From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” Wright, Jr., 68, Vero Beach
May 05, 1954 – September 30, 2022
On September 30, 2022, all of the alligators in Florida got a little sigh of relief as the great gator hunter, Jim Wright left for new hunting grounds.
Born in Miami (you know, close to all of the swamps), he moved to Vero Beach when he was three, where he grew up. He graduated from Vero Beach High School, before becoming a Certified General Contractor and starting his own business, Jim Wright Construction. After success in construction, he ventured into the cattle business. Eventually after being drug to many rodeos as support crew, he became a pretty handy team roper.
He was husband to Jenny, dad to Jimmy and Jennifer, and Pa to Jalyn, Jimmy, and Jarren and will be missed by all.
The family will greet friends and family on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation. Some suggestions would be the Cajun Navy, Red Cross or the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Janet M. Hwilka, 84, Vero Beach
March 09, 1938 – October 01, 2022
Janet M. Hwilka, died on October 1, 2022 at Vero Beach Hospital. She was born in Syracuse, New York on March 9, 1938.
She lived in Vero Beach since April 2011 with her son and daughter-in-law.
Jan enjoyed going to plays, musicals, bingo, water aerobics and attending Vero Beach Calvary Chapel with her friend, Carol VanCleve. She had many friends and will be missed by all for she was amazing.
Jan left behind her children, Deborah McNally, Christopher Goodwin, and Anthony Abraham; grandchildren, Greg and Kevin McNally, Samantha and Reilly Goodwin, Alyssa and Teagan Abraham, Jaide Fisher; five great grandchildren; stepdaughters, Sandra Pashley, Gail Wigmore, and Jessica Cullen.
Jan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tony Hwilka and her siblings, Judith Smith, Richard Zinsmeyer and Jean Brown.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Leonard Hatala, 93, Vero Beach
August 25, 1929 – October 1, 2022
Leonard Hatala, 93, of Vero Beach, FL lived a long and wonderful life. He is survived by his wife, Constance Chrzanoski Hatala. They have been married 65 years.
Born August 25, 1929 in the coal mining town of Old Forge, PA to John and Agnes Zinevenko Hatala. He graduated from Old Forge High. He succeeded in football in high school and in his military days. He began working at age 10 and learned the plastering trade where he was known for the artistry of ornamental plastering and perfect and unique plastering techniques. After meeting his sweetheart, Connie, at the ice skating pond, they married, moved to Florida where he began his business and began their family of 3 children, Jana, Tami and Lennie.
Leonard had an insatiable desire to learn and explore new concepts. The world was a wonder to him. He was a dreamer and risk taker and had a positive and assured outlook as he started new business ventures in the citrus groves, real estate and land developments. He had a strong work ethic of honesty, timeliness, perfection, a “give it your all” attitude. Mentoring many, rarely with words, he led by example.
In 1977, they moved to Vero Beach, FL. Leonard and Connie were the rock to the family, showed the importance of family, and set and example of good parenting. Celebrations of all kinds were had through the years, where Connie would plan, invite, shop, cook, clean and prepare. Len would show up and be the life of the party, telling jokes while wearing a new funny hat, singing “God Bless America” and finding fun in all things. Christmas celebrations were very special, where traditional Polish food was lovingly prepared, Christmas carols sung by the fire, and all slept under one roof.
Leonard was a presence in a room and in peoples’ lives. He was extremely strong, had enormous hands, the strength that could lift a truck and had an even bigger heart. We thought he would live forever. He was the rock of the family, the one who watched over and provided for all of us. He was bigger than life and there is no word that can contain or describe who he was. He was a friend to those he met and curious about their life. He lived his life simply, with enthusiasm and curiosity. He wanted to know the mysteries to life, fascinated by Gods creation. Finally, he has all his questions answered.
As big, powerful, mighty and important he was to his family, and known as a man’s man, in many ways he was a gentle man. He never raised his voice, but with his commanding presence, you always knew who was in charge. A simple look let you know you better behave. He may not have often said “I love you”, but you knew you were immensely loved. Just as he protected and provided for his family, we have confidence that God provides all our needs. God knows where we are in life and says, “come to me, I will give you peace.” “I will give you rest.” Leonard built spectacular homes with unique designs and his hand of creativity was in every detail. God gave Leonard the ultimate home, with a room prepared just for him.
Leonard and Connie were blessed with many loving family members, their children; Jana Simons (John), Tami Crowley (Mike), Leonard Hatala (Beth); grandchildren: Brittany Lagassee, Sandra Baxter (Jimmy), Danny Lawler (Katie), Michael Crowley (Lily), Shaunah Oswald (Jacob), Ryan Crowley (Monica), Sarah Garrett (Josh), Emily Lersch (Kyle); Great grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Konnor, James, Charlotte, Leo, Clara, Ava, Sky, Lucas, Cole, River and Siblings: Ronald Hatala, Raymond Hatala.
Leonard was pre-deceased in death by his siblings: Gertrude Litwiniec, Delores Notari, and Jackie Hatala.
Funeral services will be held at St. Augustine of Canterbury, 475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 4:00pm.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leonard’s name to St. Augustine of Canterbury Church.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Carl Philip (Mickey) Burkhard, 80, Vero Beach
July 2, 1942 – October 1, 2022
Carl Philip (Mickey) Burkhard, 80, of Vero Beach, FL passed away at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach with his loving family at his side, including his spouse of 58 years.
He was born in Syracuse, NY on July 2, 1942. Carl was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Class of 1960 and Niagara University, Class of 1964.
Carl married Vi (Everson) Burkhard on September 12, 1964. Carl worked in his family’s business, Burkhard Brothers, and was then hired by CIGNA Corporation in 1968, retiring in 1996.
He took part in many volunteer activities including Little League, serving as President and coaching his three sons’ teams. He also volunteered at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and The Scully-Welsh Cancer Center in Vero Beach. He was a member of the Indian River Club, Vero Beach and enjoyed his many friendships over the years.
The greatest love of Carl’s life was his wife, Vi. They raised three boys, Michael (Peggy), Robert (Meg) and Mark (Joy). Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Kelly, Mac, Grant, Matthew, Tommy, Jason, Alex and Emme, three sisters, Joan Hough, Joyce Robb and Mary Lou Mullane, and a brother-in-law, Russell (Lynne) Everson, all of whom he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Irma (Boyle) Burkhard, and his sister, Sr. Nancy Burkhard, CSJ.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach on Saturday, October 22nd at 12 noon, with a Celebration of Life to follow at Indian River Club.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL, 32960 or Head, Heart and Hands Foundation of Indian River Club, 800 Carolina Circle SW, Vero Beach, Florida, 32962.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of CARL PHILIP BURKHARD, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Lionel Jean, Jr., 33, Miami
August 10, 1989 – September 28, 2022
Lionel Jean, Jr., 33 of Miami, Florida, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, September 28th, 2022.
Born August 10,1989 at Watertown, Massachusetts, Lionel was a son of Marie Michel and Louis Lionel Jean.
He loved to learn new things and to share them with others. Lionel was also very competitive and loved playing spades with his family. He loved cars and would buy junked ones and fix them up himself, he was very much the mechanic of the family.
Lionel comes from a big family which he loved dearly; he died doing what he does best, protecting his family.
In addition to his parents, Lionel is survived by four children, Selena Jean, Ava Jean, Lionel Jean III, and Leiloni Jean; and four siblings, Jehovansky Jean, Fabrina Jean, Whitney Jean & Etelson Alcius; and many other loving family & friends.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, October 7th from 6-9:00 pm at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, starting at 9:30 am at Strunk Funeral Home’s Vero Beach Chapel followed by interment in Crestlawn Cemetery. There will be a reception following burial at The Plaza next door to the funeral home, 884 17th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of LIONEL JEAN, JR, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Pierre Marcel Icart, 73, Sebastian
March 6, 1949 – September 26, 2022
Pierre Marcel Icart passed away on September 26, 2022, following a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born March 6, 1949 in Ercé, France, the son of Jean Marie and Denise (LaFargue) Icart. His mother, a French American, and father, who became a U.S. citizen, returned to the United States, with “Peter” when he was eight (8) months old.
Though raised in New York City, Peter loved life and recreation in the countryside. He spent most of his life in the Hudson Valley region of New York where he met his wife of nearly 30 years, Charlene (Pavlovic) Icart. Peter proudly served in the U.S. Army, was a decorated veteran of the Air National Guard (Stewart AFB, Newburgh) and was deployed to serve at Ground Zero immediately following the attack on the Twin Towers in September of 2011. Following 30+ years working for the New York State Prison System, Peter retired with Charlene to Sebastian, Florida. He was an avid fisherman and loved to fish the mangroves of the Indian River.
Peter was predeceased by his sister, Claudette. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; stepchildren Robert (Theresa) Tully, Robin (Rodney) Flannery, James Tully, David (Linda) Tully, and Darren (Aimee) Tully; 12 grandchildren and their families; and nephews Joseph Maggio and Christopher Maggio.
No service is planned at this time. Peter will be interred in the family plot in LaGrangeville, New York.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of PETER MARCEL ICART, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Martha Jeanette Ellison, 81, Vero Beach
June 30, 1941 – October 2, 2022
Martha Jeanette Ellison, 81, of Vero Beach, Florida, died Sunday, October 2, 2022.
She was born to Coy Hill and Betty Lou Ellison Hill on June 30, 1941 in Corbin, Kentucky. She was married to Billy Gerald Ellison on May 5, 1960 who was deceased on June 12, 1996.
Martha was an aircraft mechanic at Piper Aircraft for many years. She later became a licensed CNA with phlebotomy certification and worked at Indian River Memorial Hospital.
Martha is survived by her daughter, Betty Jean Ellison Bergman, and husband, Francis Timothy Sposato, of Vero Beach, Florida; her daughter, Julie Rene’ Ellison Kendrick, of Poetry, Texas; and her son, William Gerald Ellison, and wife, Kirsten Canedy, of Vero Beach, Florida. She is also survived by her grandchildren, April Jeanette Decker Alaimo, Lee Michael Decker, Dalton Ellison Kendrick, and Emma Lou Kendrick Dover, as well as 5 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 7, 2022, at 3 pm at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960, 772-562-2365. There is an online memorial at www.CoxGiffordSeawinds.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1745 14th Ave, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Martha Jeanette Ellison, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Shirley Munoz, 86, New Jersey
December 22, 1935 – October 2, 2022
Shirley Munoz has departed her earthly bonds and joined her husband Nobel in the peace and sanctity of eternal rest on October 2nd, 2022.
Born in Manhattan, NY in December of 1935 to parents Pablo and Guillermina Morales, she grew up on the Upper East Side with her sister Norma (deceased) and brother Paul (surviving). She graduated high school and entered into the working class as a seamstress and then as a bank teller in New York City.
Always a lover of music and having her cousin being a performer, she could be found enjoying the great jazz and big band musicians of the era at places like The Cotton Club or The Copacabana.
Meeting in the late 1950’s, Shirley and Nobel would marry in 1964 and stay that way for 44 years. After traveling the world, freeing Nobel’s revolutionary mother from a prison in Franco controlled Spain, and enjoying her life with her husband, they decided to settle down and have a family. In 1969 they would lay roots in Colonia, NJ. First in the home of her sister Norma and her husband, during which time their first child, Carol Lynn Munoz, was born. Then finding their own home in Colonia in 1974 and having a son shortly after, Jason Nobel Munoz. Taking care of her aging mother and working as a dental receptionist in Woodbridge, NJ while her husband was a longshoreman, Shirley made for a very loving household that was filled with laughter and music. Her home was a center for family gathering, barbecues, and parties with games of No-Peaky Baseball for pennies reaching far into the evening. There was Shirley, always in the kitchen beckoning you to eat something. Always smiling. Ever inspired by her children she participated in everything she could in their lives whether it was her daughter or her son. Always there for you, always compassionate.
Shirley is survived by her brother Paul Morales, daughter Carol Lynn Henderson, son Jason Nobel Munoz, and grandchildren Scott Licata, Caelan Munoz, Richard Henderson and Eric Henderson. As well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
There will be a private cremation service for family at Seawinds Funeral Home and an internment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in her name to the Dementia Society of America or K9s for Warriors.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Barbara Conklin, 88, Sebastian
February 27, 1934 – October 2, 2022
Barbara Conklin, affectionally known as Grandma Barb who lived in Sebastian, Florida died peacefully at the age of 88 on October 2, 2022, with loved ones by her side at the Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was born in Yonkers, New York. Barbara married the love of her life Clarence William Conklin on October 9, 1953, who predeceased her in 1978.
Survivors include her 7 children, Maureen Braswell, Gary Conklin, John Conklin, Daniel Conklin, Kevin Conklin, Khristine Brugger and William Conklin: 14 Grandchildren and 11 Great-grandchildren. Sister: Anna Shaw. Predeceased by her Parents: Charles Wolf and Florence Skidgel and Siblings: Arlene Wolf, Charlotte Mullin, Charles Wolf, Elizabeth Wolf.
In honor of Barbara Conklin a visitation and service will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Seawinds Funeral Home located at 735 South Fleming St., Sebastian, FL 32958. The visitation will be held from 3pm to 5pm and the funeral service will start at 5pm.
To fulfill Barbara’s wishes a Graveside Ceremony and burial is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2022 @ 2 pm at the Assumption Cemetery located at 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt, NY 10567 (All are welcome).
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Barbara Ann Conklin, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Jack Wesley Campfield, 86
October 15, 1935 – September 23, 2022
Jack Wesley Campfield, 86, passed away on Friday September 23, 2022 in his home. Born in Jennings County, Indiana on October 15, 1935 he was the son of Leroy Campfield and Mary (Umstead) Campfield. Jack worked as an aviation mechanic for years after graduating from Jennings County Schools with his GED.
Jack is survived by his children Sheila Fuller and Steven Fuller. Along with his grandchildren; Steven Fuller Jr, Aprial Fuller, Santana Klinberg, Kyle Campfield, Dylan Campfield and great grandchildren; Tyler Fuller, Kile Fuller, Devan Fuller, Amber Fuller, Faithlyn Fuller, Matthew Edgil, Kaitlayn Edgil, Lukas Campfield, and Emmet Campfield.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and siblings; Jean Campfield (brother), Alan Campfield (brother), Gilbert Campfield (brother), Jenny Keener (sister), Barbara Davis (sister).
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jack Wesley Campfield, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
