From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Adolph “Al” Vaccaro, 80, Vero Beach
February 12, 1942 – February 21, 2022
Adolph “Al” Vaccaro, 80 of Vero Beach, FL passed away on February 21, 2022 with his family by his side. Born in Lustra, Italy, Al came to the United States with his family in 1956 and settled in Paterson, NJ. He moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1974, where he met his wife, Margaret “Pixie” of 35 years and raised his children. He retired in 2020 from his 38-year career as Owner of Reliable Lawn Service, still having clients from the day he started.
Al was an avid bowler, being part of a bowling league for over 40 years. In his spare time, he loved being outdoors, fishing, gardening, projects around the house, and making homemade pizza for family and friends almost every Friday night for over 20 years. Al certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.
Al is survived by his wife Margaret “Pixie” Vaccaro, his daughter Lori Strazzulla (Dominic), son Carmin Vaccaro (Joie), step-son Ed Walton, Sister Rose Grambone (late David) brother John Vaccaro (Maria), sister Mary Micchio (Lee), sister Florence Ferreira (late Manny), brother Carl Vaccaro, brother Victor Vaccaro (Donna), and his grandchildren, Kelly Mank, Keaton Mank, Lilly Strazzulla, Alexis Vaccaro, Alexander “Bubba” Vaccaro, as well as 22 nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Carmine and Antonietta Vaccaro, brother Dominic Vaccaro, brother Orlando Vaccaro.
The funeral service will be held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church on March 4, 2022 at 2pm, followed by a reception for family and friends at The Riverhouse.
Please send any memorial donations to St. Helen’s or www.surfrider.org.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Sir Lawrence Anthony Semprevivo, 87, Vero Beach
December 26, 1934 – February 18, 2022
Sir Lawrence Anthony Semprevivo. Age 87, passed away on February 18, 2022 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
He was born December 26, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Palma Semprevivo.
He was a resident of Vero Beach, for over 20 years. He moved to Vero Beach from Deming, New Mexico.
Mr. Semprevivo was a “jack of many trades”. He was a color specialist in the printing industry, owned many companies and restaurants as owner and Chef. Lawrence created, manufactured and distributed the 1st Sugar free cookies that took the baking world by storm. He and his son Joseph and wife Jo Maire even published a book about their life and all the struggles they have overcome. Madness, Miracles Millions is a story of Lawrence and his life from humble beginnings to being known world wide. #1 Best Selling author and a Member of PIKE Fraternity. Also Lawrence was a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Lawrence was a giving caring man that loved his wife and family over all else. Lawrence was adored, loved and honored by all those who know him, especially his family.
Survivors include his beloved wife, JoMarie Semprevivo; children, Palma (Harold) Richmond, Larry (Elena) Semprevivo and Joseph (Memory) Semprevivo; brother, Michael Semprevivo; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by siblings, Michael, Joe “Bobby”, Charlie, Anthony, Marie, and Anna.
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Shirley Ozburn Farris Dennis-Hagood, 97, Vero Beach
January 09, 1925 – February 23, 2022
Shirley Ozburn Farris Dennis-Hagood entered into God’s eternal rest on February 23, 2022,after 97 years on earth in which she radiated love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness to all who knew her. She was a loving wife to three wonderful husbands who predeceased her, most recently M. Johnson “John” Hagood II. John and Shirley were married in December of 2017, and they were as happily in love as young newlyweds until John passed away in December 2021. Prior to her marriage to John, Shirley was blessed with 29 years of marriage with Harry Dennis (married 1985 to 2014) and 24 years of marriage with Kelton “Bud” Farris (1951 to 1975). Shirley was also predeceased by two sisters, Janine Madison (Jim) and Joyce Palmer (Roy).
Shirley is survived by her brother, Pierce Johnson (Nancy), brother-in-law, Roy Palmer (Joyce), and her children, Kelton “Kel” Farris, Jr. (Margaret) and Jana Ringgold (Charlie), as well as grandchildren John Farris (Morgan) and Madison Frazee (Jack). Additionally, Shirley is survived by many nephews, nieces and other family members.
Shirley was born January 9, 1925, in Savannah, Georgia, and was raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida. She graduated from Armstrong Junior College in Savannah in 1945 and worked as a secretary in U.S. Air Force Headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, where she met Air Force Captain Bud Farris in 1949. Shirley and Bud were married in October of 1951 in Greenville, South Carolina, and Kel and Jana were born shortly after, in 1952 and 1954.
As a military wife, Shirley and her family had the privilege of experiencing living in numerous places around the world, including Alabama, Virginia, France, Okinawa, Delaware and New Jersey. Bud retired in 1974 as a Brigadier General and returned to his hometown in Conway, Arkansas. After Bud died in 1975, Shirley stayed in Conway and worked at Hendrix College until 1978, when she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas and worked at the Red Cross office.
In 1983, Shirley moved to Winter Park, Florida, and soon after met retired Air Force Colonel Harry Dennis. In 1985, Shirley and Harry were married, and she moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where they lived happily until 1999, when they moved to Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Florida.
Upon Harry’s passing in 2014, Shirley became friends with John and Betty Hagood. When John became a widow, John and Shirley’s friendship blossomed, resulting in their marriage in December 2017. Shirley embraced life to the fullest and embodied the true meaning of grace, warmth and elegance.
The family wishes to acknowledge the love and care of the staff at Indian River Estates, as well as those at Hospice, ensuring Shirley’s final moments were of peace and comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach or Treasure Coast Food Bank.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Ronald Antonelli, 79
May 09, 1942 – February 11, 2022
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Ronald Antonelli.
Below is the livestream link to the Antonelli Service scheduled to air Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 at 2:00 pm.
Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory – Memorial Service
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
David L. Hotchkiss, 75, Vero Beach
June 2, 1946 – February 21, 2022
David L. Hotchkiss, 75, passed away quietly at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on February 21, 2022 with his family by his side.
Born in Lansing, Michigan to his mother and father, Dorothy and Lyle Hotchkiss, on June 2, 1946.
He was a licensed Barber and Building Contractor who proudly served in the US Navy on the U.S.S. Regal during the Vietnam era.
David is predeceased by his parents as well as his brother, Art Hotchkiss.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christine Hotchkiss; his sister-in-law, Agnes Hotchkiss and her family.
David was a friend to all he met.
When David contemplated that his life’s travels were coming to an end, he said “That ain’t right”. Amen to that!
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of DAVID LYLE HOTCHKISS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Marianne Johnson, 86, Vero Beach
March 10, 1935 – February 23, 2022
Marianne Johnson, 86, passed away peacefully on Feb 23rd at Somerset House, Oak Harbor (VNA) Hospice), as a result of cancer and attendant medical complications. She was born in Chicago on March 10th, 1935, the daughter of David Almer and Marie Almer, née Andersson. She graduated from Christian High School and North Park University with highest honors, followed by a nursing degree from Northwestern University. She worked as a nurse at Cook County Hospital, Chicago. Later, she returned to further education receiving two masters’ degrees and a doctorate in clinical psychology. She spent much of her adult life in Hinsdale, Illinois. Later, she and her husband Bill, designed their dream-house on the shores of Lake Michigan. Marianne was a loving and caring practitioner working independently with Spectrum Counseling, a clinic she founded and managed. In her later years Marianne volunteered at Hospice House and many other organizations.
Marianne was a thoughtful and loving spirit who touched many lives, both as counselor and friend. She was deeply committed to her husband Bill and four children and devoted much of her life to their well-being and welfare. No matter where Marianne lived, she had the ability to form and nurture deep friendships. Marianne loved music of all kinds, from jazz to symphony and opera. She read constantly, and her bookshelves were filled with spiritual and psychological writings, as well as novels.
Marianne also loved outdoor activities, especially family skiing in Colorado. In later years, she traveled to many parts of the world, eager always to learn as much as possible about the history and culture of the societies she visited. She was grounded in her Christian faith but was always engaged with and supportive of other philosophies and beliefs.
Marianne is survived by her husband, Bill, and children Mary (Tom), David (Elizabeth), Douglas (Kathryn), Paul (Geneviève), as well as grandchildren Isabel, Anaïs, Jeremy, Jamie, Jon, her brother Arnold, and many great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Raymond, and her grandson, Soren. A celebration of her life will be held at the Community Church of Vero Beach on May 16. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Community Church of Vero Beach; Lumunos (Lumunos.org or 38 S. Winooski Ave. Burlington VT 05401); Potter’s House (Pottershouse.org.gt or P.O . Box 106-Dept. A, Pewaukee, WI 53072)
Marianne will be forever remembered and loved.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARIANNE JOHNSON, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Raymond Maurice Dussault, 70, Vero Beach
June 6, 1951 – February 17, 2022
Raymond Maurice Dussault earned many nicknames during his ride on the roller coaster of life: Bad Boy, Busta Banks, Ray the Pig, Ray Ray, Dad, Bubba, and Poppop. He had the biggest heart of anyone we know, but sadly, it finally gave out at home on February 17th with his granddaughter, Nia Rae by his side. Ray was born in Woonsocket RI on June 6,1951 to Annette and Armand Dussault. He graduated in 1971 from Woonsocket High. He was predeceased by his parents and his four siblings: Mathew, Richard, Joann and Maryann.
Besides more friends than we can count, Ray leaves behind a legacy of love with his former spouse and love of his life, Marianne Dussault, and his children and their significant others, Christine Dussault and Antonio Silva, Nicole and Michael Holly, Zachary Dussault and Rachel Jurzyk and Jennifer Whitney His greatest joy was in celebrating his children’s successes and spending time with his grandchildren, Nia Rae, Antonio Jr., Camden and Xavier.
When Ray met Marianne, he was a grease monkey at Leon’s Post Road Garage in Charlestown. He was both a Constable and Town Sergeant for the Town of Charlestown, and former member and Chief Engineer for the Cross Mills Fire Department. He founded Colors for a Cause, a non-profit that supports families battling childhood cancer. Ray was a grateful recovering Friend of Bill W. for 35 years and worked for 20 years at The Galilee Mission for Fishermen in Narragansett helping countless men struggling with addiction. Ray was always willing to lend a helping hand, give someone a ride, and you could always count on him to show up. He worked at the Charlestown Seafood Festival for as long as we can remember and came up every summer to attend after he moved to Vero Beach, FL, to get away from the harsh New England winters, and so he could ride his motorcycle all year round.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 20 at 11:30 at the Church of the Holy Spirit. In honor of Ray, please perform a random act of kindness for a complete stranger, help someone in need, or call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while and let them know you’re thinking of them.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Salvatore Charles Cefali, 87, Vero Beach
October 27, 1934 – February 26, 2022
Mr. Salvatore Charles Cefali, 87, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach.
Salvatore was born in Manhattan, New York and moved to Vero Beach 20 years ago from Long Island.
He had worked for Eastern Airlines before his retirement. Salvatore loved family gatherings, Italian food, Frank Sinatra and the Mets.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years Kathleen A. Cefali of Vero Beach, daughters Dawn Cefali, and her husband Santiago Huertas, of Palm Bay and Lia Webber, and her husband Ryan, of Elgin, Illinois, sons Manuel Cefali of Orlando and Michael Cefali, and his wife Patricia, of Orlando, twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Lena Maida Cefali, and a sister Marie Cefali.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to H.A.L.O. Animal Rescue https://halorescuefl.org/donate/ 710 Jackson Street Sebastian, FL 32958.
The family will receive friends 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian, Florida with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of SALVATORE CHARLES CEFALI, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Willie Doris Snell, 87, Vero Beach
July 04, 1934 – February 18, 2022
Willie Doris Snell, age 87, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away February 18, 2022, surrounded in love by her family. Doris was born on July 4, 1934 near Cordell, Georgia to Joseph William Hall and Alma Doris Stanford. She lived most of her life from early childhood in Jacksonville, Fl, where her father worked in the Navy shipyards in Mayport, Florida. She married at the age of 16 and became a homemaker, working as needed in various jobs. Her longest tenure was with the Florida Forrest Service as Tower Attendant in Duval and Indian River Counties. To further her education, she received her GED many years later. She moved permanently to Vero Beach in 2003 and lived there until her death.
Doris is survived by her children Frances Price, Juanita Lindsey, and Jeanette Kilpatrick; her siblings David Hall and Elizabeth Faulk; and 26 Grand/Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 siblings William Hall and Catherine Johnson, and her son, Gerald R.
Myers, Jr.
A celebration of her life will be at her home on March 12, 2022, between 11 am-2 pm.
A tribute from her family:
Heaven gained another angel. We’re comforted to know you are no longer suffering, but damn we’re gonna miss you! We will miss our talks, your stubbornness, but most of all your laugh! You experienced so much in your 87 years, but in the end it was all about family. You fiercely loved all of us until your very last breath, and we’re so grateful to have been a big part of your amazing life! ❤
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Willie Doris Snell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Iva Linell Kennedy, 91
November 20, 1930 – February 23, 2022
Family and friends,
There will be a memorial service on Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 2pm to 6pm at the Kennedy residence, 370 35th Court SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968. Everyone is invited to come celebrate the life of Iva.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Iva Linell Kennedy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Iva Linell Kennedy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Patricia Hawley Riefler (Patsy), 95, Vero Beach
January 03, 1927 – February 28, 2022
Patricia Hawley Riefler (Patsy) born on January 3rd, 1927 died peacefully in her Vero Beach home surrounded by family on February 28th 2022 at the age of 95. Patsy was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended Smith College and the University of Cincinnati. After graduating with a degree in economics in 1949, Patsy and two friends embarked on a lifelong adventure to New York City hoping to meet “Captains of Industry”. Patsy excelled in her own career as a radio time buyer for Dancer Fitzgerald Sample Advertising.
In 1957 Patsy married Donald Riefler who survives her after 63 wonderful years of marriage. Patsy was the proud mother of three children, Duncan Riefler, Linda Riefler Boyatt and Barbara Hammond all raised on the North Shore of Long Island New York. Patsy managed a busy household, found time for her tennis, paddle tennis and bridge games and also did charitable work for the Junior League and managed an early professional tennis tournament sponsored by the Family Service Association in 1970.
In 1991 Patsy and her beloved Donald retired to Vero Beach where Patsy continued to enjoy her passions of tennis, golf and bridge. She committed time as a volunteer child advocate for Guardian ad Litem of Florida. Patsy made friends in Edwards, Colorado and Harbor Springs, Michigan where she and Don have spent summers in retirement. Patsy will be remembered for her love of playing sports, formidable bridge game, for her beauty and charm and most particularly for her very quick wit and sense of humor.
In addition to her immediate family Patsy leaves behind eight grandchildren, DJ, Jagger and Rex Riefler, Kayla, Jordan and Alexandra Boyatt, Tommy and Parker Hammond. She is also survived by her brother Don Hawley. The close family will be celebrating her life on Saturday March 5th at her home. Pretty flowers have always brought Patsy contentment and joy.
In lieu of flowers or donations it is suggested you gift flowers to someone you love in her memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Patricia H Riefler, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” Arnold Whaley, 85
April 20, 1936 – February 9, 2022
It is with deep sadness and much love that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Arnold Whaley, 85, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Sebastian River Medical Center, Sebastian, Florida. He was born in Knoxville, TN and grew up in the “Secret City” of Oakridge. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Whaley, his son Jim Whaley, Jr. (Daylene), brother Bill Whaley (Judy), stepchildren, Tracey Guffey, George Atkins, III, and Sharyn Hall, including seven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Ethel Whaley, sister Pat Palmer, and ex-wife, Diane Whaley. He was a proud Veteran of the US Air Force and has spent 20 years in management/supervision and had a long and distinguished career receiving many commendations for work at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN and at the Kennedy Space Center, FL. He was a big racing fan and opened his own business and was sole owner and operator of Turn 1 Racing. For 7 years Turn 1 Racing provided customers in most of the United States with the best in racing engines. Through proven success and expertise for building and working on race cars, he developed an outstanding reputation in demand by competitive race car drivers who respected his honesty and integrity. Working with a fellow racing driver, he co-designed and built an aerodynamic, innovative car that won the national championship in 1976. He returned to Kennedy Space Center in 1979 as Manager of Engineering Support Services for Brown and Associates Management Services, Inc., (BAMSI) a subcontractor to Lockheed Space Operations on the Shuttle Processing Contract. He was liked and respected wherever he went always willing to help friends, family and strangers. He had a great sense of humor and through his dry wit and a storage of one liners would always keep you laughing while referring to himself as the old country boy from the hills of TN. All who knew him knew he was more than that and he will be forever missed. His memorial is scheduled for March 4, 2022, 10-11 am Friends & Family Gathering, Service will begin at 11 am. at Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian. Military Honors will be observed.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James “Jim” Arnold Whaley, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.