From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Larry Hermreck, 82, Vero Beach
September 14, 1939 – July 30, 2022
Larry Hermreck, 82, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on July 30, 2022, with family by his side. The youngest son of Fred and Beulah Hermreck, Larry lived in varied places, from Missouri, Colorado to Florida. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Larry began his career in finance in 1963 in Marshall, Missouri, with Tower and Loan. He moved to the Excelsior Springs Savings and Loan in approximately 1973. He rose from Loan Officer to Chief Executive Officer when he retired in 1999 after over 25 years of service.
In 1959, Larry married Almeda Grimes in Harris, Kansas. They raised their family of four children in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, until moving to Vero Beach, Florida, full-time in 1999.
Larry and Almeda loved to travel in their RV roaming across the country visiting with their children and grandchildren and enjoying the beauty of America. They have been to the Bahamas, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. He was an avid bridge player who taught his grandchildren the strategies of Hand and Foot. His joy in life, interest in politics, fishing and love for his family will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Almeda, of almost 63 years; three daughters, Kellie A. Stines (Dan), Knoxville, TN; Kathy J. Sardo (Jim), Hillsboro, MO; Amy M. Edwards (Charles), St Maries, Idaho, and a son, Scott A. Hermreck (Melissa), of Elkhorn, Nebraska. He is blessed with twelve grandchildren, Journey Stines, Emily Sardo, Annamarie Sardo, Nikki Sardo, Chase Hermreck, Ethan Hermreck, Natalie Hermreck, Tyler Hermreck, Claire Edwards, Lauren Edwards, Addisen Edwards and Cole Edwards. His sisters, Barbara Burwell, Manhattan, KS; and Roberta Boyer, Lawrence, KS, survive him along with a host of nieces and nephews. Larry was predeceased by his mother, Beulah Roeckers (2005); step-father, Hubert Roeckers (2002), and a brother, Fred Hermreck (2002).
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 1708 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960, on August 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry’s behalf to the church.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Maria C. Rahal, 99, Vero Beach
September 09, 1922 – July 29, 2022
Maria C. Rahal, age 99, passed away July 29, 2022, at her home in Vero Beach.
She was born in Bari, Italy to the late Vincenzo and Anna Maria Croce. Maria moved from Brooklyn, New York to Miami, Florid before settling in Vero Beach.
She was a homemaker and a contract worker for the United States Army Air Corps from 1943-1945.
Maria was a Member of St. Richards, St. Judes, and St. Nicholas Catholic Churches. She was a member of St. Jude Women’s Guild.
Survivors include her children, Margaret Thomas, Anna (Jerry) Kaline, Vincent (Kathi) Rahal, Bobby (Trish) Rahal; daughter-in-law, Patty Rahal; grandchildren, Michael Kaline, Bryan (Kim) Rahal, Andrea (Mario) Orellana, Chris Rahal, Kevin (Heather) Thomas, Matthew (Colleen) Rahal, Justin Rahal, Rachel Rahal, Anthony Rahal, Elizabeth Rahal, Louis Rahal; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her loving spouse, Louis and her eldest son, Maurice Rahal.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at St. Nicolas Melkite Greek Catholic Church, 5715 Lake Ida Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33484.
Burial will follow in Woodlawn Park Cemetery South, 11655 SW 117th Ave, Miami, FL 33186.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nicolas Melkite Greek Catholic Church, 5715 Lake Ida Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33484.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Walter Joseph Burns, 92
Walter Joseph Burns 92, passed away July 23, 2022. He was born to Emma and Frederick on August 5, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. When his family moved to Long Island, Walter was raised in Lynbrook and graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 1947. There he met his beloved future wife, Kathryn Ann Kleiner, whom he married in 1950.
Once married, he moved to Levittown N.Y., and began raising a family, eventually buying a house in Commack, N.Y. Walter is survived by four children; Kathryn Demola of Vero Beach; Diane Rettig (Kurt) of Centereach, N.Y.; W. David Burns (Loretta) of Ridge, N.Y., and Frederick Burns (Peggy) of Wesley Chapel, FL. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Walter’s career was first spent at New York Telephone,. He was drafted in the army during the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Walter eventually transferred to Southern Bell Telephone, where he retired in 1984.
Walter believed in giving back to the community, including mentoring students at Dodgertown Elementary School, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, was a Trustee for the IRC blood bank, and was a member of the Indian River Ambulance Squad for 37 years while also spending some time on the Fellsmere Ambulance Squad. Walter’s gift from God was delivering a baby girl while serving there.
Walter also served faithfully at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church as Junior Warden for twelve years, where he will be interred in the columbarium next to his wife.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Owen L. “Sonny” Lease, 92
December 25, 1929 – July 20, 2022
Owen L. “Sonny” Lease passed away peacefully July 20,2022 surrounded by his family. He was born in Cumberland Maryland to Noah and Alice Lease on December 25,1929. Owen is survived by his loving wife Paulette of 68 years, two sons Thomas Lease and wife Ramona, Joseph Lease and wife Helen, and one daughter Audrey (Lease) Crowley and her husband James. He is survived by 6 grandchildren, Amanda (Lease) Moreno, Joseph Lease, Ashley Hill, James Hill, Cody Crowley, Amber (Lease) Nusser and 5 great grandchildren, Mackenzie Moreno, Kennedy Moreno, Haley Nusser, Wyatt Nusser, Kaylee Lease. Owen is survived by 3 brothers, Lawrence Lease, Martin Lease, Ernest Lease, and one sister Glenna Heavener. Other survivors include numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews
He was predeceased by his beautiful daughter Joanne Hill and brother Edward Lease.
Owen joined the United States Navy during WWII. He served on the aircraft carrier the USS Randolph and furthered his education by taking electrical engineering classes from various bases around the country. The Navy showed Owen some diverse geographical locations such as Italy, Malta, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Naples, and The Strait of Gibraltar to name a few. Owen received the following medals during his service: WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Owen attended Bridgewater Teachers College in Boston Massachusetts. After his first year at Bridgewater, Owen applied to and was accepted into MIT, but finances prohibited that choice. The most memorable moment of his college days was meeting his soulmate Kathryn Paulette Germain. Their first date was to a basketball game. Their love for one another continued to flourish and wedding plans were made. During this time Owen chose another career path and followed his passion to pursue aviation. He applied for a position with Eastern Air Lines in Miami, Florida and was hired as an apprentice mechanic in 1952. Owen married the love of his life Kathryn Paulette Germain on November 27, 1954. He continued his education and training and in 1956 completed 4 years as an apprentice mechanic. Owen and Paulette lived in Silver Springs, Washington for a short period of time and then moved to Miami, Florida. This is where Owen and Paulette raised their family of four children. Owen managed to juggle the duties of being a devoted husband and loving Father while his aviation career skyrocketed. He later became a Flight Engineer, Pilot, Captain, and Check Captain. Owen became one of the top elite pilots in the country. In 1976 the FAA selected Owen as the first ever Check Captain for the 727, a very prestigious honor. On concourse A in the Atlanta Airport, there is a plaque honoring his service at Eastern Airlines. He retired on August 1,1987 at 57 years old to North Hutchinson Island after a career of 37 years in aviation. After retirement Owen decided to return to work and became an instructor for Flight Safety in Vero Beach where he worked for seven additional years before retiring again.
Owen had many hobbies. He enjoyed bowling, working out at the gym, playing cards, wood carving, silk flower arrangements, and stained-glass design. He loved old movies, especially old Westerns. He loved to read novels (especially Westerns). He was a cowboy at heart. He was a member of the American Legion, The Elk’s, ALPA, and REPA. Owen loved his country. What he treasured most was spending as much time as possible with this family. His love for his soulmate and wife, Paulette, who he always introduced as “His Bride”, was unmistakable. They were the perfect team, always together throughout their 68 years of marriage. Their life’s journey was full of love, and adventure. Owen will be remembered for his warm smile, sense of humor, and devotion to his family. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is in Heaven with his beautiful daughter Joanne, and they are smiling down on us and watching over us.
Services will be held at Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 on August 11, 2022. Family will welcome relatives and friends at 3:00 P.M. Services to follow at 4:00 P.M.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Flora Melvina DeGaetano, 84, Pineville, Kentucky, and Vero Beach
April 08, 1938 – July 18, 2022
Flora Melvina DeGaetano, 84, of Pineville, Kentucky, and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on July 18, 2022, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital under the care of VNA Hospice.
She leaves behind her three adoring children, Chuck, Vicki (Allan), Stephen, and her husband, Joseph, and eleven grandchildren: Sean (Joseph), Stephanie (Will), Aaron (Stacy), Andrew (Katelyn), Rachael, Robert (Courtney), Adam, Tyler, Charles Jr (Austin), John Michael (Abigail), and Natalee (Chase), and twenty-one great-grandchildren: James, Rylan, Jackson, Maverick, Kaitlin, Amber, John Alex, Kenneth, James, Josiah, Rhyan, Josh, Gabe, Chase, Isabella, Jessie, Eli, Annabeth, Josephine, Ainslee, and Brynlee, and numerous loving relatives, including Mary Beth Stone-Lamb.
She is survived by sister Mary Lou Lee and brothers John Howard, Regas Howard and Cody Howard.
Melvina graduated from Pineville High School and worked for the Beach Bank/Northern Trust for 28 years before retiring as Assistant Vice President. She was an avid antique collector and bowler who enjoyed shopping. Her family was the joy of her life.
To honor Melvina, her family will hold a Celebration of Life at the Vero Beach First Church of the Nazarene on Aug 20, 2022, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the victims of the floods in Kentucky:
https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief
https://appalachianky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1170
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence Gerard Labadie, 78, Vero Beach
December 11, 1943 – July 28, 2022
Lawrence Gerard Labadie, 78, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on July 28, 2022 in hospice care. He was the 2nd of 5 children born to the late Joseph and Madonna Labadie of Detroit, Michigan. He served in the Army Reserves for 8 years. Larry attended the University of Detroit and worked at Calgon Corp in industrial chemical sales in Detroit and then in Fort Lauderdale, FL where he transferred in 1971 with his wife and two children. While in Ft. Lauderdale, Larry raced on the Yellow Jacket, a 46’ John Alden racing ketch with a competitive 9-person crew where he grew to love everything about sailing, navigation and the waters off Florida and the Bahamas where the family enjoyed a home on Man O War for many years. Fishing the waters of the Bahamas became a passion and filling his cooler with fish to share with many was a source of great joy.
After moving to Vero Beach in 1979, Larry and his wife Maureen founded and co-owned Central Window of Vero Beach and he served on the board of the Florida Glass Association in various positions. He retired in 2015. The Labadies enjoyed golf and were members of Vero Beach Country Club for many years.
Larry was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise. He served as Rotary International District 6930 District Governor in 2006-2007. Years of living a life of “Service Above Self” and attaining numerous roles in Rotary leadership, he and Maureen were inducted in 2015 into the Rotary International Arch Klumph Society for outstanding contributions to the Rotary Foundation. He and Maureen traveled around the world and visited many of the Rotarians they had home-hosted over the years through the Rotary Sunrise annual International Homestay program.
Survivors include his wife Maureen Labadie (Krupp), son Joe (Wendy), daughter Celeste (Michael), sister Connie (John), sister Tess (Beau), brother Jerry (Connie), sister Donna (John).
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for September in Vero Beach, FL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization c/o Bob McCabe, 4049 Ocean Drive #506, Vero Beach, FL 32963 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Jay George Philpott, 79
March 31, 1943 – July 31, 2022
Jay George Philpott passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 31, 2022. He was born on March 31, 1947 to Jay and Zella Philpott. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda, his beautiful children, Betsy (Rachel), and Kate, his grandchildren, Piper and Rhys, his sister, Margaret Hart (Richard), and his many friends.
Jay was born in Port Huron, MI and raised in Springfield, IL where he was valedictorian of his high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law, and a Masters of Law in Taxation from Georgetown University Law School. He took great pride in his career as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Upon retirement, he taught English and History at various schools in Northern Virginia and in Boca Raton, FL. Jay was passionate about classical music, fine art, gourmet food, reading, corgis and his favorite baseball team, the Washington Nationals. He was also a superb singer who performed with many choral groups across the United States and Europe and at his churches in Virginia and Florida.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 1795 45th Street, Vero Beach, FL, on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to The Barnes Foundation, Vero Beach Choral Society or St. Mark’s Anglican Church of Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Gloria Duchin, 91, Vero Beach
August 12, 1930 – July 31, 2022
Gloria Duchin passed away peacefully, Sunday morning July 31, at her home in Vero Beach, Florida surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Yonkers, New York, on August 12, she was the daughter of Dominic and Mary ( Severino) DeStefano.
A fiercely intelligent, accomplished and beautiful woman, Gloria’s drive and ambition unfolded initially in New York City at Lord & Taylor 5 th Avenue where she worked and rose in the ranks from an office clerical to fashion buyer, efficiency expert to merchandising executive. At the same time, she was hand selected by fashion designer Anne Fogarty to be the face and model of her women’s collection at Lord & Taylor. Eventually she became one of the youngest recipients to receive a Gold Medal award, presented to her by Dorothy Schaver, then president of Lord & Taylor, for exemplary achievement: a highlight of Gloria’s seven year tenure at the retailer.
Her business success continued at Lillian Vernon mail order company as Vice President, with responsibility for purchasing and running the manufacturing division. It was there where Gloria’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured and interest in running her own business took root.
In 1979, she founded Gloria Duchin Inc. a design and manufacturing company located in East Providence, Rhode Island. Running her company was a passion, and despite endless hard work she equally acknowledged the importance of timing and luck in terms of success. This was clearly exemplified by one of her very first customers, Walmart Inc. At the time the giant retailer had approximately 240 stores. As the retailer grew, so did her company. Today, Walmart remains a customer and Gloria Duchin has over 100 million copyrighted ornaments in circulation.
In later years she would often tell the story of how proud Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, was that her jewelry and metal, engravable Christmas ornaments were made in the USA.
Over the years Gloria and her company received numerous, national awards and nominations from the McDonald’s Corporation, Target, Things Remembered, and Entrepreneur of the Year, New England.
A determined and generous spirit she would offer support when needed and in whatever form it might take, personally or financially. She took great pride in working with and developing young people, especially her employees which continued throughout her life time. She was enormously proud that her company contributed over a million dollars throughout the years to the Make a Wish Foundation through a collaboration with the retailer, Things Remembered. In addition her company also generously supported The 911 Fund after September 11, 2001, and also donated Guardian Angel keepsakes that were requested by many of the families from Sandy Hook, in December 2014.
Her generosity extended, often but not exclusively to the community in where she resided:
The Ronald McDonald House Providence, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, American Heart Association New England, as well as the Cleveland Clinic, Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach.
In her recently published memoir, A Story of Perseverance and Success, she notes that despite all of the enjoyment and success she experienced in business, nothing was more important to her than her family.
And her family would agree.
She was pre deceased by her beloved husband David M. Duchin, brothers Albert, Carmine, Daniel, Edward, and Frank DeStefano; sisters Grace Jewels and Jean Merriman.
Gloria is survived by her loving daughter, Robyn Smalletz and her son in law Theodore of Providence, Rhode Island, grandson Jonathan, his wife Dania, and great grandchildren Shayna and Alexander of North Bethesda, Maryland.
A Celebration of Life will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of GLORIA DUCHIN, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Gilda Chirafisi Russonello, 94
December 25, 1927 – August 1, 2022
Visitation will be held Monday, August 8th, 5:00p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home’s Vero Beach Chapel followed by Prayer Services at 7:00 pm.
Full obituary details to come.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Gilda Chirafisi Russonello, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Dorothy T. Morgan, 87, Vero Beach
January 27, 1935 – July 31, 2022
Dorothy T. Morgan, 87, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022.
Dorothy was a long-term employee of The Department of State – U.S. Government Passport Agency.
She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Winfield, her siblings, James, Richard, Robert, David, Joan Williams and Patricia Ferrarie. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
As per her wishes, there will be no formal service.
Those wishing to honor Dorothy’s memory may make donations to Tunnel to Towers (T2T.org)
Heartfelt thank you to Willowbrooke Court, Vero Beach and VNA Hospice for their kindness and compassion.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of DOROTHY T. MORGAN, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Anna Miranda, 99, Vero Beach
April 20, 1923 – July 28, 2022
Anna Miranda, 99, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on July 28, 2022. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Michael Miranda, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage, along with her great-granddaughter Victoria Grace Negherbon, her parents, as well as her four brothers and three sisters.
Anna is survived by her son, Michael (Mary) Miranda of Nazareth, PA and daughter, Madeline (John) Negherbon of Vero Beach, FL; by her four grandchildren, Michele (Bobby) Poysell, Johnny (Danielle) Negherbon, Melanie (Joseph) Olsen, and Meredith (Peter) Shaughnessy; and by her eight great-grandchildren, Christian Negherbon, Andrew Negherbon, Bobby Poysell, Alyssa Poysell, Emily Olsen, Matthew Olsen, Michael Shaughnessy, and Annelise Shaughnessy.
Visitation will be held at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 4, 2022 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Anna J. Miranda, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Eugene W. DuBois II “Cookie”, 89, Vero Beach
June 15,1933 – July 28, 2022
Eugene W. DuBois II “Cookie”, 89, of Vero Beach, FL, formerly of Newton, MA passed on Thursday July 28, 2022. Born in Watertown, he was the son of the late Eugene W. and Anna (Kidik) DuBois. Raised in Newton, Gene worked with his brothers at DuBois Corporation in Newton / Watertown. He was a true entrepreneur having built and sold multiple companies and real estate developments during the course of his career. An avid sailor and captain, he spent much of his time on the ocean which is where he was most at peace.
He is survived by his children, Diane (DuBois) Guidi and husband Joseph F. of Natick, MA, Eugene W. DuBois III and wife Catherine of Wellesley, MA, Paulette (DuBois) Duffett and husband Steve of Dover, MA and Kevin DuBois and wife Gina of Apex, NC; his brother Frederick DuBois of Norfolk, MA. The loving grandfather of eight grandchildren Michelle and Nicole DuBois, Carlton and Danielle Duffett, Joseph D. and Julia Guidi, Andrew and Mathew DuBois. He was predeceased by his wife the late Linda (Bobb) DuBois, his sister the late Lorraine Howard and his brother the late Donald DuBois. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Eleanor L. (Coletti) DuBois. Gene had too many friends to mention all whom he enjoyed the company of and loved dearly.
A private family ceremony and celebration of life will be held.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Carol Brighton Robinson, 81, Surf City, LBI New Jersey and Vero Beach FL
July 30, 2022
Carol Brighton Robinson, 81, of Surf City, LBI New Jersey and Vero Beach FL, passed away on July 30th, 2022. Carol is predeceased by her parents, her in-laws and her dear sister, Dorothy (Dottie) Brighton Denes.
She is survived by her beloved husband Harold Robinson, with whom she shared her entire life and celebrated more than 61 years of marriage. Carol is also survived by her brother, Butch Samuel T. Brighton Jr., brother in law Barry Denes, her two children, Leanne Robinson Kalsch and Harold (Rob) Robinson, as well as seven grandchildren; Connor Robinson, Taryn Kalsch, Clay Robinson, Makenzi Kalsch, Cole Robinson, Chayne Robinson and Riley Kalsch.
Carol will be remembered for her undeniably infectious personality, her service to the Southern Regional School District as well as the Vista Royal community. Most importantly, her legacy will carry on through the profound impact she made among her incredible circle of family and friends.
A celebration of life is to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Southern Regional School District for a scholarship in her name. Checks should be made out to “Southern Regional School District” with Carol Robinson Memorial in the memo. Please mail all donations to
Southern Regional School District
Attn: Kristie Prescott
105 Cedar Bridge Road
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Carol Robinson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.