In Memory: Nov. 1

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Judith Ann Capak, 75, Vero Beach

September 09, 1947 – October 31, 2022

Judy passed away October 31, 2022, at the Vero Beach VNA Hospice House. She was born September 9, 1947, in Appleton, Wisconsin to Nellie Little Burdick and Rupert Burdick. Judy moved to Florida, primarily West Palm Beach, at a young age, and didn’t move to Vero Beach until she married Gerald Thomas Capak in 1969.

Judy worked in a supporting role in the family business “Osceola Pharmacy and Homecare” on several occasions and positions. She also owned and ran Calliope Gift Baskets when it was located in the Citrus Bowl Plaza. However, she would be most proud to say she was a homemaker and child chauffeur for most of her adult life. She was happiest when she had a gaggle of kids dragging them to practices, games or on trips.

Judy has 2 children Janet Louise Capak and Stephan Andrew Capak. But she is known as “Mama Judy” to kids and people from all over the world. Her home was open to almost anyone that needed her. Her kind, fun spirit and huge heart is what she will mostly be remembered for.

Judith wasn’t interested in anyone lamenting her passing. She didn’t wish to have a service. She originally wanted a big party, like her past Halloween Balls, but then cooler heads prevailed and she left it to her family to do something appropriate for her. Services will be announced at a later date.

It’s hard to capture Judy’s essence in writing but anyone that knew her saw a special, fun, larger than life character that will be greatly missed.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

William “Bill” D. Johnson, 85, Vero Beach

October 22, 1936 – October 19, 2022

William “Bill” D. Johnson (best known as “Donald” by his loved ones back home), passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on October 19, 2022 at 85 years young. His battle with medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a positive attitude and unwavering faith in the Lord.

As a young man growing up in the small town of Ellijay, GA, Bill was determined to accomplish great things. After graduating from the Mount Berry School for Boys, at just 17 he went on to enlist in the United States Air Force where he served for 8 years. In 1965 he earned his AA from Merced College and spent a couple of years in California in the insurance and real estate  business. Longing to continue his military career and serve his country, Bill returned to enlist with the United States Coast Guard in 1965 where he would spend the next 15 years in aviation.  During his time in the Coast Guard his authoritarian voice rumbled the radio airwaves from California to Kodiak, Alaska as a radio operator. Bill also earned his private pilots license and had an enormous love for the skies. Some of his greatest moments were spent flying with his son, Andrew and passing along his love for seeing the world from the clouds. Bill honorably retired from the Coast Guard as an E-7 Chief Petty Officer. With a desire to never stop learning, he returned to school where he earned his doctorate in Naturopathy. He would continue his research and many would benefit over the years from his strong belief and extensive knowledge in the power of natural medicine. There is nothing that a good dose of apple cider vinegar won’t cure. Bill married the love of his life, Arlette in 1982 and they later moved to Vero Beach where they would continue raising their family.

A wonderful father, Bill will be missed dearly by his son, Andrew (Whitney); daughters, Catherine (Martin) and Brigitte (Randy). He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren, Matthew, Timothy, Ian, Anne-Marie, William, Hunter, Martine and Scarlette. Surviving is his brother Phillip, sister Ann and countless other loved ones, including his very best friend, RJ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Arlington Johnson and Marie Sellers Johnson, his devoted wife Arlette, brother Wallace, son Robert and daughter Martine.

A celebration of his life will be held at the family home on Sunday, November 6th and a service will take place at a later date in Ellijay.

The family would like to thank all of our family and friends for their support and prayers and especially those who spent time with Dad prior to his passing and made him feel very loved.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Walter “Tom” Glisson, 82, Vero Beach

August 30, 1940 – October 29, 2022

Walter “Tom” Glisson, age 82, of Vero Beach, passed away October 29, 2022 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

He was born in Claxton, Georgia and moved to Vero Beach in 1970.

Tom was a member of the Air National Guard and of Bullcreek Baptist Church, of Claxton.

He was a Class of 1960 graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, of Tifton, GA.

Tom was the owner and operator of the Glisson and Company, Inc. and continued to work until his death.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Billie; sons, Hugh and Paul; daughter, Gwenn (Lane); grandchildren, Kevin (Kasi), Chelseigh (Alex), Seth, Dylan, Mason, and Townsend; great-grandchildren, Neve, Morgan, Luke, Owen, and Skyler; great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey, James, Brylee, Brennah, Brooks, Susanna; and his sisters, Ellen (Winston) Avis and Miriam (Greg); and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Gertie and his brother, Randy.

A Celebration of Life for Tom (Walt) Glisson with his family will be held 2:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2022, Indian River Shores Community Center, 6001 N. A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Tom’s name to the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL at https://vnatc.org/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums/.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Stephen Nicholas Drvodelic, 62, Vero Beach

January 03, 1960 – October 26, 2022

Stephen Nicholas Drvodelic, age 62, of Vero Beach, passed away October 26, 2022, peacefully at his home.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois and was a graduate of Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana.

Stephen moved to Vero Beach from Valparaiso, Indiana and was employed at Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach.

Survivors include his life partner, Debra Fisher; daughter, Krystle; and grandchildren, Alexis and Johnny.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Josip and Amalia Drvodelic, and his brothers, John and Joseph Schuetzenhofer.

Services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Steve’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at www.stjude.org and would be greatly appreciated.

Steve was a very loving partner, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

James (Jim) Cooper Northey, 96, Vero Beach

November 10, 1925 – October 29, 2022

James (Jim) Cooper Northey, 96, of Vero Beach, FL passed away on October 29, 2022.

Jim was born in Lake Worth, FL on November 10, 1925 to Grose and Emma Sue Northey.  He was preceded in death by his wife Jimmie Lee, his parents and six siblings.

Jim was proud to have served in the US Navy in World War II as a Dive Bomber Aviation Tall Gunner and Radioman on the air craft carrier The Shangri La.

He married Jimmie Lee, his high school sweetheart in 1947.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was kind and considerate, a true gentleman.  He was a friend to all who knew him.  He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and integrity, his knowledge of history and patriotism.

Jim lived and worked in Fort Lauderdale, FL at Forrest Products Corporation, then as president of Southeast Wholesale Roofing supply of the Treasure Coast.

He attended First Methodist Church in Vero Beach and was a member of Rotary and The Old Tail Hookers of IR County.

Jim is survived by his daughter Gail Baldree, son-in-law Allen Baldree, son Glenn Northey, daughter-in-law Vera Northey. His grandchildren: Justin Baldree, Kate (Stephen) Morrow, Jussane (Marcos) Massis, and great-grandchildren: David Assis, Nathan Assis, Sophia Assis, Lily Morrow and Luna Morrow.

The family would like to express loving gratitude for his caregivers of two years, Georgia, Marcia, Ann and Dirce.

Donations can be made to First Methodist Church in Vero Beach toward the Children’s Food Sack Ministry

The family will welcome friends on November 22, 2022 at 10:30am at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a Memorial Service at 11:00am with a Reception at The Plaza to follow.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JAMES ‘JIM’ COOPER NORTHEY, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory

Virginia (Ginger) Fisher Smith, 71, Vero Beach

February 23, 1951 – October 28, 2022

Virginia (Ginger) Fisher Smith passed away at her home in Vero Beach on Oct. 27, 2022.

Ginger was born Feb. 23, 1951 in New Kensington, Penn., but lived most of her life in Vero Beach, having moved here at age 8.

After graduating from Vero Beach High School in 1969, she worked for Fidelity Federal for many years.

She was previously active in the Garden Club of Indian River and worked as a volunteer on fundraisers for various other nonprofit organizations. She was especially proud of playing the lead role as the bubbly Jill Tanner in a Vero Beach Theatre Guild production of “Butterflies Are Free” which, poignantly, is the current production at Riverside Theatre.

She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Smith Pfennig, granddaughter Lillian Pfennig and son-in-law Brad Pfennig, and is predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Francis Fisher and sister, Georgiana Fisher. Ginger, fondly known as GiGi by her close friends and family, will be remembered for her beautiful smile, bright blue eyes and vivacious personality.

A service will be held at Strunk Funeral Home, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at 10 AM, with a small reception following.

Ginger loved bright colors, so please wear something bright and cheerful. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of VIRGINIA “GINGER” FISHER SMITH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory

Patricia Marie Senor Tomasso (nee Murphy), 89, Sebastian

August 4, 1933 – October 28, 2022

Patricia Marie Senor Tomasso (nee Murphy) 89 of Sebastian FL, passed away on October 28, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born to the late Patrick and Anne Murphy on August 4, 1933, in Tamaqua PA.

She married the late Arthur Frank Senor in 1952 until his death in 1968. For the next ten years, she was a single mother of 5 children. Patricia married Jerome D Tomasso in 1978 and they lived in Watchung NJ for 44 years before permanently relocating to Florida.

She was a devout catholic and an eucharistic minister for several churches. Patricia was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was happiest when family was around. She enjoyed traveling especially in America and Europe. She was extremely generous, donating and working with many charities on a monthly basis. Patricia was kind and had a heart of gold. She will be deeply, sadly, and truly missed by all.

She is survived by five children: Lori Senor of Delray FL, Arthur Senor of Glenwood NJ, Cathy Langworthy (Brian Langworthy) of Sebastian FL, Aimee Senor of Venice FL, Thomas Senor (Steve Bolash) of Port Saint Lucie FL and sister Helen Snoha of Spring Hill FL. Additionally, she is survived by four stepchildren: Donna Thompson (Tom Thompson) of Bridgewater NJ, Nancy Weiss (Jim Weiss) of Barnegat NJ, David Tomasso (Sherri Tomasso) of Bradenton FL and Richard Tomasso (Robyn Tomasso) of Bridgewater NJ. Patricia was predeceased by son Frank Senor, sisters Mary Elizabeth Poko & Anna Catherine Houck and stepchildren Robert Tomasso & Jerry Tomasso. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Services will be held at Saint Sebastian RC Church (13075 US – 1 Sebastian FL 32958) on Monday November 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM.

The family requests that donations to be made to St. Jude’s (501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105 stjude.org) in lieu of flowers.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Patricia Marie Tomasso, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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