

Peggy Ann Mosteller, age 91, passed away February 2, 2022.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Betty Jean Thigpen, 93, Vero Beach

August 09, 1928 – January 29, 2022

Betty Jean Thigpen, 93, a long time resident of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Betty was born in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late John and Esther Prince Howard. After she graduated from High School in Tennessee the family moved to Vero Beach.

Betty worked in a stove making foundry, and as a switch board operator and clerical worker. She met Reuben Henry Thigpen in Vero Beach and they were married on October 17, 1952, in Vero Beach. She spent the rest of her life as a mother, grandmother, and homemaker.

Betty was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Forest Park Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and Genesis Church.

Survivors include her children: Ronnie Howard Thigpen and his wife Susan, Jean Ann Longcore, Vickie Lynn Thigpen, and Henry Scott Thigpen. Survivors also include nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Reuben Henry Thigpen in 2017.

A Gathering of family and friends will take place at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service to immediately follow at 2:00 p.m.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Eleanor B. “Ellie” Masteller, 83

April 20, 1938 – February 01, 2022

Eleanor B. “Ellie” Masteller, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022, at her home.

At the request of her family, services will be private.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Ann Wyckoff Cook, 95, Vero Beach

August 13, 1926 – February 03, 2022

Ann Wyckoff Cook died on February 3, 2022, in Vero Beach, FL.

Ann Cook was born in Buffalo, New York on August 13, 1926.  Her parents were Marjorie Annable and George Magee Wyckoff.  Ann spent 14 years in Buffalo then moved to Sewickley, PA in 1942.  Her education included Miss Porters in Connecticut.  In 1947, she married John Scott Wendt Jr. and had three children, J. Scott Wendt (Sewickley), Peyton W. Berry (Vero Beach, FL) and Peter Magee Wendt (Beaufort, N.C.).  After a divorce, Ann met and married Frederic L. Cook. In 1991 they moved to Vero Beach, FL.  While in Sewickley, Ann had many interests.  She was active on the Woman’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.  She also loved to play golf as a member of the Allegheny Country Club and was a member of the U.S. Senior Women’s Golf Association.  Ann also spent many hours doing needle point.  She was a part of a small group that needlepointed a kneeler for Queen Elizabeth’s chapel at Windsor Castle.  Ann loved art!  She, like her mother, was a painter.  She painted scenes from her travels including landscapes, flowers, the ocean, and birds.  Ann was a member of Riomar Golf Club and very much enjoyed her friends at Bent Pine in Vero Beach.  She also enjoyed evenings with her sister Florence Hastings also of Vero Beach.  Ann is survived by grandchildren: Cmdr Mason Berry (Jessica), Marcie Lenaghan (Tim), Emily Berry, Thomas Wendt, Virginia Wendt.

Services were private.  Donations are suggested for the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh or the Visiting Nurse Association of Vero Beach, FL.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Patrick James McCann (Jim), 82, Florida

January 08, 1940 – February 03, 2022

It is with profound sadness that the family of Patrick James McCann (Jim) announces his passing on Thursday, February 3, 2022, in North Hutchinson, Florida. Jim passed peacefully at home in the presence of his family.

Born in Bronx, New York in 1940, he was the only boy and youngest of four children. At the age of 18, Jim joined the Army and served in Germany for two years. On April 25, 1964, he married the love of his life Sheila and started their family of three.

Jim was an avid tennis player, chess player and lover of running, cycling and swimming. He loved the warm weather and often took his family on vacations to Florida where he could enjoy the sun and sand with his wife and children. After 30 years working as an executive for Lorillard Inc., he retired at the age of 57, and relocated to his dream home in Florida with his wife Sheila.

Jim was a beloved husband; father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim’s parents Patrick and Alice McCann and his sisters Mary, Alice, and Madeline preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Sheila, his son Jim, his daughters Nancy and Trish, his grandchildren Kimberly, Aiden, Cara, Aaron, Connor, and Grayson, and his great grandchildren Michael and Logan.

A Funeral Mass is planned for February 10, 2022, at 10am., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

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

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Michael Patrick Gildea, 67, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and Vero Beach

April 02, 1954 – February 04, 2022

Michael Patrick Gildea, 67, of Saratoga Springs, NY and Vero Beach, FL passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2022. He was born on April 2, 1954, in Queens, NY. He relocated to Saratoga Springs with his parents, Louise and John McDonnell, after graduating from Grover Cleveland High School. This is where he met Sharon, his loving wife of 47 years.

His long career as a millwright included positions at Saint Gobain in Watervliet and General Dynamics in West Milton. Mike was passionate about his work as a union representative, and was a proud and dedicated advocate on behalf of his fellow employees.

Mike was a self-taught jack of all trades, and over the years, he went on to master many of them. He was a skilled carpenter and completed many home improvement projects for his extended family and friends. This work included building decks, installing floors and countertops, as well as plumbing and light electrical, which was one of the many ways he expressed his love.

Mike never shied away from hard work, and he had an unwavering willingness to be there for the people he loved.

Mike modestly touched the lives of many, particularly through his love for baseball. He spent over a decade coaching his brother’s little league team and daughters’ softball teams. His coaching went well beyond sports, as he was always invested in helping others to recognize and to achieve their full potential. Mike really enjoyed playing softball, golfing, going to the track, in addition to playing cards and chess with his grandkids. He was a lifelong fan of both the Yankees and Mets, and was also a huge NY Giants fan. To relax, he was always eager to include family and friends, while boating on Summit Lake, where he spent his summers.

He was a loyal and loving husband, father, son, brother, pop pop, and friend and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by a dearly loved family: Sharon, his wife; two daughters Candace Bousman and Lauren Andreini (Kristian); his grandchildren Grace, Finn, William, and Henry; his siblings Patricia Fernet, Susan Clare, and John McDonnell (Tanya); niece, Brigid Clare; nephews, Bryan Fernet, Sean Fernet, Patrick Clare, Liam McDonnell, and Aidan McDonnell.

A Gathering will be held 10:00am -11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10th with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL.

In remembrance of Mike, we will ask that you share a fond memory of yourself with him. There will be a memory box available at calling hours. In keeping with the spirit of such a kind and generous man, we ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Kasiemobi Angstadt-Okpe, 15

January 14, 2007 – January 30, 2022

Kasiemobi Angstadt-Okpe, affectionately and commonly known as “Kasie”, passed away unexpectedly January 30, 2022.

He was born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania on January 14, 2007 to Christine Angstadt and Solace Okpe.

At the young age of 15, Kasie already had so much potential and so many things going for him which included a loving family, to many friends to count, music and sports.

Kasie always brought a lot of happiness and joy to his family with his laughter, infectious smile, his jokes, the way he played with his niece and nephews, and especially his big hugs. Kasie made all of our lives interesting because you never knew what project he was going to build, what crazy idea he was going to come up with, or what silly thing he was going to do to make you laugh. No matter his role in life, he always did it to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it. He had so much life to live, and he will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him and loved him. Kasie, keep making us proud and we will see you again one day.

We miss you, and we love you. Gone too soon, but forever in our hearts.

Kasie is survived by his mother Christine Angstadt (Johnny); father, Solace Okpe; sisters, Shaiquil Parker (Terrell), Alizae Simonette, Kadija Foster (Chris),Chizomam Emeagwa, and Kelechi Okpe; brothers, Cameron Cobb and Tre‘ Cobb; grandfather, William Gerhart; nieces and nephews, Kai, Lensay, Anijah, Zyana, James, Joyelle, Roman, and Elijah.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and fraternal grandparents, Pauline Gerhart, Richard Angstadt and Benjamin Okpe.

All are welcome to come remember Kasie and celebrate his life during Visitation from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday February 11, 2022 at Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory in Vero Beach. A youth pastor will be present for those that need comfort and guidance.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of KASIEMOBI “KASIE” ANGSTADT-OKPE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Michael J. Kenney, Jr., 85

March 15, 1936 – February 2, 2022

Michael J. Kenney, Jr., age 85, peacefully passed away in Vero Beach, Fla., Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Firstborn to Michael and Gertrude (Shanahan) Kenney, Mike was born March 15, 1936, in Waterbury. He attended St. Francis Xavier School and Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury. He attended Temple University and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1958. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Western Connecticut.

He began his career as a teacher at Sprague School in Waterbury. He moved to Southbury in 1968 and became involved with the Young Republicans and local government, successfully running for the office of first selectman of Southbury in 1972.

Mike dutifully served the town for 12 years. During his tenure, Southbury was one of the fastest growing towns in Connecticut. Highlights of his terms include the construction of Pomperaug High School, Southbury Plaza, the town pool, and several town parks, as well as presiding over the town’s Tercentennial celebration in 1973. His campaign slogan was always “I like Mike,” and nothing could be more appropriate; even Democratic friends and acquaintances had a rally supporting him when he ran for state office.

In the early 1980s he became an administrative assistant to U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker, living a few years in Alexandria, Va. He returned to Connecticut to work as a commissioner on the Connecticut Department of Public Utilities Control.

He was married to the love of his life, Kathryn (DiMartino) Kenney, for 63 years. They had five children, nine grandchildren and numerous beloved pets. Mike was a member of the Lions Club, the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Mike loved life and people. He always lit up a room and loved being master of ceremonies. As someone once said of him, “Mike could dial up a wrong number and talk for an hour.” Mike loved and treasured all his friends, both old and new, and had a smile for everyone. His passions included big band music, baseball, telling a good joke and celebrating his Irish heritage. After retirement, he and Kathryn moved to Florida where he helped administer his condo association and enjoyed playing softball and golf.

Mike is survived by his wife Kathryn and his sister, Mary Rita Phelan of Prospect. He leaves behind his children Kevin Kenney (Sylvia), Maura Stanko (John), Kara Kenney, and Martin Kenney, and daughter-in-law Ellen Kenney. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Michael, Meghan, and Erin Kenney, and Jonathan, Martha, Wendy and Sophie Stanko, and Marra and Patrick Kenney. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Michael J. Kenney III.

Please consider a donation in Mike’s name to the following:

  • Southbury Middlebury Scholarship Fund
  • Southbury Needy Fund
  • The VNATC (Treasure Coast)

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MICHAEL JOSEPH KENNEY, JR., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Angelina Tarascio (Tirado), 87

April 08, 1934 – January 20, 2022

Angelina Tarascio (Tirado), 87, born in New York City on April 8, 1934, daughter of Carlos C. Tirado and R. Octavia Tavarez Tirado passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022, in Micco, Fl, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.  She worked at Ma Bell, in New York, as a teenager then became a Pan American Stewardess and Purser for over thirty years.  She travelled extensively over the world and lived in several states with her family before meeting her husband Charles Tarascio, also of New York.  She was an avid collector of items from all over the world and loved sharing her experiences with her family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and siblings (7 of 9).  Although she had no children, she is survived by many close relatives and friends who loved her dearly.  A mass and celebration of her life will be at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Micco, Fl starting at 11:00 AM on February 12, 2022.  She will be interred at the Sebastian Cemetery in Sebastian, Fl on February 14, 2022.  Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ANGELINA TARASCIO, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Stanley “Jim” Staniewicz

January 12, 1944 – February 01, 2022

Jim was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 12, 1944, to Genevieve Wydro and Leo Staniewicz.  Jim had 3 brothers and 1 sister: Danny, Leo, Joe and Theresa.  He joined his family in Heaven on the 1st day of February 2022.

Jim served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Alaska keeping watch over the sea between Germany and the U.S.  He was discharged on from the Air Force on September 17, 1969.

Jim married his first wife Margaret and moved to Denver, Colorado.  He became Manager at Montgomery Ward in Home Improvement.  Jim sold me (Marcie) a garage door opener for my two-car garage, and we became friends.  When Montgomery Ward went out of business, he and wife Margaret moved to Fairplay, Colorado.  Jim bought into the hotel there with two of his friends.  After a few years they sold the Hotel and he and Margaret moved back to Denver and eventually divorced.  Sometime later, Jim called me, Marcie, and we started dating.   He asked me to marry him and eventually we married on January 7, 1977.  After trying different jobs, he applied and became an Allstate Insurance Agent.  Jim was successful and won trips from Allstate to France, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico and cities in the U.S.  Also, travel with the Catholic Church group in Denver to Rome, Turin where we saw the Shroud and to Germany for the Passion Play that was played every 10 years.

After Jim retired from Allstate they move to Vero Beach, Florida.  Then after the Hurricanes Jean and Frances, they moved back to Colorado.  Marcie’s brother Tom talked them into moving to Paragould, Arkansas.  After a couple of years, they moved to back to Florida and purchased a home in Sebastian.  Jim was taking over as Head Usher with St. Sebastian Catholic Church.  Our last trip was to Alaska to see the Northern Lights, which never happened.  When Jim broke his left hip in 2019, he never recovered from that accident.

Jim will be deeply missed by Marcie and his family in Baltimore, Maryland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian Catholic Church at a later date to be announced.

Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of STANLEY “JIM” STANIEWICZ, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home

Glenn O. Hight, 94, Oxford 

October 06, 1927 – January 27, 2022

Glenn O. Hight, age 94, passed away peacefully at home in Oxford, FL on January 27, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 6, 1927, in Mannington, KY. As a child, his family moved to Florida and he became a resident of Vero Beach for over 50 years before moving to Oxford, FL in 2006. Glenn was a Sr. Dispatcher for the Florida State Turnpike Authority & Florida Highway Patrol for almost 10 years. Afterwards, he worked for Piper as an Aviation Electronics Assembler & Fabricator for almost 20 years before retiring.

Glenn was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife of 51 years; Lilia A. Hight, his children; Janice Snyder, Glenn R. Hight, Diana Huyser & Geneva Rivera, grandchildren, great grandchildren and sister; Dot Wise. He is predeceased by his
parents, 3 brothers and his oldest daughter, Gwendolyn Baker.

A visitation will be held at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20 th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 on Friday, February 11th at 3:00pm with a short service immediately following beginning at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Glenn O Hight, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Edwin H. Holt IV, 81, Barefoot Bay

July 19, 1940 – January 31, 2022

Edwin H. Holt IV, age 81, formerly of Fitchburg, MA and Barefoot Bay, FL, passed away January 31, 2022. He was born in Fitchburg, MA the son of Edwin H. Holt III and Livona (Irvine) Holt. He was a 1958 graduate of Fitchburg High School.

After High School he became a typesetter for 28 years first at Colonial Press and then Modern Printing. He also worked 15 years in Fitchburg City Hall in the Treasurer’s office. He enjoyed living in Barefoot Bay, FL for 19 years. His hobbies included fishing, bocce, shuffleboard, softball, cards, playing and coaching ice hockey. He was a proud member of the Italian American Club and also loved going to lunch with the “ROMEOS.”

He leaves his wife of 45 years Rosalie (Romano) Holt, son Edwin H. Holt V; daughters Lori Diaz, husband Alfredo; Traci Weaver, husband Stephen; Michelle Freeman, husband Gary; Faithann Soucier, husband James; stepchildren Lucille Simotes, husband Anthony; Raymond Bedard and Joseph Bedard; nephew David Cutting; brother-in-law Michael Romano; sisters-in-law Mary McKinney; Jeanne Kershaw, husband Larry; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nephews and nieces whom he adored.

Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 5055 Micco Rd, Micco FL, February 15 at 11am

Burial at a later date in Massachusetts.

Arrangements through Seawinds Funeral Home, Sebastian FL online guestbook www.seawindsfh.com.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Edwin H. Holt IV, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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