From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Betty Lucas Gindlesperger, 98, Vero Beach
January 13, 1925 – March 29, 2023
Betty Lucas Gindlesperger, of Everett, PA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at her residence in Vero Beach, FL.
Born January 13, 1925, Betty is preceded in death by her parents, William Henry Ritchey and Mary Ellen (Veach); brother, John; and son, Michael.
Betty is survived by her husband, Homer Gindlesperger; daughter, Barbara, and son-in-law, Michael; grandsons, Eric, Michael (and his wife, Colleen), and Mark; great-grandchildren, Mallory, Michael, and Cole; nephew, John Ritchey; and nieces, Mary Ellen Leckrone, and Ruth Ann Rittgers.
Valued employee of Erie Technological Products, avid traveler, skilled seamstress, and longtime resident of Erie and State College, PA, she retired to Florida in the late 1980s.
A summertime memorial service for Betty will be held in Erie.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Guido Albrecht Weller, 85, Vero Beach
May 1, 1936 – February 9, 2022
Guido Albrecht Weller, 85, of Vero Beach and formerly of Warren, NJ, died on February 9, 2022, at his home surrounded by his two children.
He is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Gail Weller (Whittaker).
Guido is survived by his son Ronald Weller and his wife Giovanna of Meriden, CT; by his daughter Robin Albers and her husband Christopher of Hampton, NJ; and by his beloved and cherished granddaughter Elizabeth Weller. He is also survived by his two sisters, Herta and Heidi. Guido was born in Ottendorf, Germany in 1936.
He emigrated to the United States in 1953 and served proudly as a PFC Combat Engineer in the United States Army from 1960 to 1966. During his service, he was stationed in Germany as a member of the Seventh Army’s 168th Engineer Battalion.
Guido worked as a foreman and master cabinet maker for Schroeder Brothers in New Jersey for 40 years. He was also a member of the Freemasons at Livingston Lodge #11.
After moving to Vero Beach Florida in 2013, he became a member of the Moose Lodge #1822.
After retirement, Guido and Gail enjoyed traveling and entertaining their granddaughter. Guido was an avid soccer fan who loved watching “Die Mannschaft” during the World Cup. He also played soccer while in the army.
The remains of Guido and Gail will be buried at a later date in a national veteran’s cemetery.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Betty Nicklin Herget, 98, Vero Beach
January 6, 1925 – March 26, 2023
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
James R. Ottesen, 85, Vero Beach
September 8, 1937 – April 5, 2023
James R. Ottesen, 85, a long-time resident of Vero Beach, passed away quietly on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Ottesen was born in New York City, reared in Miami, Florida, and spent the last 45 years of his life in Vero Beach, Florida. While in Miami, he attended the University of Miami and Barry College before beginning his business career in banking and real estate. His banking positions included serving with Dade Federal Savings and Loan Association in Miami. He also served as Federal Savings and Loan Examiner, and he was one of the founders and Executive Vice President of a savings and loan association in the Bahamas.
His experience and personality led him to enter the real estate business where he served as Marketing Director and Vice President for the real estate subsidiaries of GE, Gulf Oil, and Mobil Oil at such prestigious developments as Fountainebleau Park, Ocean Village, and Sailfish Point.
Some forty years ago, when Merrill Lynch was on Ocean Drive, Mr. Ottesen joined that firm as a Financial Consultant and served as Vice President for many years until he was recruited by a new firm in town, PaineWebber (now called UBS). Thereafter, the respected financial services firm, Prudential Securities, hired him as Vice President and Financial Advisor-Investments.
Through corporate mergers and acquisitions, Mr. Ottesen’s work led him to Wachovia Securities and, eventually, the prestigious firm of Wells Fargo Advisors. Along the way, Mr. Ottesen was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President.
After suffering from an incurable illness in 2008, he retired from his position and his clients became the responsibility of his son and partner, Rob Ottesen, at the Wells Fargo Advisors office in Vero Beach on Ocean Drive.
Mr. Ottesen is survived by his wife, Patricia Ottesen, his sons, Robert A. Ottesen and John P. Ottesen, his brother, Charles Ottesen, his grandchildren, Emily, Sara, Clare and Anna Beth Ottesen, and his wife’s children, Melissa, Alton, and Aldebaran.
Memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to St. Jude at st.jude.org/memorial or VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Roger Lee Neal, 79, Sebastian
December 2, 1943 – March 31, 2023
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Jane Linnell Neal; and a brother, Eddie Neal of Crestview, FL.
A Memorial Service in Roger’s honor will take place at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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April 21, 1956 – March 23, 2023
Harry Paul McElhiney III, 66, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Born April 21, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, He was a son of Mary Louise Perri McElhiney and the late Harry P. McElhiney, Jr.
He was a Steamfitter with the Local 420 which he was active until his death, a far cry from the young man, that worked the scallop boats off the Jersey shores.
A kind, caring & loving man, who never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend A zest for life and adventure truest described him. Harry was dedicated to his family and in turn loved deeply back!
Harry traveled the world as a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, as singing was one of his passions, as well as cooking and gardening.
An avid fisherman and fished till the last few days of his life. He was the Captain of the “Manatee”, his pride and joy and loved being on the ocean. Growing up in Havertown, PA he was a huge fan of his hometown Phillies, Flyers & Eagles (GO BIRDS!).
Harry was preceded in death by his father, and sister, Karen Coult.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his siblings, James McElhiney (Barbara McElhiney), Mary Jo Brennan (Bill McNamara), John McElhiney (Martha Jamison) & Joseph McElhiney (Jennifer St. John); his loving companion, Marie Brennan; several nieces & nephews; and many other loving family & friends.
Harry attended St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Sebastian, Florida.
A Prayer Service will be held Monday, April 3rd, 2:30pm at Strunk Funeral Home’s Sebastian Chapel. The family will receive guests from One O’clock until service time. A “Celebration of Life” will be planned by the family in Cape May County at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials may be made in Harry’s honor by visiting https://captainsforcleanwater.org/ Or http://phillyboyschoir.org/donate
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Patsy Ruth Kirby (nee Blakley), 89, Vero Beach
November 5, 1933 – April 6, 2023
Patsy Ruth Kirby (nee Blakley), was born November 5,1933, and passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 6, 2023.
Pat was born into a military family at Fort Bragg, NC and was blessed to travel and live an exciting and purposeful life.
She attended high school in Hawaii, graduated summa cum laude and went on to work for the Army Field Forces at Fort Bragg where she met her husband, John H. Kirby.
Pat shared a devoted sixty-nine years of marriage with John and raised three children, John, Kimberly and Kevin. They lived in Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, New Mexico, Germany, Japan and Hawaii.
Once John retired from the military, they settled in Vero Beach where the family established deep roots. Pat volunteered as a Pink Lady at Indian River Memorial Hospital for 19 years and was a member of First Baptist Church.
She was predeceased by her parents, James and Ruth Blakley, and son Kevin. Pat is survived by her husband John H. Kirby, son John II (Alice), Kimberly Kern (Joe), grandchildren, Kendall Mora (Nick), Kaitlin Compton (Bruce) and Cameron Kirby (Steffany) and 4 great grandchildren. Her life was full and blessed and she went joyfully into the arms of her savior.
Private interment in Crestlawn cemetery.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Pat Harris, 76, Vero Beach
September 4, 1946 – March 22, 2023
Pat Harris of Vero Beach, FL and Wilton, CT, passed away on March 22 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach following a brief illness.
Born in Logan, West Virginia on September 4, 1946 to the late Robert Bruce and Margaret (Goodwin) Harris, Pat graduated from Logan High School and Marshall University in Huntington, WV.
Pat spent his business career as a sales and marketing executive, starting out at Sears Roebuck in Charleston, WV, Cumberland, MD, and Buffalo, New York. He then spent many years in the newspaper industry as Advertising Director for the Gannett Rochester Newspapers, Vice President of Gannett Media Sales in New York, and VP Eastern Sales for the national newspaper USA Today. He later became Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing for the in-store marketing firm ActMedia in Connecticut, and closed his career as CEO of internet promotions pioneer IGain.
Pat was happiest spending time with his family, especially on the water. Pat sailed catamarans on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and trimarans on Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. He was an early adopter of windsurfing and continued to windsurf well into his seventies. A past commodore of the Norwalk Yacht Club and a member of the New York Yacht Club, Pat was dedicated to exposing others to the joy, confidence, and resilience developed through sailing.
For the past eight years, Pat served as the Chairman of the Board for the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County (YSF) whose mission is to provide Indian River County with educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a safe environment. Additionally at YSF, Pat taught adult sailing, managed regattas on the Indian River Lagoon, and worked with other volunteers in the maintenance shop.
Pat is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Julia with whom he raised three devoted daughters Mimi (Erich) Steadman, Emily, and Erica (Mat) Nardone. Pat is also survived by dear sisters Shawn Chillag and Robin Harris, and six cherished grandchildren who lovingly called him Pop.
In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a gift in memory of Pat to the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County or to a charity of their choice. A private family memorial service will be held this summer in Connecticut.
Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Barbara K. Bromberger, 91, Vero Beach
October 30, 1931 – April 2, 2023
Barbara K. Bromberger passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023 at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, FL. She was 91.
Barbara was born on October 30, 1931 in Boston, MA and raised her family in Weston, MA with her late husband of 59 years, Joseph F. Bromberger.
In 1992, they retired to Vero Beach, FL where she lived for 31 years. Barbara was an artist, avid bridge player, and golfer. She was a member of Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach, the Vero Beach Bridge Center and a former member of Weston Country Club.
She is survived by her brother Robert Garofalo of Harwich, MA; sister Marilyn Coughlin of Boxford, MA; son, Gary Bromberger of Charlotte, NC; daughter Audrey Soderberg of Duxbury, MA; grandchildren Liesel Vink, Heidi Soderberg and Ross Bromberger; and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Vero Beach Humane Society and VNA Hospice House.
A mass will be announced at a later date.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Flo Todd, 91, Vero Beach
1932 – April 1, 2023
Flo Todd, age 91 of Vero Beach, FL passed away Saturday, April 1, 2023, in VNA Hospice Care at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital.
Born in Elizabeth, NJ and a graduate of Battin High School, Flo excelled in Basketball and enjoyed participating in both Choir and Band, where she proudly held the position of President of both organizations. Her favorite instrument – the Timpani. Flo also had a very successful bowling career in New Jersey even reaching semi-professional status. Before settling in Acts – Indian River Estates in Vero Beach she had resided in Minnesota, North Carolina and Hernando, FL.
At age 19 she married Donald Walter Wujciak and she supported him during his fellowship in Organic Chemistry at the University of Minnesota even typing his Doctoral thesis on a manual typewriter. They had two daughters and moved to Charlotte NC to begin his career as a Chemist. Although they divorced, they remained co-parents and friends until Don’s death in early 1993.
After their divorce, Flo married Hugh Todd, Jr and moved to Rocky Mount, NC to support his career with FFM/Hardee’s/Imasco. She enjoyed being an “executive” wife and all the social activities the job entailed. Flo and Hugh moved to Vero Beach in 2011enjoying the many new friends they shared bi-weekly “pizza night” and monthly “birthday night” with at the Big House until Hugh’s death in late 2018, shortly after celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
Flo’s greatest accomplishment in life was creating a welcoming home full of warmth, love, and laughter that still radiates with the friends of her daughters today, who knew her best as “Mama Flo.” She entertained many with her larger-than-life personality singing a few bars of Broadway show tunes or the many hits by ABBA she treasured.
Per her request no service will be held locally, rather the “Jersey Girl” wished to eternally rest at the Jersey Shore.
Survivors include daughters Dr. Barbara A. Wujciak and Christine Wujciak Germaine of Chapel Hill, NC; Dr. Regina Perler Winkelmann of Murten, Switzerland; Goddaughter Adrianne Swerdlow of Skillman, NJ; and Step-daughter Susan Todd Stafford-Holbrook of Clayton, NC. Treasured grandsons Matthew A. Germaine (Meredith M. Eyre) of Pittsburgh, PA and David C. Germaine of Westland, MI. Also Step-grandsons Jordan T. Stafford and Kevin T. Stafford of Clayton, NC.
Memorial gifts may be made to Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Attn: April Hargett, Administrator; P.O. Box 2240; Vero Beach, FL 32961; 772.231.1230; www.volunteerambulancesquad.org. Please include “Flo Todd” on the memo line.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Daniel Anthony Bradley, 44, Vero Beach
July 13, 1978 – April 6, 2023
Mr. Daniel Anthony Bradley, 44, of Vero Beach passed away April 6, 2023 at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne.
He was born July 13,1978 in New London, Connecticut to Victoria Lynn Telesco Bradley and Henry Willard “Bill” Bradley III.
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in English and Literature from the University of Connecticut-Stamford in 2002, and his Paramedic License and EMS Instructor Certificate in Paramedicine from Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Care Institute in 2007. In 2013 he also received his Specialty Care Paramedic Endorsement, Specialty Care Paramedicine-Connecticut’s Critical Care Paramedic Endorsement from Western Connecticut Health Network. He found a passion in caring for others safety and health. He received Employee of the month from American Medical Response General Manager in 2008 and Provider of the Year from Western Connecticut Health Network in 2013.
Since December of 2022, Dan worked as a CPR instructor for Florida Heart CPR here in Vero Beach as well as a full-time Paramedic for the Emergency Department at Sebastian River Medical since February 2022.
Dan found his peace and joy in his family; he was a proud father and husband whose entire goal was to love and provide for them. Prior to officially moving to Florida, Dan came to Vero Beach to check out the area and make sure it was where he wanted to raise his family. Once he knew this was where he wanted to be, he established a residence for them to live in and employment so he could provide. They were his number one priority. He also found great pleasure in being a support or shining light to the broken or lost in our community. When he wasn’t trying to help or serve others, he enjoyed music, theater and teaching.
Dan was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, Daniel and Fanny Telesco and Marion and Henry Bradley II.He is survived by his wife Christina Bradley; daughters, Mikaella Torres, Savannah Bradley and Tighin Bradley; sons, Daniel Jay Bradley Michael Bradley and Logan Bradley who will make his arrival next month; parents, Bill and Victoria Bradley; brothers Billy and James Bradley; niece, Victoria Bradley and nephews Kevin and Billy Bradley; many extended family members and friends, all who will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Thursday April 13, 2023 Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, a Prayer Service will begin promptly at 6:00 pm officiated by Pastor Richard Demsick.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to support his family at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-dan-beloved-husband-and-father-of-six
or memorials can be made in Dans honor to Camp Haven an organization dear to his heart at: https://www.camphaven.net/
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Frances Cataldo Bowles, 78, Vero Beach
February 16, 1945 – April 9, 2023
Mrs. Frances Cataldo Bowles, 78, of Vero Beach passed away April 9, 2023.
She was born in North Carolina to the late Ralph Cataldo Sr. and Ada Willis.
Fran was a homemaker and took great pride in caring for her family and children.
She is survived by her daughter, Brandy Hall and granddaughter Katie Hall, both of Vero Beach; one brother, Ralph Cataldo Jr.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dan William Bowles Sr. in January; two sons, Dan William Bowles, Jr. “DJ” and Michael William Blackwell.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Patricia Jean Wesolowski, 91, North Hutchinson Island
May 21, 1931 – April 5, 2023
Patricia Jean Wesolowski, 91, of North Hutchinson Island, FL passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023 with family at home.
She was born in Hammond, IN. to the late Byron S. and Mary Rudy Downing. She attended Greenbriar College in WV and went on to finish at Drury College in Springfield, MO.
Patricia was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She spent several years with her husband, John, as volunteers and Eucharistic Ministers at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Plantation, Fl before moving to North Hutchinson Island. They had a wonderful life of traveling and entertaining family and friends.
Patricia is preceded in death by her sister, Joan Dolmetsch, daughter, Lora Arthur, and loving husband of 44 years, John C. Wesolowski.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Schuman (Paul); stepdaughter, Mary Spear; stepson, William Gay (Lana); grandchildren, Tanya Pemberton, Jack Renick (Megan), Ashley Toner, Heather Mitts (Matt), Kara Posyton, Alexis Bonuso; great grandchildren, Melina Renick, Jonathan Renick, Skye Masters, Izabelle Hall, Orion Hall, Mia Posyton, Amelia Posyton; great-great child, Milo Masters.
She is also survived by her loving sisters-in-law, Ceil Drum and Regina Knight (Duane); many nieces and nephews; and her loving caregiver of 10 years, Linford Tomlinson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patricia’s memory to Vitas Hospice of St. Lucie County.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday April 20, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Walt Labodin, 73, Vero Beach
December 31, 1949 – April 9, 2023
Walt Labodin, 73 of Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023.
He was born in Villach, Austria on December 31, 1949.
Walt was predeceased by his parents Stefan and Otillia Labodin. He is survived by brothers, Viktor and Sandy Labodin of New Paltz, NY. Urie Labodin and Rael of New Paltz, NY, Stefan and Mandee Labodin of Altmar, NY…his two children, JoAnne Labodin of Springfield, Massachusetts and Walter Labodin of Vero Beach, Florida; his two step-children and two grandchildren.
Walt served in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion, Fraternal order of the Eagles, and Vero Beach Moose Lodge.
Walt worked as a stone mason his entire life and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and having cold beers with his friends that he loved like brothers.
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