From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Elizabeth “Betsy” Helen Field-Connelly, 65, Sebastian
February 26, 1957 – July 14, 2022
Elizabeth “Betsy” Helen Field-Connelly, age 65, passed away July 14, 2022 at her home in Sebastian, Florida.
She was born February 26, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Norman T. Field, Jr. and June Horacek Field.
Betsy retired several years ago, after many years of work.
Survivors include her brothers, Norman T. Field, III and Eric Field and also her nephew, Christopher Field.
She was predeceased by her brother, Christopher G. Field.
For Memorial Service information, please reach out to the family at betsymemorial1@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Frances “Fran” Dillon, 73, Vero Beach
May 17, 1949 – July 23, 2022
Frances “Fran” Dillon of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away in her home on Saturday, July 23, 2022 after years of illness. She was with her lifelong husband Gary Dillon, Sr. of 56 years at her time of death.
Fran was born on May 17, 1949, to Lawrence and Antoinette Meli in Detroit, Michigan, who both preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by an infant child, Kenneth, who passed shortly after birth, her in-laws William A. Dillon, and Beatrice Dillon and her stepmother Violet Meli. She is survived by her husband, Gary Dillon, Sr., and her five children: son William Dillon of Jacksonville, Florida, son Gary Dillon, Jr. (Toni) of Vero Beach, son Robert Dillon, Sr. (Georgia) of Vero Beach, daughter Marlene Balogh (John) of Melbourne, Florida, and David Dillon, Sr. (Kandy) of Vero Beach. Fran leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who she loved very much, and only wished that she got to see them more often. She is also survived by her older brother, Frank Meli of Ferndale, Michigan.
Fran met her high school sweetheart, Gary Dillon, Sr. and soon married him on January 8th, 1966. They moved to various locations throughout Michigan, primarily in the Midland area, where family still resides, and then in 1982 they picked up everything and moved the family to Ft. Pierce, Florida. She lived in various cities in the area but settled in Vero Beach later in life. She has left a legacy with her large family of being very loving, forgiving, generous and thoughtful.
Fran became a mother early in life, remaining a stay-at-home mom until the last of her five children were out of the house. Her titles included master chef, laundress, housekeeper, tutor, nurse, financial manager, referee, and event planner just to name a few.
Fran was known for her great cooking. Some of her family’s favorites were potato salad, macaroni salad, homemade pasta, chili, BBQ ribs, homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and Russian Teacakes and lemon squares during the holidays, just to name a few. Some of the grandkids have already mastered making Russian Teacakes and will carry on the tradition.
A Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022 with a Funeral Service to immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Joseph E. Halk Sr., 91
November 11, 1930 – July 18, 2022
Joseph E. Halk Sr., 91, passed away on July 20 ,2022. Survivors include his wife, Madeline Halk; two sons, Timothy (Pamela) and Peter Halk and a very special daughter-in-law, Trudy Halk, Elizabeth Halk; four grandchildren, Danielle Devlin (Sean), Sydney Halk, Brianna Wiesenthal (Michael) and Jacklyn Halk; six great-grandchildren, Izabella Halk-Bedolla, Killian, Harper and Rory Devlin, Charli and Carsyn Wiesenthal. He was preceded in death by his late wife Joan Halk; five sons, Joseph Jr, John, Thomas, Michael and Richard Halk; grandson Thomas Halk and great-granddaughter Penelope Rae Devlin. A retired NYC Detective and owner of Owl Security, Joe came to Florida to relax over the golden years. He was a devoted father and husband, heart of gold, generous and giving to those who needed it the most.
Joe contributed and belonged to many organizations including:
Lifetime member of the NYC Police Department Honor Legion, 25-year honorary member of the Florida Sheriffs Association, NYC Detectives Endowment Association, Museum founding member of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Past President of the Westchester/Putnam Shields of America, Bronx Chief Investigator of the NYC Legal Aid Society, Lifetime member Vero Beach Elks lodge #1774 and member of the NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association(PBA). Donations in his memory can be made to the NYC PBA Widows and Children’s Fund, 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004-2400 Attn: Patrick Hendry.
Visitation will be on Wednesday July 27, 2022, from 2 pm to 4 pm at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Funeral Mass will be in the Chapel on Thursday July 28, 2022, at 1 pm at Saint Helen Catholic Church, 2000 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JOSEPH E. HALK, SR., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Mary Louise Lafair, 91, Micco
August 31, 1930 – July 19, 2022
Mary Louise Lafair, 91, of Micco, passed away, Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Born August 31, 1930, at Altoona, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Walter Smithmyer Nellie McMullen Smithmyer.
Lou as she was affectionately known, was a proud United States Navy Veteran. She continued to serve her country after being honorably discharged from the armed forces working for several years as a civilian contractor as a Systems Analysis for the Navy until her retirement.
She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, Micco, Florida.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, and two brother.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Frances; a son, William; a sister & brother; and many other loving family & friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 1st, 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church followed by entombment with Military Honors in Fountainhead Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m.
The family will receive guests Sunday evening, July 31st, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home’s Sebastian Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Catholic Church, 5055 Micco Road, Micco, FL 32976.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of MARY LOUISE LAFAIR, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
James M. Bryant, 79
January 1, 1943 – July 5, 2022
James M. Bryant, 79, passed into the presence of the Lord on July 5, 2022 at home after a brief illness. He was married to his wife, Jeanette, of 56 years.
James was born in Baltimore, MD, to James H. and Pauline Bryant and grew up in Opa Locka, FL. He graduated from Hialeah High School then served 4 years in the U.S. Navy. James earned his Masters Degree from Nova University. He worked for Western Electric and Bellsouth/AT&T until he retired from his management position in 1997.
James taught Sunday School in a local church as well as a small group Bible study. He enjoyed stamp collecting, gardening, hatching butterflies, and being outdoors in nature. He specialized in orchids and gerbera daisies, and propagating just about anything from clippings or seed.
James will be remembered as a gentle, quiet man with great inner strength who overcame many physical challenges in life. Confined to a wheelchair for 47 years, he continued to be a source of strength for his family and an example of fortitude and perseverance. His focus in life was his family – raising his children and sharing wisdom and knowledge with his children and grandchildren. The faith James had in Jesus Christ as his Savior gave him the strength and courage to live a life of contentment with his circumstances.
James is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his son, Steven Bryant (Martha) of South Carolina; his daughter, Kristine Conlon (Robert) of Florida; his son, Timothy Bryant (Suzanne) of Florida; ten grandchildren, Caroline, Matthew, Anna, Daniel, Hannah, Caleb, Grace, Ruth, Claire, and Nathaniel; and his brother, Larry Bryant of California. He is predeceased by his son, Daniel James.
According to his wishes, there was a family gathering to honor his life.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James M. Bryant, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Sharon Kay (Hall) Longo, 79, Sebastian
January 4, 1943 – July 19, 2022
Sharon Kay (Hall) Longo, 79, 0f Sebastian FL passed away peacefully at her home on July 19, 2022 surrounded by her friends and family. Sharon was born on January 4, 1943 in Sweetwater, Texas.
An amazing mother, grandmother, sister and a friend to so many. She has certainly left her mark with those who knew her.
Sharon raised her family in New Fairfield, CT and many remember her as always being involved in the community. She took on many different roles as a volunteer, religious education teacher, softball coach, Girls and Boys Scout leader, a great cook, and a staple mom on Rita drive. Many days were spent with her driving kids to Candlewood Lake for the day. She later went on to have a career with Union Carbide.
Sharon is survived by her sister Sandra, her children Joseph Jr. (and his wife Joan), Michael, Bob (and his wife Amy), Catherine (and her wife Robin), grandchildren Adrian, Sarina (and her husband Ben), Emily, Ryan (and his wife Nicole), and her great-grandchildren Luke, Jim and Sienna, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her precious dog, Henry, who loved her very much.
Later in life mom found her paradise living at Grace’s Landing in Sebastian FL. She found her home there eight years ago and so loved her friends with whom she had a blast with. Thank you, Jane, and so many others who filled mom’s heart with such love. Sharon will be remembered for her zest for life and her palpable energy.
Sharon’s wishes were for a celebration of her life to be had with her favorite music (Queen and Elvis – among many others) lots of laughter and some funny stories.
Mom will be missed terribly, but we are comforted knowing it was her time to go home and that we all got to visit with her before she left us.
A celebration of life will take place at 1:00 on August 20, 2022 at the Grace’s Landing Clubhouse in Sebastian FL. All are welcome to attend.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Sharon Kay Longo, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
