Submitted
Michael John O’Haire, 83, Vero Beach
February 8, 1939 – October 3, 2022
Michael John O’Haire of Vero Beach, Florida, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, friend, and lawyer, passed away October 3, 2022 at the age of 83. Michael was born in Buffalo, New York on February 8, 1939. His family moved to Vero Beach when he was in elementary school, where he later graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1956, alongside his high school sweetheart (and later wife), Shirley Smith O’Haire.
Michael was an incredibly bright scholar, which his professional career echoed. He graduated Kenyon College in Ohio where he was a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship and received a BA in English, graduating magna cum laude with honors, in 1960. Also at Kenyon, Michael edited HIKA, the undergraduate literary publication. He then received his JD degree from Harvard Law School in 1963. He was admitted to the Florida Bar that same year, and he practiced law in Vero Beach from 1963-2022.
Michael tried and won many cases at both the trial and appellate levels. In addition to being a fierce and respected litigator and sophisticated transactional lawyer, Michael’s legal work included: the early development of John’s Island, under the tutelage of his father-in-law, Sherman Smith Jr., where he was chief legal council from 1973-1976; the creation and growth of the Indian River Land Trust where he was the director emeritus; the creation of Marine Bank and Trust Company; service as legal counsel to the Indian River Farms, Fellsmere, and St. Johns Water Control Districts, and the Indian River Mosquito Control District. Michael loved Vero Beach and its natural beauty, and he worked hard to legally protect it. He served as a mentor to high school students who were at risk of dropping out; director of The Holmes Foundation, Inc., a charitable foundation; and an alumnus interviewer for Harvard as well.
Michael was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, where he is committed in the columbarium. He enjoyed reading, traveling to his second homes in Key West and North Carolina, and taking long walks with his dog. He was also a member of the Riomar Bay Yacht Club, Harvard Club of Central Florida, and John’s Island Club.
Michael is survived by his wife, Shirley Smith O’Haire. He is also survived by his son, Sean O’Haire; daughters, Meghan Candler and Deirdre O’Haire; daughter-in-law, Baerbel O’Haire; son-in-law Rick Candler; sister-in-law Gail O’Haire; and five grandchildren, Sydney O’Haire, Chloe O’Haire, Conor O’Haire, Maura Kloski, and Lloyd Kloski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Beatrice O’Haire; and his adored brother, Tom O’Haire.
Thank you, Papa. We all miss you and love you.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Vera Ard (Sue) Hamilton, 88, Vero Beach
November 27, 1933 – October 08, 2022
Vera Mae Ard was born on November 27, 1933 in Vero Beach, FL as a 5th generation Floridian.
As a child, her family lovingly dubbed her “brown eyed Susie” and her friends and family called her Sue from then on.
She worked and retired from the Indian River County School system and was also a talented seamstress and expert quilter, working with many decorators and designers locally.
She married the love of her life, Johnnie James Hamilton in 1953 and she became a proud member of the Hamilton Family. They had a long and happy marriage with 3 daughters. Ellen V. Moore (Danny) of Shelbyville, TN, Kay Hamilton Reschak of Vero Beach, and Elizabeth Hamilton Moore (Ron) of Papillion, NE.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Johnnie and a granddaughter, Alaina Hamilton Moore.
She is survived by her 3 girls and 7 grandchildren, Christina J. Hayes, Danny L. Moore, Jonathon R. Moore, Kellie R. McClarty, Travis Hamilton Bass, Jacob M. Moore and Kelsey E. Moore.
She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and has some great greats as well!
Sue articulated what an elegant southern lady should be, and she was loved by many. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life service for family and friends will be held at the River House on Sunday, November 6th from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The River House: Inside MacWilliam Park, 305 Acacia Rd., Vero Beach, FL 32963
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Frank Hamilton Call Jr., 92
July 08, 1930 – October 12, 2022
And now the end is near, and so I face that final curtain.
My friend I’ll make it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.”
– Frank Sinatra
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Elliott LaGrand Sifford, 61, Vero Beach
August 17, 1961 – October 16, 2022
On October 16th, 2022, Elliott LaGrand Sifford, age 61, passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach, Florida.
Elliott was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and came from Tuftonboro, New Hampshire prior to moving to Vero Beach, FL. Elliot was one of the owner/ operators of Sifford & Sons Exxon Service Station in Vero Beach, FL from 1989 to 2018.
He was a Bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Vero Beach, FL from 1999 to 2004 and sat on the General Motors Lemon Law Board from 1986-1987. Elliott volunteered with the Day of Service, which coordinated donations and community wide service projects in Indian River County from 2007 to 2016.
Elliott was a graduate from Kingswood Regional Highschool in 1980 and attended New Hampshire College in Concord, New Hampshire. He also took many technical and VOC training courses for his trade.
Survivors include his children, Elliott L. Sifford II (Samantha), Summer L. Holmes (Joseph), and Jonathon C. Sifford (Kaitlyn); parents, Wiley L. Sifford Sr., and Ann L. McNulty; siblings, Wiley L. Sifford III, and Naomi R. Chamberlain; ex-wife, Robin A. Vivona; and five grandchildren.
Elliott was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Ralph LaGrande Sifford and Naomi Ruth Elliott; and maternal grandparents Thomas Joseph McNulty and Agnes Millicent Cox.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 29th, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (3980 12th Street, Vero Beach FL. 32960).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elliott’s name, can be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Phyllis Bryan Jones, 88, Port St. Lucie
May 05, 1934 – October 19, 2022
Phyllis Bryan Jones, age 88, passed away October 19, 2022 at her home in Port St. Lucie, surrounded by loving family.
She was born in Greenwood, South Carolina on May 5, 1934 to the late S.C. and Beatrice Bryan. She was a graduate of Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina.
Phyllis retired from Simon Properties after many years of work. Prior to her years in customer service, she and her husband, Demos, owned and operated the Golden Corral on US Hwy 1 in Vero Beach, Florida.
She attended Oceans Unite Church.
Survivors include Terri Martin and family of Vero Beach, Diane Tyler and family of Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie, Demos S. (Kristen) Jones, III and family of Melbourne Beach, Christopher William (Lara) Jones and family, many loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Demos S. Jones, Jr.
Private services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Nancy Anderson Judge, 77, Vero Beach
February 21, 1945 – October 20, 2022
Nancy Anderson Judge was born February 21, 1945, in Warren, Ohio. Before long her loving parents, Carl and Dolores Anderson, realized that the doctor’s predictions of a limited life for Nancy were wrong. Her spina bifida caused her many challenges, to be sure, but she also fought her way to many successes, including becoming a wife and mother, finishing college at the age of 39, and embarking upon a fulfilling career as a teacher later in life.
At the age of 21, and over her parents’ objections, she drove from Ohio to Vermont to visit her cousin. While there she met Rowland Henry (“Rollie”) Judge as a fourth for bridge, and said yes when he proposed marriage to her 3 days later. They wed after a 3 month engagement, and welcomed their first child 9 months later, a little over a year after they first met. They were married for 55 years when Rollie passed away in February. Nancy passed away on October 20, 2022, days before what would have been their 56th anniversary.
Nancy attended Mary Burnham School, graduated from Glenwood High School, attended Wittenberg University, and was a proud graduate of Walsh University. She was always happiest teaching music and directing choirs and musicals, in schools and at church. She taught in Canal Fulton, OH (SS. Philip and James School) and then in Winter Haven, FL (Denison Middle and Sandhill Elementary Schools). She was teacher of the year at Denison Middle School and was awarded a National Citizenship Education Award by the VFW of Ohio. She was especially touched when SS. Philip and James School dedicated the Arts Building in her honor in 2015. This year, when she moved to Discovery Village in Vero Beach, FL, she was delighted to make many new friends and join in special friend Carol’s singalongs.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, older brother, Carl Edward Anderson, Jr., son-in-law, Brian Simpson, and brother-in-law, Daniel Judge. She is survived by: daughters Amy Judge-Prein (Edward Prein) and Kristen Simpson; grandchildren Samantha Simpson, Allison Prein, Scott Simpson, Edward Prein Jr., and Erin Prein; brother David Anderson (Michelle Lenarz); niece Jennifer Anderson Bellomo (Brian) and great-nephew Alex; brothers-in-law Bruce Judge (Cathy), Brian Judge (Randy Michener), and Dennis Judge (Kathy); special cousin Daniel Lankitus (Beverly); and other beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside memorial service will be held for Nancy and Rollie at North Lawn Cemetery, 4927 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH, on January 14, 2023, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to VNA Hospice House (901-37th St. Vero Beach, FL 32960), where Nancy was provided compassionate end-of-life care.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of NANCY ANDERSON JUDGE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Charles Emerson Webster, 67, Sebastian
June 20, 1955 – October 20, 2022
Mr. Charles Emerson Webster, 67, of Sebastian, Florida passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022.
Born June 20, 1955 at Glen Cove, New York, Charlie is a son of the late Duane Webster and Jane Shawl Webster.
A self-employed General Contractor, he Owned & operated CE Webster Construction, serving Indian River County residents for 38 years.
Charlie enjoyed going to Disney, vacationing in North Carolina, going to Miami Dolphins games, and spending time with family and friends. Charlie also enjoyed teasing his family and was great at it.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jo-Ann Webster; a daughter, Katie Kinney and her husband Josh Kinney; sons, Billy Steward and his wife Connie Steward & Duane Webster and his fiance Belen Treto; Siblings, Melanie Webster and her husband Ken Orme, and Gordon Webster and his wife Nancy Webster; four grandchildren, Owen Kinney, Miles Kinney, Dylan Howell, and Raegan Kinney; dear friend and sister-in-law, Bill and Julie Gerber along with brother and sister in laws, Gail Steward, Billy Steward and Kevin Steward; his dog, Ellie; and many other loving family & friends.
A Celebration of Charlie’s life will be held, Saturday, October 29th, 2:00pm at Strunk Funeral Home’s Sebastian chapel.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to VNA Hospice House at https://vnatc.org/donate/ or 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of CHARLIE WEBSTER, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Damon P. Pettirossi, 56, Vero Beach
August 18, 1966 – October 17, 2022
Damon P. Pettirossi of Vero Beach, FL passed away peacefully with his children by his side on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Melbourne Regional Medical Center in Florida. He was 56 years old. Damon was born In Lynn, MA to Ron P. Pettirossi and Carol A. Pettirossi who preceded him. He leaves behind 3 daughters. Ashley Hendrickson, Angelina Pettirossi and Ariana Pettirossi as well as 1 granddaughter, Carmela Washington all of Sugar Hill, GA. He also leaves behind a sister, Joy Pettirossi Poland of Foster, RI with her husband, Tim Poland, who was like a brother to him and a nephew, Jayce Poland of Foster, RI.
Damon graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Business Administration and worked avidly through his professional life in banking & finance. One of his most fondest times were spent growing up in Ellington, CT with his life long friends Andy Webster and Kevin Hayes who became the God father to his daughter, Ariana Pettirossi. Above all else, Damon cherished his family, and he spent his life close by them through family get togethers, holidays, and vacations. Damon’s personality shined through his broad sense of humor and quick-witted sarcasm. He was a loyal and devote fan to his alma mater where no space of his home or car went without a Miami Hurricanes emblem. Above all else, he loved his children and spent his adult life doing anything to provide, support and guide them. His love for his family surpassed anything that could ever be written.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Liver Foundation. https://liverfoundation.org/
or by mail at:
Charitable GivingAmerican Liver FoundationPO Box 299West Orange, NJ 07052
Memorial services will be postponed to Spring/Summer of 2023.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of DAMON PAUL PETTIROSSI, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Elizabeth Ann Walter, 86, Fort Pierce
November 19, 1935 – October 18, 2022
Elizabeth Ann Walter, 86, of Fort Pierce, FL, passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2022 at Cleveland Clinic-Indian River Hospital.
She was born on November 19, 1935 in New York City, New York, the daughter of Karl and Marie Mohr.
Elizabeth married George W. Walter in 1957 and celebrated 65 years of marriage in March.
She is survived by her beloved husband George and four children: Her son Michael, spouse Barbara and grandchildren Amanda, Mike and Brian. Her daughter Diane, spouse Bruce and grandchildren Timothy, Lindsay and Gregory. Her Son George and grandchildren Grady, Yvette and Piper. Her Son Robert, spouse Stefanie and grandchildren Kyle and Luke. Elizabeth, the matriarch of our family, leaves an unfillable void and will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to have known her.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Elizabeth Ann Walter, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Joan Ellen Kisch, 89, Vero Beach
October 20, 2022
Joan Ellen Kisch, 89, of Vero Beach passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (Cooper) Vialon. Joan spent her professional life working for the Sears and Roebuck Company and retired from there after many years of service. She enjoyed traveling and playing cards (all kinds of card games).
Joan is survived by her husband, Jack Kisch of Vero Beach; daughter, Joan Napolitano Ortland and her husband Dave of Saddle Brook NJ; son, Robert Napolitano and his wife Donna of North Haledon, NJ; grandchildren, Samantha, Kerri, Camryn, Nicholas and Anthony (AJ) and one great grandson, Brandon.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by a son, Ralph Napolitano and a grandson, Daniel Ortland.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to Batten Disease Support and Research Association at www.bdsra.org
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Joan Ellen Kisch, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Arthur C. Hadley, Jr., 92, Vero Beach
August 13, 1931 – October 18, 2022
Arthur C. Hadley, Jr. 92 of Vero Beach, FL passed away October 18, 2022.
He is survived by a host of friends that will remember him fondly.
Per his wishes, services and arrangements are private.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Arthur C. Hadley, Jr,, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Joan Marie Piazza, 87, Vero Beach
October 5, 1935 – October 23, 2022
Joan Marie Piazza, 87 of Vero Beach passed away October 23, 2022 at VNA Hospice House. She is survived by her daughters Lori Ann Piazza-Johnson and Judyth Piazza and by her son Glen Joseph Piazza.
Services will be announced at a later date.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Joan Marie Piazza, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Shirley Leach, 75, California
February 13, 1947 – October 14, 2022
We are sad to announce the passing of Shirley Leach (75) on October 14, 2022. Shirley passed away peacefully at her apartment in Vacaville, CA following a brief 2-month long battle with lung cancer. She and her husband Steven shared 50 years of marriage/partnership together and had recently relocated to Solano County from Sebastian, FL in March 2022.
Born in Oneonta, Blount County, Alabama, she was the daughter of Annie Louise Farr (Holder). At age 18, she chose motherhood over graduating high school giving birth to her daughter Angie in 1965. She held several jobs as a young mother including waitressing and working as a quality control inspector at glass bottling plants in Florida and California, but it was her interest in becoming a cosmetologist that ultimately gave her the desire to earn her GED to become a licensed hairstylist in 1979 fulfilling her life-long dream. Her hairstyling career spanned twenty-six years as: barber/owner Stafford’s Barbershop, Okeechobee, FL; stylist at Professional Headlines, Midland, MI; owner-operator at Midland Hairport, Midland, MI; and barber/manager at Columbus Airforce Base, Columbus, MS.
She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Valrico, FL and she loved to travel. As a business owner in Midland, MI she assumed an active role in the Professional Businesswomen’s Association. She stressed the importance of living life to the fullest, to enjoy life as best one can and to spend quality time with her children and grandchildren. She loved floating on her Flamingo floatie in our pool in Sebastian, boating, taking cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Cozumel, Mexico and bus tours to New York City and Nashville, TN.
She is survived by her husband Steven Leach, daughter Angie Pfennig, son Scott (Judy) Leach, grandchildren Brent (Kristin) Pfennig, Jared Pfennig, Shelby Leach, Justin Leach, and great grandson Collin Pfennig; her brother Billy Farr, nephew Rhyan Farr and niece Hope Nichole Farr.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony in her honor will be held on November 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory – Sebastian, 735 S. Fleming Street, Sebastian, FL 32958. Family visitation will be held from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Shirley Leach, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Richard James Miller, 83, Sebastian
December 18, 1938 – October 17, 2022
Richard James Miller (Dick to his friends) of Sebastian, FL died at the age of 83 on Monday, October 17, 2022 with his loving family at his bedside following a brief illness. He is survived by his bride of 59 years, MaryAnne (Hemschoot) Miller of Sebastian, FL, and his daughters: Chamaine (Lou) Zacchera of CT, Michelle (Bob Jr) Stevens of GA, and Alicia (Manny) Catarino of CT. Richard leaves behind eight grandchildren: Ryan (Jorie), Matt, Connor, Sabrina (Ricky), Kyle (Shane), Jake, Nicole, and Cristina. He is survived by his sister, Sister Ann Miller of Tarrytown, NY, and was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Anna Miller, and siblings Robert Miller and Madeline White.
Richard was born in Jersey City, NJ and moved to Manasquan, NJ at the age of 10. He started his love of sunbathing, body surfing, and gardening while living in Manasquan. He had a green thumb even at a young age, planting a fir tree on his parents’ corner lot that grew to be over 30 feet tall. He graduated from Manasquan High School in 1956 and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He always had a love for traveling and enjoyed his three years in the Navy, traveling around the Mediterranean and experiencing as much of the culture and food that he was able to. Upon his return to civilian life, he enrolled at Monmouth University and graduated with a degree in History and Education in 1963. It was
at Monmouth that he met his bride, MaryAnne, while she was reading a bulletin board, and they were married one year later in 1963. Richard started out working for Travelers Insurance as a claims adjuster, often bringing home plant cuttings and items he could use in his garden, which he loved working in during his free time. He worked for Travelers for three years before transitioning to teaching in New Jersey. One day while reading the Wall Street Journal, Richard read about an opportunity to teach on the island of American Samoa, applying and moved his family overseas for the first of many overseas job opportunities. After spending four years in American Samoa, Richard and his family happened upon an opportunity to be a teacher for a one room schoolhouse in Yellow Pine, ID teaching K-8 (including his two oldest daughters) while on vacation. He then spent one year teaching in Idaho (6 months of which were snowed in) before applying to teach overseas for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS).
Richards love for Yellow Pine remained and he eventually bought a cabin on the border of the Boise National Forest called “The Rugged Diamond.” This became Richard’s summer oasis and eventually became Richard and MaryAnne’s summer retirement home. While working for DODDS, Richard was stationed in Japan (Okinawa), South Korea, Panama, England, Bermuda, and Cuba (Guantanamo Bay), before ending his career in South Korea and retiring in 1995. He advanced quickly with DODDS, initially starting as a teacher before progressing to administration and spending most of his DODDS career as a principal. Throughout all of his travels, Richard’s love of photography allowed him to capture his experiences and
the beauty of each country on film to share with his family and friends. He had a reputation for always taking forever trying to capture a family photo and would often get grief from his daughters as they moaned, “Come on dad!” Richard enjoyed creating family slide shows where he and MaryAnne would share their adventures, through both photos and stories, of their time abroad. Seven years after retiring, Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but he never let the disease slow him down. He was able to remain at home tinkering in his garage and garden up until his last illness due to the loving care of his wife, MaryAnne. He taught his youngest daughter, Alicia, who works in health care, that there are many versions of being functional, and it didn’t always have to be textbook perfect.
He will be remembered for always having a great sense of humor but also knowing when to put on his “principal face.” He shared his love of gin and tonics while watching the sun set and swore he saw a pop of green as the sun met the horizon (Tanqueray was his favorite). He would tease away potential “creeps” who were interested in his daughters, and they quickly learned to only bring the serious ones home to meet dad. He had a demeanor that demanded respect and often confused the Military Police at the gates of the base who would salute him as he drove by just in case he was an officer. Besides photography and gardening, Richard had a love for music, often “directing” the orchestra from the couch or dancing with his bride and daughters around the living room floor. The “Miller Zoo” will be missing their leader now that Richard is gone, but his memory will live on forever in their hearts.
Per Richards request, there will be no services.
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Thomas Patrick Lipton, 85
December 9, 1936 – October 24, 2022
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